Are all HI blades forged?

G

ghostwhowalks

Joined
Feb 20, 2008
Messages
15
Sorry to ask such basic questions, but are all HI blades forged?? Or can someone point me to a place which describes how the blades are made from start to finish. Are all the blades made of the same type of steel? Are all high carbon (non-stainless)? etc. Just interested in learning more about the process. Lately I seem to be attracted only to blades that are forged, which I strongly suspect all HI steel is.
Thanks in advance for all your help.
 
If I understand, all are forged from leaf springs. That for the most part means that they're 5160, which is an excellent steel for both toughness and abrasion resistance. I think leaf springs can also be 1085, 1095, 4063, 4068, 6150, or 9260, though, depending on source and year.
 
Great username, Mr. Walker.;) Meanwhile, here's an introduction to Khukuri-forging lore:

Khukuri smiths (or kamis, as they're called in Nepalese), classically forge khukuris from spring steel. Specifically, they like to take the rear suspension springs from old trucks and SUVs, often organizing big scavenging trips to available junkyards to find them. (In times gone by, they often used railroad iron, when the Brits brought the first trains through.)

Rumor has it, that the absolute creme de la creme of spring material is from Mercedes vehicles (yes, they do make trucks). In second place comes Saab (although this is, purportedly a rare find), and in third place, from Japanese brands.

After that, just peruse the site for info about the shop, and how they're made. Essentially, it's a relatively lo-tech, hi-skill approach, and very tough work. That they hire old-fashioned smiths to do it this way, and try to pay them what they're worth, is very much the point of HI's existence.

So, yes, they're forged. And I hope that sheds a little more light on how.
 
Last edited:
Thanks folks for all the help. Really appreciate the information. Something about forged blades of all types that sets them apart IMHO.
 
Definitely check out all the different pages on the Himalayan Imports website. There are many pictures and descriptions of the process of making the blades as well as much interesting information about the Kamis/bladesmiths and their lives and families and the Sarkis/sheathmakers and their families also.
 
And If I may add a wee bit about the Blades of HI..... There IS a certain "Life" about them... a "soul" or character that One feels when One picks a Blade up and handles it.

Of Our 2 Everest Katanas, they have a slight differently feel to them. one being a lighter-feeling, faster blade, and the other Katana feeling more "solid" or weighty... but BOTH have a "Being" about them that I just Love to feel.

Same with the various Khuks and Bowies... I ALWAYS look forward to the next Blade that comes home!!
Doc
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top