jdk1
Gold Member
- Joined
- Apr 21, 2010
- Messages
- 2,040
The Himalayan Imports ASTK model has been around for a couple of years and has been a regular favorite for those looking for a bomb-proof khuk. Most of the ASTKs Ive seen in the past have been ½ thick, including the usually non-tapered tang, heavy weight beasties. A bit much for my arm, but loved by many. Recently, Lachhu Kami has seemingly made this model his own and Yangdu has fed the sharks a somewhat steady stream of Lachhu ASTKs during the DOTD frenzies. I took notice when they began to pop up below 30 ounces. The design has always been visually appealing with its nicely curved blade and wasp thin waist. It reminds me a little of a steroid enhanced sirupati.
I recently received an ASTK and was blown away! The balance is very nice for a large, thick khuk. At 18 and 29 oz., it fits my definition of a heavy-weight bruiser. Yes, I can hear the laughter from the forumites with 52 oz. CAKs. Too many arm and shoulder surgeries have made me appreciate working with fewer ounces. A khuk around 30 oz. is still very manageable, but also packs a real wallop. One of the first things I noticed about this khuk is the wonderful handle. At 5.5, it seems about perfect for an 18 khuk. I sort of have two opinions about handle length. While a short handle looks and feels better to me, a long handle, such as the typical HI M43 6.5, offers a wide range of hand placement. Hand placement on these long handles can really change the balance and almost give the user two different khuks. That being said, this ASTK handle just feels ideal and I wouldnt change a thing. The raised ring is well placed and provides the security it should without interfering. A friend has a slightly older Lachhu ASTK and it has a much longer handle. While feeling quite good, I much prefer this size handle. It has a lanyard hole. The lanyard on a khuk topic has been discussed much and may or may not be your thing, but its always been standard on this model and I like the option it offers.
The blade is very graceful for a shouldered khukuri. It seems made for heavy use and chops very well. Using the Arm Chop-Wrist Flick action, the blade sails into wood and buries itself deep. It doesnt require much effort. The design is well suited to allowing technique and momentum to do the work. This model seems to share some characteristics with the HI M43, chopping well is one. The blade seems to have a similar feel and throws similar wood chips in use. If I ground the shoulder down, I bet they would look alike also. Maybe in the future!
Overall Im thrilled with this model. Lachhu did a wonderful job and the fit and finish was very well done. Im guessing the wood is neem and it looks great to me. The karda was a real surprise as it is really a knife. Many kardas seem obligatory, but not overly useful. This one, along with a very nice chakma, is quite functional. I highly recommend the ASTK to anyone looking for a bullet-proof khuk. If Lachhu tapered the spine steadily from bolster to tip and could get the weight to 25 oz. or lighter, it would be an absolutely ideal khukuri IMHO. Thanks for looking.
The specs:
OAL 18
Blade Length 12.75
Weight 29 oz.
Handle Length 5.5
Spine Width: @Bolster .377
@Shoulder in front of groove/Sword of Shiva .385
@Tip .277
Tang Width at ring - .191
Handle Width: @First Pin 1.234
@Second Pin 1.04
Belly Depth 2.154
Along with an HI M43 and an issue Pioneer Calcutta 1943 Mk. II
I've only seen one other model balance on a small stick, and that is the M43.
I recently received an ASTK and was blown away! The balance is very nice for a large, thick khuk. At 18 and 29 oz., it fits my definition of a heavy-weight bruiser. Yes, I can hear the laughter from the forumites with 52 oz. CAKs. Too many arm and shoulder surgeries have made me appreciate working with fewer ounces. A khuk around 30 oz. is still very manageable, but also packs a real wallop. One of the first things I noticed about this khuk is the wonderful handle. At 5.5, it seems about perfect for an 18 khuk. I sort of have two opinions about handle length. While a short handle looks and feels better to me, a long handle, such as the typical HI M43 6.5, offers a wide range of hand placement. Hand placement on these long handles can really change the balance and almost give the user two different khuks. That being said, this ASTK handle just feels ideal and I wouldnt change a thing. The raised ring is well placed and provides the security it should without interfering. A friend has a slightly older Lachhu ASTK and it has a much longer handle. While feeling quite good, I much prefer this size handle. It has a lanyard hole. The lanyard on a khuk topic has been discussed much and may or may not be your thing, but its always been standard on this model and I like the option it offers.
The blade is very graceful for a shouldered khukuri. It seems made for heavy use and chops very well. Using the Arm Chop-Wrist Flick action, the blade sails into wood and buries itself deep. It doesnt require much effort. The design is well suited to allowing technique and momentum to do the work. This model seems to share some characteristics with the HI M43, chopping well is one. The blade seems to have a similar feel and throws similar wood chips in use. If I ground the shoulder down, I bet they would look alike also. Maybe in the future!
Overall Im thrilled with this model. Lachhu did a wonderful job and the fit and finish was very well done. Im guessing the wood is neem and it looks great to me. The karda was a real surprise as it is really a knife. Many kardas seem obligatory, but not overly useful. This one, along with a very nice chakma, is quite functional. I highly recommend the ASTK to anyone looking for a bullet-proof khuk. If Lachhu tapered the spine steadily from bolster to tip and could get the weight to 25 oz. or lighter, it would be an absolutely ideal khukuri IMHO. Thanks for looking.
The specs:
OAL 18
Blade Length 12.75
Weight 29 oz.
Handle Length 5.5
Spine Width: @Bolster .377
@Shoulder in front of groove/Sword of Shiva .385
@Tip .277
Tang Width at ring - .191
Handle Width: @First Pin 1.234
@Second Pin 1.04
Belly Depth 2.154
Along with an HI M43 and an issue Pioneer Calcutta 1943 Mk. II
I've only seen one other model balance on a small stick, and that is the M43.
