Atlanta Cutlery Antique Kukris

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Moonw

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Nov 19, 2014
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Anyone has any experience with them, especially "hand-picked" ones? I'm not naively thinking about pristine condition, hard users as the thicker spined ones, but I'd expect properly hardened blades (so, not run-of-the-mill display only pieces), spots of black rust, maybe minor pitting...but all in all knives that could be brought back to a decent condition. It's bee a while these have been around, so I'm wondering if there are somewhat recent experiences regarding these. Thanks.
 
I can't speak to what's left but a few years ago I purchased one and it was in pretty good condition, with some minor pitting.
 
I believe my Dad got one of those a long time back. It's still sharper'n Hell and'll take your leg off.
 
Moonw said:
Anyone has any experience with them, especially "hand-picked" ones? I'm not naively thinking about pristine condition, hard users as the thicker spined ones, but I'd expect properly hardened blades (so, not run-of-the-mill display only pieces), spots of black rust, maybe minor pitting...but all in all knives that could be brought back to a decent condition. It's bee a while these have been around, so I'm wondering if there are somewhat recent experiences regarding these. Thanks.
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I got one of the Atlanta Cutlery Longleafs in September 2013, and paid a bit extra for "hand-picked." I was very happy with it. Overall length is 18.5" and weight is 26 oz. This is a big-bladed knife with a relatively short 4" handle that is perfectly shaped for my hand. I was surprised at how comfortable the handle felt, as it is significantly shorter than most HI handles for a similar-sized khukuri, and has a somewhat different shape (wider toward the bolster). The blade has devangari script along the spine. Probably dates back to somewhere between 1900 and 1920.

The Longleaf came with a thick coat of grease that protected the blade very well. There were areas of brown surface rust but it was thin, barely more than discoloration, and cleaned up pretty easily. Very minor pitting, and signs that the edge had gotten lots of use and been resharpened in the past. The handle also had (still has) some kind of thick protective coating that kept the wood in good shape. The blade and Sword of Shiva have a graceful curve and the cho is very nicely done with a tiny cross-like shape on the tongue. The wood handle looks original and is on tight.

I can't speak to the hardening, but this blade has held up ok under considerable use in the past. I don't plan to do any chopping with it, so that won't be an issue for me. I'd say on the tool-to-weapon scale this one is much more of a weapon, though it could certainly serve both purposes.

The scabbard that it came with was pretty old, but the leather was in too good condition to be original. It fit very well. The two small pieces (karda and chakma) did not have the thick coat of grease and were so badly rusted that I didn't even try to clean them up.

Here's a picture of how it looks after cleanup. I don't remember if this is a picture of mine or one just like mine, but it will give you an idea:

View attachment 507607
 
I really wouldn't mind getting my hands on one of these also. Actually my first choice khukuri was an antique one, until I stumbled upon HI that is :P
 
def worth the money, I have bought about 5 and all of them have been unique and interesting
 
I myself would be hesitant to use one, because of the historical value, but some people do. Steve Tall (IIRC) bought a blade without a handle and re-handled it (there's a neat post about his method floating around). It ended up being a nice user. The handle would be my greatest concern, as you are talking about century old khukuri. They're partial tang with handles held by laha and it dries out and crumbles with age. I've had a few of the AC/IMA Mk. II khuks and the wood was iffy, and those are half as old as the current stock. Good luck.
 
I did rehandle one to be a user, but I couldn't bring myself to really use it when I have HI khuks at hand.

I recall that somebody put a hickory handle on one, then put it to hard use (batonning some firewood). Since it's a hidden/partial tang, the impacts from batonning caused the tang to pivot within the handle and destroyed it.
 
I'm hesitant to use these also because of their historical value. These are actually cultural heritage museum pieces if you ask me. IMHO, they should not have been wholesaled as they were.....but I'm torn on that also. It was either leave them to sit and deteriorate further or put them in the hands of people who want them.
 
exactly karda, we are doing our part to preserve the armory, I feel lucky we got a good price, but the whole business with the nepal royal family and just how the whole deal went down does sound very iffy; but like you said we really are the only people who will appreciate them and take care of them, so we ( collectors of khuks) should all get a few for histories sake.
 
I am going to have to pick up one of those beauties. I love the history and IMHO they represent a tremendous value that will only go up with time.
 
Very cool blades! Mine gets preserved. They are addictive with the inscriptions and all. I may just get me another soon. The sheaths are just about impossible to get now. They were all worm eaten and decayed. I talked to a sweet lady named Mary over there and she was happy to tell me all about them. I recommend getting one:thumbup:
 
I think these are fantastic historical kukri. They used to be relatively rare and highly sought after. The purchase by IMA/AC (controversial though it is) provided a golden opportunity for kukri collectors, especially those in the US (shipping and customs are a killer).

When I first started collecting kukri I ordered one of each category that they offer"Longleaf", "Bhojpure" and "WWI", going for the "hand selected" option with each.

This is how they arrived
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they cleaned up nicely:
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All three are well made blades, with good balance and handling. The top two were probably rehandled at some point and the handles and bolsters are a bit rough, the bottom one is a superb and high quality kukri.

I have also managed to pick up one of their Papu (Master) marked Bunhunes (big bellied kukri), which is the ultimate Victorian era Nepalease Army Kukri / Longleaf /CGAK...whatever you want to call it.

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I wouldn't use these myself due to their historical value, but they could all still perform the jobs for which they were intended.

If you are in the US I would highly recommend these kukri. They represent amazing value and they look awesome, especially the Longleaf types with script on the spine.
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This one says Shree Tin Chandra "Kaa" (first letter) ":" (second letter - usually is a nasal sound with a "ah(n)a" sound) "ba" (third letter) Dui / Chauda. Which means Thrice Honoured Chandra then a unit reference, most probably Kali Bahadur, followed by a soldier number 2/14. I think that's the cherry on the cake; an 800g kukri with a 38cm blade AND a tangible link to it's historical owner... all for $100. :thumbup:
 
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Breathtaking! Yes, I'm temporarily in US because of a business trip; somewhat harder (read: "risky") to have these shipped in parts of Europe where the Post rules are not that clear on what would be considered a "weapon" and what not. I wouldn't risk having one confiscated.

800g?! From my limited research, I never knew historical ones could get so heavy...if you don't mind, how long is this one?

I never intended any heavy use...but you know, I don't like wall hangers that could not do their original job, in theory. I wouldn't get a "mall blade", no matter what.
 
Thanks Moonw!

800g is certainly towards the upper end of things. My papu marked example is 48cm overall, with a 38.5cm blade. At that size it is a small example of the type, which is actually very uniform for nepalese kukri. Larger examples are around 50cm overall, 39.5cm blades and can tip the scales at a shade over 900g. This is right at the upper limit of what I have seen for antique kukri. The only larger examples I've seen are the kora handled battlefield types and sacrificial kukri. My example has had it's handle reshaped and blade reprofiled after damage to keep it in active service, hence it's reduced size.

Incidentally I've never had a problem importing kukri to the UK. If you get the chance to grab one, go for it.
 
The one I have (thanks Gehazi!) is definitely serviceable-the hilt had a tiny wiggle but as soon as it aettled in with the weather change it's solid. Won't use it though (although I train with it now and again, and if somebody broke in it might get a test drive). I rehandled one for a guy years ago-he'd bought one and broke the handle :/ -I actually extended te tang a bit and pinned the hilt on in addition to epoxy. The partial tang khuks are just not woodsplitters unless they're brand new, and even then you're taking a chance. Love mine though.
Where does everybody stand on respectful and skillful sharpening of these?? I hafta say I'm tempted.
 
Long as it's respectful and skillful I'd sharpen it. A dull knife is like an unloaded gun, even if it's a display model.

We might have to talk sharpening one of these days, you and I. I'm getting it, but not as good as I want on one particular blade that rides with me daily.
 
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