Atlanta Cutlery / Windlass Steelcrafts

Svashtar

Svashtar

Joined
Dec 28, 2003
Messages
4,794
I've seen Atlanta Cutlery lately selling these "up to 100 year old" khuks (most without the original scabbard). They have 4 basic models, and most of them are selling for about $135 I think. They look authentic to my untrained eye, although the steel seems quite the worse for wear, but I guess that is to be expected.

I thought that was all they offered, but in a catalog I got from them yesterday there were 4 new production blades being offered by an outfit called Windlass Steelcrafts (I think). All looked like AK's to me. They were selling what looked like a 12" AK for $29!, and advertised something like these were the "official new military suppliers of kukris to the army" or something like that. (If that is the case then they must wholesale for about $10 each!)

Their biggest knife was a huge ceremonial blade 2 feet plus long for $79.00. 2 of the knives had significant cho creep. Wood looked like satisaal and was the nicest part of the knives. I'm guessing these things have to be cast metal. Am I correct in assuming these things are junk?

I honestly wouldn't have even noticed them except for the blurb about these being the new "official" knives supplied to the Ghurkas, or something similar.

I'm guessing from the pics I saw in another search that Windlass Steelcrafts is an Indian based company that makes wall-hanging replicas, but don't wan't to discount the possibility that they may make actual working knives.

Thanks for any info.

Norm
 
From other posts here by real experts ("Search" for "Atlanta" in HI Forum), the old items are the real deal. The new items are not, in fact, issue pieces and are of a quality consistent with the price. They are not AK's -- no fuller. They are crude copies of K-45 model. (You can use "search" for "K45**" in Hi Forum.)
 
I bought a couple of them perhaps 10 years ago, and they were do-it-yourself projects. Forged steel blades alright, but a very rough finish. The wood to metal fit was poor and took a lot of epoxy filler to make acceptable. That said, the quality of Windlass' output has improved very dramatically recently. I have a Museum Replicas Ltd. Pirate Cutlass that is first-rate in every respect - fit, finish, materials, design... I am thrilled with it. I believe that Atlanta Cutlery & Museum Replicas Ltd. are now owned by Windlass Steelcrafts, but I'm not sure.
 
Pretty much what was said above. Hank Reinhardt built up Atlanta Cutlery and later Museum Replicas Inc. At one time, Del Tin blades were assembled over here onto the hilts. They later went to Windlass for blades and hilt, and Windlass eventually bought Hank out. He stayed on for a while. Check the Historical Armed Combat Assn. ( HACA ) for more info., if Swordforums doesn't give you enough information.
 
Thanks for all the info. About what I figured, but I appreciate the links and history as well.

Regards,

-Norm
 
I consider the cache of arms found by AC and brought to this country from Nepal one of the most significant historical records of kukris ever. I have gleaned more confirmable information pertaining to dates of manufacture, model type, materials used, and provenance than from any one source. They offered 5 models all of which are significant even though one was misidentifed. These models dispelled the notion concerning Nepali manufacture vs Indian. The original scabbards (unfortunately not offered due to condition issues...please do not request any) provided even more details indicating that mass production was evident as far back as 1860. The kaltis and kardas & chakmaks gave up their own secrets.

While not a fan of much of what was offered by the Windlass Companies I cannot be anything but overwhelmed by the genuine interest and generosity of Pradeep Windlass and his family in furthering my research.

Windlass Steel was started in India during WW II to supply K45 kukris and the model they offer today is the same one issued for field use to the Indian Army. I have no idea what the other models are supposed to be for or can find any historical design they are based on.
 
Mr Powell,

Forgive my ignorance, does the steel in these originals resemble the modern types, or is like a folded steel?

I've checked their website and even called, but alas the bare blades aren't on the site, you can call and order them though.
 
The Nepalese Bhojpure khukri I have here from AC shows no signs of being folded steel, pattern welded, or layered in any way.
Denis
 
It was what would be called a 'tourist' model. Fit and finish were horrible. Steel was really soft and wouldn't take an edge. It also bled black dye from the scabbard anytime it was wet or even humid. I still have it somewhere. Didn't want to throw it away(somebody might find it and use it) or even give it to someone. I've never hated anybody that much :)
 
I cannot comment on the knives bought years ago. Those were the knives that gave AC a poor reputation.

The old ones are solid, functional kukris and some of the blades show signs of folding but nothing close to pattern welding. What is notable is the detail on the bolsters and overall quality. The kardas and chakmaks are also little gems.
 
I'm curious about something, JP.

Which of the old blades are the best to look for if "complete refinishing" is on one's mind?

I'd like to buy a few that I could (in good conscience) completely disassemble and put new handles, finishes, etc. on them....give an old blade a new life. (no just restore it)
 
Has any significant difference been observed between models? I have a Longleaf and a Bhojpure model. If I purchased another of each would they be pretty much the same or would there be differences? The reason I'm asking is if they are "mass produced" and not showing anything intresting in the same model I'll use my limited finances and get a different model. Thanks.
 
Dan, I'm partial to the "bhojpure" (C in this pic). If you are going to bring a blade back to life what will you do about the bolster? Maybe we can work something out to get you one of these blades. Please email me directly.

MROSS, each of the 5 models are distinctly different. They were "mass produced" but still retain their own qualities.

blades.jpg
 
email sent, JP. Sweet, oh sweet, pic. I like "D" the best.
 
but I was gifted an old tourist model form Windlass, broad arrow, but the thing is thin, chrome plated, and more of a big butter knife than a khuk.

I have one of the MkII 43s, and it is one sweet khuk. It wasn't even listed on the offering, but a guy living 20 mins from AC's Conyers, GA location went there and they let him hand pick it. Traded an HI Chit fer it. It is a munitions grade khuk, as mentioned by JP, and my first non-HI khuk worth its salt. It does make me want to investigate some of the older authentic models...

Keith
 
Dan,
By the time you get done re-handling my AK, you should hopefully have perfected your restoration skills. Interested in re-habbing my Bhojpure since Sisco is pretty much out of the business at the moment?
Chipped & bent blade needs work, new handle, bolster is loose but may be salvageable.
Denis
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top