Bargain Khukri Accessories Thread

S

soupah

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Dec 1, 2005
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I'm a newbie and a penny pincher, and I've been thinking lately...

Khukris (and knives in general) cost a nice little piece, but it's not the khuks that ultimately cost you over the long term- it's the accessories you purchase, such as sheaths, sharpeners, preservatives, wood finishes, stands and the like. I've seen a lot of good suggestions for each of these catergories lately, so I'd like to start a "bargain accessories" thread- I'm sure it will be helpful mostly for newbies like me.

I know that Sentry Tuff-cloth isn't much and sharpening pucks are not very expensive, but I like CHEAP solutions. I'd like to see your penny-pinching ideas. Try to think of some of your most ABSOLUTELY inexpensive purchases, minus the duct tape. I'll start us out (please feel free to suggest other catergories too!):

note- I don't work for any of these companies- I'm a librarian, and I like to make lists :)

Preservatives:

  • Mineral oil- cheap, won't go rancid, preserves wood and prevents rust. Under $2 a pint at Walmart.

Wood Handle Finishes:

  • Kiwi shoe polish and its variants can put a darkened finish on untreated wood- also functions as a preservative. Prices vary, but $3 seems about the average.
  • Birchwood Casey Gun Stock Tru-Oil "seems" to be the most-used inexpensive wood finisher. You'll need at least 4-6 coats; 1 bottle has finished 6 khuk and 3 machete handles so far. 3 ounces is about $4 at Walmart. Use with Armor-All for better results (though I was too cheap and just used straight Tru-Oil).

Blade Polishes:

  • Suggestions?

Sharpeners:

  • Aluminum oxide sandpaper sheets glued/taped/clipped on mousepads, secured to wooden blocks- easy to make and replace, easy to substitute grits. You'll probably also need some rubber cement to hold it all together.
  • Used mill files- cheap & easy to find, good for those battered blades.
  • Ceramic "Big Sticks" to put a fine edge on a khuk can be had at www.eknifeworks.com for $.99. Might as well git yerself a spare sheath and something else- shipping is the same $5.99 for anything between $.01- $24.99.

Replacement/Trail Sheaths:
  • Cold Steel kukri machete codura sheaths, fit about an 11" blade, roughly comparable to your average 14-17" OAL khukri. Less than $10, but nothing fancy.
  • (Svashtar) Kukri sheaths by Ken Warner over on Knifeware.com. Specifically, the Kukri II sheath, sold separately for around $25-$30...does a great job for just about any HI knife from 15-17" OAL. It likes some models more than others, but fits a whole bunch of models right off the bat: http://www.knifeware.com/knresh.html


What are some other cheapie things that every khukri owner should have or know about? I'll add to the list as they appear.
 
I haven't had to buy oil since Tom Linton visited my house a couple of years ago...I just mop some up off the garage floor whatever my supply runs low.

Side benefit is that my cats are nice and rust-free...
 
Got a duplicate post by editing and adding a link, and have no idea how I did that. Sorry about that. Post I wanted is below.

Norm
 
I've mentioned it before, but IMO folks are missing a bet on kukri sheaths supplied by Ken Warner over on Knifeware.com. He has the old Blackjack name now. Look for the Kukri II sheath, sold separately for around $25-$30 I think. It is great work, light weight and full leather made for that knife, but it does a great job for just about any HI knife from 15-17" OAL. It likes some models more than others, but fits a whole bunch of models right off the bat.

Actually, here's the link: http://www.knifeware.com/knresh.html

It's $32 and well worth it. BTW, I really like his knives. I understand that they are Seki-city manufacture, but they have great steel and convex edges and are very reasonably priced.

I also have his double sheath that will hold his kukri II (or knives as above) and the Blackjack Grunt 5" knife. Carry your favorite HI knife and the Grunt in one rig. Bura's BGRS's are pretty much standardized at 17.25 and 27 oz., and those fit fine.

You can put a larger knife in as well, but a bit of the blade might be exposed. Remember it's not the heavy wood you're used to, so exercise caution when using it.

Norm
 
Wheres the belt loop Norm?
 
Good so far...anybody have any inexpensive ideas for wood finishes? Specifically, I use Tru-Oil from Walmart, but I'm guessing that's pricey compared to some options like shoe leather polish?
 
Keep em' comin! I'm currently doing a search for the cheapest 1" belt sander. Anybody found a good price on one? EDIT- found.
 
Great thread, thanks for the info on the sheaths! I'm gonna try one out for sure.

Billy
 
I bought a good sized container of Hooflex years back for maybe $8.00 at a local Western/Horserider supply store.

Bob
 
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