I hate the *so-called* habaki bolsters. They aren't habaki as the don't wrap all the way around the blade the way a real habaki does, just on opposite sides of the flat part of the tang.
The habaki bolsters lead to even worse cho creep than the traditional bolsters which is another reason I don't like them.
The don't hide flaws per se but they can cover a few sins as they are easier to fit to the blade IMO.
The traditional bolsters let the wood cover a little more of the tang and again IMO are just a tad stronger for that reason, doesn't mean the habakis are inherently weak it's just that there is tang that could've been covered with wood that isn't.
What actually started the dayumed things is when Jim March sent an old Japanese Katana to Uncle Bill that was then shipped over to Nepal.
The kamis thought the habaki would help the scabbards fit better and they did at first.
Then the dayumed sarkis started getting lazy and the fit of the scabbards went downhill from there.
Occasionally I'd get one that fit acceptably but usually the habakis would shake loose quicker than the old standard bolsters.
The scabbards are difficult to get to fit properly anyway and with the differences in climate change from Nepal to Reno Nevada to wherever the khukuri is going it's a wonder that we don't have more trouble with properly fitting scabbards.
If you read way back and run across some of Pala's experiences when he was with the Ghorkas you will see that even Pala had trouble keeping the scabbard fitting properly. He would wedge it when tight and wrap it when it got loose and polished it with Kiwi Polish to keep it from rotting away in the wet weather.
The scabbards misfit is just something that goes along with having a khukuri(s).
I'm really happy to see the cho creep being pretty much eradicated and the return of the traditional bolster.
Once again the HI Khukuris have the beautiful appearance of the ones made from the beginning.:thumbup:
And anyone with the *so-called* habaki bolsters don't have to worry, they'll last hundreds of years just like the others. I haven't broken any of mine yet, just don't care for their looks.:barf: