Bowie Khukuri

C

Craig Gottlieb

Joined
Mar 8, 1999
Messages
1,760
Well, I thought I'd give you a quick summary of the Bowie Khukuri project as it stands so far. We gave TB both of Blackdog's bowies (on loan, of course), as well as printouts of all the relevant design work that you all produced. In stead of ordering a bowie the way we think it should be made, I told TB to take the input and work his magic with or without our input. Of course, he liked what he saw and said that he'd be meshing our work, Blackdog's knives, and his thoughts into something that he'd send along in the next month or so for me to look at.

The only thing he did say was that he wanted the bowie to be a bit thinner than the one they built for HI. He gave me a couple of them to take back with me along with the faxed design he received - to show me that it wasn't the first interest he'd received from America about a bowie (and yes, those babies are massive pieces of work!). They are so heavy that I gave them back and asked him to send them along with the next shipment, which is scheduled to leave no 20 May.

Blackdog: as soon as he's done with your knives, he'll ship them back to me in a future shipment. I personally can't wait for the bowie, guys. I think it'll be a great product that will correctly synthesize bowie style and function with a khukuri flair. I wonder if it'll be a bowie shaped khukuri, or a khukuri shaped bowie?
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Craig Gottlieb
Gurkha House
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Craig,

It's going to be interesting to see what the end results will be from the combination of styles and ideas on the Bowie Project. What would we call it? A Bowkhuri? Hmmmmmm.

As for my bowies, I would appreciate if you would tell TB that I would be honored if he would keep the large one (the 10" clip point) as his own. I think that, being a craftsman and a warrior, he should own an example of our western version of the classic battle blade.

The smaller bowie/fighter is, as you know, of only so-so quality and was sent only to serve as an example of another knife style. Tell TB to give it to a Kami of his choice with my compliments.

I'm sure both of these knives will be much more appreciated there than gathering dust in my knife box.




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Blackdog
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Craig,

This only goes to prove that Blackdog is nothing but a CLASS ACT. I too, can hardly wait to see what the kamis come up with. I hope that all of our input is helpful too.

Rick
 
Blackdog: You are correct - you ARE a class act. I KNOW that TB will LOVE those knives (in fact, he did comment on the one with the multi-colored handle and the saw teeth). He held it in his hands, nodded his head in approval . . . and then said, I can make that!
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I'll reserve one of the limited edition khukuris for you, Blackdog, as a gift from TB - I'm sure that knives exchanged by two warriors will be highly regarded on both sides of the pond. When TB gave me the hanuman that he hand carved (he did a very few of these once upon a time, of which the one he gave me was the last), I gave him the gift of the woots damascus puukko that I picked up from Roselli in Finland (yes, he said he'd give those a go in the future once he recovered from all the other projects).

Again, blackdog: I think TB will be thrilled (and so will the other bishwakarma who is fortunate enough to get the other one). I think I know who he'll give it to - the master who honored us by being the feature subject of our documentary (I have his name somewhere, and will post pics of him, as well as other highlights from the film, when I return).

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Craig Gottlieb
Gurkha House
Blade Forums Sponsor
 
Jeeze guys, I've been called a lot of things before, but class act isn't one that comes to mind. I don't know quite what to say except thank you.

In my lifetime I've owned several hundred knives. I grew up with them and have never been without one, ever. I've had my favorites and have some that hold a sentimental attachment, but for the most part they were tools, necessities of life. I bought them, used some, amassed some, traded some and gave some away.

It wasn't until I got my first Khukuri that I felt some sort of "link" to a knife. I can't describe it any better than that. I think it's the fact that I know how and where they're made. The fact that each one is forged, tempered, finished and fitted by hand with the most basic of tools. The fact that the maker puts a lot of his sweat and a bit of his soul into each one. It's about honor, dedication and craftsmanship. All too rare these days. I hope Lalit, TB and the Bishwakarmas have an idea of how much their work is appreciated here and what an honor it is to have one of their creations.

There is another knife coming my way in the not so distant future, but this one is from here in the USA. A knife that is being made one small step at a time, with care and honor and craftsmanship. The knife will be well worth the wait and will be passed down to another generation, with my Khukuris. I want the maker to know I appreciate his efforts and I know the knife will be nothing short of extraordinary. You know who you are my friend and I wanted to say thanks.


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Blackdog
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I so wanted to be able to present a WWIII to Lalit and TB, but they weren't ready in time. I'll have to send them, but I too feel a connection to these pieces of steel. And believe me - once you see our video documentary, you'll feel like kissing your khukuris - frankly, we got some EXCELLENT footage that answers just about ANY question you may have on khukuri making.

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Craig Gottlieb
Gurkha House
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