Bura sends a couple of fwd curving models. Take a look. Needs testing.

Bill Martino

Bill Martino

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Mar 5, 1999
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Here is Bura's notion of what a forward curving khukuri should be. It is 18 inches straight across -- blade a bit more than 12 inches, handle almost 7 inches. Blade is 1/2 inch thick and about 2 & 1/4 wide. Weighs about 2.25 pounds. Overall the rig is a 10 out of 10 or very near. Karda and chakma are very nicely done.

Who wants to take this khukuri for $115 and evaluate it and post results? This khukuri given the size and quality should retail in the $150 to $175 range. Running the test will save the buyer somewhere around $35 to $60. I'm interested in how the curve affects performance -- better, worse, same. We can compare roughly to an 18 inch AK and see how Bura's curver fares.

We'll pay shipping, too.

Call or email if interested.

------------------
Blessings from the computer shack in Reno.

Uncle Bill
Himalayan Imports Website
Khukuri FAQ
 
You're a lucky fellow, Burk. That is definitely the way a khuk should look, in my humble opinion.
 
This weekend was my first opportunity to give my Bura fwd-curving khukuri a workout. What a pleasant surprise! The knife takes a little getting used to, but when you get the hang of it, it's an incredible chopper with an unbelievable "bite." I found it to easily have the chopping power of my heavy 20" AK. I'm not sure exactly what gives it this amazing ability, but it obviously has something to do with the increased curve of the blade. Speaking of which, the "sweet spot" on this khukuri is much more forward than that of my other khuks. For this reason, the blade needs to be hardened almost to the very tip; I don't know if the blade of this khuk has been tempered this way, but time will tell soon enough. The large handle was also a real plus; it made it possible for me to widely vary my grip to accommodate different swinging patterns. The only negative comment I have to make is that the blade got deeply scratched -- very unusual considering that I chopped only on old stumps and small trees. The cutting edge held up well enough, but above the temper line the metal appeared to be softer than usual. Using emery cloth I was able to get most of the scratches out, but a number of the deeper ones remain -- and they're deep enough to snag a fingernail when dragged across the metal. However, all things considered, I still have to rate this khuk as a "must have." I think every serious khuk knut owes it to himself to experience this blade. It handles and chops like no other khuk. For its weight and size, I don't think you'll ever find anything better.
 
Steven, many thanks for review. I am puzzled as to why the blade scatches easily. I don't know if this is part of the design or not but I think it could be changed. But, main thing is edge held up okay.

Keep us posted as you learn more.

------------------
Blessings from the computer shack in Reno.

Uncle Bill
Himalayan Imports Website
Khukuri FAQ
 
That knife is so ugly. For some reason I am really attracted to it. I think I need to buy one along with a Gelbu Special. What are you selling them for Uncle Bill and are they marked?
Matthew



[This message has been edited by LongRifle (edited 05-29-2000).]
 
Hi All,
When I first looked at Bura's offering something was wrong. I think it was a good try and it might cut really well, but I believe he missed the mark. Looking again at the old khukuries, they had a graceful curve to them, ie. fewer degrees of arc. Bura used too tight a radius for this knife. Just my opinion, but I'd sure like to see him make one along the lines of one of the older ones.
Dan
 
Here is a comparison of "an ancient Gorkha weapon" from the HI website with Bura's design.
Bura's version looks very close, though it appears he drops the tip slightly.
 
Thanks for the comparison, Berk. The two khuks look very much alike.

Bura is regarded as one of the best kamis around. Obviously there is a reason that he is regarded so highly. I'm sure that if he believes that this particular blade style has merit, he has a basis for his thinking. And all you have to do is try this khuk out for a while and you immediately realize that Bura, indeed, knows what he's doing.
 
I never said Bura didn't know what he was doing, just said that it wasn't as graceful.
I would like to have one made like some of old timers: in one smooth arc with a larger radius.
It's all in the eye of the beholder.
Dan
 
Dan, that is what Will Kwan keeps telling me about his MegaSalyan!

Bura can make just about anything. When we get five takers he will do it.

------------------
Blessings from the computer shack in Reno.

Uncle Bill
Himalayan Imports Website
Khukuri FAQ

[This message has been edited by Bill Martino (edited 05-31-2000).]
 
Hi All,
Please note the Khukuri on page 194 of the book: SWORDS and HILT WEAPONS, edited and printed by Barns & Noble.
Dan
 
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