Cheetlang

Jaeger · Jul 19, 2000

Well, I got a surprise today. I had arranged a while back to purchase a Cheetlang from Craig on an installment basis due to bugetary constraints. (major kitchen work!) Anyway, I told Craig not to send it until I had paid him in full. Did he listen? No! The big Brown truck came rumbling up the drive this afternoon with what I thought would be some M1 carbine mags for the wife's M1. Nope. It was the Cheetlang.

This is the most finely finished, beautiful khukri I have yet to see, anywhere. I'll start with the scabbard. It is perfect. It is perfectly fitted with high quality leather and sports a glossy black finish. The angled ridge running down the front of the scabbrd is striking. The brass endcap is highly polished and perfectly fitted. The frog is made of thick, supple leatherand is scalloped along it's bottom edge. Perfect and beautiful.
The blade. I don't want to sound like a broken record but it is stunning. It is 18.75" from tip to tip. 13" of blade. The blade is fullered along it's entire length. The sword of Shiva is highly decorated with bass inlays and "s" patterns. It is very neatly done. The sword is tipped with a 5 pointed star The blade has been polished to a mirror finish. The bolster, from the handle halfway up is hatchmarked. Very attractive. The blck horn handle is also hatchmarked between the rings. The end of the handle is done "Chainpuri" style. It is the most comfortable handle I own. The diamond shaped retaining cap that holds the buttcap in pace has some file work around the edges that sets it off very nicely.
The chakma and the karda are much improved over the earlier versions. They are nicely made and of a useful size but are nothing special.
This blade screams weapon to me. It's weight virtually disappears in my hand. It feels very quick and nimble.

I should take it out and do some testing but I don't think I will. I think I will order some of Craigs stands and display it. Until it is needed. I have no doubt that this would make a fine general purpose blade but that is what the WWIII is for. This blade has more spirit than I have felt in some time. The WWIII is awesome and I love it but this one feels alive. I don't know what the kamis are doing but tell them to keep it up.
If this blade is representative of what all GH products are now like then all issues of fit, finish and quality may be laid to rest. I am in awe.
Thank you Craig!

[This message has been edited by Jaeger (edited 07-19-2000).]

RA Carignan · Jul 19, 2000

Jaeger,

Would it be possible to post some pics? Would lovwe to see it. Thanks,

Rick

Berkley · Jul 19, 2000

Rick,
Here's a closeup of the handle:

and it is every bit as comfortable as Jaeger says. In fact, I agree with every word in his review 100%! I am so impressed with this khukuri, I just carry it with me from room to room like a kid with his favorite teddybear

. But this teddybear slices through waterfilled plastic milk jugs like the proverbial hot knife through butter. I've tried hard not to ever have a favorite, but can't help myself - this is an incredible, beautiful khukuri.
Berk

Jaeger · Jul 20, 2000

Thanks for posting the pix Berkley. I am but a lowly WebTV user and do not have that capability. One of these days I'll get a real computer but unless my favorite importers of fine cutlery quit bringing in such nice khukuris I fear I'll never save enough $ for one! Seriously though, I can't get over this blade.Some other gentlemen over on the HI forum had purchased some special khuks (I can't remember who it was or what style the blades were) some time back. They said (more or less) that the blades they had purchased felt like they should be carried by some mythical hero going forth to do battle with dragons or some great evil. The Cheetlang feels like that. There is something special about it. Amazing.

RA Carignan · Jul 20, 2000

Gee, Thanks Berk, now I have to clean up another pool of drool from around the computer

Making up a 'wish-list" just keeps getting harder all the time.

Rick

Craig Gottlieb · Jul 21, 2000

Your wife has an M1? Wow! I had to sign an disarmament treaty just to Marry Marya (just kidding).

Just sold the last of the Cheetlangs this morning. Am ordering more, but the $100 forumite introductory offer is officially over. I think this khukuri will probably go for around $149.00 when they hit our normal inventory. And yes, with this model, the bishwakarmas hit their stride in a major way. Frankly, the pictures don't do the model justice.

You know my favorite part about the cheetlang? It's the thick blade near the handle (1/2 inch by my measurement) that tapers down at the tip to a graceful slender sirupati-style tip. Very cool. I wouldn't want to pry with the tip, but the belly would certainly do some chopping with that weight behind it.

Congratulations, Jaeger.

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Craig Gottlieb
Gurkha House
Blade Forums Sponsor

Jon · Jul 26, 2000

Just received my cheetlang today. This is one nice khukuri. I won't go into detail as it's already been covered before but I will say they were absolutely right.

Craig Gottlieb · Jul 26, 2000

Glad it arrived safely. We have 10 more coming in the next shipment, and hopefully, the Afghan Khukuris will be included in this shipment.

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Craig Gottlieb
Gurkha House
Blade Forums Sponsor