Chiruwa and modern materials...

Orion

Orion

Joined
Oct 4, 1998
Messages
529
I have quite a few HI kuks and a few other brands.
While I am extremely pleased with the blades and the steel performance of the HI kuks, I am not as pleased with the handle materials. Not that I am displeased, I would just like something more modern and durable, less prone to cracking, etc.

I want a 25" Kobra, a 16" Ang Khola and a 24" Everest Katana (24" blade, 10" handle). I would like to have them all chiruwa handled with micarta or G-10 scales and perhaps a kydex sheath.

If that is not possible could I get the blades with no handle scales and no sheath and I can get them handled and sheathed through a 3rd party?

If this is possible, how much would it cost and what would be the waiting time?

Thanks-
Cam
 
Hi Cam,

Have you had a problem with your wood handled khuks cracking? I was just curious as none of mine have ever cracked. My horn handles have all cracked on the other hand...
 
In the past, kuks without handles were nixed.

Most of us are here at least partially because we want fairly authentic kukuris, and there are a lot of companies out there that cater to the characteristics you describe.

What you decide with a 3rd party is at your discretion. If you have enough money, someone will cater to virtually any perceived need.
 
I don't expect within my lifetime to see the HI Kamis using Micarta for handles. It could happen, I suppose, I've been wrong before.


Spectre is right - there are people able and willing to put on whatever handle you like.

We occasionally do see other khuks with the Chiruwa style tang, but it is uncommon. You'd have to write Yangdu to see if there were possibilities for special order.

It may interest you to know that the chiruwa style handle has been discussed at great length here, and Search should be able to find a lot.

But the regular tang and handle work very very well. Having the regular tang influences the balance and handling of the kukri. Many prefer it to the chiruwa AK style, believing it imparts less shock to the hand in use.


munk
 
Or you could buy an HI and replace the handle with whatever material suits (or have it done for you).
 
The AK and Everest katana are already chiruwa, the only one that would be difficult is the Kobra.

Cost-wise, it seems like buying an AK and Everest Katana, then replacing the handles would be cheaper than trying to special order one without. I can't imagine removing the raw material cost of the handle and time putting it on making enough of a dent in the end price to make the trouble getting a special order done to be worth the bother...
 
Have you had a problem with your wood handled khuks cracking?
Click to expand...

Horn, yes... wood, no... same experience as you.
I just favor the micarta because it's more impervious to many more things than wood.

Cost-wise, it seems like buying an AK and Everest Katana, then replacing the handles would be cheaper than trying to special order one without.
Click to expand...

Cool. It will just be cost transfer, I guess. Whoever puts the new scales on for me will probably charge more to remove the original ones instead of taking them a raw blade with no scales... I guess I could do it myself but I would probably screw it up... LOL! Finding someone to do it will be no problem, though.

Thanks for all the info, guys.

Couple more questions...

Why would the 25" Kobra be more difficult to do?
Is it possible to get an EK with a 24" blade and 10" handle? (this will be custom size)...

Thanks again!!
Cam
 
The Chiruwas are full-tang. The Kobra is not.
Click to expand...

I was under the impression that chiruwa was actually the term that described full tang with pinned scales (as opposed to the rat tail peened tang) and that all models could be done as either/or....

Is there a reason a Kobra cannot be made full tang with pinned scales?
I know that other models are done both ways....

aproy1101-
Thanks for the info. I will check out Dan when/if I decide to get this done. Jerry Hossom lives up the road from me and I may try to bribe him into doing handles for me. He is one of the best.

Peace-
Cam
 
You can prevent cracking of the handles by sealing and finishing them.
Watco Danish Oil works fine for the horn.
You can finish the wooden handles with whatever you want - Watco, Oil, varnish, wiping varnish, poly, etc.
If wood is not finished, it will shrink. If wood is not properly dried and seasoned, it will shrink lots. I have never had a problem with wooden handles from Hi, but did have some shrinkage of wood from a GK panawal AK.
Watco - 4 coats - will prevent shrinkage and cracking of horn.
 
In the past I've been resistant to using synthetic materials....mostly because I just love the beauty of natural materials - but also for safety reasons (my kids play in my "shop" aka garage). But lately, it seems, there have been so many folks asking me to consider synthetics...and a buddy knifemaker down the street whose shop I can "borrow".....I've decided to go ahead and start using them. The first was the green leaf fibermascus K3 Karda. I have two more khukuri rehandle jobs that will be done in micarta. So, bring it on, I guess.

That said, a good stabilized wood seems to me to be the best of both worlds. It's not as tough as micarta, but a heckuvalot more pleasing to the eye.

And yes....the time is drawing near that I will be using orange G-10. I think I've finally talked myself into it. :eek:

Shoot me an email, Orion - and I'll get you hooked up.


I do think it would be rather interesting to send the kamis a chunk of micarta and see what they think about it. Why not? We have khukuris with aluminum handles and even some brass handles...It would end up looking the same as an unfinished horn-handled villager.

Now that my brain is working....I am remembering a conversation I had with Bill about linen micarta and that the kamis already use a similar process to make some of their buffing wheels. Perhaps they have access to the right resin and could make their own? Even better if they could do a "fibermascus" version...it's just layers of cloth and resin.
 
Orion said:
I want a 25" Kobra, a 16" Ang Khola and a 24" Everest Katana (24" blade, 10" handle). I would like to have them all chiruwa handled with micarta or G-10 scales and perhaps a kydex sheath.

If that is not possible could I get the blades with no handle scales and no sheath and I can get them handled and sheathed through a 3rd party?

Cam
Click to expand...
Hey, I'm glad someone else wants to see micarta handles. Dan has one of mine with a too skinny cracked horn handle model to rehandle. I've also told him I would be interested in getting the upcoming "Munk" AK Bowie without scales and sheath from HI and having him do micarta on it and a kydex sheath.

I did do a special order of chiruwa GRS specials with UB, one wood and one horn, and I do like them.
 
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