Crack in Handle

K Williams

K Williams

Gold Member
Joined
Nov 17, 1998
Messages
3,285
I noticed a small crack in the handle(horn) of one of my GH kukris. Is there any way I can prevent it from getting larger?
 
some people have had good luck epoxying cracks, I've used hooflex(for horses) to good effect.it keeps the horn from drying out and cracking.if the crack is small and you keep it from drying out it should be OK.
 
Thanks for the reply. I just ordered the Hooflex. I hope it arrives before this crack gets any larger.
 
K, a good quality epoxy (all are not created equal, check hobby stores) will do the trick. If it's a big crack, art shops usually carry black pigment, and you can mix a little (experiment first) in the epoxy to make it blend. I would suggest fixing the crack before applying the hooflex, or at least not getting the lube in the crack before fixing it.

I suppose one could debate which to do first, but it's Fords and Chevys, and there may be an answer in theory only.

I had just lubed my horn handles last week, and had thought to post a winter advisory, so I'm glad you did. Wood used to be my preference until somebody who really knows knives (he's doing the WW3 handles) gave me a keen grasp of the obvious: everything organic eventually cracks (or breaks down somehow). For example, ivory is beautiful, but a pain to maintain.

Hope it goes well....Dan
 
That Hooflex is what I use. We condition the handles in our storeroom if they sit for too long, as dry air (we have a dehumidifier on all the time to suck up the moisture so the blades don't rust) is always a challenge to organic materials. Keep it lubed and oiled, and it'll last you a lifetime.

I also know that several epoxies can be got in black, so you can do a super patch-up job on horn with no ill effects.

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Craig Gottlieb
Gurkha House
Blade Forums Sponsor
 
Thanks for the replies. The crack is about 1/2" long and very thin. I'll put some epoxy into the crack and use the Hooflex when it arrives. While I'm at it, I think I'll oil my GH WW2 handle with some teak oil that I use on my Arnis sticks.

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K. Williams
Modern Arnis Student
AKTI Member #A000978

[This message has been edited by K Williams (edited 12-19-2000).]
 
I've heard that some folks have had very good luck using super glue on hairline cracks that have formed on their Khukuri handles. It dries clear and also bonds the horn material so the crack doesn't enlarge. Might be worth a shot.
 
Well I applied the Hooflex and let it soak in for two days. Hopefully this will be the end of the cracks in the horn handle.
 
K, I'll be interested to learn how the handles turn out. I also got a hairline crack in my little "balance" khukuri. I had this feeling I should've gotten the Hooflex on earlier but didn't. No change, it may be too fine even for superglue. Will let you know if any developments.

I wonder if anybody has rosewood handles that have cracked from lack of humidity.

Later....Dan
 
I didn't bother gluing the crack because it's so fine. I rubbed in the Hooflex for a while then coated the handle with more Hooflex and let it sit for 2 days. I made sure that the crack was covered with the Hooflex. My rosewood WW2 is OK, but I rubbed in some teak oil that I use on my wood Arnis sticks after I saw the crack in the horn handle Sirupati.


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K. Williams
Modern Arnis Student
AKTI Member #A000978

[This message has been edited by K Williams (edited 12-30-2000).]
 
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