Custom Kukri Design

I don't think that finger grooves work very welll n a heavy chopper. I once had a kuk very similar to what you describe, wish I still had the pics - full tang, horn handle, with a palm swell and an index-finger groove. BUT because of the constant rolling of pressure back and forth in your hand as you chop, this means that (1) grooves that are comfortable when you grasp the knife and raise it will not be comfortable when you have fully-extended it into the chop, and (2) if that force is concentrated on individual fingers via the groove it is much more irritating than allowing the fingers to support each other by being pressed together.

That's just my take, but after 150+ years there's a reason that the Nepalese shaped the Kuk handle the way they did, and not some other way.
 
Fish, funny you should mention that, because two nights ago I was reluctantly convinced by another maker to use a handle design similar to that of bladesport competition knives. Thank you for reaffirming that decision. I will be posting a design edit soon.
 
Here is a design I have building for the last few years, its a little off the beaten path but the reputation it has speaks for itself.

Two of the 6 are running around in combat zones around the world, A quote from a person/owner whose job is well off the beaten path in his profession

"Spencer's Kuks are becoming quite infamous in the "Dark Continent"!

Your design is missing a key component that makes the kukris unique in the cutting application, this is from wikipedia

"Knife has a flared butt that allow better retention in draw cuts and chopping. Traditional design doesn't have any front guard".

By putting a guard on you will limit the ways you can hold and manipulate the blade, how will it work in say the reverse grip....I am not sure. I am not saying its right or wrong just observations from a person that makes them, I like to break the traditional rules as well.

The sheath work was done by Robert of Survival sheath, I have nothing but good experience with him

Thanks Spencer

K3, 4, 5, and 6

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Those are some of the most beautiful Kuks I've seen to date.

My only problem with the flared pommel is that it digs into your palm with heavy use, but your design...that's very intuitive. How it flares out more so on the sides instead of the top and bottom.

Would you mind if I used that concept on my design? I completely agree. It makes sense to have the flares, and this way the top of the butt wont pose a problem.
 
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Hi,

I hope I sound helpful, because that is certainly the spirit in which this advice is offered. First, the handle. Finger grips, as you show, will get painful very quickly as you use the blade. Much better to have a smooth handle which will allow your hand to move slightly with a swing. Second, I'm not sure you have the correct location for the sweet spot. If you keep it so far forward, I think the impact will be lessened. Better to have a slightly fuller blade so the sweep spot is further back.

You haven't designed a camp style knife, it's more in line with a kukri style fighter.

If you haven't visited Himulayian inports yet, it would be a good place to see what's available in this specialized market. Hope this helps a little.

Dave
 
Sar some of the nicest Kukri's I have seen to date.

I believe these would be one hell of an option
 
I don't know if you have seen the Busse Kills Z khukuri, but it fairly closley
resembles your design and they are making them now. Just a thought.
Pic attached from Busse sub-form.

Spencer,
I love those khuks of yours!! Everytime I see a picture of one I get all lusty for it! Your work is incredible!

That would be a carry khuk!!
 
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Holy toledo, thats a nice looking knife.

You know how much the Busse kukri is? I cant seem to find one on their webpage.
 
Holy toledo, thats a nice looking knife.

You know how much the Busse kukri is? I cant seem to find one on their webpage.

A limited number were sold at Blade to "Test Team Members", and are considered prototypes. Jerry has asked the buyers to not comment publicly on them, but to send pics in use and feedback on the performance directly to him. The eventual production version (if he decides to go forward) may be different than that pic. Based on the price of other Busse knives, it is pretty certain that it will cost over $500 if/when released.
 
Sar some of the nicest Kukri's I have seen to date.

I believe these would be one hell of an option

JP thanks for the kind words....I know you like some fine knives of this caliber and use them as well.

As far as a option...these run a bit high and most are a bit surprised what I sell them for. I have only built 6 to date, lost track of 1. The other five owners who have jobs they just don't discuss with anyone, hold them in the highest regard...I in turn take tremendous pride in knowing that.


Those are some of the most beautiful Kuks I've seen to date.

Would you mind if I used that concept on my design? I completely agree. It makes sense to have the flares, and this way the top of the butt wont pose a problem.

I am pretty partial to how I make my living which is with my designs/intellectual property ( if such a term really does exist). As long as the knife you build does not come out a carbon copy then by all means use the design element in the ass end, it really is comfortable, effective and provides a secure grip. Also here is a thread that goes into much more detail and is pertinent to your question http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=659674

Charles thanks for asking first!

Spencer "SAR" Reiter
 
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Next round of edits.

Which one looks best? What would you change? Scrap the whole thing and get a hatchet?:foot:

I'll be using it in a tropical climate. ATS34 sound good? with blue & green micarta

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Design credits to Spencer "SAR" Reiter, Al Mar Knives, Jay Fisher, and Himalayan Imports.
 
I'd go with the second design, option 1 or 3.

Those have the most traditional profile, and the traditional profile is that way for a purpose.

Having used a lot of khuks quite a bit, I would be happy with a knife made with modern materials with a traditional shape.

Andy
 
Call me crazy...
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but that guthook almost doesn't look out of place.

Field dressing with a kuk. :D
 
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I like the fourth one down, like the one piece handle slabs as opposed to the bolstered version, and I believe that ATS34 wouldn't be an entirely unreasonable blade material. A good choice, actually. However, another relatively rust resistant high impact steel which might be good would be D2. Just for your consideration.

ps- my buddy Seth at www.cosmoknives.com has a pretty good turn around time, and is a big admirer of Jay Fisher. He does a very clean job and works with ATS34 a lot.
 
Here is a design I have building for the last few years, its a little off the beaten path but the reputation it has speaks for itself.

Two of the 6 are running around in combat zones around the world, A quote from a person/owner whose job is well off the beaten path in his profession

"Spencer's Kuks are becoming quite infamous in the "Dark Continent"!

Your design is missing a key component that makes the kukris unique in the cutting application, this is from wikipedia

"Knife has a flared butt that allow better retention in draw cuts and chopping. Traditional design doesn't have any front guard".

By putting a guard on you will limit the ways you can hold and manipulate the blade, how will it work in say the reverse grip....I am not sure. I am not saying its right or wrong just observations from a person that makes them, I like to break the traditional rules as well.

The sheath work was done by Robert of Survival sheath, I have nothing but good experience with him

Thanks Spencer

K3, 4, 5, and 6

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...

wow. really amazing designs. *swoon* all i can say is wow.

as for flared pommels/butts. extensive use of HI Designes by "sgt khadka" made khukris are *very comfy*. not so sure about these comments otherwise. of course, it's a personal and technique thing, but well, not here.


Bladite
 
Sharp observation. But will that "Jerry Hossom" touch turn out to be idea borrowed from HI Falcata?

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=651104&highlight=Falcata

while it IS said that there's nothing new under the sun, 3000 years of history is going to be hard to beat.

the word you are looking for, i think, snarkily, is :

DERIVATIVE!

yah. sorry :) let's put it this way. someone say they invented khukri or falcata? oh, i'm sorry, but if you were born this or last century? tough noogies. seek personal gods for redemption :)

Bladite
 
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