D handle khukuris ?

[Edd Harbin]

I'm in for a D-handled khuk for sure .
what blade style would it be ?

 

[Bill Martino]

Your choice. But the five takers have to agree on the khukuri -- cannot be five different models.

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

Uncle Bill
Himalayan Imports Website
Khukuri FAQ

 

[Kai Witte]

Thanks for the kudos, folks!

If we could get it to look more like the historical ones, I think it would be a great thing.

Matt, if it is not supposed to be a mere wallhanger, better think of it twice: The historical handles were supposed to be used with full battle armor including very sturdy gloves. I want to use a knife without gloves because I'm not going to war with it.

The machaera made for me by Ian Whitefield has just such a pommel-hook,

Great! Could you please post a pic, Tom?

... and I was privileged to be able to watch him forge it. Which brings me to my only reservation about this design; it involves a very great deal of time and skill,

No problem with the Bishwakarmas, I guess - I wouldn't have dared to suggest this with anyone but master bladesmiths...

I wanted the steel guard because I'd use the "hook" as well as the "pommel" for hammering (if needed ;o).

... which must inevitably be translated into expense.

Aaarrgh! Obviously, Tom knows my bank account better than me...

I like to have a room for variable grip position than simple defensive equipment so D handles are not my taste.

Me too - you'll like that other design I was speaking of, WrongFriend...

The handle design above should allow basically 4 grip positions: reverse, regular, regular with finger(s) on the blade, and a (somewhat compromised) pistol grip for better thrusting. More grip options would need a longer handle and I wanted both blade and handle to be as small and light as possible for travelling (I always have to carry a lot of equipment in addition to the usual survival/camping/food stuff).

a brass guard on a short blade buccaneer katana

Harry, I think we should leave the design of the regular, two-handed katanas as traditional as possible (with a few Nepali improvements ;o). In addition to a khukuri with steel-guard, I'd love to see assorted other blades with functional guards and handles - just don't call them Katanas...

With the traditional western style D-gaurd you have functionality , ease of manufacturing ( not that the kamis need it ), and low cost. how about somthing made out of brass . The top part would slip on then the handle and last the buttcap. This way it could be an option on just about any model.

Edd, I'd strongly second such an brass guard option ("manufacture on demand") for all khukuri models as a more economical alternative! Uncle Bill, what would be your estimate how much such a custom add-on might cost? (Production time wouldn't matter that much IMVHO...)

Best wishes and thanks for your input,
kai

 

[Bill Martino]

Draw a picture I can send over and we will get a cost estimate. There are several ways of putting a D guard on a knife -- some methods will cost more than others. Also size of guard (generally thickness, width, and not so much length) will affect cost. Figure more weight, more cost.

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

Uncle Bill
Himalayan Imports Website
Khukuri FAQ