Deals for 12/28--Pix, Kerambit , Teardrop Knife and rare gray horn AK

[stwm]

I'd like "better" stones but what I have works and I'd rather support the Kami and buy knives to keep them working. Keep that dharma wheel turning, no?

 

[SingleGrind]

By "edge profile" I mean the overall angle/shape of the edge. Look at both knives from the spine, and at the tips you will see the primary edge forms an angle. If my understanding is correct, being that the Gelbu Special has a similar edge to an AK, than the GS will have a more obtuse angle at the tip than your M-43. That's the basic part at least. Geez where are all the pics when I need them?

There was a great thread where someone drew relief lines on their blades to really show what was going on. I'll try to Steve that up for ya. And yes I did use "Steve" as a verb, and I like how it sounds.

 

[stwm]

It just seems counter-intuitive that the GS would have an AK edge and the M43 wouldn't. I understand this may be the case but I'll be examining them closely when I get home.

 

[davidf99]

Now that I see the pictures of my new Thamar Samsher, I'm glad I took a chance and bought it sight unseen. The handle is different from ndog's, but very similar to a Thamar Dui Chirra that I have and like.

There seems to be quite a bit of variation in the Thamar Samshers. Weights have ranged from 22 oz to 31 oz for the same 18" length. Three different handle types: Chiruwa with dual peened buttplate (ndog's Samsher), standard handle with no butt plate, and standard handle with standard buttplate. Also three different kinds of wood. Even the handle length seems to vary. What they all have in common is Thamar's high quality, and of course the blade itself. The other thing they have in common is that little phallic thing in the middle of the cho, which is pretty much a signature for Thamar. (The only other knife I've seen with that kind of cho is a vintage Longleaf khukuri that I got from Atlantic Cutlery.)

 

[ndoghouse]

It just seems counter-intuitive that the GS would have an AK edge and the M43 wouldn't. I understand this may be the case but I'll be examining them closely when I get home.

The GS was made for chopping but takes avantage of speed rather than weight like the AK does. They both have the same edge profile because they both have the same intended purpose. One good thing about the GS is that with a higher speed blade you can chop them springier vines and saplings without them flexing away from you. Sometimes its hard to cut vines with an AK unless you really pay close attention to the angle you attack it from. I dont have an M43 so cant say nothing there?

Now that I see the pictures of my new Thamar Samsher, I'm glad I took a chance and bought it sight unseen. The handle is different from ndog's, but very similar to a Thamar Dui Chirra that I have and like.

There seems to be quite a bit of variation in the Thamar Samshers. Weights have ranged from 22 oz to 31 oz for the same 18" length. Three different handle types: Chiruwa with dual peened buttplate (ndog's Samsher), standard handle with no butt plate, and standard handle with standard buttplate. Also three different kinds of wood. Even the handle length seems to vary. What they all have in common is Thamar's high quality, and of course the blade itself. The other thing they have in common is that little phallic thing in the middle of the cho, which is pretty much a signature for Thamar. (The only other knife I've seen with that kind of cho is a vintage Longleaf khukuri that I got from Atlantic Cutlery.)

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Well thats interesting. I hadnt noticed those weight differences. Hope i didnt steer ya wrong? 22oz is pretty light for an 18" blade. Thats more like his TC and DC's. Guess i need to go back and look at them others. I like the idea of the traditional handle. I only see one pic? Got me curious now

 

[stwm]

David what did your Samsher weigh? Any more pictures? Trying to decide between a Dui and a Samsher, not easy.

 

[George Azar]

Yeah I went and looked it up... I knew ndog? mentioned that now that I was getting a TC I would be cursed and need the whole Yek, Dui, Tin, Samsher set. You're a great salesman, in this case, a little too good!

Honestly I would've probably died wanting it but a little USPS snarl delayed the TC from coming so my heart is still with another. If I had Thamar's TC in my hand I'm sure the Samsher would've found its way home. Thank God for small miracles!

Nice snag David. It reminds me of a more traditional M43.

All of the amazing blades popping up here lately....

I'm hoping some miracle happens and I get that AK. 15", Kumar, the special handle is a bonus. I was thinking I'd get a 15" CAK or regular AK... I'm intrigued by how it would handle vs. my 18" big heavy chopper M43. I hope to see the handle in person someday, I'm sure the photo doesn't do it justice.

For now I wait by the door for the triangle box on its way like a dopey dog waiting for dad to come home from work, smiling and wagging my tail.

What do you all do with your Tin Chirra? I'm hoping it speaks to me and tells me it wants to be a retirement gift for my Dad.

I know this is an old post but I bought this from Auntie about 1 month ago. She offered it at a great price and thought it might be the same one. 15-16" Ang Khola with beautiful horn handle!

 

[ndoghouse]

Jezzzus!!! You got ripped off big time man! You should sent it to me and I could send you one with a regular black handle without all them distracting stripes and such! They just mess with your head while chopping! Thats a beauty! Reminds me of a tactic I use while playing billiards. Id stand just opposite of the guy about to make a shot but I would line up my cue stick at a certain angle so their sight picture would be messed up while they were aiming. It really messes with the mind and they hadnt a clue cause I invented the trick. Dont tell nobody. Nine out of ten they would miss the shot if you did it right! Aint cheetin cause your just standing there messing with their brain But really that is a fantastic piece there. Cherish it and consider yourself very lucky!

stwm: If you want more of a chopper pick the Samsher. If you want a lighter blade with a thinner edge for carving, light chopping, or general utilitarian use etc. then pick the DC. The Chirras are perfectly capable of some moderate chopping but the Samsher has an even thicker edge even more than the Ang Khola. The Samsher I have has the most obtuse strongest edge I have ever seen or heard of on any HI blade bar none. Id venture to guess its around 40º but thats rough estimate. It would be hard to do fine carving, shaving, or some other fine task with the Samsher. It will however split, obliterate, and totally dismember dang near anything better than anything in the HI lineup that I know of. It does have a bit more drop but so does the Chirras. Chirras are more utilitarian and Samsher is a head lopping beast! The Samsher is generally lighter than the AK's so that is also a consideration as far as chopping ability. Let me know if you need any more info on each!