Different Smith - Different Interpretation?

S

spence

Joined
Jan 11, 2002
Messages
533
Or why does the 18" GS look completely different from the 21" GS?

Well, my HIKV has been very active, and I've bitten at a couple of Pala's give aways. The result has been two skinny packages in the last two weeks. One contained an 18" GS by Bura. The other contained a 21" GS marked with the Nepali flag (Kesar? Durba?). Anyway, when I removed the larger GS from its scabbard, I noticed right away that it was radically different from the 18"er.

Yes, they have the forged fuller/recess on both sides of the blade, plus the same heart-shaped cho. But the blade-shape of the Bura GS is essentially that of a Kobra, with virtually no "belly" and a Kobra-style point. It feels and moves like a Kobra, too.

The large blade is essentially a Sirupati, with the same curves in the same places. Not surprisingly, it also swings like a Sirupati.

My question is how did the two kamis come up with such different interpretations of the same knife? Variations are understandable in hand-forged blades. But the two smiths clearly had very different visions in mind when they made these knives. Has anyone else come across this phenomenon? Are some of the kamis more prone to making a given blade shape regardless of what variety the khuk happens to be?

S.
 
Back down the hall for some comparisons - My 18" GS (Bura) next to a 14" Sirupati (J&P) is the same blade, with the exception of the full-length fuller and a little less belly/more point. The blade angle is the same (they will nest without touching, spine of the smaller one along the edge of the larger). No answers from here, but a couple of things to consider - The different lengths are all over Nepal, but BirGorkha is the only shop to offer sizes in each style they make. This has to have some influence on the day-to-day output of the kamis, and after making "x-teen" Sirupatis in a row, something has to stick when they shift to something very similar. Also, unless I've mis-read my FAQs and Ps, the Kobra was another BirGorkha knife, from the hand of Kumar (like Sanu and the UBE). And, just to keep things interesting, Howard's pics of the Udhaipur villager, which was the model for the GS, show that the kamis have stayed pretty true to form on it. Who is to say that the original kami at Udhaipur wasn't approached at one time by someone from farther east with a Sirupati - "Make me one like this, but lighter - eng chirra - and pointy, so I can stab, too". All of the styles originated with an idea to fit a need, and became popular beyond their village or district origins, and as they overlapped another blade's "area of influence" must have had an influence on that blade as well. In this vein, it is a wonder that they all have the same bent blade. Except that some of the bends are curves. Does that help? :D
 
The simple answer is that there is no simple answer.

If you want to speculate, ask the khukuri itself "why"? Maybe it will answer you eventually, if you take the time to learn it's ways rather than trying to make it into something it is not.

Then again, if you aren't inclined to accept mysticism as a means of gnosis, fageddaboudit.
 
Wal:

You may be right about the "x-teen Sirupati" factor. Since the pics I've seen of the GS all look very like the Sirupati, maybe it would be more accurate to say the "x-teen Kobra" factor in this case.

Or, maybe Bura was bored, as Bill suggests, and decided to make a Kobra/GS-hybrid. Either way, I really like the blade. To use Yvsa-speak, it disappears in the hand.

Rusty:

When these knives start speaking to me, I'll know it's time to increase my medication.

S.

PS. I wish to make the unequivocal statement that the comparison of the two GS khuks with each other and with the various photographs posted on the HI and FAQs sites does not comprise "RESEARCH" in any way.
 
When this thread first appeared, I had just ordered the same two knives in a 24-hour period. My 18" Bura GS arrived today, I anticipate the 21" Kesar GS (PGA #2 from 2/26) to arrive tommorow. Don't know if I'll have anything significant to add here, but I'll post my comments when it does.
Comparing the 18" GS to my only other khuk, a 16.5" chiruwa AK, is like comparing yin to yang. One insists on chopping, the other on dancing.

Wouldn't have it any other way.
 
yawn!MUMBLE! who dares to wake the Cave with this insane chattering!
You "RANK" beginners,AND that UPSTART Rog,"just don't get it DO YOU??
TIPPY TOE AROUND IT,IGNORE IT,ETC."OR" those of you that are literate & NOT CON ARTISTS(well,guess that leaves,Rus,Wal,THAT NDN,Blues,Rog,PAXTON,OUT IN THE COLD)AC,there is hope for you,it's called "RESEARCH"!!Rog. here's a tip, go get Webster's(it's a book Rog.,called a DICTIONARY)GET HELP LOOKING UP THE WORD research!!THERE AIN'T NO HIKV,pant ,pant!Uncle,I am now returning to the Cave,page me if any M43'S come in or a nice 18"Sirip! Sigh ,I briefly came out of RETIREMENT for this!!Rog, the ONLY way you will see a M43 is IF I allow it!hee!Uncle STILL has a blank ck,here's a hint. So you know a M43 CAME & went,Uncle will post GTF!bWAAAA!BUNCH OF AMATUERS,TRYING TO STEAL MY k'S!
jim :cool:
 
Jammin' and Scammin', Moanin' and Groanin', Growlin' and Prowlin'....Sure an' the water must have risen in the cave, with the rains an' all, an' all. HEE!
 
I looked up Troglodyte, Irascible, and Subterranean. They all referred to you Tsimi. "Dog Taco Breath" was not there by the way. Paxton has an appropriate GIF I suppose.
I know all about the dictionary, I sent my students to it when I taught. I know, I know, me teaching....:barf:

I've been holding off on the blank check. It's more fun to get a deal out from under your nose. It may take more time, but I'd like to see your blood pressure reading when it happens.:eek:

When I see your posts, I fondly remember my steel Durba. That you missed.

I'll know if you've gotten a khuk when Uncle Bill types GTD/CTB (Gone To Dog/ Cat Taco Breath)
 
Originally posted by Walosi
Jammin' and Scammin', Moanin' and Groanin', Growlin' and Prowlin'....Sure an' the water must have risen in the cave, with the rains an' all, an' all. HEE!
Click to expand...
I'd say Tsimi's version of the infamous chapi backed up instead. The smell wouldn't bother him that much tho' because the gaseous emanations from his Tacos would be worse.:barf:

The problems with caves don't happen in the mountains. Of course Tsimi doesn't worry about avalanches either.
 
Uncle,
I understand!However we must make allowances for Rog, unlike us he is NOT eating Porterhouse Steaks,Prime Ribs, Smoky melt in your mouth ribs etc.(standard fare at the Cave)! It's my fault I never should have "let" him acquire that Durba! When you asked me if I wanted it ,I said naw, let this"one" go to the "that person"! I knew I was creating a monster,now you remind me of Wal!You just had to bring up Paxton didn't you??Him & THAT DUCK :barf: (SHUDDER)! Uncle,you NEVER told me there were more like WAL!:barf: :mad: :p
JIM
 
Originally posted by spence
Rusty:

When these knives start speaking to me, I'll know it's time to increase my medication.

S.
Click to expand...

Naw, it's time to increase the medication when you find yourself getting into long arguments with your khuk and you start regularly losing the arguments. The increased medication doesn't stop your losing the arguments, but it does help you to not care so much when you lose.
 
I used to be a happy, fun kind of guy.
But people said I wasn't quite right.
So I went on meds.
on.jpg
Medications made me stable ...and booring :(
off.jpg
Then I found the Cantina. Life is better now ...off meds :)
 
Paxton,
YOU ARE "LOONEY TUNES"! MEDS DO NOT HELP PEOPLE THAT ARE "NUTS"!Lord help me ,I'm trying to reason with Paxton!!
jim:(
 
it's time to increase the medication when you find yourself getting into long arguments with your khuk and you start regularly losing the arguments. The increased medication doesn't stop your losing the arguments, but it does help you to not care so much when you lose.

Dulls the pain, I assume.

Just remember, boys and girls - "better living through chemistry".

S.
 
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