Does this khukuri exist?

J

JOE68

Joined
Jan 18, 2011
Messages
130
When I first looked at the khukuri dynamics page in the links, the Salyan style blade was the one that jumped out at me the most.
Not seeing it in the on-line catalog I figured that it wasn't made anymore.
It is in the HI logo so I figured it was made at one time.
Does anyone have a Salyan style blade?
How much does the "average" one way?
Do the kamis still make that style blade?
If they do, and the cash comes in, I will send an email to Yangdu.
I think that I would like it around 18", between 32-38 ounces, the forge scale still left on in true villager style, with a dark satisal wood handle and white metal bolster and end cap.
Is this just a dream or do you think I can turn it into reality?
 
The HI logo khukuri was a gift to Bill from a friend. It is quite small. Maybe 12 or 13 inches. HI did some reproductions a while back. I think I have one but couldn't swear to it because I'm seperated from most of my knives at the moment.

I also have a larger Salyan coming in around 16 or 17 inches that was a gift to me from HI. I received it at a time I was too tangled up in the little dramas of my life to do a review. It is a unique piece and usually stands guard duty in my bedroom. That one does not do utility work. I'll try to get some shots of it in 10 days or so when I have my next chance.

... Now that I think of this, someone asked for a larger Salyan before. The kamis did their own special interpretation. Search the forum or the archive for "Super Salyan." I'm not sure if any pictures will be left since the old website crashed. If you're lucky you'll be able to find pictures.
 
Thanks for the info.
I looked through the archives quickly and came across a picture of one that almost fits what I consider to be the "classic" khukuri.
It isn't a pipe dream, but it may be difficult to get exactly what I am looking for.
Since I am no artist, I'll have to delve deeper and get a bunch of pictures that come really close and then try to tweak from there.
If my 18" ATSK was a little wider, had just a bit more belly, and angled like the Salyan it would be very close to what I envision.
 
Draw it up or describe it properly. Ask Aunt Yangdu. tadaa! (pay for what you get, just fair) I did it and got more than I paid for. :thumbup:

Custom orders cost a bit more. As well they should.

It's a good place where good people work. I've spent more for less, and I mean that in more ways than one.
 
The only salyans I have are the Uncle Bill Memorial "Salyan Specials" in 12, 15 and 18 inches. Those are beautiful knives.

I don't know much about the older Salyans. The one "Super Salyan" I've seen was definitely old school very heavy with a very thick spine. Personally I thought it was a bit too heavy, but YMMV (this from a guy who is keeping an 18" 49 oz. AK with 3/4" thick spine) ;). I was inspired by many older HI blades to try and track one down, but not so the SS.

The UB Salyans on the other hand are beautiful tributes to Uncle Bill and very well done, with unique chos and a lot of care put into them.

BTW, to me the crossed knives in the HI Logo have always looked like Royal Kothimodas. The one the Gurkha is holding edge up is a fat Dui Chirra very much like a 16" or 17" Foxes Folly.

Here are some specs on the UB Memorial Salyans I've collected:

12.5" 12 oz.
12.5" 13 oz.
15" 16 oz.
15" 17 oz.
15" 18 oz.
15.5" 19 oz.
18" 23 oz.
18.5" 24 oz.

If you want one at 18" and 2 lbs., which would be a great user, then ask Yangdu. As you can see the memorial knives ran a bit lighter in the larger sizes.

I'm sure they can do one to your specs, that would be based on the Memorial Salyan style. I have some pictures somewhere I can put up soon.

Regards,

Norm
 
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One of those 15" memorial Salyans sounds like it would suit me fine. Looking forward to pics.
 
UB Memorial Saylan 12.25inch and 11ounces by Bura originally from the collection of the late Brian Katz (Bri in Chi) donated by Mrs Katz in a fund raiser for Dr Ram's medical training; photographed by Ferguson, and who also took on finding and organising funding for Ram after Uncle Bill's death, and purchased by myself two years ago:

HIUncleBillMemorialSalyan11ounces12.jpg
 
I knew bruce wouldnt be able to resist posting a pic of that beautiful salyan. Take a looky folks....this is as close to Uncle bills original Salyan that has ever been made. The royal kami was responsible for the majority of the memorial salyans and it was a labor of love and respect for him. The two old masters had a mutual respect and love for each other that transcends into the etherial. I happen to have a similar one in black buffalo horn that is as close to perfect as you'll ever see. Beautiful lines and curves and abnormally fine workmanship....done so well that you'd think the old man spilled his tears all over them in the process. My Salyan was my first and is still my favorite khukuri.
 
Hi JOE. The UB Memorial Salyans normally turn up around the date that Bill Martino passed on which was March 28. Last year there were 12-15" available. Keep checking around that date and you may find one available.
 
Thank you for the reminder, Stickfred. This particular anniversary is special to us and is only 3 days away. I am not sure if there will be any salyans this year because of all the hardships recently, but one can hope.
 
Wasn't the Kami Kancha khukuri very close in profile? That looked like a cool khuk.
 
Here are some pics of another. I can't get to it at the moment to get specs, but it does "fill the hand" more than any of my other Khuks.
 

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