Double-edged khukuri, anyone?

[Seax]

This might have been discussed before, but I have yet to see any postings on this topic:

Have any of you guys ever seen or heard of a double-edged khukuri?

I do not know if this idea is a practical one, it's more like the result of my curious mind. You see, I have long been in love with fighters with this type of blade, and would love to see one on a khukuri. That is; a blade with a khukuris distinctive feel and balance, combined with an edge on top of its angled spine. I have made some sketches, and I think it looks pretty. If anybody out there is interested, I would post them.

It's not that I don't find the khukuri a formidable enough weapon as it is, but the shape of the blade lends itself to the use of a hacking motion. That motion can make the tip of the blade come down almost like a thrust. If the blade had a double edge, this would result in a scary capacity for penetration ( in a combat situation ). It would also make the knife very handy for reverse strikes ( not having to turn the knife to make contact with an edge ). I guess the Nepalese people are a practical people, and that they didn't have the luxury of designing a weapon-only knife.


I hope I don't step on somebody's toes concerning traditional khukuri design with this idea. I would also apologise if anybody find this idea a bit aggressive. I'm just trying to start a discussion on the subject. So, any comment would be much appreciated.

By the way: Craig, the new Afghan khukuri looks AWSOME.

Seax


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Walk on.

[This message has been edited by Seax (edited 12-09-2000).]

 

[Chris S.]

Straighten this one out...

And you get this...

Craig, any hope this could come to fruition?

 

[Lt. Dan]

Seax, do go ahead and post your drawings. This is an idea whose time may yet come someday. While old news for the old users, I'll still discuss some basics needed for discussion. All forumites who can improve on this, please feel free. (I'm also here to learn.)

One issue that crops up is how to draw and re-sheath it safely. The method of riding the blunt spine of the traditional blade along the top scabbard edge would be tricky for the hand holding it with a double edger. Since there are 2 halves of wood held together by thin buffalo hide, and a risk of the sharp blade edge cutting through, the fingers shouldn't encircle the sheath.

Another way of drawing requires a rather loose-fitting sheath and only one hand. If the knife is worn on the back side of the hip, the handle can be grabbed and whole rig can be turned parallel to the floor and twisted so the blade edge faces away from you, then the khukuri can be drawn with the blunt spine riding against the sheath and rump. It can be done well without looking.

Either way, the blunt spine serves functions of safety and speed in drawing. A double edge would need a different drawing method; something I would want to keep an eye on.

Well, maybe there is more to it. What if the back of the blade was only a false edge, not fully sharpened (dull) but not blunt? Perhaps if only a short distance from the tip was double-edged. It may not be necessary to have much of the spine edged, due to the blade angle and grip used.

I wonder how much backhand use is practical, but a thrusting motion would be a nice option to have for those with a tactical viewpoint. There are pluses and minuses both with and sans the blunt spine. I wonder how close we can get to having the advantages of both.

Chris, you nailed me again with your graphics! I'm going to have to start expecting the unexpected every time you post. I like the modern knife and it reminds me of some of the better traditional blades.

May you be well and blessed....Dan

 

[ArchAngel]

What you are wondering is if a Nepalese made Smatchet is possible? That might be interesting. The Smatchet is a cool blade design. It would probably be cheaper to own that the new Boker version to come out, and likely allot stronger to boot with the thick stock usually used in Khukkuri manufacture, not to mention that the Nepalese blades would actually be of forged construction. A large plus. I wonder if there would be a large interest insuch a tool. Something to think on.!

 

[Seax]

Chris and Dan: I'm very happy to se that your creative minds have some interest in this.

I have not given much thought to safety, but all your points are well taken Lt. Dan. Maybe a rig by Edgeworks could solve our problem. The rig could be so designed as to be worn on the hip, just like the one for the WWIII-model. Maybe the scabbard could have an open back, running from the top of the scabbard, down to the point where the blade angles; where the top edge starts. I believe this is a technique partially used on the already existing Edgeworks-scabbard. A nylon strap could keep the blade in place, and the scabbard tight. There would also ( again as on the Edgeworks rig ) have to be a strap/laces to secure the tip of the scabbard to some part of the body, keeping the scabbard in a rigid position. I'm quite sure anyway that the problem has a solution somehow.

Anyway, thanks a lot Lt. Dan, for lending me your insight on this, and Chris; that straightened khukuri is quite awesome!

Perhaps we should search the net for inspiration, looking for a good scabbard-design.

I also like your idea Dan, that the edge might be a false one.

I'll give these topics some thought, and post some drawings in my next reply/post.

Keep up the good work!


Seax


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Walk on.

[This message has been edited by Seax (edited 12-10-2000).]

 

[Seax]

Thanks for joining in ArchAngel!

Got any ideas concerning the scabbard?

Seax

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Walk on.

 

[Craig Gottlieb]

Seax: Don't ever for a minute think that we're so sensitive here that you'd step on our toes by making a great suggestion!

You're welcome to express your ideas here - good or "bad" - but yes, that is possible. It'll have to wait until the first quarter of next year. We have the rest of the WWIIIs coming back here on Monday. They'll be shipped off immediately to the new handle guy for finishing. I think he'll be able to turn them out in about a month.

When that's over, I have the "Ken Onion" khukuri project still in the hopper. Once that's done, I don't see why a double sided khukuri can't be tried.

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Craig Gottlieb
Gurkha House
Blade Forums Sponsor

 

[Seax]

Thanks Craig!

I`m glad to get this opportunity to share a true passion, whith you guys.

And Craig: I truly respect the service you provide to us forumites/knife-nuts. The GH-forum is what got me started to communicate this way( by the internet ), and you make this possible.

I just feel I have to be cautious, until I know more about the rules, that is all.


Seax

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Walk on.



[This message has been edited by Seax (edited 12-11-2000).]