Durba 15" AK report (long)

ACStudios

ACStudios

Joined
Apr 9, 2001
Messages
2,170
Fellow formites,

I have just now realized that I never filed a field report on my 15" Durba AK which was gifted to me a few months ago by an anonomous duck. ... so I submit this report to make up for my lack of. ... well, memory I guess:

This is the first and only Durba khuk that I have. I think it might have even been from his last batch before he decided to take a sabbatical (Uncle, IS Durba coming back??). I really hope he returns, as his workmanship is just stunning.

This AK's fit and finish are excellent. It was offered as a UBDOTD due to a small (very small) fold line near the tip. I would have never noticed it, but thankfully Uncle did and put it up on the board. It is a horn handled version, and this is the first one that I've recieved where the horn/buttcap are perfectly matched! The sheath is from the new sarki, and both fit each other perfectly. ... better than all of my other khuks. The handle is smaller than my other khuks, which concerned me at first, but after working with it, I've grown used to it. In fact, this AK is now my favorite grab and go khuk.

Since I don't have a bunch of wood laying around, and I think the landlord would protest if I chopped up the cabinets, I have been doing my field testing out in the Black Hills. ... The road I go out on is a favorite area for my dogs during the winter, as they have free reign to run and play in the snow. I park at the trail head to Crow Peak, and we hike up the road, which is shut down to traffic during the winter. The forest is predominately Black Hills pine, with Oak, and Quaking Aspen trees.

During the winter, all of the smaller (3" and down) trees along the road get slaughtered by the deer and elk. All you find is a bristle of stump sticking up about 4" out of the ground. However, this provides plenty of different types of wood to experiment with. Plus, it give the dogs a ready made supply of sticks to play with. .. which I have to cut many during our hikes.

My first trip with the AK was a bit of a learning experience. My technique was off, but I'm not sure if that was because I was stooped over, or trying not to smack one of the curious puppies with the khuk (what are you doing. ... and is that for ME???). However, the AK performed admireably even though there was a novice driving. Anything smaller than 1.5" was cut in one good cut. Larger than that, I didn't want to muscle it for fear of hurting myself, or a nosy dog. These I went after with smaller, precise cuts. ... just like a hot knife through butter! The khuk hit exactly where I wanted it too.

Today's trip was much better. The AK taught me just how it wanted to be swung, and we chopped many a stick for the dynamic pooch duo. It didn't matter if the branches were wet, or dry, nor supported very well (springy), hardwood or soft. ...everything fell to the AK with just a few chops! Of course, this made me want to try something larger. ... but the forest service frowns on chopping anything living.

Nothing I tackled either trip dulled the blade any. ... in fact, it is still scary sharp after just using the chakma for a bit. I haven't touched it with a stone yet.

I think this size is almost perfect for a carry khuk too. ... it can be covered by a winter coat, is quick, and extremely reliable. It also fits in the area right next to my seat in the mini van for a handy draw while driving.

To sumerize. ... this AK rocks!!!

:D:D:D

Alan
 
Cool review Alan:)

I know what you mean about nosy dogs! I don't usually take my dog with me when I go out to chop because she dashes into the path of the khuk to get the stick/tree before I'm done:eek:
 
It's a wonder those two hooligans of Al's don't have cropped ears and tails, like Dobermans.:eek:
My old Lab, OTOH, is more sedate and civilized. Her idea of "fetch" is, "I'm over here in the shade. If you want me to do something silly with a stick, bring it here, and I'll think about it".
 
Hmmm, OTOH's a funny name for dog, but I guess thing's is dif-rent down south;):rolleyes:
 
Originally posted by MauiRob
Hmmm, OTOH's a funny name for dog, but I guess thing's is dif-rent down south;):rolleyes:
Click to expand...

Hmmphf!!!!

One of my male Airedale pup's was named Dee Oh Gee.:D
His sister was named Poke Salat Annie.:D

Can you figure out both names?:p

Not intended for the Southern forumites as they will know.;)
 
D.O.G. Dog...

Pork Salad Annie was recorded by Elvis, backed up by J. D. Sumner, Richard Sterban, the Stamps Quartet, Kathy Westmoreland, and another female
vocalist group whose name escapes me at this time...

But I think you're looking for a different answer....
 
Hate to "go South" on you Swede, but that is "Poke Salad Annie". "Poke" be edible greens gathered up in the woods by the wimmin, and brung back the house fo' cookin', in a poke sack. If you have a big enough poke sack, you can have a pig in a poke, but don't buy one :D
 
I can remember my Cherokee Grandmother going out to gather greens with her poke sack. I know it sounds like the sour grapes mumbling of an old fogey but where have those good times gone?
 
Originally posted by Walosi
Hate to "go South" on you Swede, but that is "Poke Salad Annie". "Poke" be edible greens gathered up in the woods by the wimmin, and brung back the house fo' cookin', in a poke sack. If you have a big enough poke sack, you can have a pig in a poke, but don't buy one :D
Click to expand...

Actually Swede being in Colorado isn't far enought north to be considered northern is he Walosi?
I mean I thought for every mile one traveled west that it took off ten miles of goin' north***.;)

And Swede Bro spelled salad quite correctly it isn't pronounced that way. You have to say it "Salat." :)
But you did get everything right as to intent.:D
Poke Salat Annie was also recorded by another group that did it better than everyone else. I'm thinking the Eagles, but am probably wrong.
I probably have it in the collection of old albums I have stored in the cabinet beside me.
Hmmmm, is it possible to transfer them from a turntable to a CD writer?:D

***
Should have added until you get to California and then all bets are off.:rolleyes:
I think the USA should secede from the whole dayumed state!!!!:barf: :p
 
Thanks for the tip, Walosi! Poke - here I was mispronouncing it after all these years....

Thanks Yvsa, but I'm afraid that my past will catch up with me - I'm originally from South Dakota, a helluva lot further north than Colorado... And from the east side of the state at that!!!!! :eek: :eek:

I did spend 6 months in Huntsville, Alabama while in the Army, and found that Southern people are a LOT like people from South Dakota, no BS, honest, friendly. I left Alabama wanting to go back, and that was 20 years ago. I'm starting to feel old.

Oh yeah, we're supposed to be talking about khukuris....

15 inch AK? Sounds great to me. I just got a BAS from a friend north of the border, and am going to try and break it this weekend. Gonna take my son into the forest and attack some dead trees.

Yes, Yvsa, you CAN turn your records into CD's with the right equipment. I haven't done it, but do know people that have. Eagles. Didn't know about that. I'm actually not a big Elvis fan, but am a big bass singer fan, which is why I know about JD and Richard. I have noticed that you haven't had any takers, and still haven't said what PSA means, unless Walosi covered it.... :D
 
Swede,

You had a special dispensation there for a minute. ... until you mentioned you were from the EAST side of SD :p . Us WEST River folk are much closer to the south than the big city slickers back east :D.

All that talk about salat done got me hungry. ... it is almost time for breakfast too...

Alan
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top