Every wonder how HI keeps quality consistently high? Visit shop 1 and find out.

Bill Martino

Bill Martino

Joined
Mar 5, 1999
Messages
34,096
Should have been ever instead of every in the title but I don't know how to change the title. Anyway if you want to take a look at how we do it down at shop one then click here.

members.aol.com/nepalkamis/shop1.html

Uncle Bill

[This message has been edited by Bill Martino (edited 27 April 1999).]
 
A question I have everytime I use a H.I. khukuri.

Compared to modern manufacturing methods the shop appears quite backwards.

I guess it comes down to the people making the khukuri and the people checking for quality.

A job well done.

Will
 
Equipment is no substitute for skill and attitude. It can at the very most reduce the time required and at worst lower the quality as you lose connection to the work.

-Cliff
 
Bill, I recall asking you this sometime ago but I cannot locate the post or remember your exact answer.

When a khukuri is made do different people do different things. I seem to recall that you have the best people at their chosen tasks for example someone does the handle, someone else does the blade, someone else does the scabbard.

Am I mixed up or is this how it goes?

-Cliff

[This message has been edited by Cliff Stamp (edited 28 April 1999).]
 
You are right, Cliff. That master kami you see edging the 20 inch Ang Khola (that might be the one you have) will never touch a scabbard, nor will he make a bolster and buttcap. His value lies in making that blade the best that can be made. And, herein lies the difference between the HI khukuris and the village khukuris. The village kami will be a master kami of varying individual skill but he will have to make everything himself and just because he can forge a good blade does not mean that he can sew leather or work beautiful brass.

And, Will, take a look at Nara's shop. It has less then shop 1 but he will put out a blade that is as tough as an HI blade. It won't be as polished but it will do anything an HI blade will do. As Cliff pointed out correctly, it is a matter of skill and attitude.

The advantage that shop 2 will have is some power tools. Kami has lived in the US for perhaps a year total and knows how to use a power drill, grinding wheel, and other small hand power tools. It will be a great help.

Uncle Bill
 
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