FAIR MEASUREMENT?

J

Johan van Zyl

Joined
Oct 11, 2000
Messages
372
Khukuris by definition have curved blades. Many of the older types of khukuri have especially pronounced curvature in their blades. Some of these full arc (hanshee) khukuris seem almost to describe a half-circle.

The "correct" current established method of determining the overall length of a khukuri, (according to Khukuri FAQ) is to measure along a straight line from blade tip to the centre of the buttcap. When measuring the overall length of a hanshee-type khukuri by the method prescribed, it seems most UNFAIR. The method seems to be better suited to a more or less straight knife.

To illustrate, consider a straight line 10 cm long. Bend the line in a perfect semi-circle and measure the distance from tip to tip in a straight line. You will arrive at a length of only 6,3 cm, which is a massive reduction of 37%. Yet when measured around the circumference, it is still the same line of 10 cm long. Surely by measuring from tip to tip you have grossly misrepresented (by 37%) the actual length of the line. You have cut the corner, so to speak.

The same holds true for all traditional-style khukuris, albeit certainly to a lesser degree. If you consider a hanshee-type khukuri with a length (by prescribed method) of 38,5 cm, and alternatively measure it with a flexible measuring tape from blade tip to butt edge all along the spine, you arrive at 44,0 cm. To regard the 38,5 cm as the actual length, amounts to a misrepresentation of 12,5%, as compared to the length along the spine.

It is true that the misrepresentation in the case of (for example) an 18 inch AK is only 3,8%. Some might say that's negligible/acceptable. But a good method of measuring overall length should accommodate all types of traditional khukuri, not just some. And in the case of hanshees especially, the misrepresentation is worrying.

Should we as khukuri afficionados not take cognisance of this, and decide on a course of remedial action if in fact there is a problem ?
 
My gosh, it's quiet out there! thanks for keeping the conversation rolling, Johan.

My pet peave is that there is no measurement of the length of the cutting edge. Perhaps this measurement, added to the others, would give us a better way to compare khuk to khuk, or khuk to other knives or short swords.

Patrick
 
I think if you give the blade length (B), handle length (E) , overall length (D), and drop (C) as shown in the kukuuri FAQ diagram you'll have an accurate picture and measurement.
 
I agree to use the Khukuri FAQ measuring technique. that's basically what we do (even though we can be off a bit!).

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Craig Gottlieb
Gurkha House
Blade Forums Sponsor
 
Thanks, Patrick, Berk & Craig. Berk, thanks also for the link - in fact, that diagram is what I've been using ever since I started up with khuks, because I believe you've GOT to have a standard method of measurement which ALL enthusiasts should use. Also, all my (eight) khuks are documented by means of that diagram. Maybe it's BECAUSE I've been actively measuring all styles of khuks in private and museum hands in that fashion lately, that the unfairness of the method, especially in the case of hanshees, has impressed me. Many of you must have measured and documented much more than I.

My opening arguments were not meant to contradict what another has previously stated, but to evoke friendly fisticuffs to boost interest. I say that if the current overall length measurement cannot hold ground on its own, without the assistence of all the other measurements, it MIGHT be regarded by some as a sign of weakness, and then would overall measurement by means of a flexible tape all along the spine up to the buttcap edge not fare BETTER in isolation, and also counter the misprepresentation of length as I tried to proove?
 
Hey, I'm up for a bit of academic pugilism!
I think the FAQ method is fine for relative comparison of khuks, but there's still a few things missing, IMO. Now, I have about 10 years experience as a draftsman, so I'm thinking about the minimum measurements I'd need to re-create knife.

The dimension "A" is split by line "B". I can envision a knife where A and C are the same, but the area of A above B (call it A1) differs. Likewist, the area A2 (under the B line) would be different.

Ideally, If I were to create a technical drawing, I'd want a set of measurements parallel to A at regular intervals. as an alternative, a center and radius to define the curves would be harder to calculate, but easier to draw.

Note Bene: I'm not suggesting this "should" be a standard way of measuring a Khuk, just trying to point out some areas where inaccuracy in a set of descriptions might creep in. I still think measurement along the edge would be helpful.

Let the fisticuffs begin!

Patrick
 
Some of you guys have two much time on your hands.


--Mike L.


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What goes around...comes around.
 
In the world of scientific research there is a saying that as you progress and make findings, you get to know more about less, as the field narrows and you may even approach the molecular level. In the end, when you have concluded your research, you know absolutely everything about nothing! Well, we khukuri afficionados have not come near that level yet, so there still remains a lot to talk (and argue) about. See, we can't even figure out when or where the miniaturised SN1 or "new" cheetlang originated! (Which to me, as interested as I am in the historical background of khuks, is of grave concern.) We must not be afraid to voice our opinions and volunteer advice. If we become lethargic in our quest into khukuris, we might lose GH Bladeforum to other Bladeforums. GH Bladeforum is where it's at - just about everything I know about khuks I learned from GH Bladeforum and Khukuri FAQ. Please, let not the fountain run dry!
 
Johan,
This thread reminded me that when I got my "tourist khukuri" there was a copy of the original technical drawing and the production contract with it. If your interested in getting a copy, email me off forum with your address and I'll scare it up and mail you a copy.

Patrick
 
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