First Khukuri

Metalsmith · Mar 13, 2015

Good day all,

First off I would like to thank Yangdu for the help and putting up with my emails.

I just finished my first transaction with HI and received a chitlangi done by Kumar I believe. Please let me know if I am incorrect. I have a few questions which though they may be answered somewhere I do not remember seeing them. First what is used to finish the wood handles? Second is there a way to force the two wooden halves of the sheath back together after warping? Third I see that there are some forumites who have made leather sheaths of a more everyday nature. If anyone has suggestions as to styles or makers I would appreciate it. Please feel free to PM any suggestions if you would prefer.

And because if there are no pics it didn't happen....

Based on my understanding this would be a newer Kumar piece, correct?

Dirtbiker · Mar 13, 2015

It's a new Kumar but he hasn't lost a step, that's a beautiful Kukri.

We have several leather benders here. Pugs75, wildmanh, plus many more.

Gehazi · Mar 13, 2015

great looking knife!

ndoghouse · Mar 14, 2015

Man that is beautiful! What is the length? It looks like about 17.5 inches? Yes Kumar is the Kami. Cant get much better than that! Thanks for the pics. Made a believer outta me:thumbup:

First what is used to finish the wood handles?

Not sure what the Kamis use but if you can find Boiled linseed oil (BLO) or even mineral oil just wipe it down with that to maintain the finish.

Second is there a way to force the two wooden halves of the sheath back together after warping?

Not sure what you mean here but if you could get a pic of the affected area im sure we could help you with it. Is the blade loose in the sheath? sometimes they need to be tightend up.

Third I see that there are some forumites who have made leather sheaths of a more everyday nature.

Already answered but I have to add that the leather benders here on the forum that offer their services are superb and awesome friendly folks. I recommend them highly.

Welcome to the forum! Chop something and tell us what you think of that Chitlangi. I have a few myself. Congrats on a fine first choice!

Metalsmith · Mar 14, 2015

ndoghouse said:
Man that is beautiful! What is the length? It looks like about 17.5 inches? Yes Kumar is the Kami. Cant get much better than that! Thanks for the pics. Made a believer outta me:thumbup:

Yangdu quoted 17.5" and 24 oz. Though point to tang button is 18.5 and bottom of butt cap is 17.5.

Not sure what the Kamis use but if you can find Boiled linseed oil (BLO) or even mineral oil just wipe it down with that to maintain the finish.

I'll give that a try there are a couple of knicks on the Karda and Chackmak handles which that should take care of. Though my primary concern was because I am going to remove some sharp edges and burrs from the butt cap, and I know I will end up touching the wood handle when I do it.

Not sure what you mean here but if you could get a pic of the affected area im sure we could help you with it. Is the blade loose in the sheath? sometimes they need to be tightend up.

I'll post the best picture I currently have. Please note the very small rip in the leather below the edge of the blade, and how the light reflects in that area. I know it's not a great picture but if you also look at the same area in the first picture I posted you might see hoe the there is a gap in the two wood halve in that area that is hidden y the leather. When placing the blade back into the sheath the tip (very sharp) wants to slide between the two halves and out the side. I noticed this when I met resistance and saw the tip starting to exit out the side. The resulting slit is tiny, maybe a 16th long and can avoid the spot knowing its there. I can also glue it shut if it starts to open up.

Already answered but I have to add that the leather benders here on the forum that offer their services are superb and awesome friendly folks. I recommend them highly.

Thanks I saw the thread started by Karda, but was interested in what worked for those who have used a leather sheath. I noted that there are a few different designs. I also noted the kydex sheaths but though I could make my own which might be fun, kydex doesn't match these knives. To me there is a beauty in the hand crafted "low tech" which just does not blend well with the "high tech" kydex.

Welcome to the forum! Chop something and tell us what you think of that Chitlangi. I have a few myself. Congrats on a fine first choice!

thank you,

All of you have unknowingly helped me choose not only this style for my first Kuk, but HI as the vendor of choice. I do fairly extensive research when I make purchases and I have been interested in a khukruri for longer than I realized until recently I was reminded of my desire. The playful banter here on the forums while obviously being fans of HI was nice to see. But something you don't often see is customers offering to donate to those they are making purchases from to help in one way or another increase the kami's standard of living. This sealed the deal as it were because, well...it felt right. So my hat is off to Uncle Bill for starting something that I can support and to Yangdu for carrying on...

Bawanna · Mar 14, 2015

I believe Karda one time said the kami's don't use any finish at all, anything on the handle would just be polishing media of some sort.

I'd clean up, smooth off or whatever you need to do and throw linseed oil on it. That's my preference, some like Tung oil, some just mineral oil.

Karda · Mar 14, 2015

Bawanna said:
I believe Karda one time said the kami's don't use any finish at all, anything on the handle would just be polishing media of some sort.

I'd clean up, smooth off or whatever you need to do and throw linseed oil on it. That's my preference, some like Tung oil, some just mineral oil.

Correct.
And some like birchwood-casey tru-oil or a min-wax product. It's largely a matter of preference of product. As long as it does no harm, hydrates and preserves...no one is wrong.

Moonw · Mar 14, 2015

I touched up the handle badly by mistake trying to sand off some stubborn red rust that developed on the exposed side of the full tang due to my neglect. Of course it looked bad and much lighter, I was sure I compromised the handle and that I needed to work a litte on it. However, I put on some WD 40 and now it looks like new.

Metalsmith · Mar 14, 2015

Wonderful simple is best and I do like the color of the wood.

You know even though I read it; it is amazing how comfortable the handle is. You can feel how parts that appear ornamental actually serve a purpose.

ndoghouse · Mar 14, 2015

Metalsmith said:
Wonderful simple is best and I do like the color of the wood.

You know even though I read it; it is amazing how comfortable the handle is. You can feel how parts that appear ornamental actually serve a purpose.

Absolutely! Theres good reason those features are still around after so many years of Khukri evolution. I cant imagine using one without the handle ring.

OK I see what your talking about as far as the tip wanting to exit there between the wood. First off practice sheathing the blade with some pressure from the spine against the sheath just like you would when you pull it out properly.The tip may then try to dig in on the spine side but you can adjust to prevent that as well. Theres a sweet spot to slip the blade in without digging the tip in on each side. Make sure you keep your fingers clear of the edge side when sheathing and drawing.
Second and I havent tried this yet but i have read from others that you can get the whole sheath wet and let it dry out and when it dries out the leather will shrink and pull the wood pieces together. Blade removed of course. Its still good to manage the tip as you sheath and draw but it will help to tighten it up.

I want a sheath made for my 21" Chilangi someday as well. I have used Pugs75's services before on other blades and he does fabulous work. I dont know what his workload looks like nowadays? From the looks of the other craftsmens work here I think you'd do well with any of them. Take a browse through the stickies at the top under craftsmen to get some ideas.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1070657-Sheathmakers-Craftsmen-of-Bladeforums

Here is my latest from Pugs. Its quality beyond belief and classy as heck!