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Full tang handles
- Thread starter danboy357
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sweetcostarica
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Chiruwa means full tang. Any Himalayan Imports (HI) knife can be made using a full tang. Weither the company wants to do this to a particular Knife design is a business decision. In other words why make a knife that only 5% of your customers will buy in a full tang but 95% will buy it with a stick tang. For an answer to this kind of question you really should email Yangdu Martino.
I used to think full tangs were the cat's meow but found out they have their weakness (wrong weight to balance ratio, lack of vibration absorption, many have bad handling characteristics, etc). Also, Gurkhas/Nepalis use and prefer hidden tang or stick tangs Khukuris far, far more. The Chiruwa/full tang is more of a western introduction to the Nepali Khukuri as seen on the British Military Pattern MKII, M43, and MKIII.
Not saying don't get a full tang Kukri just saying the traditional hidden/partial tang and stick tangs are just as good if not better for the way a Kukri is used. Happy hunting danboy357.
I used to think full tangs were the cat's meow but found out they have their weakness (wrong weight to balance ratio, lack of vibration absorption, many have bad handling characteristics, etc). Also, Gurkhas/Nepalis use and prefer hidden tang or stick tangs Khukuris far, far more. The Chiruwa/full tang is more of a western introduction to the Nepali Khukuri as seen on the British Military Pattern MKII, M43, and MKIII.
Not saying don't get a full tang Kukri just saying the traditional hidden/partial tang and stick tangs are just as good if not better for the way a Kukri is used. Happy hunting danboy357.
After handling Sirupatis in the longer lengths I decided to custom order some with Chiruwa handles in various lengths from 18-25" to see if the balance was improved. I just ordered them a few weeks ago so it will be a while until I see them, but yes they probably will do it for you.
I've seen DOTDs with chiruwa handles posted here for many HI models. Some are less common than others, but you can either wait for one to show up and try to shark it here, or email Yangdu with a request, which might also involve waiting if she doesn't have one in stock.
The main exceptions are models that have carved figures at the pommel end, such as the Hanuman Special, where a chiruwa handle probably wouldn't make sense. Typically those are collector models rather than hard-use models, though you can probably get away with using any HI knife within reason. But if you have several khukuris, why would you pick a beautiful museum piece to take camping?
The term "full tang" is used in two different ways. The chiruwa style might be called "fullest tang." Most HI knives have a full tang in the sense that the tang goes all the way through the handle and is peened over at the end. The laha inside the handle plus the peening at the end make this a very secure handle, even though it might not look as strong as the chiruwa style.
I'm partial to chiruwa style myself because I like the look, but I don't think it's necessarily any better or stronger than regular full tang. The main advantage to a chiruwa handle is that it's easier to rehandle if an accident cracks the wood or horn. In a pinch you can wrap it in some kind of cord as a temporary patch. Some people make permanent handles out of cord-wrap.
-- Dave
The main exceptions are models that have carved figures at the pommel end, such as the Hanuman Special, where a chiruwa handle probably wouldn't make sense. Typically those are collector models rather than hard-use models, though you can probably get away with using any HI knife within reason. But if you have several khukuris, why would you pick a beautiful museum piece to take camping?
The term "full tang" is used in two different ways. The chiruwa style might be called "fullest tang." Most HI knives have a full tang in the sense that the tang goes all the way through the handle and is peened over at the end. The laha inside the handle plus the peening at the end make this a very secure handle, even though it might not look as strong as the chiruwa style.
I'm partial to chiruwa style myself because I like the look, but I don't think it's necessarily any better or stronger than regular full tang. The main advantage to a chiruwa handle is that it's easier to rehandle if an accident cracks the wood or horn. In a pinch you can wrap it in some kind of cord as a temporary patch. Some people make permanent handles out of cord-wrap.
-- Dave
Thanks to all three of you. All brought good info. I prefer the chiruwa for a few reasons...
1 I am 5'8" and my fingers are thick but not long and it seems that when a full or "fullest tang" as david put it, blade is used it encourages the craftsman to keep the grip a bit smaller.
2 Again as david mentioned, they are easily repaired
3 In most cases it helps balance out these longer, forward heavy knives. This may not make sense for a chopper but, for me me at least, it certainly does for a self defense weapon.
The vibration comment was a good point though sweetcosta i'll remember that when ordering choppers. I do have a couple Chiruwa Ang Khola's as well as some traditional handle HI choppers including a 65oz Ganga. I was aware that I would have to special order if I wanted certain models in full tang. I just wanted to varify that I could do just that and don't always like pestering Yangdu when I can get multiple viewpoints and hear about personal experiences here. I plan to order several custom khukuri, some in traditionl and some in chiruwa. I just didn't want to place an order for a full tang siru or foxy and get a "Who's this freakin guy think he is" response or anything. I figured I would hear exactly what I have now heard. Thanks again guys!
1 I am 5'8" and my fingers are thick but not long and it seems that when a full or "fullest tang" as david put it, blade is used it encourages the craftsman to keep the grip a bit smaller.
2 Again as david mentioned, they are easily repaired
3 In most cases it helps balance out these longer, forward heavy knives. This may not make sense for a chopper but, for me me at least, it certainly does for a self defense weapon.
The vibration comment was a good point though sweetcosta i'll remember that when ordering choppers. I do have a couple Chiruwa Ang Khola's as well as some traditional handle HI choppers including a 65oz Ganga. I was aware that I would have to special order if I wanted certain models in full tang. I just wanted to varify that I could do just that and don't always like pestering Yangdu when I can get multiple viewpoints and hear about personal experiences here. I plan to order several custom khukuri, some in traditionl and some in chiruwa. I just didn't want to place an order for a full tang siru or foxy and get a "Who's this freakin guy think he is" response or anything. I figured I would hear exactly what I have now heard. Thanks again guys!
sweetcostarica
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Remember it takes time to receive special ordered Kukris from Nepal because of the political situation and other things. I special ordered a HI M43 and it took two (2) months and two (2) weeks to arrive in Anchorage, Alaska. Something to consider.
Regarding reason No. 1, sounds like a traditional Khukuri like a MK1 or a Gurkha Army Kukri (GAK) would fit your hands well. Most Gurkhas and Nepalis have small hands. Take a look at the handles in the Gurkha Museum. And I also bet one of my antique Kukris would fit your hands.
Sounds like you have your heart set on a full tang and that's cool but (IMO) there are some sweet traditional hidden/stick tang Kukris out there looking for a home
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sweetcostarica
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Forgot you said that about having both. I will think about your offer and look around the house to see what might work for you.
sweetcostarica
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I've should just stopped post my last message because I knew that. I got to casual. Sorry Karda and all reading this. Won't happen again .