Got my Bilton...

Andrew Colglazier

Andrew Colglazier

Joined
Sep 14, 2006
Messages
4,409
I ordered a Bilton from HI a few weeks ago. Yangdu notified me that at the time of my order, they had none on hand but one would be sent out to me as soon as one was available. That was fine by me.

I got my new Bilton in the mail yesterday, and it is a fine "little" blade.

The Bilton isn't the smallest khuk HI makes, but it is one of the smallest.

Mine has a horn handle with brass bolster. The blade is fairly plain, 5.25" long measured from the bolster to the point, straigh, the handle is 3.75" measured from the end of the handle to the end of the bolster. That makes 9" total.

The sheath is well made and the knife fits into it snugly. A larger blade may not have to fit so well, but I want a smaller knife that weighs less to stay put unless I want it out.

I made a few superficial modifications - I put a patina on the blade with white viniger; I took some 220 grit sandpaper to the handle and the bolster to knock the shine off; I ground off the top of the handle where it wanted to bite me when the handle was in my hand, then smoothed it up again nicely; I sharpened the blade.

I haven't put the blade through any kinds of tests, no heavy cutting or batoning, nothing more than slicing effortlessly through some typing paper. But so far I am quite happy with this little knife. I think it will be quite servicable.

I know you fellas want pics, but my camera takes crappy pics so I'll spare you.

Nice knife, Yangdu! Thank you very much for another fine product.

Andy
 
Congratulations! Yangdu is more than helpful with this blade acquisiton thing... :)

Enjoy your knife.

Stuart
 
Please share any experiences you have using the Bilton with us... I like to hear what kind of applications they're being put to. Also, let me know if you find a comfy way to grip it during use. ;-)
 
C.S. Graves said:
Please share any experiences you have using the Bilton with us... I like to hear what kind of applications they're being put to. Also, let me know if you find a comfy way to grip it during use. ;-)
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C.S., that's the reason I ground down the point on the top portion of the handle. It is now more or less even with the line of the handle, and can be gripped without having that sharpness dig into your palm!

Andy
 
The Bilton is a really cool little blade. I have the same problem with the handle digging into my hand. It would be great if HI made a Bilton, but with a 4.5 inch long handle.

3/16th's
 
Or even if the handle only flared in front and not in back, that might be workable too. I find if I hold one in hand, my index finger gets close to the cho. Then again, maybe folk have alternative grips depending on the task that could be more comfortable.

My handle is one of the wood ones, so it probably doesn't agitate my hand as bad as a horn and brass butt would.
 
I fully agree with 3/16's suggestion that the handle should be made longer at 4.5". But then the knife will look quite awkward as the blade and the handle lengths are almost similar. Why not increase the blade length to say, 6.5"?
 
Arya said:
I fully agree with 3/16's suggestion that the handle should be made longer at 4.5". But then the knife will look quite awkward as the blade and the handle lengths are almost similar. Why not increase the blade length to say, 6.5"?
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Because then you have something like a Grand Baby Chitlaingi! :D

Andy
 
A little sanding usually solves the problem of the flare on the spine side of the handle biting into the hand. At least it has worked for me. I had the problem with a 15" and a 12" pen knife. In my experience, all that has to be done is to round the point off a bit where it bites - about 1/16" does it. I find that biltons fit my hand great when I hold the but between my ring and pinky fingers.

James
 
I dont know why it was called 'Bilton'... Nobody in South Africa calls it 'bilton'... Its Biltong... Not that I eat it - Im a vegetarian...

:thumbup:
 
Grime said:
I dont know why it was called 'Bilton'... Nobody in South Africa calls it 'bilton'... Its Biltong... Not that I eat it - Im a vegetarian...
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It's funny, but both spellings appear on the HI website. Maybe the G is dropped to distinguish the khuk from a slice o' animal bum.
 
A little sanding usually solves the problem of the flare on the spine side of the handle biting into the hand. At least it has worked for me. I had the problem with a 15" and a 12" pen knife.

Hey James....Which size pen knife is your favorite? ANd why?

Thanks, Wally
 
I was thinking of removing the horn handle on mine; extending the stub tang and putting a stacked leather handle brass salayan style buttcap. The blade is just right for a light duty camp/hunting knife.
 
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