Got my Chiruwa, my impressions ...

G

GYMBOOEE

Joined
Apr 26, 2002
Messages
207
I received my Chiruwa 16.5-inch AK, and I want to thank Uncle for the speedy service.

Here are my initial impressions. It really is a beautiful knife. The initials on the blade are L.B. with a half-moon. Is that Bura? One of the best kamis? Kool! Correct me if I'm wrong.

However, I have a concern. The HI website advertises the Chiruwa as a blade that measures out at a massive 1/2-inch in thickness. But, the one I received is no wider than my other 15-inch AK's--which all measure 3/8-inch thick.

Overall, I think I expected a "heavier and beefier" knife--a chopping monster that somewhat dwarfs my 15-inch AK's--not in length, but in weight. I am not sure yet if I'm dissapointed or not, because if it were too heavy, I might not enjoy lugging it around the woods.

Anyway, I wonder if the HI website deserves a change in description. Instead of advertising the Chiruwa as a 1/2-inch thick blade, maybe it should say 3/8-inch.

Thoughts?
 
Yep, L.B. is Lal Bahadur, but his nickname is Bura. You're lucky to have a 3/8" thick khukuri, as many of HI khuks are overengineered to be much, much stronger than they ought to be. This means extra weight, which shouldn't even be there. Apparently Bura, being the grandmaster smith he is, knows better and thus made your chiruwa less thick than usual. 3/8" thick is PLENTY tough for whatever you might throw at it, believe me.
 
GYMBOOEE, Bura was probably making the Chiruwa the way he wanted it to be.

I have a 15" AK with a 1/2 spine. It's a small monster and weighs in at about 1.8 pounds. I'm sure if you would like a thicker AK Uncle Bill would be more than happy to exchange it.
 
posting from my unit now, where the keyboard works. Got some stuff to take care of; we leave tonight for the field until the 19th.

I love my Chiruwa. Who made it is a mystery; it's unmarked. Now unrecognizable, too...I blackened the pommel, pulled the chape off from the scabbard, wrapped the handle with gutted parachute cord, and put a nice condiment patina on the blade. She's nice and tactical now!

The 550 cord wrap on the handle adjusted the balance slightly. I like it better now...mine's one of the 1/2-inchers.
 
Like all our khukuris these vary in thickness and weight. Probably should say this on the website but it has become so sophisticated I can't make changes to it anymore.
 
Recently I got a chiuwa with the same dimensions and believe you are going to love it. This length and weight of khuk is what I was looking for all along. Also, I got a WWII by Bura which is 1/2" longer and 1/2 lb. lighter than advertised, and it makes alot of sense. When Bura deviates from specs, the results are outstanding.
 
GYM, I know what going on in your mind, but know that you have one TOUGH blade. I'm sure the guarantee still holds. I don't specify weight when I order, I like to be surprised...knowing that Uncle Bill is not going to want me to keep something I don't like. I received an 18" Chitlangi that weighs in right at 16 ounces; lighter than ususal, but the results are astounding. This thing feels self-propelled when you move it around. And this blade was made by Sher who makes beefy blades. Almost every one of my khuks varies from the specs a little, but that's part of the fun of a handcrafted khuk. ;)

I don't think that there's anything between Bandera and New Braunfels that can stand up to a Chiruwa AK.:D
 
I would not worry if Bura made any blade for me. I have three blades made by the man and they truly are works of art. My 15" AK has done an awful lot of work. I don't like the idea of mistreating one of my khuks but, for out and out work I'd put it up against any other knife with a total length of 15"s.

Your Khukuri will take one hail of a beating and keep on ticking. Barring bad steel somehow I don't think you have a thing in the world to worry about. If I am not mistaken the only blades that I remember hearing about that failed was made at the peek of the maoist hell raising and the Kami's were all a bit on edge worrying about there families and their own safty. It is a bit hard to work at any thing when you never know when some clown is going to toss a grenade into the shop where you work. Even at that there were very few that failed.:) :)
 
If you guys feel I should trust Bura at whatever he makes, then I will certainly do so. Also, I want to thank everyone for their excellent input. It makes a new person feel welcome here.
 
Does the para-wrap really feel that good in extended use? I was thinking about going in that direction but if it is mainly cosmetic, I'll try to bicycle wrap. I"m in the first stages of mods for a khukri--bought off eBay--it appears to be about 40-60 years old. (Two small bladed knives, not the 'sharpener' that I usually see them with.) Worked for about three hours last night reshaping the edge--it had several craters in the edge almost the diameter of coat hanger wire.

Any other experience on reworked handles/wraps that don't actually raise blisters in use--unlike the handles that come on them.
Thx,
Leo in Florida
 
dovergroup, you've summoned up a thread from over three years ago -- you might be better off starting a 'fresher' one -- this is past its expiry date. Have a look through the tips and tricks sticky up at the top and you might find something you like.
 
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