Gs, Ak, Wwii ???

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Diomedesbc

Joined
Oct 29, 2002
Messages
13
These different styles don't seem that different. I mean the differences seem very subtle. Can anyone shed some light on these differences for me? I've done some reading of the FAQ page and the archives but I"m still not clear.
 
Welcome to the forums.

The differences between some of the styles are hard to appreciate from a two dimesional photo. The real difference is in the weight is distributed on the blade.

n2s
 
All the HI khuks are hand forged which means that every khuk will be different even if by the same kami (smith) and there are several kamis. A BAS should be 15" and weigh 1&1/4 lb. or 20 ozs. A 15" AK should be the same length and weigh 1&1/2 lbs. or 24 ozs. I grabbed an oversized BAS that came in at 16" and 23 ozs. and shortly after a 15" AK blem that was actually 15" and 22 ozs. The good news is that all kamis at HI do exceptional work.

Better news is what you'll discover when you hold your first khuk. That each kami somehow puts something of himself into the hammering out and forging and finishing of
every khuk. And you can feel the difference. These are not mass produced assembly line soulless sterile objects. They have a presence to them.
 
Thanks. It seems that the WWII style has a curve all the way thru the blade down to the handle, but the AK just in the blade. Is this true?
 
You may be confusing the WWII and M43, which would be easy to do since the M43 design was used in the war IIRC. The M43 typically has a constant curve through the blade and handle. The WWII typically has only one angle point, and the handle relatively straight. The AK typcially has one angle point, but is usually thicker than a WWII of the same length, and has the fullers.

You can see in the picture below, of my mid-sized khuks:
5_KS2.jpg

From top to bottom:
M43 (approx 17") by Murali (note curve, although this is one of the straighter M43s I have seen)
20" WWII-villager by Kumar
18" WWII by Kesar
18" WWII by Bura (note abrupt angle change, no curve.)
18" AK by Sanu (note fullers)

The GS to me is typically much thinner in the belly. I consider the GS, Sirupati, and Kobra to be all in one group, while the WWII, AK are in another.
 
Pisi, those khuks don't look like they have been used much, if at all. A picture of mine would show that some of them are well used. Can't get away from the scuff marks on the blades when cutting hard wood.:)
 
What you see is what you get.

As stated previously, all the kamis execute the styles slightly differently--curves, angles, thickness, and other factors.
In extreme cases they might not look like quite the same knife.
And on top of that, one kami may, sometimes, for whatever reasons,
execute the same style in two or more flavors.
That's why I prefer to buy from the forum offers.
When you see the picture you know if a particular blade is appealing to you.

I prefer blades with smooth curves and distinct fullers.
Others like angles best with no fullers.
It's all personal.

In general:
The more weight forward the more the blade is meant to be a chopper.
The narrower blades feel more like weapons to me.
That said, any blade will work for any use, within limits.
But it will take your feeling one in your hand
before you know what you really like.

Start with what looks appeal to you.
Consider chop vs weapon vs all-round.
Since your membership level can't currently do searches,
read back through the forums and archives looking for all the
subjects mentioning the blades of interest.
To see Bill's offers over the months,
"Show Threads" from the beginning,
the click over "Thread Starter" to sort,
then page down to all of Bill's posts--most are offers.

Check out the HI website and the FAQ/history/gallery website.
Lots of organized info on the various styles.
Himalayan Imports Info Site
Khukuri FAQ
Himalayan Imports Shopping Site
Forum Archives

Unless you plan to chop down heavy trees, and you're stronger
than average, don't go over 18" on the first blade you try--
at least not of the chopping blades which run heavier.
Over 2 pounds / 32 ounces is pretty heavy to swing for long periods.
If chopping is important, don't go under 15"--Not enough mass to bite deeply.

A BAS is a good compromise blade; some people swear by it.
It doesn't suit me, feels like an anemic AK.
I don't know the WWII or GS personally.
As I understand the BAS was the blade that replaced the WWII
as more recent standard issue for most Gorkha forces.

M43 was also standard issue for a period, shortly after WWI and
before WWII---And it's my personal favorite compromise blade.

Whatever you choose will please you,
but also whet your appetite for more.
Good luck.
And welcome.
 
Don't worry Diomed. When Uncle Bill get finished moving and finds all his stuff you can bet there will be some kind of deals going up.
You are sure at the right place to get treated right to. Welcome to the cantina. :)
 
Diomedesbc,Beleive me,Once u buy one u will be astonished and very pleased!!!!!! :D once u start u can't stop;).. .
 
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