Handle Styles

45-70

45-70

Joined
Jul 10, 2003
Messages
1,601
Hi all,

Since I can't seem to manage to be at home for a Blem sale I've been reading about khukuri's.

It seems that several of the older types of Khukuri's have handles that aren't inline with the blade. I don't mean they are crooked, I mean that they are curved (like a '43 or a hanshee).

All mine are sirupti's, WWII's, or an AK. I am waiting for a blem'ed M-43 to come through, but I'm running out of patience, which isn't that uncommon.

So my question is "Is there a disadvantage to a curved handle?"
 
Not at all. Just changes the angle of the impact. Something to get used to with the M43.

I wish some blem M43's would come up, too. Watch out for the Duck, though.
 
Originally posted by 45-70
I am waiting for a blem'ed M-43 to come through, but I'm running out of patience, which isn't that uncommon.
Click to expand...

So I'm not the only impatient (and indecisive! and impulsive! and...:rolleyes: ) one around...

I'm waiting for (another...) Chiruwa handled 18" WWII to come up. My excuse is the $ exchange for Canada...
 
Except for the tulwar/kora gripped models all the kukris before 1940 had curved handles. I believe a curved grip is much more aesthetically pleasing and has a better feel. Bill is correct though: whatever fits your hand best.
 
I'll second what JPD said about looks, if HI ever makes a dedicated Hanshee I'll buy it.
 
Thanks all for your answers. JDP do you know why the change came about? Was it a reponse to the WWII model or is that just an expression of the change in handle types? Any other major changes in that time frame? Other than perhaps total length?

This is fascinating!!
 
I don't know why it changed since in my opinion those old curved handles are much my comfortable and secure. I know the straight handles with straight tangs are easier to produce. The hanshee is very identifiable because of its long curve and very shallow pommel while many other very early kukris had kora shaped grips with disc guards.
old kukris.jpg
 
Thank you for your comments. I'm sure you've heard all heard this before, but I have to admit that I find this forum one of the friendliest to visit across the internet.

Uncle Bill found a curved handled Kukfor me, at least that's what I think it is, and I'll soon find what I like best. I just hope my next post isn't one to ask him how hard it would be to get a curved handled 15 inch Ang Kola!
 
45-70, if you ask for a curved handle, maybe we'll get more of them.

JDP, Stunning as usual!:D
 
I don't understand your qusetion and which grip? Filled?
 
Originally posted by JDP
I don't understand your qusetion and which grip? Filled?
Click to expand...
The bottom khuk in the pic.

What is the handle made of and how is it made.

I understood that the metal grips coming out of BirGorkha now
are a metal shell filled with laha.
 
DD,
The bottom hanshee has a grip made of sheet silver that was probably probably 90% finished before it was wrapped around a wood and laha core. The brazing was also done in silver for the buttcap and the seams are virtually invisible.

Are you sure the HI metal grips are filled completely with laha? The usual method was to fit wood splints or even a complete wood grip and wrap the metal cover over it. It was then finsihed with the embossing/debossing/engraving. If it was pure laha there would be too much chance for it to come apart.

Bill, what does Pala say about the BirGorkha metal grips?
 
Originally posted by JDP
Are you sure the HI metal grips are filled completely with laha?
Click to expand...
No.

Just a remembrance of a prior thread.

And more laha than usual around the edges
of handle on my Bura AK.
 
My ever curious mailman brought me a triangular box about 1/2 an hour ago. :D I've already opened and drooled over the contents. I'll be able to post a link to some pics hopefully this evening. If not at the latest on Saturday. Work sucks.

Just from the inital groping of the Hanshee it feels very nice, more serpentine than my others. ALthough the only martial art I practice is John Moses Browning, I can see where this is more weaponish than the ak or the WWII's I own.

Although I was thinking that a 15 inch double fullered AK, with a curved handle, and reduced pommel swell.... that might be a sweet thing!
 
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