Help identifying this AK?

[javand]

I recently purchased a used AK from another forum member, and I'm trying to identify it's maker and any other details. I looked through all the Kami marking info, but it doesn't seem to help, there's very little info to go on with this particular blade.


There are only 1 set of markings, they look like the HI markings, without any Kami info from the pics I've seen, but they're different. I was told it was an HI AK, seems to be from the F&F, etc, but the stamp doesn't line up with any I've seen, so I'm posting pictures, maybe you experts can help.


I was told that the person I got it from, also purchased from another here on the BF a few years previously, so it's at least, that old.


Here's some photos:

I've also not seen that particular butt-cap in any of the HI photos I've trolled through, although admittedly, I'm extremely new here. The workmanship is great, the handle is a bit narrow for my tastes but well fitted except for not exactly matching up with the butt-cap.


Anyway, it's irrelevant, but I'd love to know more info on this blade if anybody has any clues.. Thanks guys. This thing is a beast, I've been brutalizing trees all day.

 

[MrMike]

please show a photo of the other side of the blade. That will indicate which kami forged it. It is on the ricasso near the handle.

 

[Roger Smith]

Looks like a Shop 1 AK. I have a few and they look just like it.

 

[javand]

please show a photo of the other side of the blade. That will indicate which kami forged it. It is on the ricasso near the handle.

There are absolutely no markings on the other side of the blade other than the Sword of Shiva, just like the side I posted.

 

[Karda]

I agree with Roger...and he would know better than i.

Early, Early piece of H.I. history. A Shop 1 AK. Before any kami markings and such were thought of. The only mark on these blades is the H.I. in devangari at the bend of the blade on the right side(usually). This Piece came from before H.I. owned its own shops and employed its own kamis.

 

[wildmanh]

As my friend Roger stated, thats a Shop 1 Ang Khola. Back then there were no Kami marks. A Kami by the name of Kesar worked there back then, could be one of his. He was called Old reliable and made some sweet AKs, I'd know because I have one.

Thats one sweet looking AK! What are the specs if you don't mine?

 

[javand]

Absolutely!

I'm not sure what the proper method of measuring is, if measured linearly from the point directly to the butt without following the curve, it's about 15.5", if I measure along the bend, it's 16.5"


It weighs 23.5oz. Spine appears to be 7/16th or so. Blade width is 2" at the wide points.


Horn handle obviously.



Thanks for all the info guys, regardless of the history, this one won't be babied however, I gotta keep using it. Too fun not to.

 

[wildmanh]

Absolutely!

I'm not sure what the proper method of measuring is, if measured linearly from the point directly to the butt without following the curve, it's about 15.5", if I measure along the bend, it's 16.5"

It weighs 23.5oz. Spine appears to be 7/16th or so. Blade width is 2" at the wide points.

Horn handle obviously.

Thanks for all the info guys, regardless of the history, this one won't be babied however, I gotta keep using it. Too fun not to.

Measuring from the tip to the end of the butt in a straight line is the proper way to measure a Khukri. 15.5" Long and 23oz sounds nice! Got any action shots?