HI Art Consultant---Casting Khuks

foxjaw

foxjaw

Joined
Nov 19, 2001
Messages
317
I have another idea on getting nice historical khuks cast to send to the kamis. Since a khuk is a generaly flat piece of work. I beleive that a khuk could also be taken down to a machinist foundry and sand cast. From what I understand sand casting these days picks up detail like nobodys business. The khuk once molded in the sand could then be cast in inexpensive aluminum. I dont think that would break on its way to Nepal. Dont know what the cost would be. I'll defer to Yvsa the machinist on that (and any other aspect of sand casting)

Foxy
 
Would there be any difference to the rubber models? You'd still get the same rough shape with both but would the sand get the engraving details better than the rubber mold? I guess it would depend on what we're trying to get. If it's just blade and handle shape the rubber would probably be less expensive.

Just my theory. I really don't know nuthin', merely rambling. :p
 
Sand casting in my area is mostly for industrial applications. One company I contacted uses a foundry which supplies them with sand-cast parts, but the costs from this source are prohibitive (more so than the $950 per blade Khukuris Brend is making :(). There may be some small shops doing this sort of work on a piece work basis, but they will be hard to find, and even more expensive, according to my contact. The rubber/resin cast still seems to be the best for what we need.
 
I will be interested to hear what a sand casted aluminum copy would cost. I was going to rebuild a kukri with an aluminum grip, but was told the cost would be prohibitive. Of course I never found out what prohibitive meant, so I know less than most.

My own personal model maker (big brother) still suggests hard rubber. Guess I'll send him one from the ugly box and see what happens.
 
My own experience with sandcasting is limited to leaving footprints on the beach, and that was years ago - however, comparison of the two processes indicates that even an individual who has the skill and equipment for sandcasting won't have reasonable charges for the desired result. The special sand, forms, metal smelting and control equipment isn't cheap. Smaller operations might be involved in jewelry or art craft reproductions. Prices in those areas tend to be lofty.
 
Originally posted by John Powell
I was going to rebuild a kukri with an aluminum grip, but was told the cost would be prohibitive. Of course I never found out what prohibitive meant, so I know less than most.
Click to expand...

It means nothing to rich folks like you but to all the rest of us it means "mission impossible."
 
All righty then, sports fans. Looks like we may be back to the rubber mold approach. This may be the best anyway.
 
MR3154 MUMMY RETURNS Egyptian Gold Dagger !
Item # 1400821337

Currently there are several items from the Mummy Returns movie
on ebay that are all made with hard rubber. Daggers, swords, axes, and spears. If you check out the auctions by this seller who is selling the props from the movie, you will find these weapons are realistic looking and are probably similar to what you would like to send the Kamis as a model.
 
Well, I guess were just waiting for someone to take the plunge and start molding. Come on JP :D Your brother knows the technique right ?:D
 
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