HI Horn Handle

D

DPris

Joined
Nov 27, 2003
Messages
1,317
The khukri I bought from HI about ten years ago was dropped one day a while back and landed on a piece of steel door threshhold, which left about a quarter-inch crack in the horn at the bolster. I haven't used the khukri, it sits in the camp trailer for emergencies. Will the crack spread with use, and if so, who can replace the horn?
Also, where can I find a usable sheath to actually carry it on a belt?
My apologies if these are dozen-times-a-week-questions.
DPris
 
Just decided to go check it, haven't looked at it for at least three years. The crack is now about three fourths of an inch long.
It will need to be re-handled.
Help?
DPris
 
Dpris-- it might be something you can fix yourself. Do a search on the HI forum for handle repairs, fixing handle cracks, etc. You can usually repair small cracks in horn handles with super glue. Larger cracks may require some 2-ton epoxy. You can add a bit of ground horn, charcoal, or other colorants to the epoxy to approximate the color of the horn handle.
--Josh
 
I use Devcon 2 ton epoxy nad a coupla drops of black model paint for a good hard black epoxy.
 
I like the repair idea better than re-handling, the horn is fairly nice and I had the brass cap replaced with a steel one (had a problem with the attachment of the original brass cap when I first got the knife) that fits well, I have no idea how hard the steel cap would be to get off, and I'm sure it would take some doing to mate it to a new handle.
I was thinking originally when it got cracked about trying to find somebody to put a band around the cracked area, but the way the crack is spreading I decided against it tonight.
Open up the crack a little along its length and fill it in with the epoxy to anchor it from spreading further?
If I can get this poor critter running in a new sheath, I just may start taking it along into the backcountry.
Thanks.
DPris
 
Dpris-- I wouldn't widen the crack at all. If the crack is wide enough, try to dribble some two-ton epoxy in and completely fill it. A small metal spatula, popsicle stick, etc. will allow you to push more epoxy into the crack. If the crack is too narrow to accept any epoxy, then try superglue (the liquid kind, not the gel kind.) You may need to let the superglue dry and then reapply several times to fill the crack. Either of these methods should repair the crack and keep it from spreading. You'll probably get several more suggestions on handle repairs, so wait a bit to hear what others suggest before attempting repairs. Once the glue dries, you can smooth the repaired area with some fine-grit sandpaper, but be aware that this will affect the polish of your handle.

As for a new sheath, Terry at the Sarki Shop is your man. Check out the link Sams posted.
--Josh
 
If the crack is wide, use epoxy. If it's thin, use superglue, the thin, not gel. Add superglue as many times as it takes to fill it up. The thin stuff will wick deep into the crack by capillary action. Rehandling probably not needed.

Steve
 
Dpris, I had a stubborn crack that would not stop. I ended up drilling a small hole in the direction of the crack's movement; then applied the black epoxy. Worked like a charm. I will am going to get in touch with Mr. Sisco in the near future. He does great work with both handles and scabbards. I am going to get both a new wood handle and a working scabbard. Take care and the best of the holidays to you.

bt
 
Got back tonight from Christmas in the mountains of Idaho (beautiful) and found an email from Terry Sisco quoting prices, I may just send both khukris to him & let him re-handle both in wood. The horn on the HI one is nice, but apparently relatively fragile. In looking further, it also shrinks slightly, doesn't mate exactly with the grip cap like it used to.
Will be getting a sheath for the HI, may also get one for the Nepal knife.
Thanks again for all the advice and interest.
DPris
 
That's the impression I'm getting from everybody who's recommended him.
Glad I asked.
DPris
 
Found another half-inch hairline crack in the horn in daylight, definitely goes to Sisco for a wood handle. I should probably look at this thing more often. And closer.
DPris
 
Forgot to ask if all of the current HI khukris come with highly polished blades. It looks like it on the website.
This older one isn't polished at all, and I kinda like the raw look.
DPris
 
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