Horn vs Wood

Some say wood is preferable for a hard use chopper.
Some say wood is grippier,especially when wet.
Some say wood shrinks less.

I myself have not noticed any of these things, a little roughing up of the horn with some sandpaper will make it quite grippy,even when wet. Depending on the climate where you live, both will tend to shrink.
 
Horn or wood, my answer is yes to both!! ;)

Heber
 
When I bought my first H.I. khukuri, I asked Ms Yangdu if wood or horn was tougher. She told me wood was stronger.

If anyone would know, it would be her.


Aesthetically though, I like both about the same.
 
Wood generally looks nicer, although gray or green horn is pretty hard to beat in that department. Horn resists wet climates better IMO. Horn seems to be a bit denser than most woods which can affect balance. Wood seems to offer more grip.

Both require a little maintenance. Both are plenty strong unless they're flawed. I personally feel that horn doesn't crack as easily as most woods and cracks, once formed, don't go as far. Remember what horns are designed for.

This is nitpicking to the point of nearing theory. In the real world, the only difference is looks. Buy the one that looks nicest to you.
 
Thanks guys!

I think I will go with horn. Any tips on maintenance for Horn? I have never had a horn handled knife.
 
Soak it in something. Lanolin, Hooflex, mineral oil, and Ballistol have all been recommended to me. I've tried them all. They all worked.

Mineral oil is by far the least expensive out of the bunch but as I use Ballistol for a variety of other things, it was easier for me to standardize on that. Put a bit of whatever you'll be using in a resealable plastic bag, seal the bag around the handle, and keep it wet for a few days. After that give it a light coat of oil once a year, or whenever you feel like it.
 
bekylane said:
Thanks guys! Any tips on maintenance for Horn?
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You're Welcome! Both to the forum and for the Answers. :D
There are some that apply hooflex to their horn handles to seal them and keep em' shiny. I never have though and all my khuks have horn handles.
 
"Redheads! Redheads! RAH-RAH-RAH!!!";)

Of course, Mom's a redhead (as are a lot of the gals in my family), so I'm biased. It's the same with wood vs. horn: I'm the son of a woodworker, so I've developed a great fondness for the stuff, even if I don't understand it as well as Dad does. I've got nothing against horn, certainly, and I'm eager to see what happens with my horn-handled R6. But handling wood is like coming home.....just like red hair.
 
For the full tang models with pins I wonder why no sprint runs in G10 or micarta or fiber glass (laugh guys, but it's nice ain't it :)). No shrinking and will resist impacts. No cracks and looks good too!
 
Nicholas said:
"Redheads! Redheads! RAH-RAH-RAH!!!";)

Of course, Mom's a redhead (as are a lot of the gals in my family), so I'm biased. It's the same with wood vs. horn: I'm the son of a woodworker, so I've developed a great fondness for the stuff, even if I don't understand it as well as Dad does. I've got nothing against horn, certainly, and I'm eager to see what happens with my horn-handled R6. But handling wood is like coming home.....just like red hair.
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Any single females in the pack?
 
Cotherion said:
For the full tang models with pins I wonder why no sprint runs in G10 or micarta or fiber glass (laugh guys, but it's nice ain't it :)). No shrinking and will resist impacts. No cracks and looks good too!
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I bet the kamis could make a khukuri like that for you if you send them the handle material.
 
I bet they would but it is a project for another time. Plus I'm in Malaysia so it isn't so easy since G10, CF or Micarta isn't so readily available. I'm actually considering this for the future for my CAK. Two in total and one if CF and one in Lignum Vitae.
 
Cotherion said:
For the full tang models with pins I wonder why no sprint runs in G10 or micarta or fiber glass (laugh guys, but it's nice ain't it :)). No shrinking and will resist impacts. No cracks and looks good too!
Click to expand...

With the exception of the massive, "care package," that the group sent this past summer (see the thread, Kamis Need Some Supplies), the materials for HI products appear to be sourced locally: Rosewood (satisal), Neem wood, and horn. However, there are resources for re-mounting khukuris, such as the Sarki Shop.
 
As for handle material, remember that both wood and horn are locally available, renewable, inexpensive resources that are easy to work with, usually pose no health risks in a non-OSHA-approved shop, and are highly impact-resistant. They've done it this way for as long as they have because it works for them.

G10 would be the shizzle for a khuk handle though, wouldn't it? :)

There are folks out there who would rehandle one for you I'm sure, or you could try it yourself. I'm extremely partial to stacked leather handles on khukuries myself.
 
bekylane said:
Thanks guys!

I think I will go with horn. Any tips on maintenance for Horn? I have never had a horn handled knife.
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Neatsfoot oil has the same base compound as Hooflex.
You can find it at most paint stores (they use it for softening brushes.)

I've used it for ten months and it does a nice job of adding lustre.
I wipe it on with a rag (including the karda, chakma) and let it sit overnight.

Buff off the next day. It's surprisingly not that slick when it comes time to use, so you won't need to worry about losing your grip.
 
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