How could you do it??!!??

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Joined
Dec 21, 2000
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Recently I got a Cheetlang and am wanting to go out and see how this sweet piece of steel chops, but I'll be damned if I can bring myself to do it! It's so beautifull that I just can't/don't want to use it and I know I'm cheeting myself out of a wonderfull experience and also not letting the Cheetlang do what it was designed to do, but so help me I JUST CAN'T DO IT!!!!!
How did any of you guys make that first plunge after you got one. I need some help!
 
I found that for me the difficult part was getting past the idea that I would make the blade look badly marred and scratched with use. I am lucky in that I work in a Machine shop with lots of finishing stuff. I can bring mine in after use and polish it to the same luster that was there before I started using it.
If that is your concern also, Get some OO Steel Wool and WD-40 and you can clean your blade up quite well. It will be a little less polished but it will be an even smooth surface. Once you know that you can bring the appearance back to close to new every time you use it, you should be able to relax and enjoy some fine chopping sessions.

Happy chopping to you!!!

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Defeat the fear of death and welcome the death of fear. G.Liddy
 
Well, you don't really have to do it. My rosewood handled khukuris are for everyday use, and their looks aren't important to me. But the horn ones are for looks...unless there's an urgent, unexpected need....Dan
 
Ah! You got one of my worries there Lt. Dan.
I have never had a horn handled knife before and was wondering if it would take the impacts from choping. I think I will take your advice and purchase a wood handled Cheetlang and leave my sweetie next to my bed.
(Yes I sleep with my knives!)
smile.gif
 
Actually, horn is NO LESS tougher than wood. It's a little more prone to shrinkage and cracking, but a few applications of Hooflex each year (especially in prep for dry seasons) will take care of that. It's just that my own personal bias is that horn is pretty when polished. Rest assured that horn is in no way inferior to wood.

We both seem to trust our eyes too much in thinking that horn is almost too beautiful to use. This just isn't so, and the actual knife of the Gurkhas (SN1) is horn. And if scratched it also polishes up nicely (if not overheated, 'cause it can burn).

[This message has been edited by Lt. Dan (edited 04-18-2001).]
 
Well I now have a chance to try my Cheetlang out! The winds have been pretty harsh here the past few weeks and the tree in front of my house gave up a couple of good sized branches. Good thing my car wasn't in the drivway when they fell! Question though, I have noticed now that up by the furrel there is now a small crack in the handle. Will this crack lengthen if I use it? I read that filling the void with super glue will fix the crack but will it "re-strengthen" the handle?
 
Try a black colored epoxy - it should do the trick. That stuff is pretty mean adhesive and really does a good job of "fixing" and not just "hiding" a crack.

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Craig Gottlieb
Gurkha House
Blade Forums Sponsor
 
Robert, I used to be really worried about handle cracks until I saw a SN1 that was put thru unbelieveable abuse. Man, that thing was pounded with no mercy, and the handle sustained some serious cracks and chips. It still works fine and is used regularly for cutting / splitting firewood, a fireplace poker / tool, and misc ugly jobs. The friend who has it is an incredible knife maker, and he refuses to fix it up or retire it, saying he's confident of its ability to function forever.

It was only after seeing this khukuri that I really understood and got comfortable with the fact of life that all organic stuff does things like crack. Also, H2Obuffalo horn is totally different from our native horn -- it's solid throughout. And when you get the video you'll see that the tang and horn are made to fit each other perfectly. These things yield a super strong handle that just happens to also be good lookin'.

You might know that the crack is actually stress relief due to shrinkage from climate change. If the crack is big enough to get a fine hypo needle into, you can use a good quality epoxy (warmed flows better) with a long setup time and inject from the inside out. A good superglue works for fine cracks, but lots of times they are only hairline and too small to get any glue into. Craigs suggestion of a black epoxy from someplace like Brownell's is a good one.

So, cracks being really only cosmetic, not affecting strength, and are a fact of life in most really old khukuris. Also, you might be ready to take the plunge now and put "the Great One" to work, and then you'll REALLY be pleased with it.
 
Oh yeah, here's an obvious afterthought on wood vs. horn handles: The official issue khukuri of the Gurkhas is none other than the same GH SN1 and Jungle Fighter. These guys have gotta be the ultimate authority on this subject, and they choose horn. In fact, the kamis won't even make you one with another material. I tried and the answer was a flat-out "No". Period. End of discussion.

My mouse runneth over. Sorry about that....Dan
 
Thanks Dan, now I can go full bore with it and not worry. The crack is about a 1/4 inch long a little over (literally) a hairs thikness wide, so I think I can rest easy and have a good ol' time. Sounds like there is no need to try the glue or epoxy thing. Couldn't get a syrenge in there even if I wanted to.
 
If the fine crack will let a good quality thin super glue leech in (you don't want a gel type), you might give it a try. CA takes a little getting used to on finished surfaces, and you might practice on some plastic first. Whatever you do, don't try to wipe it off...it's best to dab and wick up, or cut the excess with a good edge when dry.

Otherwise, a few applications each year of some Hooflex will serve you well (esp before the dry seasons). Hope to hear about your progress soon. I've gotta double date with my WW2 and Cheetlang myself this weekend.

Be well and take good care....Dan
 
YEAH BABY!!!!!!
biggrin.gif

I now have no fear of useing my Cheetlang.
This baby went through 2" branches (still green) like they weren't there! I discovered if you swing with your hips also and give your wrist a snaping motion just before impact the force is trumendous! A 5" branch took three swings! They make em' sharp boys! Nice burnished ends on the branches I cut, nice.
After I wore myself out I went inside to inspect the crack. No bigger it's as it was. Whew!
 
Dan brings up a very good point. Cracked handles are a pain, and they look bad, but I have yet to see a handle fall off from cracks. Just keep using that super glue
smile.gif
And keep moisturising the horn when not using it (with hand lotion).

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Craig Gottlieb
Gurkha House
Blade Forums Sponsor
 
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