How do I know if I have a factory second?

I

Icopy

Joined
Apr 20, 2000
Messages
14
I just received a HI WWII model as a trade. The other guy said the blade was new. But when I received it today, I noticed a small "X" or a small "t" on the blade near the handle. Also, there looks to be a crack along the brass hilt that was partially filled. Do I have a factory second?
 
It looks like a lowercase "t" or like a cross? That would just be the symbol of the guy who made it. That would be Sanu. I have a Malla that he made, he does nice work.

Uncle Bill would know for certain if it's a recent blem, I wouldn't think so. It sounds like they may have just soldered something in the brass, to prevent a potential problem.

Bob
 
Icopy,

HI khukuris are hand made by the finest kamis using natural materials like waterbuffalo horn and various Nepalese hardwoods. As a result, handles tend to crack from time to time and there is a bit of variations between knives of the same model. The one you got sounds like it is what Uncle Bill calls a blem, what other manufacturers call factory seconds. Blems are functionally equal to top of the lines HIs, they're just not as pretty. They're also fully guaranteed.

That "X" or "t" that you see on your khukuri is actually a cross. That cross is the symbol of Sanu, the kami who made your knife. Kamis are the smiths who make all manner of tools for the Nepalese people like scythes, hammers, keys, etc. They also make our beloved khukuris, the national symbol of Nepal and one of the most feared weapons when paired with a Gorkha. Hope this helps.
 
One more thing. Welcome to the club of HI aficionados!

If you want to learn more about khukuris a good way to do so is to peruse the forum and the two archives as well as to visit Howard Wallace's site. Uncle Bill has a link to it in his signature line.
 
Thanks for the replies. The mark on the blade does look more like a lowercase "t" or a cross. So, these blems carry the lifetime guarantee?
 
Welcome to the cantina, Icopy.

I suspect the "crack" you see on the bolster is a seam. HI knives are hand made, with forge and hammer, from salvaged steel, and not machined and ground. On my knives, the bolster seam is right along the spine of the knife.

As to the little stamp mark, I expect that's the "signature" of the kami (bladesmith) who made your knife. One of the kamis uses a cross, unfortunately I can't remember who, but someone will.
 
Yeesh.

You guys jumped on that one fast. Sorry to be late to the table.

But anyway, welcome, Icopy.
 
You're going to have to check with Uncle Bill on that one Icopy. He fully guarantees blems, but I don't know what his policy is regarding trades.
 
Icopy, Welcome to the Cantina!
You'll find this to be one friendliest
and supportive forums on the web. Largely
due to the efforts of Uncle Bill Martino.
Please join in and feel at ease...
Oh, and BTW good choice on your trade.
The WWII is arguably, the best all around
style of Khukuri.


[This message has been edited by billpaxton (edited 04-06-2001).]
 
:
Welcome to the cantina Icopy.

You have a khukuri made by Sanu. I have several made by Sanu and he's the 2nd most skilled kami at BirGhorka coming in just a bit below Bura who is the Royal Kami to the King of Nepal.
The solder mark you see is not uncommon and it's where the brass bolster was put together.
Sometimes the seams are less noticeable but are there on every khukuri. Even my latest one by Bura a Baby GRS has the solder seam along the top side of the bolster.
Sometimes the seam is on the bottom of the bolster and not readily seen.
I doubt that it is a blem as in realty there aren't to many considering all the khukuris made at BirGhorka. We only see a few of the khukuris made there and unless specifically requested by someone not in the forums most blems, I think, are sold through the forum.

My.02ç worth.
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