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Lost In Shuffle

Joined
May 2, 2005
Messages
109
I want to get a khukri but the only problem I have with the ones here are the handles. I would like a functional handle, that doesnt really tear up the hand. Like the one on that website where the guy made a combat khukri? If someone could point me in the right direction (not cold steel either)...
 
Could I ask what the problem with the handles are for you?

While perhaps not the most ergonomic LOOKING, The vast majority of us (If I may speak for the vast majority) find them acceptable.
 
and they are also eminently "adjustable". I believe there are many old threads about working wood or horn to get them to your liking.

Or, you could ask after Dan Koster to customize one for you.

Take care,

Tom
 
Lost In Shuffle,

welcome.
Most everyone who has not used a khuk thinks the handles can be improved. After you cut with them enough, you come to love the handles as they are because it is a form refined over hundreds of years and does the job very very well. The ring that initially seems uncomfortable comes to nestle between two fingers and is an added source of both stability and safety in a bad swing.

You can always sand them down. I hope this helps.


munk
 
You could get a block of micarta and replace the handle. If that's not appropriate, you could send it to a knifemaker or even buy a new one from Cold Steel or the like.
 
Comfort is generally not an issue with HI handles. Besides, both wood and horn can be easily shaped, even without power tools. Give the existing handle a try. If you don't like it, you can take it off and replace it with something else.
 
I used the think the same thing, but after five years I'm chiming in with the crowd above. Give the traditional style a chance and you may be surprised. One thing I've discovered is that you need to hold further forward on the handle, so the ring is between your pinky and ring fingers. I tried that and found it to be much more comfortable than with the ring between the middle and ring fingers.
 
I find the handles very comfortable. Sometimes the "ring" rubs you a little, but it does help with retention. You can file it off if it bothers you.
 
It sounds silly, but a khukuri will actually teach you how to use a khukuri. A bit of slow, gentle, careful practice will reveal the inherently ergonomic design of the khukuri. It's hard not to marvel a bit at the design once you get used to it and find out how comfortable and effective it really is.
 
Josh is right. The blade will not only show you how to strike, (and that varies from material to be cut to the individual blade itself) but how to hold it. The position of the ring is not fixed. There are khuks I have where it is between two different fingers than on another.


munk
 
Lost,

I am having a cracked horn handle on a Gelbu Special/Sirupati(can't remember the exact model) that was too small anyway replaced with micarta and lengthened a little also. Dan Koster is heading this up with another knifemaker. Consult with Dan. He is the HI resident knifesmith. You will find one of his many posts in this forum.

The khuks from HI come in various shapes, lengths, and weights. The length and diameter of the grips vary a lot from model to model, kami to kami, run to run. One of my best friends says a trigger is half the gun. In a similar way, the grip on a khuk or knife is very important if it is to be used to its greatest potential.
 
What the others have said.

You have to use them to get a handle on them.

(Pun wasn't intended, but I'll take credit anyway.)

Noah
 
At first glance traditional khuk handles look la bit awkward...they make no sense in a world full of fast line and modern anatomical models...

But a couple of thousand years of evolution...do not lie.

The ring on a khuk has been talked about here...just do a search. Smarter people than me can tell you a bookful of neat stuff.

But to be appreciated...you gotta put one in your hand and go to work.

Don't be put off by bias or hype. These HI products are made to be used.

They are the best value on the market.

Buy one...if you don't like it...bring it back here one of these guys will prolly take it off your hands for you...and you won't be out anything.

But I guarantee...whatever any HI you get...though it may seem rough by comparison to some of the modern blades...will have more face...and more cajones...than anything you can get in the same price range..anywhere on the planet.

Getting off my soap box.

Shane
 
Welcome Lost in Shuffle,


You might take a look at the M43 if it is the ring that bothers you. It has a slightly different style handle than the others.

If it is the flare at the end that rubs you wrong, I think you'll find this to be an invaluable part of the design. It lets the khuk come to rest in the base of your palm, so you can give a full swing with less worry about losing your knife.

If you can give us any more specifics, there might be a few more ideas out there.

Good luck,

~ B
 
A number of people have developed their impression of the traditional khukuri handle from attempting to use one of the cheap (around $15-$20) imports. The handles on those things are pretty bad.

A well made traditional khukuri handle is not like that.

I suspect the "tearing up the hand" experience comes from one of two things.

1 - many of the cheap imports have a full width tang with crudely fitted wooden slabs. The ring on these, and the slab metal junction, will tear up your hands. Higher quality khukuris are well fitted and have a properly shaped central ring that most people find comfortable and grip securing.

2 - Many Nepalese imports have handles that are too small for US users, although they're the right size for most Nepalese. This causes the flaired butt to dig into the US user's hand. HI produces khukuris with handles sized to fit the US market, and this is not usually a problem.
 
Welcome, LIS:)

The rings always bothered me as well until I got used to them. The rings serve to be both funtional as well as spiritially symbolic..although know one remember why (how cool is that!?!). Since khuks have no gaurds the rings really help keep th hand from sliding up the blade. To paraphrase Cliff Stamp; "Sand off the rings and make a full stab into a block of wood...then count how many fingers you have left."
Bamboo is right about the M43, this khuk does not have the rings as it is a replica of a war time khuk where rings were added cost that were not "needed". This design is fine without the rings. The blade is so forwardly curved that your hand slipping up the hilt to the blade is not very apt to happen. However, i do notice a bit more "twist" when the blade hits it's target a little funny. I think it has to do with both the very forward weight as well as the lack of a ring locking it to my palm.
Just give one a try...you'll love it:)

Jake
 
I often do what Roadrunner does, gripping the handle with the ring between the ring and pinkie fingers. However you may not be able to do this on smaller khuks comfortably. Some people wrap tennis tape around their handles to make them more comfortable.

Bob
 
Hi Lost

if the 'traditional' grip doesn't appeal

think about the M43 type grip that is
what i think of as the more 'modern' 'British' military grip
[not 100% true description]

if the top of the pommel intrudes on you hand
2 minutes with fine sandpaper will ease the point


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I am one of those that needs to ease the top point just a touch. It takes no effort at all and makes all the difference in the world.

.
 
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