Introduction and Boomerang review

Hello to All,

I have been a major HI fan for a couple of years now, I discovered the site after Uncle Bill's passing but was continually aware of his work and presence in every blade and every post in this forum. I'm not a big forum guy but I was drawn to the HI forum by the member's respect for the blades and the culture they come from. And of course for each other!

I have learned A LOT reading new and old posts... thanks to all who put effort into gathering all this information.

And then there is Yangdu! Always a joy to deal with and amazingly efficient at running her business. Recently I received a 15 inch, 22 ounce Boomerang by Vim, with a walnut handle and Yangdu asked me to write a small review since it is a new model. For Yangdu even an old lurker like me will come out of the shadows--- please bear with me since this is my first attempt at posting photos.

But first let me mention a few of my favorite blades:

After much research ( reading those threads), my first khukuri was a 16.5 inch, 22 ounce WWII by Sher with a sissau wood handle. This blade still ranks near the top of one of my best choppers. By the way, all of my blades are working blades, they ask to be used.

My 18 inch, 28 ounce Ang Khola by Bura was a DOTD with a split scabbard and chipped horn handle, but with a little work taught me what fierce choppers Ang Kholas are.

I am kind of a Gelbu Special freak, they are so nice to look at but also great workhorses, I have two--- a 17-3/4 inch and a 21 inch model, both by Bura.

The blade I feel a connection with and take out more than the others is a 17 inch Ganga Ram Special by Bura, wood handled and no karda, chakma or scabbard. Here's a pic of the horsehide scabbard I came up with with a pocket for a small locking folder.



We live near Portland, Oregon and this Winter has been a chopper's dream with all the wind storms we have had. Here is a picture of the coast hills after hurricanne force winds. Those are 40 to 80 foot trees that have been popped like sticks as the wind passed. Lots of nice green wood...



A small review of a Boomerang by Vim:

Here is a pic of the blade and scabbard, fit and finish very good, I think the handle is walnut.



This was my first experience with a Chiruwa style handle and I I noticed a bit more vibration coming up my arm. But the design excels as a chopper, and is comfortable to use.





The size (15 inches) makes for a very practical user and easy to carry. There has been a lot of discussion about the 15 inch blade being a classic middle size and after trying this blade, I understand. Very comfortable in the hand and like Hollowdweller mentioned in his review, the sharp angle of the blade makes it easy to work your way around the wood.



The edge held up very well after going through both green and seasoned wood. Here is a closeup of the edge after cleaning up with scotchbright. I prefer the villager finish...





To my eye there seems to be a lot of work involves in shaping this blade, but it is well worth it, you can feel the balance in the swing. I hope that Hollowdweller's passaround of his Boomerang will turn people on to the potential of this wonderful blade. Thanks for listening and nice to meet'cha.

 

Thanks for the warm welcome, I look forward to posting a little more often than every two years.

I forgot to mention that my preferred sharpening method for my khuks is a broken in fine belt on my Delta 1x42 inch belt sander. I use the slack belt technique as demonstrated by Dan Koster. A couple passes on the belt and a few swipes on my leather strop charged with green compound keeps the edges right where I like them.

In the field I have a tin box setup with a mousepad on one side and leather on the other, The box holds various grits of black sandpaper, I'm sure I got the idea from this forum.

Jake, looking forward to seeing how you like the Boomerang, and yes, the smooth handle is nice for a change!
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Chris