Is this Crack Wack

Ezaske

Ezaske

Joined
Sep 14, 2010
Messages
62
Help - I need some advice.

I just received my Villager Tarwar (which I LOVE) and noticed 2 small cracks in the wood handle. Should I be concerned about the cracks? Are they a problem? If so how do I fix them so I can still polish/stain the handle in the future. I also don't want to void my warranty.

Here are some pics of the handle and cracks:

The big crack - the one that worries me.
BigCrack1.jpg


Another view of the big crack.
BigCrack2.jpg


Here is the small crack. It looks like someone drilled a small hole at the end of the crack to relieve the stress and keep it from spreading.
SmallCrack.jpg


This pic shows that the wood handle has "shrunk" in the Nevada heat, pulling away from the butt-cap. I plan on filling the gap with super glue or epoxy.
Pommel.jpg


My real question still is about the cracks. Should I worry about them and if so how do I fix them without voiding my warranty?


Thanks
 
Hey someone else from Nevada! Las Vegas?

The cracks shouldn't worry you. Just a little superglue or epoxy and you're good to go!
 
yep, those are minor. If you don't want to fill them just yet, try re hydrating the wood with some oil. I like tung myself, but there are a million ways to refinish a handle with a little forum search:)
 
Buddy, if those lil scratches bother you that much you should stick to polymer handled knives.
 
Ezaske, +1 on the Tung or mineral oil or Boiled Linseed oil, let the wood rehydrate before "fixing" the cracks.
 
C'mon Burke, it's an honest question. Any help is valid for preventative maintenance.
 
Hello Ezaske,

Those cracks are almost negligible. I would sand off the surface a bit and then apply some clear epoxy.Re-sand the surface for a uniform finishing.
Then use some beeswax to touch up the whole handle.:D

try re hydrating the wood with some oil.
Click to expand...
I would try that as well. It's a good way to put the handle back to happy mode.

Regarding the small hole, i've got a even bigger problem before.
The tang on my ASTK cracked due to internal stress.
I did the above (yes even for a steel) and it hasn't bother me since!
 
OK Mike. You're right. I could have been more helpful, i suppose.

I like my hairline crack khuks because it gives them identity. Anything deeper I epoxy.

Ezaske, my apologies. They aren't falling apart. It's not uncommon. Don't worry. I wouldn't even touch that unless it spread.
 
Last edited:
KRBurke - The cracks do not bother me as long as they do not spread. Cosmeticlly they are a non-issue. I just wanted to be sure that the handle would not split under heavy usage. I assumed this was the place to ask my question. I guess not.
 
Hey all, thanks for all the info. I can't keep up with the posts and responded to Birks earlier " terse" response.

I really to appreciate you shairing your wisdom. I want to lean all I can, so I can give these knives the love they deserve (Meaning more stupid questions to come).
 
Oil it! Those aren't cracks -- they're channels to get the oil deeper into the wood! :D

Actually, oil is probably a better idea than epoxy. In dry country, you need to oil the wood anyway, and superglue or epoxy will block that.
 
Ezaske, this is the absolutely the right place for your question. Your concerns are a valid concern to you as this is your first foray into Himalayan Imports and this is the Forum for you to have those questions addressed. Occasionally a member will make a statement that is unresponsive to your question, but we are all prone to making mistakes at times. Just bear with us and all should be well.

You've been given good advice about rehydrating the wood with oil, and if that doesn't close the cracks up enough you can use a wood glue, super glue or an epoxy if the crack's large enough. If staining the handle in the future is a major consideration, I would consider adding a like colored wood dust to your glue. I don't think that your warranty is in any danger but if you need to know then a quick call to Yangdu will definitively answer your question.

In December I took some of my khukuries to my sister's place to walk through the woods with my nephew with his new villager CAK. I was taking out my khuks and whacking them against trees as Uncle Bill recommended. Well I took out my Malla and whacked one side of the flat against a tree and then whacked the other side. The result was a crack from the bolster about an inch long. It is located just down from the spine so I see it every time I hold it. I used some waterproof wood glue and let it set. Some of that settled down into the crack so I put some super glue on top of that and sanded it down to be flush with the handle. It wasn't a wide crack and now I hardly notice it at all. More importantly, I've since chopped with it and doubt if it will go anywhere any time soon.

Hang in here with us Ezaske. This really is a good place.

Rick

edit: Esav, I agree with the oil. The "channels" made me chuckle.
 
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