Johan Van Zyl

My sincere apologies for not replying sooner, Pat! I just returned from vacation and got back to the office on 12th January. We are registering students at the moment and things are a bit hectic. Yes, I've been at HI for quite some time. I started collecting khukuris in 2000 and have been trying to make things difficult for forum members even since. Pertaining to khukuri collecting, I try to think what others before me have not thunk. But these guys are so sharp and knowledgeable that I don't really succeed often. My first experience was with GH forum, and they had swell guys there, too. I often wondered whatever became of guys like Lt. Dan, who frequented that forum.

And you, how do you fit in the khukuri scene nowadays? :) :) :)
 
as far as Khuks, I'm mostly paring my collection down to a few users, and one or two "collecting" knives that I can't bear to part with. I drop by here from time to time to see how things are going, and see what Uncle Bill has for sale. I'm still hunting for an 18" wood handled cheetlangi blem - just missed one a few weeks back :) I've found I like the 15-18 inch knives best, along with the smaller 12" ones.

Funny you should mention Lt Dan, I was just thinking about him. You and he were my favorite people to talk to at the old forum. I have a balance I got from Dan that I was considering selling, but I think I'll keep it. Dan was into varmint hunting, as I recall that was taking more of his interest. I wonder if he's been called up for service overseas? I can't recall if he was in the reserves or not.

I was looking over some Martini rifle forums and there was a post about hunting in South Africa using a martini, which brought you to mind. Along with some posts on biltong. I am glad to see your well, my friend.

Pat
 
Outdoors, this is probably no news to you, but (as of five years ago) a chap in Canada makes and sells loading dies for 577-450. He's a former UK Army type who once had the task of "disposing" of 1000's of rounds of old 577-450 "K" cartriges that had been declared trash. ("The ground looked like it had snowed.")
 
hmmm. I didn't know that Thomas. I thought you had to order 577/450 dies from Australia or England. Ah well, I can't afford ar Martini just now anyway, unless it's the shaken not stirred type :)

Hey Johan,
I forgot to mention that I ran into ArchAngel at another forun a few weeks back. Hey - ArchAngel's logged in here right now! Hey there AA!

Pat
 
I get all sentimental when you mention our old buddies names.... Another guy I took a great liking to was Al Klischer. I wish I could get hold of him again to brush up the aquaintance.

Hey, I shoot MH very frequently. And I know guys who regularly hunt with it. I reload for my MH with lathe-turned shells, and cast bullets with a mould made up for me in Johannesburg a few years ago. I recently started to reload .303 British, also using cast bullets, for my Mk III "Smelly".

My khukuri collection gets much attention from me lately. I got one for Christmas, and there is hope of getting one from a friend, whom I am busy phychologically preparing for the handover. Sigh...In my city I am the sole enthusiast of khukuris. :( :D
 
I love the .303 myself. I'm getting a few molds for my military surplus rifles. A Martini I haven't gotten yet - they are in the $500-$1000 range here in the US. Too bad - it's a fine action.

You should check out the martini henry/british militaria forum on EZBoards. Lot's of Martini fanatics there. I drop by from time to time, but those guys appear to have much more money than I do :)

http://pub182.ezboard.com/bbritishmilitariaforums

Pat
 
Good suggestions, and kind assistence, but due to serious time constraints with regard to the internet I have to concentrate my research to khukries. Brought my Christmas khukuri to work today to show everyone I collect these "crooked knives" and to subtly influence them to help me look out for them.......!:D :D :D
 
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