Just ordered my first H.I.

roughneckrob

roughneckrob

Joined
Jul 3, 2009
Messages
1,213
I did it, I got one on the way. I just bought a Chiruwa Ang Khola. I hope I won't be disappointed. I did screw one thing up though, I wanted a wood handle but I accedentally got a horn handle. What does everyone think is better horn or wood? I decided to keep the horn cause my wife said its "prettier".
 
My first HI kuk was the horn CAK at 16.5" OAL and I already had a couple of great CAK's made by the competition (at 19" and 16" respectively). I was very happy with HI and I knew I would be coming back for more. So many great HI kuks later, I still like it and will always keep it. I have many in wood and many in horn; every model, indeed every blade feels unique as it is, in fact, unique. For some reason, wood "speaks" more to me and feels more like a part of me, but others here will have enough reasons to prefer horn, so I believe it is subjective enough that only you can answer it for yourself once you buy your next 20 kuks as you inevitably will, once you receive the familiar triangular box in the mail in two days. Just know this: if your wife is like many of our wives or partners, then she is the only person stopping you from becoming a kuk addict sending every paycheck towards Reno, NV. This is a very expensive hobby and one kuk is never enough. I got it bad, and many are far worse than me. Welcome from all of us, poor tortured souls. May I suggest that your next one be the M-43 in wood? ;)
 
I like horn just fine. Most of my blades and my khukuris from HI have horn handles actually and they hold up great and are just fine. I think the majority of people here like wood better and this is likely because buffalo horn handles are a fairly novel idea for them. It is a strange sort of thing and they are not used to seeing it on a handle so they talk themselves into thinking it must somehow be inferior to wood for a handle material. It isn't.

To maintain it, once in a while rub some Neatsfoot Oil, Hooflex, or Mineral Oil into it to keep it hydrated,
 
I've heard that horn cracks easier, but I haven't noticed anything of the sort with my horn handled pieces. Really the only advantage to wood that I can think of is that it might be a bit grippier, though I haven't had any slipping issues with horn either. Either way I think you'll be happy. Congrats and welcome to HIKV.
 
I prefer wood to horn, just because I like how it feels better.

If you don't have a problem with the horn one, keep it, no big deal. Wood or horn, you're really going to have to oil it periodically anyway.
 
Horn has a lot of character and a feel all its own. Just use some baby oil (mineral oil) or hoofflex on it regularly and you should have no problem with it. Just remember, they use horn on the military issued kukri and have done so for a long time; post WWII. The military beats things up much worse than the average individual so again, you should not have any issues.

Another up side is that if you do have any issues down the road, the Chiruwa handle makes it easy to change it out to wood.

Good luck, I'm sure you will love the CAK.
Bill
Virginia
 
If the horn is too slippy for you (it was for me) you can use some fine grit (600 +) sandpaper or red scotch-brite to buff the polished finish off of the handle. I found that helped immeasurably. Much more secure in hand and it really soaks up the oil now too.
 
NOOOO....something went wrong. Yangdu hit the wrong button by mistake while processing my order and the money is supposed to be sent back to my card, but there is no money yet. I am starting to get scared that the money is floating in limbo. I hope this gets figured out.:(
 
My one horn handle is just beautiful. It's held up to abuse too. I don't think there's anything wrong with it.
 
I think horn handles are great, but again so are wood. Remember the weight and balance given that these handles tend to wear easily.. just keep up on maintenance..

I hope your happy with it, regarding your intent with the knife your happiness will vary that's fur sure..
 
I talked to Yangdu, everything will be fine. Visa said that money will take 2 weeks to be placed back on my card. I just can't wait that long to re-order so I just went and ordered another one. I'm sure i'll get my money back.
 
Personally, I definitely prefer wood. It has a nicer feel to it. No worries, Yangdu always makes it right. :thumbup:
 
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