kagas katne kwestions

S

Shann

Joined
Sep 2, 2004
Messages
5,251
These look like pretty neat little knives for keeping in the desk drawer to open envelopes, etc. Are they regularly available on the HI website? I understand that the quality varies, as this is a pretty cheap item. Is there a way to make sure that you get a good, sharp one? (I am continuing, without much success to become adept at sharpening)

I am looking to buy one because they look neat, but would like to hear what people use them for.
 
I've handled one before. They're pretty neat little knives. They also look fantastic. IIRC, i think Uncle Bill gets some of these in around this time of year as stocking stuffers. As far as being sharp right out of the box I think that if you ask Yangdu nicely she'll pick you out one that is sharp;)

Jake
 
Unless things have changed with the kagas katnes you're not going to get one razor sharp. You may get one paper cutting sharp but that's what they're made for too begin with.;)

Edit:
The best thing to do is hone your sharpening skills then you won't have to worry about getting them in sharp, besides you will then get the great pleasure of putting your own edge on any knife.
The key to sharpening besides what you've already been told is too practise, practise, practise, practise, practise, practise.:D
You'll get there eventually.;)
 
Yvsa said:
Unless things have changed with the kagas katnes you're not going to get one razor sharp. You may get one paper cutting sharp but that's what they're made for too begin with.;)
Click to expand...

I wouldn't expect it razor sharp, I might hurt myself! Seriously, though, I can work with a knife that is fair sharp already and use the sharpmaker to bring it up a bit. Its when I get one that is very dull, I just can't seem to ever get it even a little sharp.
Thanks.
 
IIRC, Uncle keeps a bunch in a box....they're never posted as blems...already marked way down anyway. Just send an email and ask....Can't go wrong with a Bilton either!
 
I've a few of them and given away some as well. Properly sharpened, they are a wicked little surprise. Good steel, not toys.
 
Daniel Koster said:
IIRC, Uncle keeps a bunch in a box....they're never posted as blems...already marked way down anyway. Just send an email and ask....Can't go wrong with a Bilton either!
Click to expand...


Just ordered a bilton on Saturday :D
 
A kagas katne should be pretty easy to sharpen. The steel won't be super hard, so it will go reasonably fast. It helps to use a coarse bench stone, though. More surface area to cut off steel, as opposed to a sharpmaker. If you don't own one, you might be able to find a used one at a flea market for about $5 (or a new one at about the same price from one of those Chinese tool dealers that seem to be at every flea market :barf: ) Don't be afraid to apply a good bit of pressure at first, if you need to set the edge angle. Consider a $5 KK a $5 bench stone and $5 of WD40 to be the cost of a very useful learning experience. Have fun!
 
I picked one of these little guys up a little while back on a whim and it's gorgeous -- fit and finish were perfect and the horn handle has an outstanding grain pattern to it. If I ever get around to fabricating a better sheath for it, it'll probably wind up being carried at work.

It took an excellent edge, too. I had to give it some time with a file to get the bevel down right, then it was ten minutes on the Sharpmaker, a quick cardboard stropping and it's just about perfect now. This one's the one I warn people about when they're handling my knives.

Get one, Shann! Even at full price they're a bargain and they're a lot easier to sharpen than a full-sized khuk. You won't be sorry. If, somehow, you are, give it away as a stocking stuffer. (I'll send you an address you can ship it to. ;) )
 
I purchased several kagas katnes a year ago or so for stocking stuffers and they were well received. Keep one in the study drawer for opening envelopes, CD/DVD shrinkwrap, etc... They are a simple pleasure worth much more than you pay for them.
 
The "little" khukuris are very fine, and not overly appreciated. They will do what they are asked. You can't find a better bargain than the bilton or the kk for a belt knife.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top