Khuk Use #275: Champagne Sabering (with video)

[Dave Rishar]

This is something that I'd just heard about recently. If you don't know what it is, it involves knocking the head off a bottle of champagne with a sharp object, opening the bottle in a somewhat spectacular manner without destroying anything.

Here's a description.

Here's a brief description of how it's done.

If one were inclined to try such a stunt, one would be well advised to wear some sort of protection and be aware of blade orientation. 'Nuff said.

Essentially, what's happening here is that we're exploiting both the internal pressure of the champagne bottle and the stress riser that occurs at the neck to cleanly snap the top off. If done properly, it gives the impression to the unaware viewer that the swordsman has expertly cut through the bottle without shattering it. The truth is, a brick would probably work as well. (Testing to follow.)

Now, I would never presume to use one of my swords for this, but a khukuri is another matter...

In light of UB's expected recovery, and the fact that I'd done this once in the past...and also the fact that I just happened to have a bottle of Korbel in the fridge and the desire to do some drinking, I felt it only proper to decapitate another bottle of bubbly with a 16.5" chiruwa AK.

Warning: coarse language by the redneck cameraman, but nothing one wouldn't see in a movie theater. Actually not that bad, now that I think about it.

So, without further ado: Khukuri le Champagne!

Final note: if anyone should happen to do this, please be aware that a bottle of champagne is a potential bomb in a glass package and protection is mandatory. (Note the cool shatterproof Oakleys that I'm wearing.) Also, if you're planning on taking a victory drink, please be aware of the glass edges. That being said, while I can't prove it I have a strong suspicion that champagne does indeed taste better when opened with a sharp object.

I just finished talking to my mother a bit ago and she wondered if this would be possible with beer. I have some ideas. Testing is in progress.

 

[Jebadiah_Smith]

I like your cameraman. He could have his own sitcom on FOX.

 

[ferguson]

Very cool man!
Very cool Dave!
Excellent!

And I kinda like champagne.

Steve

 

[BruiseLeee]

.

 

[Nasty]

Excellent!

.

 

[Tohatchi NM]

So can you use the torture knifes to score the stress risers and more easily saber your champagne?

Good stuff!

 

[Dave Rishar]

I would like to add...

This is probably the easiest "cutting" stunt that I've ever performed. Slicing 6 beer cans in one swing was considerably more difficult. Getting to the point where I could reliably slice through a hanging beer can with a diagonal cut took me hours of practice, and I was not a stranger to swinging an edged tool. I still don't bat 1000 when cutting 2 liter soda bottles, and I won't even attempt it with anything that's not extremely durable. (They're surprisingly hard to cut, and if you don't get it right, both the blade and the wrist take a pretty nasty jolt.) I still can't cut through a 2x4" in a single swing. (But we're getting there.)

But the champagne? My record is 2/2. Surprisingly little force is needed, just proper aim, and the bottle provides a steady rest. Were I working with a bottle of champagne that cost more than $7.99, I would probably place more solemnity in the occasion.

If I ever make it to a khuk konvention I'll have to demonstrate this, but really, it is not difficult - just potentially dangerous. For that reason I'll stick with advising against trying it. If you must, send me an email and I'll lay down the specifics for you.

It does make for a good show, though. The next time that I'm required to crack one, I'll use an actual saber or the Manjushree - the variety will be good, for research purposes, of course.

I'd also like to add that if multiple bottles must be opened, it's probably a good idea to do them all at one time, rather than one after the other as they're emptied.

Thanks all for the kind comments. Here's to UB's recovery.

Forgot to add: Jeb - the cameraman (Brian) and his exploits could fill a few posts on their own. He's a bit of a character and I'll leave it at that.

 

[Aardvark]

I'm almost ashamed to ask:
- which khuk did you use
- what kind of champagne did you open (answering this is optional)
- what kind of champagne would you LIKE to open (more on the mandatory side)

Cool stuff.

 

[37up]

I'm almost ashamed to ask:
- which khuk did you use
- what kind of champagne did you open (answering this is optional)
- what kind of champagne would you LIKE to open (more on the mandatory side)

Cool stuff.

I think I can answer these

- 16.5 Chiruwa
- Korbel
- The only one... Dom Perignon

 

[Aardvark]

Wow, Dave, you've got MUCH better eyes than I do. Except where that concrete column is concerned, of course.

 

[yiterp]

that was great--made me laugh--thanks

 

[Green Ice]

Totally cool! Reminded me of the opening scene of The Avengers where Mrs. Peel shoots off the top of the Champagne bottle that Steed is holding.

Ice

 

[Daniel Koster]

I still can't cut through a 2x4" in a single swing. (But we're getting there.)

Try bracing it at the top and the bottom. It'll be a half-cut/half-break operation, but it will serve the purpose, I think - which is to cleave the 2x4.

You'll also need to hit it at pretty much a 45 degree angle (relative to the board), and on a corner (cross-sectionally speaking) to get deepest penetration.

I made a video of me doing it in 5 hits with the new Fox Folly (but never got it edited down to size). And I wasn't swinging at full kawabunga strength.

So, I know you can do it in 2 hits. Maybe try that first - and then go to one.

Envision going through the board, rather than just into it. (sounds fishy, but it really does help)

If I had the time/inclination to try it - I would set up a "45-degree galley" of sorts in which I could set a 2x4, clamp down the ends (no movement/vibration whatsoever) and have enough clear space to perform the cut safely.

Use gravity to your advantage. Position the braced 2x4 in a way that allows you to swing almost vertical.

In other words, be creative/flexible in your setup - really can make a difference.

Best of luck!