khukuri neophyte

N

newdovo2

Joined
Sep 7, 2004
Messages
48
Hey Folks,
I received my first khukuris a couple of weeks ago, a chiruwa AK and a Bilton. I found the H-I site and this forum while looking for a more traditional (guess the term "traditional" is subjective, isn't it) fixed blade knife, and through forum member Chris Brogden (thanks!).
I've already taken the AK into the woods and it was great!
While lurking over the last few weeks, I've read through a lot of posts and the basic info on care and maintenance, but I'm sure I'll be posting a few questions. My experience is with smaller knives, folders, & straight razors (yeah, I shave with them), so big knives are something new to me.
I do have one question to start. I read in one of the sticky threads about dulling or removing the chape. I'm thinking about taking it off of the Bilton sheath. Am I going to find a big hole there if I do that? If it's OK to do, what's the best way to go about this? I have read that there are solvents that will soften the glue, but I don't want to mess up the leather, either.
Thanks for the great info here.
Parry
(BTW, Dovo is a brand of str8 razor; thus, my handle on the forum here) :)
 
Welcome newdovo2:)

I'm not an expert in the area of anything khuk related, but like yourself i too have found the chape to be a royal pain on a lot of my sheaths. The best way i've found to remove a chape is by heating up carefully over an open flame. once it starts to get a little wiggle to it i yank it off with my leatherman or a doubled over rag and a good firm grip. Any leftover glue can be taken off with goof off, goo gone, or a similar product. Then just polish up the leather with some shoe polish. Thats my take on it anyway. the experts will be along shortly:) Once again welcome to the cantina!

Jake
 
I've removed chappes with a small flat screwdriver. Pry a little on one side then a little on the other until the glue cracks off. Underneath will be the seam where the leather is stiched and the ends of the threads. I'd put a dab of silicone or something to keep the thread in place.

Using heat to remove the chappe sounds a little safer for the leather though.
 
Black Plast-Dip is cool stuff!!! Great tip, cliff!


Personally, I've never intentionally removed a chape.....:(

I've always ended up busting them off some way or another. Guess I use 'em hard....oh well. I just glue it back on with some epoxy - stays put.



[edited to add]


Where are my manners?!?



Welcome, newdovo2!

Glad to have ya. ;)
 
Thanks for the replies.
I ended up removing the chape of the Bilton with heat, but it still took a little prying. Pulled the finish off of the leather in a couple spots, but the nap sanded down OK. I also used the Plasti-dip where the chape had been. I'm not as concerned about looks as I am about function, but the Plasti-dip didn't take away from the old-world/rustic look of this little khukuri's sheath, as it really did blend in well. I'll repeat it, "Great tip, cliff."
Actually, now that I have this stuff , I want to "dip" everything... the couple kitchen knives with the wood handles that are starting to get rough, any tool in the box with no rubber grip,... 1000 uses!
I'll probably coat the end of the AK scabbard, too.
BTW, I took the AK back into the woods (behind our house) to try it out some more. My 6 year old daughter needed some "daddy time", so she went too. This is the child who asked for a pocket knife for her last birthday, so she asked if she could bring "her knife" too. She has a little peanut style folder, but she always has to ask (and have me with her) to use it. She's been taught knife use and safety and has whittled and carved out a cubic yard of mulch from sticks and wood blocks, several Ivory soap boats (it floats!); and cut herself a couple times, too ("I didn't look where the knife would go if it slipped, Dad"). She's good with a knife, for 6.
Anyhow, she showed up at the back door with "her knife"... the Bilton khuk! :) I had to laugh. My teenager got it out for her, supposing I wanted it. She did say she remembered to walk with it closed, like we talked about with her pocket knife, so she brought it in the sheath. So, we learned larger knife safety today.
For me, The chiruwa AK did great chopping through a 5" downed tree (got a couple more short logs for our patio chiminea). I showed my daughter how to cut some small limbs from the small trees close by, close to the trunk. No sapling within ten feet of where we walked had a small limb or twig left, up to her reach, when we walked back.
I know the Bilton isn't a chopper (and that's not what I got it for), but it did great as a "pruner" (that's not what I got it for, either). Took the chakma (from the AK) to it when we got back to the house. Edge still looks good.
Had some good daddy time, as well.
Again, thanks for the great info here. There may be another khukuri in my future, too.
Parry
 
Hi, Parry, and welcome to the forum. Sounds like you have a great daughter.

I had to laugh at this: "There may be another khukuri in my future, too." They're like good chips (or straight razors, for that matter): once you start, you can't stop.

Enjoy!

Chris
 
On some khuks I take the chapes off. A couple have fallen off. The khuks I don't use much I leave alone. Large khuks keep the chapes because I don't wear them on a belt.



munk
 
I covered my Bilton sheath with thin leather. This was ostrich. I wrapped it right over the black leather.
I posted this a long time ago, but thought you might like to see it.
 

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That looks like it was a fun lil' project, Brian. :cool:
 
Daniel Koster said:
That looks like it was a fun lil' project, Brian. :cool:
Click to expand...
Yes, Dan, it was fun. And pretty easy to do. Unfortunately, it was stolen from my camper on my last trip west :grumpy: I have obtained another ostrich leg skin, and if anyone would be willing to part with a Bilton, I would like to replace it. :)

Hey, how about a sheath covering workshop at MWKK '05? :confused: :D
 
Don't know how I missed this thread.:rolleyes: :(


Welcome to the Cantina Parry. Sounds like good times with your daughter.:D
I gave one of my little grandsons a small khuk and asked him a couple of pointed questions about knife safety. He'll do fine with it.
Just needs to have his mommy leave him alone with it.:rolleyes:
His younger brother is about due for one now. I love giving knives to youngsters!:D
 
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