Khukuri starter set

[mtnfalcon]

So far I've been very pleased with Yangdu, HI knives and the helpful users on this forum. Here are a few pics of the 3 knives I've picked up so far.

http://www.raptordb.com/personal/photoalbum/Knives/index.html

Note: The images in the album drill down to better quality and larger images if you wish to see up close (3 levels). Just click an image to activate the slideshow/album.

Despite messing with the M43 to get off the rust, I think it turned out OK. Per some of your recommendations, they've been Flitz'd and CLP'd. For those who protect theirs with CLP (mine will sit up high in the closet unused for some time), do you slather it on with a brush, or your fingers, or just go for a light coating with a saturated cloth?

Not having much else around, I coated the horn handles in virgin coconut oil. Hope that's OK.

Just wish one of you lived near me to teach me how to sharpen properly (never learned the manly art from my father. He tried, but I didn't listen too well.) How did you learn it, trial and error and killing more than one knife? Or did you all have a mentor? Like Steve and Dan Koster who grind convex edges. How on earth did you learn that? How do you know what kind of an edge you are grinding? Don't you need a microscope to see what you're really doing with the edge? Or is it a less exact art than that? Can sharpening a Khuk be done with a Lansky system? Just bought that a month ago and haven't used it yet. That's all I've got apart from the scattered ceramic and diamond rod and one axe sharpening stone).

Cheers.

bc

 

[Kismet]

Purty. Very purty.

The professionals will be around soon.

But, if you spend enough time messing with the edge and fine sandpaper, or even a ceramic rod sharpener, you will eventually learn how to put an edge on your blades.

I don't get into discussions on how sharp an edge should be, but I do know for a fact that I have never wanted a khuk with which to shave, nor had a piece of paper so intimidating that I felt I needed a weapon to slice it.

Have fun. Pick one and learn together. That's why they make TV programs so stupid, you can do other things while watching.


Read the safety thread, please.

 

[sogguy]

If you look at the M43 it has dual tangs. This is the only time I have seen this, or have I just not been very attentive?

Dick

 

[eswartz]

The Kobras have 3 or 4 tang points on the buttcap (can't remember which). I don't know how the internal tang is set up.

Eric.

 

[Eric006]

Nice collection mtnfalcon. I particularly like the M43. There is something about the sweep of the blade on that model that is very appealing.
I can relate to your comment about keeping your Khukuris "up high in the closet unused for some time." I will probably keep mine in a similar location, primarily due to the presence of a number of curious and constantly active little people in our home.
Eric

 

[Howard Wallace]

Just wish one of you lived near me to teach me how to sharpen properly (never learned the manly art from my father. He tried, but I didn't listen too well.) How did you learn it, trial and error and killing more than one knife?

Trial and error works well. You aren't going to do any permanent damage to the khukuris. There are lots of ways that work.

Like Steve and Dan Koster who grind convex edges. How on earth did you learn that? How do you know what kind of an edge you are grinding? Don't you need a microscope to see what you're really doing with the edge?

A slack belt on a belt grinder will automatically produce a convex edge. No microscope needed.

Can sharpening a Khuk be done with a Lansky system? Just bought that a month ago and haven't used it yet. That's all I've got apart from the scattered ceramic and diamond rod and one axe sharpening stone).

Nothing is impossible but I think a lansky system would be a real PITA with a khukuri. The blade is large and the system that is supposed to maintain a relatively constant angle on a small blade of constant width would produce widely varying angles on a khukuri. Of course, you could just hold the lansky hones in your hand and use them that way.

I suggest grabbing your diamond rod, ceramic rod, and axe stone and starting to experiment. It's fun. I've found almost any sharpening tool will sharpen a khukuri.

 

[Fiddleback]

Mtnfalcon those are beautiful. I especially like the M43. Remember these knives are real servicable blades, and not just show pieces. There is a massive amount of steel in each blade. I use a 1x42" belt sander with a slack belt. Get a burr on one side, switch to the other, get a burr, then strop. You really don't want these scary sharp. The geometry and the weight does the work. After you sharpen one take it out and thrash some wood with it. You'll feel real good about that.