Koz's Review HI Baby GRS - Initial Impressions -part 2 of 3

Apothecary

Apothecary

Joined
Oct 28, 2000
Messages
1,077
When I received this khukuri, my initial reaction was this has to be one of the best khukuri that Master Kami Bura has made and that I have had the pleasure of owning.

The HI Baby Ganga Ram Special Khukuri

Physical specs:

Length: almost 17 inches long
Blade: 11 inches long
Handle(including habaki): 6 inches long and about 4 inch circumference at the mid ring.
Weight: about 1.75 pounds

The blade is one of the best I have seen Bura do and I have several other examples of his work to compare to. It is perfectly straight looking down from habaki to tip and evenly ground on both sides. Only flaw that I could see was a slight bulge near the tip on the right side, but consider this to be cosmetic rather than functional.

The handle is saatisal(Nepali oak) and has a very nice grain and finish to it. Not sure where Gelbu got this premium piece of wood, but if he gets more of it, I'll be around... Feel is good in my hands (medium large).

Fit and finish were very very good on this khukuri. Blade balances about 3 inches down to the handle from the sweet spot.
Habaki is perfect; I cannot tell where the weld line is. The buttcap/handle junction is smooth and not sharp.

Karda and chakma are handled in saatisal and are quite functional. I like the idea of a bevelled butt on the chakma (none on the karda) as it allows one to pull it or the karda by feel alone. Should be made a standard for HI kardas and chakmas.

The scabbard: This is a well done water buffalo leather covered scabbard with standard HI super frog. and brass chape.
Only flaw I could see was the mouth of the scabbard could be about 1/8 inch longer as every time I pulled the khukuri from the scabbard, it would cut into the leather. Designs on the leather include a sun and peacock. Presumably done by the infamous Sarki with no name, this is a good scabbard even with the flaw noted.

In summary, my initial impression of the HI Baby GRS was this is a very good khukuri for the money spent ($125.00) and am happy to be owning an excellent example of Master Kami Bura's work.

For pix, see part one of my review.

Harry

Next: The field report...
 
thanks, 'Poth.
Could you refresh my memory as to how the Baby GRS came about? Was this style your specific request, something Bura felt was crying out to be done, or is the background elsewise?
Looking forward to your next chapter.
 
I can't claim exclusive credit for the baby GRS, but do recall having requested Uncle Bill to check with BirGhorka if a smaller version were possible.

Uncle Bill, could you provide further information on the BGRS origins?

Thanks,

Harry
 
Harry, so tell us what ya really think about this blade
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I think that my BGRS, is one of th finest blades that I have from bura. I think that the Baby GRS is better fit and finnish than teh full size GRS that I have from him. This last batch of knives that I have gotten has completly blown my mind with the level quality that has been acheived. I cannot say enough good about the Baby GRS.

Enjoy this new knife
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:
Many thanks Harry!!!!
Sounds like one just my size and I am waiting very patiently for mine to make its way to me in Oklahoma.

I am wondering if I could carry a Baby GRS on one side and the YCS on the other and go walk at the local mall. I could tell security that it is part of a weight training program.
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>>>>---Yvsa-G@WebTV.net---->®

"VEGETARIAN".............
Indin word for lousy hunter.
 
you could do that, Yvsa, but you'll need a set of industrial-strength suspenders on those pants.
 
:
Jance I have a pair of Harley Davidson Suspenders in black with orange letters.
Those and a pair of bib overalls with one strap undone and 2 little khukuris and I bet the gangstah wannabes at the mall would walk way around me.
smile.gif




------------------

>>>>---Yvsa-G@WebTV.net---->®

"VEGETARIAN".............
Indin word for lousy hunter.
 
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