Look What Somebody Sent Me

[Craig Gottlieb]

Yesterday, I got a small package in the mail. Interested, I openend the package and withdrew a khukuri shaped object - much lighter than a khukuri. Here's what was inside:

A customer - not, I think, a forumite - had hand carved this wooden prototype of a khukuri he wanted made! Since the Blade article came out last month, I've had several requests for customs, but the format of this request was truly awe-inspiring.

This man, a self-professed blacksmith and woodcarver, is talented, and I wanted to share his work with you. He even fashioned a leather frog to go with the wooden model, and he painted the model as you can see. I didn't ask his permission to post the picture of his work, but I'm sure he won't mind having it showcased here. I think I might buy it from him (the prototype) or give him a discount on his custom - I have to have this thing. It's so great! (although it probably wouldn't survive some of Cliff's most extreme tests

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Craig Gottlieb
Gurkha House
Blade Forums Sponsor

 

[Mike L.]

It would probably work as well as the "khukuri shaped objects" that Atlanta Cutlery sells. And it looks better, too.


--Mike L.


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Real men ride Moto Guzzis!

 

[Craig Gottlieb]

Mike: you just made me laugh very hard. I hear stories all week of people who are trying to figure out what to do with their khukuri shaped objects!

 

[Mike L.]

They do make reasonably good tent pegs, but they are a bit expensive for that.
Your customer's wood carving, on the other hand, has artistic merit. Junk khukuris do not.

--Mike L.



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Real men ride Moto Guzzis!

 

[Craig Gottlieb]

Help! I have lost the envelope that came with the wooden khukuri! If you are out there and you sent it to me, please identify yourself so I can fill you in on the details of your project!

Thanks.

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Craig Gottlieb
Gurkha House
Blade Forums Sponsor

 

[Craig Gottlieb]

Well, guess what - a couple of months later, the master craftsman who built the above model sent me another letter asking "what gives." I'm so glad he did, because now I can tell him that I'm bringing it to Nepal with me (it's so light, how can I refuse). He's not "on-line" so he can't participate in the forum, but I thought I'd let everybody know that the talented lover-of-khukuris identified himself - mystery solved.

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Craig Gottlieb
Gurkha House
Blade Forums Sponsor

 

[Craig Gottlieb]

Always one for "closure" on issues, here's the result - almost 7 months after the first contact:

Funny how white turns into black! (the customer was actually pleased to hear of the color change). Lucky me!

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Craig Gottlieb
Gurkha House
Blade Forums Sponsor

 

[Blackdog]

Craig,

This one looks to be of excellent fit & finish. Another example of the fine craftsmanship we've come to expect from GH products.

A few questions on this "Mystery Khuk".
What is the overall length? It looks to be in the 12 to 14 inch range.
What material is the sheath made of? It's hard to tell from the picture, but it seems to be either horn or highly polished wood with brass trim.

Again, a beautiful piece. I'm sure the new owner is going to be a happy camper when he gets to pick this puppy up.

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Blackdog

 

[Blackdog]

Oops, Double tap....

[This message has been edited by Blackdog (edited 06-16-2000).]