- Joined
- Aug 17, 2014
- Messages
- 83
The term "Manakamana " refers to the "Manakamana temple" situated in the Gorkha district of Nepal. It is the sacred place of the Hindu Goddess Bhaqwati". It has a history of having animal sacrifices preformed at it. The sacrifice of Goats still goes on after a ban of the sacrifice of poultry. There is a rather interesting article in Wikipedia on this. The Kukri called "Manakamana " can be inferred to be a "Sacrificial" blade style. Now, to the review. I have 5 Kukris i have ordered from H.I. I use a couple for camping,yard work and the rest are simply for my collection of all things steel, word or horn and sharp. A few months ago I saw a Manakamana Auntie had for sale. It was sold Very quickly! They are very unusual in that they are a Full tang and glued AND pinned. This is strongest design to retain the grip to the Knife tang. I was vexed !! I emailed Mrs Yandou and asked if i could place a "commission" for one because you simply dont see many for sale and when you do they are usually snapped up Fast!I explained in my email that i would like to have Kumar make it. ALL the kami's working for H.I. are VERY good. If you never have seen one of their blades in person no photo will do justice to that. I asked if Kumar could make it and that I wanted his VERY best work. Her reply was basically "No Problem, just send a deposit and be patient" The deposit was sent and lets fast forward 2 months and here are the results. The Kukri weight 1 pound 13 ounces. On a scale of 1 to 10. Fit and finish 9, Sheath and accessories 10 , Handling 9. wood handle and staining 10. The overall impression 10. The pictures do not do it justice. I will do some serious chopping to test the heat treating but forgive me if i want to just enjoy it unblemished for a bit. Kumar and his team that made the sheath and accessories have just raised the Bar to a new level. If you have a project in mind talk to auntie and tell her what your dream is. Dont be surprised if she gives you what you want and wildly beats your expectations.
