Metal Handles

[Steven F]

I've got khukuris with horn handles and I've got khukuris with wooden handles, and I like both very much. However, I'm thinking about purchasing a khuk with a metal (brass or silver plate) handle, but I have some concerns about how well the metal handles do in the real world. Is the grip comfortable? Is the balance significantly altered? Does the layered metal hold up? If anyone has any thoughts on the matter that they'd be willing to share I sure would appreciate it.

 

[Berkley]

I may be the only guy in the world who feels this way, 'cause brass handles get roundly dissed with regularity on the HI forum, but I really like my DeluxeWW with brass handle. The balance feels good, the handle is sturdy and well made, in my climate it doesn't get too cold (though I'm sure that's a legitimate concern elsewhere), it's no more slippery than horn, and it will not crack as horn almost inevitably does over time. It looks great, doesn't smell bad (I grew up around antique Colt revolvers, so I _like_ the smell of brass), and has been subjected to considerable abuse (as a handle, not as a hammer) without any problems. I'm sure Cliff could destroy one if he wanted to, but I'm not volunteering mine for the experiment!

Berk

 

[Steven F]

Thanks, Berk, I appreciate the input. I especially like the looks of brass, but I'd heard some bad things about metal handles, so I was a bit gun-shy about ordering a brass-handled khuk. Now, I feel a bit better about giving them a try. Again, thanks a bunch!