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The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is available! Price is $250 ea (shipped within CONUS).
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/
Models 6/30/15 DOD bargain?
- Thread starter vcbvcbvcb
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Nope. AK's are Choppers. Ang Khola that is. They are fullered for lightening and still have a thick edge for chopping and are dedicated for that task. Ang Khola means "back valley" which refers to the fuller along the spine.
Check it out:
http://yhst-7333098713883.stores.yahoo.net/angkhola.html
You will like it! They are the culmination of beauty, form, and function and every Khukurinut should have one! or two or three or....
Check it out:
http://yhst-7333098713883.stores.yahoo.net/angkhola.html
You will like it! They are the culmination of beauty, form, and function and every Khukurinut should have one! or two or three or....
Here are pics of two ang kholas, showing the deep fuller just below the spine: the "back hollow" that lightens the blade without sacrificing strength, and gives it the desired balance.
View attachment 557293 View attachment 557294
The first is 15" OAL, 23 oz, by Kumar kami. The second is 17" OAL, 33 oz by Bura kami.
The first example has a standard HI handle with the tang going all the way through and peened over at the pommel with a keeper.
The second example has a chiruwa-type handle with slabs attached by rivets and laha epoxy.
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- Nov 11, 2013
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Speaking of Ang Kholas and revisiting the HI link provided by ndog - I forgot about the Gardud.
Searching the forum for them "Garud" I also noticed they are showing up here and there.
And I don't have any in my Kuk collection.
Thanks vcb - you just induced me another HI need. As if I didn't have enough already. Now I want a Garud
Searching the forum for them "Garud" I also noticed they are showing up here and there.
And I don't have any in my Kuk collection.
Thanks vcb - you just induced me another HI need. As if I didn't have enough already. Now I want a Garud
Beautiful blades, and going on my wish list.
Thanks, but you know how it goes, a good answer leads to another question.
(Ndoghouse said "Nope. AK's are Choppers. Ang Khola that is.")
1. I have read several posts (somewhere) wherein someone declared their M-43 the "ultimate chopper". But the M-43 is a WW2 and not an AK, right?
(This is copy from the HI website "Based on the WWII khukuri, the M43, which was designed as an update of the Mk II which was basically a WWI design. The new knife had a stronger grip attachment system, a wider pommel and better bolster design at the blade. The balance is slightly more forward and the blade could arguably considered stronger.")
Do you know how the "grip attachment" on the M-43 differs from the grip attachment on an AK, and which is stronger?
2. Why would someone buy an AK vs a Chiruwa AK?
Thanks again.
(Ndoghouse said "Nope. AK's are Choppers. Ang Khola that is.")
1. I have read several posts (somewhere) wherein someone declared their M-43 the "ultimate chopper". But the M-43 is a WW2 and not an AK, right?
(This is copy from the HI website "Based on the WWII khukuri, the M43, which was designed as an update of the Mk II which was basically a WWI design. The new knife had a stronger grip attachment system, a wider pommel and better bolster design at the blade. The balance is slightly more forward and the blade could arguably considered stronger.")
Do you know how the "grip attachment" on the M-43 differs from the grip attachment on an AK, and which is stronger?
2. Why would someone buy an AK vs a Chiruwa AK?
Thanks again.
Bawanna
Moderator
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- 10,352
Probably safe to say where the M43 is a fine chopper, more of a general purpose chopper, the AK or CAK are more HD dedicated choppers.
Many prefer the regular AK as there is assumed less shock transfer from the blade strike to the hand. Some feel a CAK with the full tang is stronger although it's highly doubtful you'll ever break an Rat Tail tang even under abuse.
The grip attachment is the same weather it's AK, M-43 or WWII. Truthfully I think all are incredibly good knives and all could serve similar duties for any chores the average person would use them for.
Many here seek fighting qualities, light, fast, etc, I don't even consider that myself, they are tools to me.
Nobody wins a knife fight and I'm not even going there.
Many prefer the regular AK as there is assumed less shock transfer from the blade strike to the hand. Some feel a CAK with the full tang is stronger although it's highly doubtful you'll ever break an Rat Tail tang even under abuse.
The grip attachment is the same weather it's AK, M-43 or WWII. Truthfully I think all are incredibly good knives and all could serve similar duties for any chores the average person would use them for.
Many here seek fighting qualities, light, fast, etc, I don't even consider that myself, they are tools to me.
Nobody wins a knife fight and I'm not even going there.
Mine will be used as a tool also, and will see heavy use. It's strictly to chop/baton wood and to cut and slice vegetation and material/leather.
I'm not using it for combat, self-defense or martial arts, so speed and agility is not required. I would maximum strength and as little vibration as possible while I chop and baton wood.
I'm not using it for combat, self-defense or martial arts, so speed and agility is not required. I would maximum strength and as little vibration as possible while I chop and baton wood.
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As Bawanna said about the shock vs strength. Personally I prefer a non chiruwa as its more comfortable to me for extended chopping sessions. If I wanted to pry something heavy enough to break an AK id just carve a telephone pole into a screwdriver with my regular AK and git er done
I think what they mean about the bolster is that they added some length to it to help support the wood further back into the handle. They also added a habaki to the front of the bolster which a section of the bolster that forms a collar around the blade surface and extends up the blade surface about 4-6mm. This combo does add strength to the whole system. Earlier WWI and WWII military styles had minimal if nonexistant Habaki and very short bolsters. They proved to be very strong anyway but HI decided to improve on the idea and personally I believe it was a good thing.
Notice the short bolster on this Gurkha Army Khukuri. Also the habaki is nonexistent. The angled facets meet the blade and stop there.
Notice how long the bolster is on this modern HI blade. It also extends up the blade about 6mm to form a collar around the blade. This collar is the habaki.
That is a monster aint it? I hadnt realized it was that beefy till you mentioned it.
Beautiful blades David. The shape of that Bura is exquisite:thumbup: Ive got an 18" regular AK by Bura and it has become my favorite so far. I will say that when I need heavy chopping I still go for the 20".
Heres my family:
Left to right:
Bhakta 20"- This one is a monster! It handles so well with its short handle and slight drop.
Tirtha 20"- This was my first big 20" and it so very well balanced and comfortable. Not as heavy as the Bhakta but the overall comfort lets me work for hours with minimal fatique. I still dont know which one I like best and probably never will. Both Keepers.
Bura 18" AK- This is a recent addition to the family. For packing and all around use this is my favorite. The size and weight is a perfect balance for my needs.
Kumar CAK- This is one solid knife and just beautiful in every way. I really need to go beat it up some and give it a place in the family. It will get done:thumbup:
Bura 12" Khonvention Khukri- This one is special and will remain pristine as it is. I would like to get a 12" someday to try out in the bush. This would be a great size to stuff in a bag or in your belt for every day use.
Dhan Bahadur Baby CAK- Now this little Brutus I cant say enough about. It's a rabid beaver in your pocket. Watch out! Dont let the size fool ya! It fits in your pocket and it will devour whatever you throw at it and when your done you can carve your name in it. I carry my Micro AK Bowie on weekdays but the weekend is for DBBCAK. For primitive toolmaking this Baby gets the honors.
I think what they mean about the bolster is that they added some length to it to help support the wood further back into the handle. They also added a habaki to the front of the bolster which a section of the bolster that forms a collar around the blade surface and extends up the blade surface about 4-6mm. This combo does add strength to the whole system. Earlier WWI and WWII military styles had minimal if nonexistant Habaki and very short bolsters. They proved to be very strong anyway but HI decided to improve on the idea and personally I believe it was a good thing.
Notice the short bolster on this Gurkha Army Khukuri. Also the habaki is nonexistent. The angled facets meet the blade and stop there.
Notice how long the bolster is on this modern HI blade. It also extends up the blade about 6mm to form a collar around the blade. This collar is the habaki.
Speaking of Ang Kholas and revisiting the HI link provided by ndog - I forgot about the Gardud.
Searching the forum for them "Garud" I also noticed they are showing up here and there.
And I don't have any in my Kuk collection.
Thanks vcb - you just induced me another HI need. As if I didn't have enough already. Now I want a Garud
That is a monster aint it? I hadnt realized it was that beefy till you mentioned it.
Beautiful blades David. The shape of that Bura is exquisite:thumbup: Ive got an 18" regular AK by Bura and it has become my favorite so far. I will say that when I need heavy chopping I still go for the 20".
Heres my family:
Left to right:
Bhakta 20"- This one is a monster! It handles so well with its short handle and slight drop.
Tirtha 20"- This was my first big 20" and it so very well balanced and comfortable. Not as heavy as the Bhakta but the overall comfort lets me work for hours with minimal fatique. I still dont know which one I like best and probably never will. Both Keepers.
Bura 18" AK- This is a recent addition to the family. For packing and all around use this is my favorite. The size and weight is a perfect balance for my needs.
Kumar CAK- This is one solid knife and just beautiful in every way. I really need to go beat it up some and give it a place in the family. It will get done:thumbup:
Bura 12" Khonvention Khukri- This one is special and will remain pristine as it is. I would like to get a 12" someday to try out in the bush. This would be a great size to stuff in a bag or in your belt for every day use.
Dhan Bahadur Baby CAK- Now this little Brutus I cant say enough about. It's a rabid beaver in your pocket. Watch out! Dont let the size fool ya! It fits in your pocket and it will devour whatever you throw at it and when your done you can carve your name in it. I carry my Micro AK Bowie on weekdays but the weekend is for DBBCAK. For primitive toolmaking this Baby gets the honors.
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The AK are thick heavy blades, maybe too heavy for vegetation. ie cannot be used for machetting folliage.
For slicing vegetation it's hard to beat a Parang or other traditionnal machete types.
- Joined
- Aug 16, 2011
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- 1,386
Parangs, bolos and goloks are great for vegetation. But so are $10 machetes
.