My first Khukuri!

Steven Roos

Steven Roos

Joined
Jun 29, 2002
Messages
4,131
I snatched up number four from here. Its a 23 ounce BAS by Sher. All I can say is that I'm hooked! :D

While I do notice the minor grainline that was mentioned in the listing, it is so tiny I'm not even concerned. However, there is a brown substance between the blade and handle. What is it? Can I get rid of it?

I really like the brass on the khukuri and frog. How can I polish the brass to get it extra bright?

Finally, on all three pieces, most notable on the chakma and khukuri, there are parts of the finish that look a little less shiny than the rest of the blade. Why is that? Is there any way to polish those spots out?

Thanks in advance!
Steven
 
Congratulations on your first khuk. Sher does some awesome work; my favorite of all the kamis. His blades are built like tanks. Use it well. :)
 
The brown stuff between blade and handle is epoxy. I leave it alone. The smaller tools sometimes are not done quite as well-apprentices are often given those assignments.

There are entire threads about polishing. Look them up under search. Keep in mind there is a difference between the finish of a wall hanger and a user. Polishing a user past a certain point is a plan for compulsive individuals who also count the cracks on sidewalks, like the Detective Monk on TV.

have fun. It is a tool well worth carrying you have there.



The bas was my first, sniff, never a virgin again.
munk

it's funny, we have the self depreciating Not2sharp, and the assertive 2sharp4U.
just sign me, not as dull as I deserve to be
 
brown substance between the blade and handle
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That is likely the Nepali version of old-fashioned cutler's resin, and similarly, is essentally composed of pitch and some additives. The original "hot-melt" glue. It's know as laha or sometimes "Himalayan epoxy".

If it's covering the very last part of the blade before entering the handle/bolster, be aware the the final finish and polishing is done after assembly, metal underneath the adhesive will likely be unfinished and may be black from the forge.

Any good metal polish suitable for brass will shine things right up. I like to get some black polish on the leather, followed by a couple coats of neutral before shining up the brass.
 
Alright, so I shouldn't remove the "Himalayan epoxy." Thats fine.

As a freeloading basic member, I cannot search. If someone could find a thread on polishing and point me in the right direction it would be appreciated.

BTW, what is the tradition carry position for a khukuri? Where should I put it on a belt that would make it easy to draw safely?
 
Get a sheet of 2000 grit sandpaper and try that. If you're right handed wear the khukuri on left side and use a crossdraw. Keep things simple.
 
Originally posted by im2smrt4u
Alright, so I shouldn't remove the "Himalayan epoxy." Thats fine.


BTW, what is the tradition carry position for a khukuri? Where should I put it on a belt that would make it easy to draw safely?
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A word on drawing khuks straight from the belt.

IMHO, the word is, "Don't." A glance at the safety thread will tell you why. I always take the sheated khuk out of my belt and draw it in the manner illustrated in the safety thread.The same goes for putting it back in the scabbard.

If you hang the khuk from your belt using the frog loop, I guess it's OK to draw straight from the scabbard; but be careful nevertheless. Khuks *cut*.

If you want to be able to draw the khuk one-handed/quickly, may I suggest that you consider investing in one of the scabbards specially designed by Terry Sisco? Quick and safe.
 
Originally posted by Tom Holt
A word on drawing khuks straight from the belt.

IMHO, the word is, "Don't." A glance at the safety thread will tell you why. I always take the sheated khuk out of my belt and draw it in the manner illustrated in the safety thread.The same goes for putting it back in the scabbard.

If you hang the khuk from your belt using the frog loop, I guess it's OK to draw straight from the scabbard; but be careful nevertheless. Khuks *cut*.

If you want to be able to draw the khuk one-handed/quickly, may I suggest that you consider investing in one of the scabbards specially designed by Terry Sisco? Quick and safe.
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How is the frog attached to your belt that allows you to remove the entire scabbard and then remove the khukuri properly?
 
The way Tom wrote that it doesn't sound like he is useing the frog at all. Sounds like the scabbard is stuck in the belt and, the whole thing is taken out of the belt and then drawn from the scabbard.

I don't do it that way but I would say that it certainly sounds safe.:D
 
Originally posted by Pappy
The way Tom wrote that it doesn't sound like he is useing the frog at all. Sounds like the scabbard is stuck in the belt and, the whole thing is taken out of the belt and then drawn from the scabbard.

I don't do it that way but I would say that it certainly sounds safe.:D
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Interesting...

How do carry your khukuris Pappy?
 
Pappy's don't get sheathed much...he'd have to wipe off snake blood too often.


munk
 
I carry my khuk stuck through the belt. I figure it's safer; also, if you carry long khuks by the beltloop, the brass chape tends to stab the back of your leg when you're walking uphill...
 
im2smart4u: since Pappy hasn't returned with an answer, I'll tell you i know Pappy carries his in his own, or in the super frog on his belt. I believe he uses a seperate belt from his trousers, believing as many of us do an instrument like a heavy blade or handgun deserves its own belt. He has done some interesting modifications that I'm sure he will share.

anyway, he says he may have killed all the excess snakes..they'd been moving since being displaced by development.

If you think you'll need a khuk in a hurry, it's no lie about Sisco's sheaths.

Tom Holt; you just tuck it under your belt? I don't think that would work for the mountains...but I could be wrong. I think tucked into a sash around your upper waist, like the guy in Bura's sculpture, would be good.


munk
 
Originally posted by Tom Holt
I carry my khuk stuck through the belt. I figure it's safer; also, if you carry long khuks by the beltloop, the brass chape tends to stab the back of your leg when you're walking uphill...
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Is there a way to remove the loops from the scabbard without destroying them? Did your scabbard come with loops or not?
 
Originally posted by munk


Tom Holt; you just tuck it under your belt? I don't think that would work for the mountains...but I could be wrong. I think tucked into a sash around your upper waist, like the guy in Bura's sculpture, would be good.


munk
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That's basically what I do, except it's a belt rather than a sash, and it also keeps my pants from falling down. Two birds with one stone.
 
I'll have to try tucking it into a second belt...

BTW, I don't exactly need it in a hurry, but somewhere close at hand is always nice. I think I'm going to check out the local thrift stores for a bag that I can take the strap from. :D
 
Yangdu carries hers taped to the inside of her thigh. Anybody want to compete with that? A half dozen Heinekens this evening has me feeling a bit bawdy so I'll add this. I alway did find the most interesting equipment between the thighs of Sherpa girls.
 
Originally posted by Bill Martino
Yangdu carries hers taped to the inside of her thigh. Anybody want to compete with that? A half dozen Heinekens this evening has me feeling a bit bawdy so I'll add this. I alway did find the most interesting equipment between the thighs of Sherpa girls.
Click to expand...

I bet you did! :eek:


;)
 
I don't know why Munk didn't tell you folks what I do. I made him one. Yes, a frog but, with no long loop to get rid of all that swinging around. The longer loops are needed when the blade is carried and drawn from the rear of the body. They have to be able to tip the handle toward their right hand.

For me, what works best is no long loop at all. The belt loop is directly behind the the portion of the frog that goes around the scabbard. Then on the belt where I want the knife to ride. I punch two holes and run a piece of latigo through the holes in the belt from behind and tie it around the scabbard so it sill will not slide along the belt.
Even with the modified frog I had some problems with the movement on the belt, so I tie it in place and don't have to worry about it

I have a trick with the supper frogs that works pretty will too but, this reply is just about long enough for right now. :) :)
 
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