My HIKV Beginning...

S

Sioraiocht

Joined
Feb 26, 2009
Messages
28
In the beginning, I was a man with nothing but a pocket full of pennies and without a beautiful blade. And now? I've turned my pennies into dollars, multiplied them and sold random things I own, worked hard and spent heavily.

But I'm not ashamed of what I've done, because I purchased the most beautiful blades I've ever held or seen in my life. These blades are perfect, and I love them oh so much.

Thank you, Himalayan Imports. Thank you.





Naming from top to bottom, left to right.

First of all, a lovely sword that I've fallen in love with. When I first held it, I felt a deep joy within me. This Manjushree sword is the perfect length for me, and it is not at all too heavy. It is extremely sharp, and absolutely beautiful.

The 25in Kobra is the first blade I've held, the second I've purchased. The length for a Khukuri is a bit much, but it handles like a dream. Not too heavy, but not exactly light either. Lovely blade.

Bottom left, the first blade I ever ordered, and the last to arrive in my hands. I have to admit, all that waiting was absolutely worth it. Beautiful CAK, left handed sheath. When this amazing creation arrived at the front door, I almost squealed like a little girl, but I held myself back. I picked it up, walked inside, and couldn't find a knife anywhere to cut the tape. I picked up a little Leatherman Squirt, and of course in the process of opening it the non-locking blade closed on my finger. Ouch. It's okay, a little blood for this baby was no big deal. It was all worth it, the most beautiful blade, a true masterpiece...

Next, bottom center, a Villager fit and finish, black coated mini CAK. It was a spur of the moment purchase, but man, thickest thing I own before the full size at a quarter inch thick. The balance isn't bad at all due to the size, and I am absolutely satisfied with it.

Last but no least, my Tamang Khukuri. Wow. That's basically it, but I'll stretch it out. Amazingly light, the curve is so slight you can barely feel it. It's teeny tiny, and the quickest blade of the bunch. Not gonna be much for killings trees, but if I ever have to worry about living things, I think I'm covered.



So that's basically it. HIKV has brought me to find some of the most wonderful blades I've ever had the honor of holding, and I actually own them. I am glad to have been a part of this community, and I am glad that I decided to buy that first Khukuri...
 
Nice start Sioraiocht. :p

Your reflections upon the mighty Manjushree sword and newly released Tamang Khukuri especially caught my attention and both are on my HI wish list.

It will be interesting watching out to see what your next purchase will be?;)
 
Carolina River Rat said:
M-43.
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This is my first post on these forums, but I have to ask... Why does this exact post keep coming up? Is there something that special about the M-43? I would like to know as I am looking at getting my dad a good quality khukuri for father's day.

My first khukuri, a CAK, is sitting at my home post office... unfortunately, I am house sitting about 2 hours away and won't be able to get it until Saturday. :(
 
Wadus said:
This is my first post on these forums, but I have to ask... Why does this exact post keep coming up? Is there something that special about the M-43?
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Welcome Wadus and an interesting first post.

I think it would be fair to say CRR and wildmike are hardcore M43 promoters. But there are many other HI owners who have strong feelings and regards for other models.

From memory, Wolf_1989 is equally as passionate about Chitlangi's. Cpl Punishment is an advocate for big CAK's. Long term HI user Yvsa speaks very highly of the Foxy Folly.

IMO some folks find one model that is their outright favourite and are vocal in supporting it when and where ever possible. :D
 
I recommend the M-43, though I do have a CAK on the way. I doubt your dad would be disappointed with either of those, or anything else HI offers. The main considerations should be your dad's physical capabilities and what he plans on doing with the khuk.
 
OK, thanks for clearing that up guys. Sorry I derailed the thread a bit, I just needed to know something about that infamous M-43. I guess it is kind of like my recurrent recommendations of my favorite flashlight on another forum.

I really like that sword at the top Sioraiocht. It looks like a weapon someone may have actually used in medieval times. Is it as comfortable to use as it looks?
 
Carolina River Rat said:
Having stated all of the above...







M-43.
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Wadus said:
I just needed to know something about that infamous M-43. I guess it is kind of like my recurrent recommendations of my favorite flashlight on another forum.
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My highlighting of infamous but CRR sure is making it that way. :p :D

Wadus said:
I really like that sword at the top Sioraiocht. Is it as comfortable to use as it looks?
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None other than Yvsa highly recommends it and that is good enough for me.:thumbup:
 
Okay, okay. I'll be honest. I've actually been thinking and talking about the M43 with a few friends. It will probably be my next purchase.
 
b.c.molin said:
Welcome Wadus and an interesting first post.

I think it would be fair to say CRR and wildmike are hardcore M43 promoters. But there are many other HI owners who have strong feelings and regards for other models.

From memory, Wolf_1989 is equally as passionate about Chitlangi's. Cpl Punishment is an advocate for big CAK's. Long term HI user Yvsa speaks very highly of the Foxy Folly.

IMO some folks find one model that is their outright favourite and are vocal in supporting it when and where ever possible. :D
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Passionate about Chitlangis? You might say that...
Chitlangis6-16-08.jpg


... and you would be correct!

I obtained my first 'kukri' in 1987. I still have it. It's a Windlass. It's serviceable, rugged, and takes an adequate edge. I bought another one many years later and shattered the handle on it. After this happened, I went online because I reckoned there must be better ones out there.

Then I discovered Himalayan Imports.

My first H.I. is a Kumar 20" Ang Khola. The Windlass piece isn't even in the same class as an H.I. A while later I bought a 25" Sirupati.


But then... I saw... on a DoTD... a 21.5" horn handled Chitlangi by Sher. For $100 I couldn't pass it by. There was just something about it which spoke to me.

Upon receiving it, I felt as if I had been reunited with it; as if we had known each other long ago and found each other again. I know how wacky this sounds. That khukuri is special. I have literally hundreds of blades in my collection and it is my absolute favorite. It's so perfect.

The chitlangi design has some of the ang khola's awesome cleaving power combined with the sirupati's speed & agility. It's a hatchet. It's a machete. It's a short sword. I find it the perfect balance of tool and weapon.

I had resolved to make a Gelbu my next H.I. but then Ms Yangdu had to post another 21" Chitlangi by Sher and I couldn't resist it.

It's become my #2 favorite blade.

It took me 20 years to find the perfect khukuri, and to me it is the Chitlangi.:thumbup:



On the other hand though I bought my brother an M43 for xmas a few years ago and he's another member of the M43 Cult. Perhaps I can tempt him over to the Chitlangi Side. We have nachos.
 
That Manjushree is hard to beat, but you still need a Tarwar:
100_0068.jpg


And of course an HI knife, or two:
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100_0058.jpg

100_0060.jpg


You can thank me later. :p
 
One must remember that the dread HIKV is a progressive and financialy fatal disease.

It is arrested only by total abstinance from even looking at kukri's and by altruistic action such as sending me your kukri's.
 
wildmike said:
One must remember that the dread HIKV is a progressive and financialy fatal disease.

It is arrested only by total abstinance from even looking at kukri's and by altruistic action such as sending Carolina River Rat your kukri's.
Click to expand...

There. Fixed that for ya.
 
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