Not to sprinkle on your picnic, guys, but I'm looking at this design and wondering how the kamis can handle the tempering of the double edged blade using their traditional techniques. If they could achieve a blade hardness of Rc58-59 on the edges and a soft center...
Also, no cho. Would they make a blade without one? It has been my understanding that they wouldn't.
As far as a name is concerned: what's the Nepalese word for 'snow leopard'? (Of course, later on, the larger 20" version of this knife would be the 'snow tiger'. Or, with the hard outside and soft center, maybe 'bon-bon' would be appropriate? <evil grin>
Greg is to be congratulated on the blade design. It's a nice synthesis of Nepali and Western forms. While I'm reminded of the Smatchet, I think this is a great improvement on that idea. I do take mild exception to the 'skull crusher' pommel. It would be a lot better ergonomically and still do the job with a rounded end on the tang. I'd like to see the handle in micarta or the hardest dark wood, for a much better grip than horn, on this pure fighter.
If the kamis can bring this one off, I'd surely be interested.
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The sword cannot cut itself, the eye cannot see itself.