Need Some Help To Help Some Others

Bex

Joined
Nov 30, 2003
Messages
130
I've got a 15inch Bura AK which I purchased second hand of a former forumite from Australia, (some of the regulars may remember him-bit of a character). He didnt tell me at the time but he'd made a mess of sharpening the khuk. I've had it sitting around for a long time now, but never gotten around to doing anything about it.

Here's what I'd like to do. Since I've done so well out of Uncle Bill's deals of the day for a long time now, I'd like to give the AK to Sarge to pass on to any trooper going out to Afghanistan or Iraq. First I need someone to volunteer to sharpen the khuk properly, someone who has the know how and equipment, (I'm thinking power tools to put on a proper convex edge and plenty of experience in doing so). I'll pay the shipping to the US and then hopefully whoever sharpens it will pass it along from there.

Since US and UK troops are working side by side to deal with the same problems, I'd consider it an honour to help in some small way.

All the best,

Mike Becker
 
Did Kendo sharpen the blade? You can clean it up, you know, and make it right.







munk
 
That might be him. I cant remember his name now. I do recall he was another of those souls not at peace with himself...

I know someone could sort it out...but me? I'm not a great sharpener at the best of times, and trying to put a convex edge on a 15 inch AK using elbow grease does not appeal. It would probably look like a sirupati by the time I've finished ;)

I'd rather someone with a lot more know how than me did the sharpening and that the khuk went to someone who needs it. I've got three others sitting here as it is, and another two on the way, so I wont be going without.

If anyone wants to do this with me, then you can email me at: mjjbecker@wwkn.fsnet.co.uk and we'll sort it out.

BTW Munk, I'm still trying to get hold of my brother to ask him about the scout rifle. Damn internet provider is bouncing my emails back at the moment :mad: . Soon as I find out I'll let you know.
 
Bex, I really hate hearing of a sale of khuk or gun when the product is not as represented. It makes me a little disgusted. If you're intent upon letting this khuk wing its way to a new home, so be it. There has to be lots of people needing one in harm's way.

I'm sorry this is the way it happened- all the folks I know here would not have done that.

Anyway, glad you have other khuks and this particular khuk's misfortune is going to be someone's lucky day, maybe even a lifesaver.



munk
 
Munk,

On the positive side, I saved the khuk from further harm at the hands of an 'eejit' ;) There was an 18 inch WW2 as well that I gave to a friend.

I've got more toys than I have time to play with. Every so often I sell or give a few away.

The thought of the khuk going to someone that may use it in the defence of not only their life, but also everyone elses, is a very pleasing one.

Watching the news each day reminds me of how much the soldiers are giving in Afghanistan and Iraq. This is the very least I can do...
 
Bex: most excellent thought, unless there is someone over in the UK who could fix it that so you could pass it along to your own UK troops.

You might even call the Gurkha regiment ( who should certainly know how to repair it ) and donate it to them.

Just thinking out loud, but the British Gurkhas should certainly not be ignored. A 15" AK, a 16.5 WW2, or an 18" Sirupati or a Gelbu Special would undoubted be put to good use if passed out to those who have earned or achieved such a prize in some way. Who better?

See if you can find me an address/email for the Gurkha's home base and a top-kick who'll do a "Sarge" for them. There certainly shouldn't be any tax or legal hassle sending a shipment to a military base. ( Surely shipping coal to Newcastle would be allowed don't you think? )
 
In fact, I'm sure that a weekly competiton to see the top barracks each week hold a 30" Sirupati would be a wonderful incentive - if something similar isn't already in place.

Let me know and I'll pack mine off for someone like Sarge or Dan to spruce up and send over.

The HI trophy has a nice ring, doesn't it? Or if someone elso wants to donate another for mounted and crossed display somewhere?

I'd even donate my kora if someone can Walosify the wood scabbard and repair hinges and front catches.
 
Great suggestion Rusty. Bex, if you don't find someone in England to fix it and get it to the Gurkhas, you could ship it to me. I'll refurb it and send it on to Sarge for distribution. You can email me at:

Steve Ferguson
 
Originally posted by munk
Bex, I really hate hearing of a sale of khuk or gun when the product is not as represented. It makes me a little disgusted. If you're intent upon letting this khuk wing its way to a new home, so be it. There has to be lots of people needing one in harm's way.

I'm sorry this is the way it happened- all the folks I know here would not have done that.

HE DIDANT SAY IT WAS MISREPRESENTED MUNK THANKS.:mad:
if it was me it would have been sharpened to my ability:o
which is not all that good. not sure if it was ??? as i dont remember selling a khuk to a BEX ???. BUT AS USUAL SOMEONE WRITES TO THE FORUM AND THE KNOWIT ALLLS JUMP ON THERE HIGH HORSES AND MAKE RASH STATEMENTS DEMEANING PERSONS CHARACTERS. ????.

[I WONDER IF IT WAS KENDO]

why dont you say i wonder if it was munk ??.
come on guys keep it real.
 
i was thinking along the same lines, to send it to america would be quite costly, there would be plenty of knife sharpenrs in england who could put a razor edge on it no problem.
then it could be forwarded to the c o of the nearest ghurkha base to be awarded to the top recruit for that year or some such ,going on to active service. regards kendo:)
 
Kendo, the reason I did not ask if it was from munk is because I'm munk and I don't live in Austrailia. You do, so I wondered.

I could've not mentioned any names at all. There is a certain honor and decorum there. But I would rather find out what happened because the good name of forumites means something to me.

What could be more above board than that? There is nothing to hide.

Btw; Bex did say the knife was misrepresented; "he didn't tell me he'd made a mess of the sharpening."

So, you say it wasn't you- I apologize.



munk
 
Kendo and Munk,

To be honest I cant remember exactly who I bought the khuks off, except that they were at one time a regular forumite and that they were from Australia. It was quite a while ago now.

Rusty,

Thats a very nice idea you have there. I will see what I can find out regarding donating to British soldiers. I am wondering if sending khuks to the Ghurhkas is a bit like sending coal to Newcastle. What I will do is see about getting some quality cutlery to some of the front line regiments. Hmm...

This AK is promised to Sarge and I want him to pass it on to someone over there who will be going in harms way. I've got some pretty good reasons for this. As some of you know, I have a brother who is now a US citizen. I've also got two neices aged five and seven. Sarge's boys are out there fighting for my family in a very real sense and I'd like to help.

Steve,

Thank you very much. I will send you an email when I get in from work later today. Got to shoot off now otherwise I will be about as popular as the garlic mushrooms in a vampire convention with my boss ;) .
 
i was just a bit annoyed to see it put that way, as i said he didant say it was misrepresented, he only said it was badly sharpened.
and as everyone knows who reads posts my sharpening skills are lowsy.
so if it was one of mine i am sorry but i dont think so.
and anyway any khuk as decent as the hi ones can be resharpened correctly by the experts. i have never sold or given a khuk to anyone called bex, I WOULD DEFINITELY REMEMBER THAT NAME [BEX]
as here in aus that is a famous headache remedy, [BEX POWDERS]
anyway no problems munk i was just a tiny bit miffed:)
 
You betcha Uncle, I'd square that puppy away lickety split. However, time ain't our friend on this one Michael. Most of the 1st Cavalry Division guys from here have already saddled up and rolled out. The next batch of my guys will be airborne in a few hours. As much as your gesture, and the sentiment behind it, is appreciated, I'd hate to see you go to the trouble and expense only to have your khuk sit and gather dust waiting 6-8 months for the next batch of guys to go.

Your own Royal Marines are some squared away lads. They earned my respect and admiration over in Afghanistan, and I can tell you straight up they get thrown into the dirty work quite often enough, just like our US Marines. I guarantee you a Royal Marine Sergeant Major will be able to put your khuk in deserving and capable hands for you.
If all else fails, send it on and I'll figure out a way to make things happen. That is, after all, what NCO's do for a living.

Cheers,
Sarge
 
Sarge,

I am already thinking of a scheme to get some more cutlery into the hands of the front line British troops. I need to work out a few things, but I do have a plan forming...

Email me at mjjbecker@wwkn.fsnet.co.uk with the shipping details for you and I will get the Ak mailed off to you on saturday.

From what I've read, this business is going to take a few years to resolve. That being the case, someone will at least have a reliable silent partner to take with them in 6-8 months time.
 
Kendo,

My previous incarnation on the forums was mjjbecker. Yours was Ghorka.

Being an absolute sod, I thought I'd go and have a dig around the Archives and see if I could find the original thread, (I am a historian by training after all)...et voila:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=213326

Hmm...

"i have two horn handled bura khuks for trade
1st 15 inch angkhola
2nd 17inch ww2
both in excellent condition..."

It was a long time ago, and I would have left it at what I originally posted. However, since you did jump on Munk for his question, seems like it isnt him who owes the apology ;)
 
Thank you Bex. Keep me up to date. I've looked at the websites and it seems I need to keep it out of the hands of the "brassheads" ( picked that phrase out of a sci-fi novel ). Getting ahold of an RSM would do the trick, I suspect. Be extra nice if it were a unit traditionally associated with the Gurkhas.
 
BTW, would love to see the looks on the gurkha's faces when some 6' Royal Marine walks past wearing a 20" Sirupati, GS, Chainpuri or Chitlangi on his belt. Or even an 18" WW2.
 
Rusty,

I will certainly keep you-and everyone here-up to date with any developements.
 
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