New AK15

[HornyToad]

I normally hang out at the WSS forum and serveral people talk about their HI's so I broke down and bought an AK15. I am pleasantly surprised at the quality/fit/finish of the knife. :thumbup:

It is not particularly sharp tho and does not chop as well as I expected. How does one sharpen these? Mousepad & sandpaper like a convex grind?

Also what do you do with those two little knives. One has a shape but no grind and the other sort of has a grind but a blunt edge. Maybe there is some history that goes with these.

 

[Karda]

Welcome HornyToad!

We have a library filled with the answers to your questions:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=719860

Some people like to use belt sanders, some people prefer stones or ceramic rods, some like the mousepad method. Whatever works best for you.
http://www.himalayan-imports.com/Sharp.htm
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=686410&highlight=sharpening
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=636521&highlight=sharpening
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=720287

The small knife (karda) is used for smaller tasks that you can't do with the large khukuri.
The One without an edge (chakmak) is used to straighten and burnish the edge in the field. It can also be used as a flint striker.
http://www.himalayan-imports.com/Construction.html

 

[SpookyDriver]

I use a Spyderco Sharpmaker to keep a keen edge on my 15" AK. It took about 50 passes on the medium stones to get a good working edge. Now a few passes on the fine stone corners will keep it sharp, even after a day of moderate chopping.

 

[HornyToad]

It seems as though my AK15 has developed two lengthwise cracks in the horn handle. Maybe 1/2" apart on the top side (spine side). Is this normal and won't get worse?

 

[Karda]

It seems as though my AK15 has developed two lengthwise cracks in the horn handle. Maybe 1/2" apart on the top side (spine side). Is this normal and won't get worse?

Its from the weather where you are. When these things travel from Nepal to drier states such as yours, this can happen. All you need to do is wick some superglue into the cracks and they shouldnt get worse. Also you might want to hydrate the horn with some hooflex or mineral oil.

 

[stickfred]

Welcome to the HI Forum HornyToad.
My vote is for pure neatsfoot for the horn since I already have some. I've heard that the Hooflex may have a slightly objectionable odor. Try to hydrate the handle first to see if the cracks will shrink and then use the superglue and you should be fine.
A convex grind is what you are looking for.

 

[HornyToad]

Its from the weather where you are. When these things travel from Nepal to drier states such as yours, this can happen.

Houston is the humidity captial of Texas. That is why every house, building, car and some deer stands are air conditioned.

I'll try the treatments. I just assumed because the horn is more brittle than the wood handles, is why it shows cracks.

 

[Karda]

Houston is the humidity captial of Texas. That is why every house, building, car and some deer stands are air conditioned.

I'll try the treatments. I just assumed because the horn is more brittle than the wood handles, is why it shows cracks.

Actually, from where thyre made and what they go thru to get to auntie, texas is definately drier. As for the horn being more brittle, it may be slightly more so than most woods, have you seen what water buffalo put them thru? I'm sure you have seen similar with the cattle in texas. Wood will also get cracks if left to dry out.