New Khukri owner & abuser

Wow, some great info here.

I tried the dremel, it can't put a mirror polish on the blade, something more between mirror and satin. My guess is that it is the problem with the polishing compound... it did look "polished" but not mirror. It took a while regardless, so satin finish it will be for this one.

I'm fairly experienced and always take safety seriously, but it is good to remind everyone that safety is the most important thing to remember when your dealing with edged tools or power tools.

I've used a buffer before, I just don't have access to one now. Belt sander options will be looked into, if the sander works. So I'm off to the garage to find out.
 
The main danger in using a grinder is probably not cutting yourself, but grinding off one of your knuckles if you aren't careful. Well, that's not entirely true. If you are using a thin belt, the edge of the belt can cut you pretty badly.

If you are careful, you shouldn't need to use gloves. If you wear gloves, you might not be able to feel if the blade is getting hot from too much grinding.
 
I would agree with Khukuri Monster on the gloves subject, and add to it.
Aside from gloves interfering with your ability to feel the temperature of the metal, they can limit your dexterity and ability to grip. If you were to wear gloves, I would reccomend something that is relatively thin and fits your hand well, but is still tough. Kevlar would work. I have a pair of kevlar gloves, but I wouldn't wear them because I, personally, prefer to have maximum control. Some people would disagree with me, it is kind of subjective. Take this with a grain of salt, and find out if you think that if the gloves would be worth some added protection for the grip and feel you may lose.

Also, if you are working near something... spinny (grinder, belt sander, circular saw), you may want to invest in some more tightly woven kevlar gloves as oppossed to the liners (not sure what you have, just a general statement). I would be worried about loose threads on the liners. (could get caught on any number of things)

One last thing: Don't put your life in the gloves' hands. Let me try that again, that may have been the worst worded-sentence I have ever typed. Do not count on the gloves to save your hands. They are cut/slash resistant, never cut or slash PROOF.
 
I hate gloves...lose touch and on top of that, if I ever do brush against the belt, I know it immediately and pull away. A touch of skin is gone, but nothing stronger than skin was there to get snagged and pull me in.

So it's up to you...

Nasty - working with power tools for over 40 years and still has all his parts.
 
Nasty-I feel the same way about gloves, and thats why I don't use them.

What are peoples thoughts about the mousepad and sandpaper method of sharpening Khukris?
 
NWIFSER said:
Nasty-I feel the same way about gloves, and thats why I don't use them.

What are peoples thoughts about the mousepad and sandpaper method of sharpening Khukris?
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The mousepad/sandpaper method rocks:) It's a good way to get a super sharp edge when you don't have access to power tools like myself. Plus, it gives you a good 4 or 5 hours of work that lets you bond with the blade. Honestly, even if i had access to a belt sander or buffer I'd probably prefer the sandpaper method. I know it's no better and is quicker, but it just feels like cheating to me...then again, i don't have any tools so this must be my rationalization of the whole thing;)

All I know is that i've taken pretty dull knives, and within a good couple of hours work turned them into something that will cut to the bone and then some. I have the scars to prove it;)

Jake
 
Another vote for the mousepad/sandpaper.

I'm through buying hones and such. It took me a while to figure it out, and it took me even longer to be convinced, but I'm a believer.
 
I would exclusively use the mousepad method...but time is the one thing I don't have enough of.
 
Satori said:
Another vote for the mousepad/sandpaper.

I'm through buying hones and such. It took me a while to figure it out, and it took me even longer to be convinced, but I'm a believer.
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There's nothing quite like a good DMT Duofold when you're in the field to touch up an edge on your khuk or other knife. I like the Blue and Red grits. Coarse and Fine, as they will do almost anything you need done in the field!
When we were at the 1st Khuk Khon in Reno I was sharpening the guy's khuks with a Duofold and my strop. Did the same up at Terry Sisco's place once for Gregg on a Sirupate.
But then I've been doing this for a little while.:D :p
 
Can anyone give me a good thorough rundown of how to sharpen with the mousepad/sandpaper method? I normally use natural stones, and what I have will not work on this khukuri. Also, what sandpaper would be a good choice to use, and how should it be attached to the mousepad (mounting tape?) ?
 
the sandpaper method is a good one - but tedious when using a khukuri.

Best method I've found (YMMV) is to get a small wood block (2"x2"x3"), put some thin padding on it (1/4" foam, mousepad, etc.) and then wrap a piece of sandpaper around it and run it down the edge. Sounds confusing now. If you had a copy of the CD, it would be easier. Unfortunately, I don't have a copy. :(
 
Dan, my sandpaper paddle is 3.5" by 9.5" and has a foam back. Just so people know they are availble at stores.

Does having sandpaper on four sides of a block help more?


munk
 
That's a good size, munk. Easy to wield and put some force behind it.

The only advantage I see to having the sandpaper on 4 sides, would be in the fullers and cho area when the blade is not flat....you could take advantage of the tighter radius made by the paper going over an edge of your block.


For touch up sharpening, start at 600 go up to 2000 if you can get it.


For getting out dings, etc. start at 220.


For completely reprofiling, etc. start at 120 - and I wouldn't go any lower....ever. The resultant scratches are too hard to get out below that.
 
DMT folding sharpener
Butcher's steel
Ceramic rods
Padded block w/sandpaper (best for convex)


The ticket, you see, is that your sharpening is done opposite the way you normally sharpen on a bench stone. Letting the tail wag the dog, so to speak....you move the sharpener instead of the knife.

Hold the khuk in your left hand (by the spine, edge up) and sharpen it with one of the above in your right hand.
 
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