New Model Inbound - Aluminum Handled WWII

C

Craig Gottlieb

Joined
Mar 8, 1999
Messages
1,760
Yes, with the "Christmas Shipment" I have a new model coming in. I'm not sure how it will be received, but it is basically a WWII with an aluminum handle. Any first impressions?

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Craig Gottlieb
Gurkha House
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Is the aluminum attached to the tang of the khuk using the traditional glue? Interesting.

Craig, do you have a ETA on the "revised Christmas shipment?" I had an 18" Chainpuri in there somewhere.

--Mike L.




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Real men ride Moto Guzzis!
 
I agree, most interesting. I can see brass handled khukuris, but aluminum? I can see that the handle would be lighter, but would wonder if having such a handle would transmit more contact shock to the user, as well as being more easily scratched up and deformed. Another potential issue would be the electrochemical interaction between the aluminum handle and the steel blade and tang if the khuk were exposed to the appropriate "salt" solutions, which, if I recall my high school chemistry correctly, would result in corrosion happening.

Is Cliff Stamp around? I'd like to hear his opinion on this. Any chemical engineers/chemists around? Your opinions also appreciated.

I would definitely like to hear the field report on this khukuri when it has been thoroughly tested.

Harry
 
Mike: I don't know how the thing is constructed. Kozak's right - where's Cliff?

Also, your 18 inch Chianpure is in the shipment (Lalit emailed me with the packing list the other day).

Can anybody explain this corrosion thing with aluminum and steel?

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Craig Gottlieb
Gurkha House
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Craig,

The corrosion type being discussed above is known as "Dissimilar Metal" or "Galvanic" corrosion. It occurs when two different metals are in direct contact and are exposed to an electrolyte such as water or water containing dissolved salts. When the dissimilar metals are combined with moisture, an electrical potential is set up. Current flows between the two metals, and an effect similar to that which occurs in batteries is produced.

The greater the electrical potential between the two metals, the more rapid the corrossion attacks.

Tune in tomorrow for my lecture "Bearing Grease - The politics Of Lubricants".
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Blackdog

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I wouldn't think that galvanic corrosion would be a problem, then, unless one soaks one's Khukuri in salt water. Ordinary corrosion (aka rust) would then be more of a problem! I would think that the glue would form a barrier between the dissimilar metals of the handle and the tang which would pretty much negate any galvanic effects.
Then, again I could just be full of it as usual!

I would like to volunteer to field test an aluminum handled khuk...it would be interesting.

--Mike L.


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Real men ride Moto Guzzis!
 
I wouldn`t worry too much about galvanic corrosion unless you`re planning to use it as a dive knife. There have been quite a few knives made over the years with aluminum handles and they seem to fare fine. EDMF custom knives all have cast on aluminum alloy handles and they have an excellent reputation for durability. I use my EDMF TrenchBowie quite hard in all sorts of conditions and it`s holding up great. I can`t really address the vibration issue because it`s wrapped in paracord but I can see how that *might* be a problem. Marcus
 
Good information, guys. As I am long on theory and short on practicality in this area, your experiences help. My perspective on this was from the viewpoint of one who is planning to do some island hopping and camping via sea kayak this summer on the British Columbia coast and was looking at bringing a khukuri along.

Harry

[This message has been edited by Kozak (edited 02-12-2000).]
 
KOZACK,

I doubt that Galvanic corrosion will be any problem with your Khukuri. It would only occur when (A) the dissimilar metals are in direct contact and (B) moisture is present at the point of contact.

Note: It doesn't have to be salt water, plain water will react as well. Salt water just has a faster reaction time.

The glue holding the handle on should form a sufficient barrier between the aluminum handle and the steel of the tang to prevent corrosion for a thousand years.

Blackdog

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The GH Forum Photo Galleries
 
I guess, then, since the handle is joined using the traditional Laha, that there should be little or no contact between the aluminum and the blade/tang (even at the ferrule). If you look at your khukuri, there is usually some laha residue that sticks between the brass and steel - I think it'll be the same with the aluminum version.

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Craig Gottlieb
Gurkha House
Blade Forums Sponsor
 
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