New (to me) ASTK

[Dirtbiker]

I picked up this monster off of the exchange. It's an 18" 42oz villiger ASTK made by Vim Kami. It doesn't have the U.B. mark, does this mean it was made prior to 2005?

I was looking hard for a 40+oz Kukri, now that I have one I must say it's overkill. It feels WAY heavier than my 16.5 inch 32oz CAK. It feels heavier in the hand than my 48oz Tarwar.

Pics are from original seller

 

[Karda]

It doesn't have the U.B. mark, does this mean it was made prior to 2005?

No, the ASTK wasnt introduced until a year or so ago.
Sometimes the U.B. mark seems to get omitted.

 

[wildmanh]

DirtBike, Karda is correct. The ASTK is a more recent model, 2009 I believe.. Got a 40 something once version in Febuary of 2010 so I know they are older then that by a little.

I'm with you the 40+oz 18" ASTK's are over kill. IMO One in the 18" and 32oz range would make a much better user. For it's length and design, it's more of a brute force muscle builder then a fighter which it's name sake was. Dang nice design, just needs to keep the weight reasonable and the balence correct. Mine see's use around the yard and on car campouts, but at around 3 pounds just for the Khukri there is no way that I'll be taking it backpacking. I'd rather carry my 24" 2.5# splitting axe over my thick ASTK do to more reach per weight.

 

[JayGoliath]

No, the ASTK wasnt introduced until a year or so ago.
Sometimes the U.B. mark seems to get omitted.

Karda,

I do think that the U.B mark is there but it's in Devanagari as i could only tell that's the most distinct of what ASTK has (and another model i forgot) from the crowd of HI Khuks.

J

 

[Dirtbiker]

I have a large umbrella tree in my yard and it has a few wayward branches. I wanted to give the ASTK a work out so I chose a 4" diameter low hanger and gave it a wack. The first hit when about halfway through, the second a little more about 3" away, the third hit actually caused the brack to snap off the tree about 3 feet away. This blade packs a heavy wallop for sure.

There were a few thinner branches just above head level but with the weight this carries I was afraid to try it. I wouldn't want it to get away from me.