Old khukuri question, to sharpen or not to sharpen?

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EatingSarma

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So, this is the blade in question:

ibb.co

20210819-191637 hosted at ImgBB

Image 20210819-191637 hosted on ImgBB
ibb.co ibb.co


If you got this old khukuri with some damage to the edge, you'd want to sharpen it and remove the 2 orange rust spots. But then again, you don't know it's history or it's worth, could you perhaps ruin it? And would you use this thing?

I just want to know what's your take on it. And I'm glad to hear if you know more about this piece.
Asking for a friend :)
 
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SwissHeritageCo said:
Rust doesn't matter much on a kukri as long as the edge stays clean.

Sharpen that puppy up and put it to use, thats no wall hanger, its a user and its value is in its function.
Click to expand...
This piece was apparently millitary issued and even used in conflicts.

But yeah, definitely putting an edge on it. Nobody can stand a dull blade, especially with some damage to the edge too.
 
If the potential value of the knife is giving you pause, then I'd say take the time to really dive into the history of the model, that way you will know for sure and be able to put that worry to rest. Until then, don't modify it at all, just take care of it. An important thing to remember though is that just because something is old doesn't mean that it is valuable. If it was military issued then there was likely a bunch of them made, so unless you find something unique about yours, go ahead and use it. As SwissHeritageCo put it, the value is in it's function.
 
If it were me, I’d remove any rust or stains on my blade with some baking soda mixed with water, but that’s up to you man. Have fun with it. :D
 
Value is around 180€.

This puppy will get a proper sharpening, removal of orange rust, mineral oil or bees wax wipe and will go to forrest trips to chop some wood :)
 
Unless it was owned by someone of note, it has no real value, except in it's use. As for it's history, from what I have seen in the past, and having had several hundred khukuri's go through my hands, I don't believe this one will hold any real value in any way, historically. The lack of a flared butt alone leads me away from any historical significance. I have seen many old WWI - WWII khuks and none had that handle. Not saying it isn't historical, just that I have not seen one like that. But I am certainly no authority on khuks, so just because I haven't seen it, doesn't make it significant. So take what I say with a huge grain of salt.

Sharpen it and go have some fun
 
As Cobalt Cobalt said, I don't see it being valuable beyond being a user. The handle does look a little funky and not what is generally seen on a khuk used in combat.

I would sharpen out any dings, convex the edge, clean it up, and use the helloutta it :)
 
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I don't know what makes a piece worth more than the other, probably # made and the condition of the item and stuff like that.

I bought this one online and was shocked at the great price, 55$!! Ok, it is missing the sheath and there is some pitting and rust, but other than that its in pretty good shape.

It's a WWI "French M-1916 Avenger Trench Knife".

FNqhsqOl.jpg
 
It looks handmade and of low quality. I doubt it was issued by any military.

There was a thread just like this years ago. The photo links no longer work, but the description seems the same.
markings-on-lost-in-war-kukri-to-rusty.157523

The conclusion was (Post No. 22):

"This is a very standard, low quality knife made for the 'tourist' trade. It
is not a military issue and the markings are insignificant. It was probably
made within the last 10 to 20 years."
 
Some perfect answers already. It probably isn't valuable but I'm no expert and if you have doubts, ask one. I'm sure we have a few around or someone who could refer you to one to actually take a look.
What I do know is that even over the internet I think I can hear it saying " sharpen me, use me! I'm a great using knife!", but I'm not sure since I can't speak Nepalese.

As soon as you sharpen a knife you adversely and substantially affect the value so the better the knife the less inclined you are to actually use it.
That's crazy, or some kind of catch 22. Catch 23B maybe.

( edited to add: I just noticed some of the folks who posted. They know what they're talking about - MOST of the time ;) )
 
Absolutely one of the worst fakes I’ve seen. I especially love it being marked “Khukuri” on the blade. It would be like marking “knife” on a knife blade, “gun” on a barrel of a gun, or “car” written on the drivers door of your vehicle! The markings are all horrible and do not line up with military markings. The brass bolster and replacement handle are poorly done, and again not correct in any way.

Unfortunately for your friend, the rust is probably the only real thing on this kukri. I would strongly advise not using this blade, because if the handle was made as poorly as it looks it could seriously injure someone when it falls apart during use.
 
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Sharpen it for sure.
A blade that isn't sharp is just a flat piece of metal....


or a Harbor Freight machete - - - pretty much the same thing.... ;)
 
EatingSarma said:
So, this is the blade in question:

ibb.co

20210819-191637 hosted at ImgBB

Image 20210819-191637 hosted on ImgBB
ibb.co ibb.co


If you got this old khukuri with some damage to the edge, you'd want to sharpen it and remove the 2 orange rust spots. But then again, you don't know it's history or it's worth, could you perhaps ruin it? And would you use this thing?

I just want to know what's your take on it. And I'm glad to hear if you know more about this piece.
Asking for a friend :)
Click to expand...
sharpen and use 100 percent
 
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