Outstanding...

T

Tom Holt

Joined
Dec 30, 1999
Messages
475
The machaera arrived today.

It's outstanding. In twenty years of collecting and playing with edged tools and weapons and waging a largely futile war against my dad's unruly hedges and brambles, I've never handled anything that compares with it for speed, balance, control or cutting power. At 3lbs the weight is enough to pull the deeply fullered, wonderfully ergonomic blade through thick saplings and tangled undergrowth without additional force - just aim it and let it go - but the balance is good enough to allow it to be used in one hand (and please bear in mind that I've had to quit using conventional billhooks, hand axes etc because of my tendonitis. For the record, I'm 5'7" and no Arnold Schwartzenegger; you don't have to be the village blacksmith to handle this baby)

Like a fool I already demolished most of the rogue vegetation in these parts trying out the 20" village sirupati, so there wasn't very much left to unleash the machaera on; my dad's neighbors are gonna think I'm crazy when I go begging to be allowed to cut back their hedges and root out their briar-patches for them... Roll on summer and the growing season!

And that's without mentioning the aesthetics of the thing, or the wonderful carvings on the handle. Even if I stuck it on the wall and never swung it again, it'd be a joy and a privilege to own.

Bill; when you go to Nepal, do you think you could find out the name of the kami who made this? He's a supreme craftsman and artist; you can tell him that from me.

If anyone else is thinking of getting a machaera, go for it. No way you'll be disappointed.
 
Sounds like another winner! Have fun, keep your neighbors wondering... I'm of the opinion that if people see you outside with large bladed tools/weapons, they will be less likely to want to come inside un-invited!!! I'm glad that you are enjoying your new toy. These blades are definitely working works of art!

Rob

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'He's losin' it... (Words spoken about me by a visitor seeing me with my Khuk!)
Lucky for them I'm not...
 
It's kinda funny isn't it, Tom, how a khuk can so completely change our attitude toward yard work? Now, I can't wait until things need pruning our chopping down. And though I have all kinds of electric saws, trimmers, etc., they no longer get used. I much prefer taking all day to do a job with my khuks that I could do in 30 minutes with my conventional tools.
 
Tom, many thanks for report from the field -- always the best kind. I will do my best to find out who made the Machaera but I am guessing that the maker was Bura, our best kami.

I liked that Machaera very much myself. It was a fine piece of work and I am pleased it found a home where its true value can be appreciated. If it is not museum quality it is very close.

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Uncle Bill
Himalayan Imports Website
Khukuri FAQ

 

Tom, why did you have to go and post that! Now I don't think I'll be able to wait for mine to come in! It sounds perfect for my uses. I'm no Arnold my self but at 5'10" and 185lbs more muscle than fat, I'll bet I can really weild that Machaera the way it wants to be used. I was hoping that the two handed grip would really make it fast for its weight. It seems like this is true. Keep use updated on it's performance!

- D

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Three of the four elements are shared by all creatures, but fire was a gift to humans alone. Smoking cigarettes is as intimate as we can become with fire without immeadiate excruciation. Every smoker is an embodiment of Prometheus, stealing fire from the gods and bringing it back home. We smoke to capture the power of the sun, to pacify Hell, to identify with the primordial spark, to feed on the marrow of the volcano. It's not the smoke we're after but the fire. When we smoke, we are performing a version of the fire dance, a ritual as ancient as lighting. The lung of a smoker is a naked virgin thrown as a sacrifice into the godfire.
 
Can't argue with THE man.

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Harrassment in this forum will not be reported. It will, however, be graded.
 
Vampire Hunter wrote -

". I'm no Arnold my self but at 5'10" and 185lbs more muscle than fat, I'll bet I can really weild that Machaera the way it wants to be used. I was hoping that the two handed grip would really make it fast for its weight. It seems like this is true."

Daniel -

As you might expect, I've been playing with the machaera pretty well non-stop since it arrived... it's the kind of blade that needs a definite technique to get the most out of it.

The centre of balance, 4.5 inches forward of the grip, is maybe an inch/inch and a half too far forward for my choice for a thoroughbred two-handed sword; I'd be tempted to put a little more weight in the pommel (except that doing anything to that beautifully carved grip would be sacrilege...) This might be a point worth bearing in mind as and when the kamis make any more machaeras.

This means that the two-hand sword techniques I know, basically a mixture of kendo and re-enactors' theory of medieval European, don't seem entirely suitable; the khuk feels a little sluggish. Also, the follow-through puts strain on my forearm tendons. Ouch.

*Single* handed, however, the machaera has a life and spirit of its own. (The original ancient Greek machaera was always used single-handed) The secret, I believe, lies in letting the weight and the balance do the work for you. The best way I can describe it is "throwing the blade at the target without letting go" - a style I was taught for single-handed medieval broadsword. In fact, as regards handling, the machaera reminds me very much of the better grade of reproductions of medieval hand-and-a-half or bastard swords (such as the Del Tins). Used one-handed, with plenty of shoulder and body movement behind the stroke, it moves faster and cuts deeper than it does when used in two hands. And, because you're letting the weight of the blade and the muscles of your shoulders, back and waist do the work, rather than the arms, it's by no means exhausting to use.

As far as I can tell from pictures of warriors fighting with machaeras in Greek art, this was how the weapon was always meant to be used. Surprise, surprise; it works!

For the record, it cuts deeper and easier than my Del Tin broadsword, which up till now I've regarded as number one for cutting power; and it's much, much faster. By comparison, a katana feels like a paperknife.

I don't think the machaera would be my first choice for solo sword vs solo sword; but for sword vs. anything else, up to & including angry elephants and fire-breathing dragons, it'd be more or less ideal.

With your training in martial arts, I'd be very interested to hear how you find it, and what technique you end up using. Keep me posted!
 

Everyday I wake up and look at the picture of the machaera. Yes, I know it's pathetic, but I can't help it! I have until April or May before it comes and I don't think I can wait! I may have to fly over to your place and play with yours Tom!
smile.gif
I practice with my khuk in various fighting styles and the best chop I can deliver comes from a good over head swing. By this I mean in a circle around my head. I've found an old kung fu demonstration that uses a broadsword that I think will work with a big khuk. I hope the Machaera works well in this style because I'd like to have a small demonstration ready for you when we have our Gathering. I've never been good at demonstrations or forms. I'll definately keep everyone posted.

- D

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Three of the four elements are shared by all creatures, but fire was a gift to humans alone. Smoking cigarettes is as intimate as we can become with fire without immeadiate excruciation. Every smoker is an embodiment of Prometheus, stealing fire from the gods and bringing it back home. We smoke to capture the power of the sun, to pacify Hell, to identify with the primordial spark, to feed on the marrow of the volcano. It's not the smoke we're after but the fire. When we smoke, we are performing a version of the fire dance, a ritual as ancient as lighting. The lung of a smoker is a naked virgin thrown as a sacrifice into the godfire.
 
Daniel -

I think you'll find that a roundhouse swing would be overkill with the machaera (my understanding of martial arts is that there's no extra points for cutting the other guy in half...) Because of the weight, width, balance and profile, it'll cut all it needs to in its own weight. 'Course, I haven't been using it on people; just fat green hazel and willow saplings, mean old briars, and some Iaido-style straw targets... The machaera goes through them easily; in fact, to a certain extent, the less effort, the better the cut.

Think of it as a lightsaber...
 

Ahhhh, I see now the error of my ways. You are truly strong in the Force, Master. In my ignorance I thought to use the machaera to my own ends. Now I see that the Force must be my guide in its use. Forgive this lowly Padawan for his youthful exuberance.

I'm sorry guys, Tom just Forced me to do it!
 
Daniel wrote -

"
Ahhhh, I see now the error of my ways. You are truly strong in the Force, Master. In my ignorance I thought to use the machaera to my own ends. Now I see that the Force must be my guide in its use. Forgive this lowly Padawan for his youthful exuberance."


You have learned well, my young apprentice...

 
Morning all. I was wondering if anyone knew where I could find a good pic of the machaera. The pic in the FAQ only comes up half he way.

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"Clear a path for the Kukhri or it will clear one for itself"
 
Morning all. I was wondering if anyone knew where I could find a good pic of the machaera. The pic in the FAQ only comes up half he way.

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"Clear a path for the Kukhri or it will clear one for itself"
 
I'll try to get that problem with the picture straightened out next time I update the FAQ.

Thank you, Matt, for bringing it to my attention.
 
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