Panawal vs. Rat-tail

Dave Fulton · Sep 8, 1999

I have a question regarding the two handle styles for anyone who has handled both.

Is the panawal handle any less comfortable, especially over extended periods of time, than the standard handle? I'm talking about the shape of the handle, not transmition of vibration. The standard handle is pretty much round, but the panawal is more squared off (based on pics I've seen) and I'm wondering if those edges cause any discomfort. I realize that handle preferences is subjective, but I'm curious to know if there is a notable difference in comfort due to the shape.

Thanks,

Dave Fulton

Mike L. · Sep 8, 1999

The handle of my GH Panawal is nicely contoured..sort of an oval cross-section.
It is quite comfortable to my medium-sized hands.
Call me paranoid, call me realistic...(just don't call me late for supper), but this blade sits next to my Sig P220 (with night sights) on my night stand. I consider it a formidable backup for the Sig.

Mike L.

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Real men ride Moto Guzzis!

Blackdog · Sep 8, 1999

I prefer the handle on my Panawal. The Service #1 handle is OK, but I find the more oval shape of the Panawal handle gives me a lot more control. I have an old habit of grinding and sanding the handles of my larger tools (hammers, axes, big knives etc.) to fit more comfortably in my hand. I have long, thin hands and fingers

I removed the center "ring" from the Panawal's handle and rounded out the butt-cap with my grinder. I then worked it smooth as a baby's bottom with finer and finer grades of sandpaper (from 150 to 600). I didn't change anything else on it. Now when I pick it up, it feels like it grew there.

Blackdog

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When the world is at peace, a gentleman keeps his sword by his side.......
Sun-Tzu 400 BC

[This message has been edited by Blackdog (edited 08 September 1999).]

sing · Sep 9, 1999

The handles on my three GH and HI's are all oval shape. The Panawal's handle is definitely a little more in cross section. Chopped alot with it this past week in Maine. The handle was pretty comfortable. I did find that occaisonally it twisted on me while chopping while I didn't find this with my other khukuris. I think perhaps it's due to the bigger size handle relative to my small hand.

Craig, The panawal is good chopper but not as good as my 15" HI AK. It doesn't have the same heft. I think you may want consider some larger/heavier models in the future, especially for the big boys/girls.

sing

Craig Gottlieb · Sep 9, 1999

Sing: right on! I saw your last post. The 20 incher is inbound. As for the Panawal, Dave, everybody said it as good as I ever could. The only other consideration you should make when deciding is how durable you want your knife to be. The Panawal handle simply will not break (well, Cliff could break anything

). If something does happen, it'll probably be the scales, which are easily replaced. So, if you're in the woods and you drop your panawal off a cliff (not Cliff Stamp), and the scales pop off, you'll still have something to hold. With the normal styled handle, you'd have a stick tang to hold on to. And don't worry about the vibration on the full tang - one thinks it should be there, but users say it is mysteriously absent. Of course, that being said, I have no plans to throw my khukuris off cliffs, and I aesthetically prefer the standard styled handle to the Panawal, which, incidentally, means "With Pins."

Of course, you'll have the chance to handle both when we meet next week. See ya then.

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Craig Gottlieb
Gurkha House
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[This message has been edited by Craig Gottlieb (edited 09 September 1999).]