PGA#5 for 2/21 -- 18" CHITLANGI by Kesar

Got the 18" Chitlangi in on Sat.--2 days in USPS's hands. I think they are kicking Fed-X's and UPS's B-hinds.

Been on Khuk overload since I got a YCS the day before, so haven't had a lot of time for this one.

The special-shaped handle, handle-carving, and ridged scabbard design make this model really eyecatching. The handle really melts into the hand as some have said. I think it's now my favorite. Very nice large karda and chakma seem to go sith this pattern? I like. Only thing to say about this great rig is a little of the sword of Shiva got ground out on one side. I think Bill said a cold chisel could remedy this, but after a couple of whacks, it will take somebody a lot stronger or more patient than me to make any substantial groove or mark....and that was a 1/4-inch chisel. The scabbard has a couple of hirsute patches--did you guys use to get scabbards like that all over??

Will try to get back to you later with more comparison to the GS Wal. For now,the Chitlangi seems a little lighter in the hand, but seems to "track" more--once you've started a swing, a little slower to change direction or stop. But easier for me to aim. (The YCS has more of this light-in-weight and "tracking sensation). The GS seems "snappier" and faster to flick around even though it clearly takes more effort to do it. Both seem pretty close in balance-point, I think the GS may have more weight in the ends. The GS has a less-forgiving sweet spot and more hand-shock when chopping wood. I would prefer the Chitlangi for that. Haven't tried lopping--I think the GS may feel better for that. Need to weigh them...I find it hard to believe they're within an oz of each other. Amazing difference in feel since the blade profiles are so similar...just a slightly wider, fuller belly in the Chitlangi.

Going through Murphy's like crazy... Maybe some dye is applied to the khuk handle. Seems like the end-grain near the butt is really soaked-up with something, with a brighter, more towards violet color than the rouge. Most of the rest is cleaning up OK, although there's a heck of a lot more rouge due the checkering and a rougher surface overall.

BTW: My local Ace Hardware has Flitz AND Simichrome.
 
You might be able to used a dremel for the blood groove but be very careful if you do.

Many thanks for report from the field.
 
You might be able to used a dremel for the blood groove but be very careful if you do.
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Thanks, I was thinking of that too, a cutting wheel should be able to extent the groove to the center where it got ground out. Really minor issue, its only a bit of the second groove nearest the edge, the whole rest with the engraving and inlay is beautiful.

"Be careful" means go slow and don't push hard, let the abrasive do the work and so you don't break the wheel? Or is there a hidden pitfall I don't know about? I've little experience with using a dremel.
 
firkin - One of the chiseled lines on my villager was buffed out, but both ends were still visible. I clamped a steel straight edge, in alignment with these, in padded C clamps. Then, with a dental pick, I scribed a line between them, deep enough to track with a fine jeweler's blade file. It took some gentle filing, but I finally got a groove that matched the other side. I used alchohol to clean it out, and applied touch-up gun bluing to darken it. Looks like new :)
 
Walosi:

As usual, great advice and suggestion. That's the way I'll go. I prefer doing things by hand on these knives anyway.
 
"Go Slow" with a Dremel, is the key phrase, even with the very fine polishing tips. Rouge, on a felt tip, can dig in with too much pressure. That said, the cutting discs are the most cantankerous attachments. They are correctly termed "cut-off discs", and aren't much good for anything else as they can shatter if you turn your hand the least bit out of line while they have "bite". IF you use them, know that they cut very very quickly. AND wear goggles. I've picked bits out of my face a couple of times, just from moving a disc away from a cut, and causing it to bind for an instant. DOT HOITS!!
 
Re Dremel

Well, kinda looks like I had the right idea of the pitfalls, but sounds like it might be a little trickier than I first thought, especially since what's left of the existing groove isn't perfectly straight. I'll definately try the jeweler's file before I borrow my friend's Dremel!

Tiny surface area and very high RPM--tough to do even work for sure. I'm surprised there isn't more publicity about people getty messed up by Dremels--Seems that people who are scared of and never used larger power tools are comfortable with Dremels.
Lots's of people have 'em--maybe they just don't use them.
 
:( Again! Frikin is just too fast. HIKV is making me barf:barf:

Hey Bill
Why doesn't this handle have the bumps. I think it looks really good with the checkered handle :)
 
The Dremel is one of the handiest gizmos ever to come down the pike. I've used them for nearly thirty years, and got hookd by a buddy who used one to polish ports on his two-stroke racing bike ( a Hodaka, if you need an era :)) The rig I have now has the cable attachment, hooked up through a speed control - the optimum for small detail and hand control. Even with all this, and working with the object in a swivel vise, there is a tendency for overruns, skipouts and goofs ad infinitum. I never found a really informative printed manual for metalwork with the Dremel (several for wood) and I believe it is the liability boogey man stamping out the first amendment. I use carbide bits for most metal carvings (belt buckle critters, etc.) and at high RPMs they will cut to the bone before you know you've been hit, so the "go slow" admonition includes planning and doing your cuts in 1/8" increments in some places.
 
I suspect your'e right about the lack of a metal-working manual:( It's screwed up when providing information on how to do something right makes one liable when some goofus ignores the info and does it wrong....

A Dremel sounds like a heck of a lot of fun, indeed--Right now though, the last thing I need is yet another new bottomless $$-sink. I know I'd be struggling not to buy new gizmos and whatsits at an alarming rate if I acquired one. And the handle re-finishing has already attenuated my already nearly non-existant house-keeping.
 
Abear--check the date! Just a little life in an old thread. The specials usually come up around 5:00-6:00 PM "BladeForum Time"--which I guess is GMT. For me on the Pacific Coast, that 10:00-11:00 AM.

Others can provide more details, but many of the khukuri patterns have unique stylistic details that are always or almost always included. These may include details of buttcap, size and shape of small tools, inlay or scrolling near "blood groove" and I'm sure many others that I don't know about. All part of the fun.

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Roger--I feel lucky to get it--it's a beaut. I've kinda held back a few minutes before E-mailing on the last couple of my PGAs to see if "I was meant to have it". And meant to be broke.

You do want one of these if you don't have one. Although if you choose to re-finish the handle, the checkering will drive you nuts AND banannas!
 
Uncle Bill was right, they do have a way of going to the one they are meant for.
I just haven't found MY Chit. Or MY M43. etc,etc,etc.:rolleyes: :D :p
 
Originally posted by jim_l_clifton
Wal,
............... if you get the Tuff cloth(Smokey Mountain has it too, I think)get the Marine Tuff Cloth. If you can't get any of this stuff,mail me!
jim
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Uncle, notice Jim said get the "Marine" Tuff Cloth. Definitely don't get the Navy version.:)

== Semper Fi
 
The checkered bumps are there because the kamis want them there.

Semp, did you see my post about lunching with the Marines in Guantanamo? -- almost 50 years ago now.
 
...lunching with the Marines in Guantanamo?
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Lessee---you said you felt like Einstein?

Does that mean you suddenly didn't want to wear socks or get a haircut?? In any of the services, sounds like asking for trouble to me.......:D :p
 
Originally posted by Bill Martino
The checkered bumps are there because the kamis want them there.

Semp, did you see my post about lunching with the Marines in Guantanamo? -- almost 50 years ago now.
Click to expand...

Yep, I saw it. I suspect that lunch was the turning point in your life and made you the man that you are today. :D Marines have that kind of effect on people, ya know.

== Semper Fi
 
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