Hi All!
Well the 21" Chitlangi arrived safe and sound the other day. I would have posted earlier about it, but was too busy playing with it to post anything.
First off, What is the handle wood? I went to work on it blending the tiny patch job that Bill mentioned, and in general making things as soft and smooth as possible before the boiled linseed oil treatments begin. Well this wood is just BEAUTIFUL, the grain lines and color variation in it is remarkable. The linseed oil and the buffings have made the handle seem to glow. The repair has darn near dissapeared and the wood is prettier than on any other Khuk I own, (so far).
I also went to work polishing the metal components up on the BIG Baldor buffers at work. This is one of my joys when I get a blade that makes me motivated. This one has. The blade took no time or effort and it was total mirror! Don't worry I always have water handy and never get the blades hot. Too important that the temper remains true on using cutlery. The cross hatch checkering on the brass looks sweet also. This whole Khuk now glows and shines with a sort of inner life. I can not help myself, I just love shiney and clean blades. Even my users end up getting a polish now and again. All of my friends say I am like a crow,(attracted to anything shiney). Perhaps a good comparison, since I tend to like crows.
Anyway back to the blade. The hammer forging waves Bill mentioned actually look quite attractive once polished to a high mirror polish. They sort of ripple and flow accross the blade. To me they lend evidence to the hand nature of these fine blades and I sort of like seeing a slight sign of their true nature.
Well all that is left is to keep up the linseed treatments and take it out for a break in cutting test.
One question before I do though, I noticed what I expect is a forging line about 1 3/4 long, about 2 3/8 back from the tip and approx .150 up off the edge. It is only on one side and can be felt with your finger nail. It is deep enough that it will not polish out.
Will this be a weak spot when chopping or is it just a visual thing?
I thought I would ask before it goes out for it's initial cutting test in the woods accross the street. I know that if it did break Uncle Bill takes care of us, but I would not want to return this cutie. It is tooo darn beautiful.
Well guys I guess you can all tell there is another new love in my life. It is obviose why all that get a Chitlangi end up loving it so much. This blade needs to be a user also. It is just too nice to sit at home and be looked at. My advice, for what it is worth. To all that haver wanted a Chitlangi, GET IT!! You will not regret it. Rick
Hope you get it
