Please critique my design

ferguson

ferguson

Joined
Feb 21, 2001
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I have my shop set up, steel bought, and my grinder is ready. I want to make a khukuri, and have designed two. Please give me your input on the two designs, and tell me which you like the best, and why. Material will be 3/8" A-2, and overall length will be 18". Purpose will be military and general usage. Thanks for your input guys.

Steve
 
Dadgum Steve, I really like the top one, then again, I really like the bottom one. Tell you what, make 'em both and send me the one you like least.:D

Kidding aside, I'd go with the top one, but that's just me. Since we've already seen some of your work, I'm surely not the only one excited about seeing your finished project. Which gives me an idea. It would be most cool if you could take pics of the various steps along the way to making this khukuri.


Sarge
 
Steve -

The lower blade would be my pick, but I'm a sucker for a Hanshee. Use the edge profile from the upper blade (especially if you stay with the "Eye of the Dove" cho, so you have a stronger ricasso. If your "first effort" Khuk looks anything like your "first effort" knife, I'll buy it....or trade for it....or swipe it if I get the chance :D
 
I like the top one. It looks like the cutting edge doesn't go all the way to the bolster. When chopping my hand sometimes slides forward so a unsharpened part would work well for me. I also like open chos for the same reason. It makes a good reference point for the digits. :)
 
Ferguson,
Good pix! But in my opinion the handles are too littles, and the buttcap will hurt your hand.
 
I'd bend the handle just a little on the bottom one- like a Kesar M43. But your designs are classic and strong, and comments are just tweaking or personal tastes.

both look utilitarian, the top especially.



Walosi, if you're out there and reading this, why are you a sucker for the hanshee?



munk
 
Originally posted by Walosi
Steve -

The lower blade would be my pick, but I'm a sucker for a Hanshee. Use the edge profile from the upper blade (especially if you stay with the "Eye of the Dove" cho, so you have a stronger ricasso. If your "first effort" Khuk looks anything like your "first effort" knife, I'll buy it....or trade for it....or swipe it if I get the chance :D
Click to expand...

I am in complete agreeance with my Bro.:)


Originally posted by stephensee
Ferguson,
Good pix! But in my opinion the handles are too littles, and the buttcap will hurt your hand.
Click to expand...

And I'm also in complete agreeance with Stephensee as well.

Check out the shape of the handles in the thread that has the green headed ivory handle of John Powell's old khuk and notice how the handle is larger at the bolster than at the butt.
The wedged shape handle allows for better grip control all the way around.
The only other handle configuration that comes close is the curved short handles on some of the other old khuks!!!!:)

Designing a wedge shaped handle such as found on many of the older khuks combined with Walosi's suggestions would make for a damned near perfect khuk in my opinion!!!!:D
But of course by making it yourself and in the chiruwa style you could also go with the nicely curved handle that locks your hand into a good solid grip.
But I think that the older style shorter handles made this work as well as it does.
The wedge shaped handles in longer lengths I think would be alright.
You've already picked the near perfect length and thickness!!!!:D
 
it looks like more of an "I can do anything" blade. The bottom is also very cool but looks like more of a dedicated chopper. I hope you can post some pics of the whole process.

Frank
 
I thought the design on both of them pretty good to me. I would taper the handles a bit though. Good luck and I'll be waiting to see the finished product.:)
 
I like the bottom one - it looks like it will have more weight towards the tip . . . should be a helluva' swinger.:D
 
I like them both. Let me know when they are ready and I'll let you know where to send them. :)

You don't need to take the edge all the way to the bolster on the bottom knife. It would probably work better if you drop it in front of the cho like the top knife.

n2s
 
Much Mo Better!!!!:)

Bill's right about the sharp pointed buttcaps though. Round the tops at least a little and then I think you will have achieved an almost perfect khukuri!!!!:D

I still like the classic lines of the bottom one the best though.
What are these gonna go for?;)
 
With all due respect to the lovers of boomerangs, hay hooks, and such, I'd like that top one with me in a fight. Looks a bit more agile and also capable of delivering a thrust if need be. Sometimes you might have to go for the stab if you ain't got room to swing (Steve mentioned military applications as an intended use). Then again, opinions are like you know whats, if you can't make 'em both Steve, just make the one that sings to you.

Sarge
 
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