Poll... HIKV; The Anatomy Of A Phenomena... Why It Happens?

Drdan

Drdan

Joined
Dec 24, 2003
Messages
1,390
I originally came upon HI's website as I surfed one day. I like knives, own about 6 or 7, and was intrigued when an article about HI's khukuris held them to be the best made. I originally went to the website to order one to my liking, and found that my interest was a lot stronger than simply being compelled to purchase another knife.
I am more interested in khukuris now more than several other hobbies I have, and these boomerang shaped pointed objects are functional, have history, are artforms, are the products of highly specialised and skilled artisans, etc., etc. Still, I can't quite place my finger on how the HIKV fits into the equation. How has HIKV overcome other forumites, and how do you account for it? I'm not complaining, I'm just very intrigued. :)

Dan :)
 
DrDan?

If you are serious about your question, I have some possibilities for you to consider:

1. The product itself is a marvel of a single person's effort, talent and diligence. It is created in an environment of minimal amenities, tools, or power assistance. It represents hundreds of years (perhaps more) of applied talent to create a tool, weapon, and personal ornament--depending on the circumstances. It is hand-crafted with pride in an age in which neither pride, nor craftsmanship are commonplace. It is also beautiful if you have an affinity for edged tools.

2. Himalayan Imports was founded on, and continues to be based upon, the concept of actually benefiting the people who are in circumstances which we, in the Western world, would certainly considered "reduced." It is virtually, or completely, a non-profit organization set up by a man and his relatives and associates to bring some semblence of well-being into an environment which has few opportunities for such.

3. The persona of Bill Martino, and his on-going dedication to helping those he can, beyond the boundaries of HI--such as Ram the med student, or the Bhuddist monk he has helped here, lend one a sense of renewed faith in the diminishing sense of goodness of humanity.

4. The gentlemen, and occasional ladies, who frequent the Cantina, are forth-coming in their welcomes, their offers of information, their help in their respective areas of knowledge or expertise, and their wry humor. They, in and of themselves, create an atmosphere of warmth and society. They support one another, offer prayers or smoke or good thoughts to friends and strangers in times of need; they provide an outlet for talking about problems that might not otherwise be discussed in this age of self-containment. If they disagree, they disagree with good humor and respect for the others' points of view.

Moreover, they do not flame nor chastise posts with which they disagree--most often, silence is their response to opinions proffered with which they take exception. This is a forum of courtesy, respect and tolerance.

It is unique. It is a place where strangers are just friends you haven't met yet. It is a place of learning, wisdom, knowledge and laughter. It is a special place.

Each of these elements, and more, I'm sure, coalesce to create the HIKV syndrome you mention.

For me, it's been a place of comfort and society during a time in my life when I very much needed such...and didn't realize it, initially.
 
I agree with all of the factors cited, and still find myself going to the HI website, going over all the models, weights, blade configurations, etc., planning out what my next khukuri will be... :)

Thanks: Dan :)
 
Someone at one time wrote, "Come for the knives, stay for the freaks."

I guess that's the lazy person's way of writing Kismet's #4.
 
Originally posted by BruiseLeee
Someone at one time wrote, "Come for the knives, stay for the freaks."

I guess that's the lazy person's way of writing Kismet's #4.
Click to expand...
 
Dittos, kudos, Kismet. Extremely well written and explained.

Besides that, fun to take out and use, thinking of the others that have used similiar ones before me. Nice to take out, admire, caress, fondle, fix up or maintain. I don't like Khukuris at all:)
 
Kis got it right.

My own personal HIKV exp is summed up by:
"Bethca can't get just one."

My instinct was to share! (I guess this makes me an official HIKV Carrier;))All my knife buddies gotta see the light! All my MA buddies gotta give this a twirl!
Heck, I've bought em for friends, traded them away, etc. Even infeceted one with the khuk bug. He's gotten three HIs through me!

-------------ALSO-------------------
If one were a purely transactional-type capitalist/materialist/objectivist, you'd still see the good deals and good folks, and know that someone other than a big Corp is benefitting here. It's a win-win situation. This is still HIKV.

I'm sure others can tell us more of the HIKV way.
 
The camaraderie on the forum, the noble purpose of HI, the crafting of the blade itself, and all the behind the scenes considerations of the kamis, sarkis, and hawaris certainly is a big part of it. The knife itself holds a strong facination for me too. Can the blade itself be infected with HIKV, or does it only apply to its owner, present or past? :) It's certainly a very rewarding hobby in all its many ramifications...
 
It's a really pleasant consensus community.

Kinda like that small town cafe on the square where the men gathered to talk about the weather,hunting,guns,land,trucks,fishing,homebrew,
politics,life in general and particular,and to marvel at those wonder of wonders that would occasionally swing by in high heels.
 
HIKV is not all about the knives- which are great examples of workmanship. It's also about the friendliness of the Cantina, Uncle Bill's integrity, the history of the khukuri, the spirituality of the kamis, Pala's great business sense, and much more.
I have 17 HI products. Budgetary concerns have held off the HIKV for a few months, but I'm eyeing a JKM, a 21" Chitlangi, a 25" Kobra, an 18th Century, a Pen Knife,
and hopefilly a D guard Museum Khukuri if Kumar makes any more. :)
 
Originally posted by Mr.BadExample
HIKV is not all about the knives- I have 17 HI products. I'm eyeing a JKM, a 21" Chitlangi, a 25" Kobra, an 18th Century, a Pen Knife, and hopefilly a D guard Museum Khukuri if Kumar makes any more.
Click to expand...

I predict that you'll stop at 20... :) It is more than the knives, as you say; I enjoy all of the aspects, and very much appreciate the Cantina... Still, in my spare time, when I get to thinking about heavy burl saatisal handles, special buttcaps, and other options I'd like on a Chitlangi I'm considering, I feel the HIKV acting up. :D

Dan :)
 
For me, each khuk is unique, unlike any of the others. They may get close but none are exactly the same. That one of a kind quality give them a soul and they all speak to me in their own way. Some speak more clearly and loudly than others. Some say to me that they are a part of me for the specific task I am using them for. All seem to call to me so that I must pull each one out and reinspect it for its feel in my hand and it's appeal to my eye. For the few jobs I need them for around here each one calls to me to be used. I almost feel I have to apologize to the rest not selected. It may seem strange to those who don't have any, but then, I was always a little peculiar.
 
Living memorial to Bill Martino and that Rusty guy, and a bunch of others who have flowed through the room.


Kinda neat.:D






Kis
enjoy every sandwich
 
I'm sure you don't need your ego fed further Kis, by me adding to the chorus of "well saids", however, one point I'd like to touch on:

Kismet said:
Moreover, they do not flame nor chastise posts with which they disagree--most often, silence is their response to opinions proffered with which they take exception. This is a forum of courtesy, respect and tolerance.
Click to expand...

There are a good many cases where one wishes people took this policy upon themselves, no? Mind you, polite and thoughtful discussion will work too, on topics where people can keep their cool. :thumbup:
 
Here's a thread that started 10 years ago...

and still...while the names may have changed....the spirit of H.I., Bill and Yangdu Martino, and the many and sundry others who have sustained H.I.....continues on.

Joy to your worlds.


:)
 
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makes me proud to know that this place has continued in the same spirit that bill set down for it, and that we all keep that alive in our actions here and welcome we extend to each other.

could not have more respect for yangdu, pala, raj, and all the crew at HI , and all the forumites who support the business, this is a great place and we will all keep doing everything we can to keep it alive. I own well over 20 HI products, I plan on owning enough to arm at least 300 people with a side arm, a work blade and a parade knife.
 
I believe that our paths were meant to cross, each and every one of us. This is a very special place. It's full of life, Love, art, wisdom, caring, friendship, inspiration, and sometimes sorrow. Most of us think we fell upon this place by chance, but I believe we are guided or led by our higher power. I feel that this is one of those places. Bill and Yangdu are a blessing to a great many people. Bills dreams and inspirations continue to make a better life for many Nepalese friends. I never met Bill, and for that I am at a loss. I read his essays and memoirs on the HI site. I was so moved by them, I shared them with my family as well and friends at work. I was overwhelmed by his wisdom and passion and Love. Bill and Yangdu and everyone at HI are very special, and it is truly a blessing to be a part of it. I hope you all feel the same way, and I encourage each and every one of you to read Bills words. You can find them on HI homepage. Click on khukuri FAQ. Then scroll down to kuhkrie esoterica. The fifth selection titled "pokhara and other sunrises" is some of Bills thoughts. Amazing!
Hope all of you have a Happy Holiday and Blessings to all of you.....my friends! Ted
 
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