Pommel

Tohatchi NM

Tohatchi NM

Joined
Mar 26, 2002
Messages
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On the Khuk FAQ, I've noticed several HI models with what looks like thick, engraved pommels.

Haven't been able to dig up anything on the archive about this. Are these special order? Certain styles? Certain kami? Or do they just show up randomly from time to time?

Also, are they solid metal, or sheet stock bent around the horn/wood?
 
I second Tohatchi's Question:

Was it the 'old way?' I see it primarily on thise khuck of the P.H.(Pre-Habaki) genre.

Keith
 
The old style scrolled buttcap looked good but was a pain -- literally. It was two piece construction, buttcap with scrolled stock soldered. The ends tended to be sharp and liked to dig into the hand. As constructed it could not be modified. I never liked it and battled for five years to get the buttcap changed to what it is today. The current version you can modify drastically with no ill effects. It doesn't look as fancy but it works much better.
 
So it was all sheet stock - an end piece like now, and another band around the circumference of the handle, with the two pieces soldered together?
 
Then there's the Sherpa buttcap Bill has mentioned in the past. Aparently made by Kanchi Kami, and by few if any others since. Consists of a thick solid piece of brass. Perhaps Bill can elaborate. I've been wondering if we'll ever see one of these turn up.
 
A solid buttcap would be nice on one of the slim khuks - like a Gelbu Special. It would make the balance more neutral, and make for a VERY fast knife.
 
Originally posted by Tohatchi NM
A solid buttcap would be nice on one of the slim khuks - like a Gelbu Special. It would make the balance more neutral, and make for a VERY fast knife.
Click to expand...

It wouldn't be that hard to modify any khuk to a larger pommel if one has a great deal of care and patience lacking any skill.
All it would take is a thick piece of brass with a small hole drilled in its center and cutting off the same amount of wood or horn from the butt end of the khuk.
But I think you will find the khuk slower and not faster just because of the khuk's nature, but who knows? Maybe I'm wrong.;)
 
The Sherpa style buttcap or pommel was also made in steel and worked like a ball peen hammer. I don't think any other kamis in Nepal made this style -- only the Solo Khumbu kamis.
 
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