Problem with horn handle shrinkage

B

Bruce E

Joined
Dec 15, 1998
Messages
173
I was recently checking my khuk's, and discovered that the handle on one has shrunk, so there is now a gap between the horn and butt plate. Also, the horn now has a smaller circumferance than the plate. It's really a shame; follow the link to see why.
http://www.bladeforums.com/ubb/Forum26/HTML/000548.html

All I can think of is to inject superglue into the gap, and then carefully file down the plate to match. Any other brillian ideas?
 
I would suggest a clear epoxy, injected in with a syringe. The epoxy will be opaque due to the thickness. It will actually look like it belongs there.

It is a shame, that is a beutiful khukuri. I would be tempted to try and swell the handle back up with steam, but this will most certainly cause damage to the handle.

Will
 
I've had to deal with this on my Gelbu...the butt cap is no problem, you can take the excess off with a sander, file, etc. (a little tape on the horn to prevent gouges.)
For the bolster, the problem is more difficult. I understand the principle of Yvsa's method, but would rather not do all that persnickity filing, followed by epoxy sculpting. I'm considering an 'ironing tool', perhaps made from a small cold chisel with the edge well rounded, and some LIGHT tapping...
BTW...I find that most superglues semi-dissolve the laha used to stick handles on...gotta go easy with it.
Where do you guys get all the syringes you use to 'inject' epoxy? Around my place, you only have possesion of those if you are diabetic, a medic or a 'hype'?!?!
biggrin.gif



Ken

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The sword cannot cut itself, the eye cannot see itself.
 
Go to your pharmacy and ask if they have any oral syringes(can't fit needles on to these so shouldn't be a problem). Get the 2.5 ml size if possible.

 
Thanks to all for the suggestions.

Will- swelling the handle w/ steam sounds interesting, but it seems like it would just dry out and shrink again.

I guess I'll try the epoxy and see what happens. I'd like to take the plate off, but the retaining "diamond" seems to be threaded onto the tang, and then brazed. I'm a little wary of taking a torch to it.
 
Don't take a torch to it! The horn won't handle the heat.

Try some epoxy, file and sandpaper and see what you get. Worst case send it back and we will get it rehandled.

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Blessings from the computer shack in Reno.

Uncle Bill
Himalayan Imports Website
Khukuri FAQ
 
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