Question about Giant Chitlangi Bowie

[davidf99]

I've been thinking about getting one of these, but the combination of weight (about 3 lbs) and length (about 2 ft) are daunting. I could hold it one-handed (long enough to take a good photo or perhaps intimidate an assailant) but I doubt that I could swing it with any control or repetition. The image of a Giant Chitlangi Bowie flying out of my hand in practice is too awful to contemplate.

My question is whether the handle is long enough and has the right shape that a person can wield the GCB two-handed. It looks like you could get a second hand on the end, but could you get a real two-handed grip. My hands are average size, not unusually large or small.

I realize that other HI offerings have handles more like true short swords, but I really like the look and heft of the GCB, provided I could use it two-handed.

I also wonder what part of the edge is hardened.

I'd especially appreciate responses from anyone in that small fraternity of people who have direct experience with a GCB.

-- Dave

 

[Duzzy]

Doing a rough measurement on the recent one I would say that the blade is over 2/3 of the total length given. I would guess you are looking at a handle length of around 6 inches--maybe a slight bit more. That's not enough for my hands, but it might be fine for you. I would also imagine that the handle ring might make two handled wielding uncomfortable.

I don't have personal experience though--it's all speculation based on the picture.

 

[davidf99]

Doing a rough measurement on the recent one I would say that the blade is over 2/3 of the total length given. I would guess you are looking at a handle length of around 6 inches--maybe a slight bit more. That's not enough for my hands, but it might be fine for you. I would also imagine that the handle ring might make two handled wielding uncomfortable.

I don't have personal experience though--it's all speculation based on the picture.

I took a ruler to the picture and did the same estimate, but handles are tricky. It's not only the length. I'm more worried about the bell interfering with a two-handed grip. The handle ring can slip between two fingers and the edges of the ring can be rounded off with a file if necessary. But the bell-shaped pommel isn't going anywhere.

 

[Duzzy]

Even should you file/sand away the bell (which I wouldn't do personally) and remove the handle rings I don't know that you'll have enough length for it to be comfortable. But that's using my hands, which are about 3.75" across the palm, as a guide. If you want a two handed GCB I think the best course of would be to custom order one.

*Edit

I just looked at a review I posted a while back on my Bura Tarwar that is in storage. The handle (including the bolster) is 8 3/16" long, and I wouldn't want it any smaller.

 

[matilda]

First i got to say the GCB is my favorite knife! No problem hanging on with both hands. First time i gave it a good workout the skin on my thumb wore off from rubbing on the guard. What i find is the real danger is when chopping it sometimes suddenly decides to twist about 120 degrees and fling out sideways. Good for an adrenalin rush every time!! Be mentally prepared every time you swing it. I keep it hair carving sharp which may contribute to it twisting. Think safety for yourself and others when using it!!

 

[Duzzy]

Would you be able to get an in-hand picture? I think that would be helpful for the forum.

 

[matilda]

Sorry Duzzy, my computer skills rate about a zero on a scale of 1 to 10. My hands are average size and are a cosy fit on the handle. There's no way it will twist in hand. I pretty much have a death grip on it when in use. Heavy blades are totally different to use compared to a 2 lb'er. Always amazed at how well the belly holds a good edge, just the last 2-3 inches near the tip are softer.

 

[Duzzy]

Sorry Duzzy, my computer skills rate about a zero on a scale of 1 to 10. My hands are average size and are a cosy fit on the handle. There's no way it will twist in hand. I pretty much have a death grip on it when in use. Heavy blades are totally different to use compared to a 2 lb'er. Always amazed at how well the belly holds a good edge, just the last 2-3 inches near the tip are softer.

I wasn't even thinking about twisting. I was more curious how your second hand (the back hand) sits on the handle. If you can e-mail me a picture I would be glad to host it for you. If not that's fine.