Question about the Spear Vala

A

AgileBrute

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Jul 13, 2010
Messages
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Well, I purchased a Spear Vala some time ago and just recently got around to sharpening it, as it had a few very minor dings during shipment, and while doing so I noticed that the blade was curved to one side, taking a slight concave shape on one side. Subsequently, I wanted to know from other owners of the model, or anyone else that is knowledgeable in this regard, whether or not this is normal. Thanks in advance.
 
I think that it's somewhat normal with this style of blade. Double edged daggers are hard to make. Leaf-shaped double edged daggers are REALLY hard to make. I would say that it falls within spec of a hand-made blade. I know that mine has a few dips and dives on the flat sides and that the edges are not symmetrical.

That said, the quality of the blade is incredible despite these cosmetic flaws. Edge retention, balance, handle/blade junction, etc. For a primitively made heavy knife, it's an incredible value:)

Hope this helps.
 
Steely_Gunz said:
I think that it's somewhat normal with this style of blade. Double edged daggers are hard to make. Leaf-shaped double edged daggers are REALLY hard to make. I would say that it falls within spec of a hand-made blade. I know that mine has a few dips and dives on the flat sides and that the edges are not symmetrical.

That said, the quality of the blade is incredible despite these cosmetic flaws. Edge retention, balance, handle/blade junction, etc. For a primitively made heavy knife, it's an incredible value:)

Hope this helps.
Click to expand...

Unfortunately, that is not quite what what I meant. I probably could have explained it better. Anyway, what I mean is that the entire blade is curved so that it is concave on one side in its entirety and convex on the other when looking at the edge. Regardless, the quality is undeniably superb, but this still seemed like an odd quality. Thank you for your input though.
 
Ah i see. So the blade is somewhat canted to one side then? That could cause a concave-ish shape I would think. I'm not familiar enough with how the SV is tempered, but it could be that when they were pouring water on the edges that they flexed one way and sort of warped the blade....or maybe they just didn't hammer it as flush. Pictures would be really helpful. Also, if you have real concern about it, you might shoot Yangdu and email and see what she has to say about. She's seen a heckova lot more of these things than I ever will:)
 
I'm not sure, but it sounds as if he means that one edge is fully convex, and the other is fully "hollow forged." Is that what you call a "hollow ground" knife that is forged instead of ground?
 
its really hard to imagine whats going on without pictures or at least a detailed sketch
 
Here are some pictures. Hopefully they help.

DSCN1220.jpg

DSCN1219.jpg


As the pictures show the blade shifts toward one side and is not even.
 
Ah I think I see now. So the bottom picture does show a bit of a cant to the edge. It's a cosmetic boo-boo for sure. However, if you think it's going impede any function, you might send the pics and an explanation to Yangdu via email. I don't think mine is like that, but I haven't checked. All I've done with it is whack the bejeebus out of it to make sure it's up to snuff.

There is a lot of dark function in the Spear Vala's design.
 
Are these pics of each side or the same one? Either it's the pics are not lined up, or the blade looks twisted and bent to left in both.
 
it looks like the blade itself is fairly straight, but its canted in relation to the handle... this is pretty common with khukuris, where it either doesnt affect much or even aids when chopping at an angle, but I can see how it would be undesireable in a straight knife like the Spear Vala

when looking at it edge on, point up, my Ang Khola is canted almost exactly like your spear vala,
ak3.jpg

ak2.jpg

The blade seen edge on is clearly canted to the left, but when you hold it right handed, it means you can hold the knife straight without canting your hand as much
ak1.jpg
 
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Thank you all for the info, it was very helpful. From what I can tell there is nothing to be concerned with in the strength and durability of the knife.
 
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