Question for HI users

draggat

draggat

Gold Member
Joined
Jul 26, 2010
Messages
2,988
I'm considering a trade for an Ang Kohla. I just got it in the mail today and noticed two small cracks in the horn handle. Should this be cause for alarm? Other than this, it looks new. I won't be using it a lot, but I will put it to a little bit of work and want to make sure the handle won't fall apart too quickly due to the cracks. Any suggestions? Should I trade, or should I pass? The knife I'm trading for it is definitely higher value but I never use it and it's cheaper for me to trade, as long as it's reasonable. Thanks.
 
I have numerous HI khuks. Several of mine have hairline cracks. they were bought as blemished, due to cracks. Mine have gone nowhere, even during heavy, bad technique chopping:). I use Hooflex horse hoof treatment to keep them healthy. A bad crack can be repaired with super glue. Many HI forum members have done this and say it works perfectly. But, I have several with hairline cracks and they haven't required any sort of repair. Horn is natural and I don't mind imperfections. If the cracks are of the hairline variety, I'd say you are safe. Just treat with Hooflex or mineral oil, and it should last for years. Horn is tough stuff. The water buffs don't complain about it being brittle! HI khuks are special and I think you'll love yours. Good luck.
 
Thanks for the quick reply. I think I'm going to do the trade. I love how it feels in my hand, that's for sure! I just wanted to make sure the handle was sturdy even with a thin crack. Upon closer inspection, it's actually a BAS, not that it makes much difference. What angle do you generally sharpen yours at? 40? Or should I go higher? Thanks a lot for the super glue and conditioning info too.
 
Some sharpening info from the "Link Library" sticky:

"You can learn to properly sharpen your quality Himalayan Imports product the traditional way or by modern methods by visiting the FAQ section at the Himalayan Imports retail Site, or by reviewing this vast index of past H.I. threads compiled by forum member ddean and some threads by other forum members:
Tips Tricks and Useful Finds
Sharpening a Khukuri
Simple way to put a convex edge on a CAK?
How To - Sharpening Questions... again....
(WiP) A kukri's "working edges"
--these links (and more) are available at
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/719860-Himalayan-Imports-Link-Library

And the Safety Thread sticky is recommended reading if you haven't seen them before.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/269016-Latest-and-Greatest-Safety-Thread.-REQUIRED-READING!
 
Welcome draggat!
Looks like folks have pretty much have got you covered. Super glue and Devcon epoxy both work well for repairing horn handles. If you use the "search" function in the upper right corner of the forum and in the archives section, you will find threads on repairing/maintaining just about anything khukuri/knife related going back many years.
 
Recently i've acquired a M-43I from Javand and it was mentioned there are some hairline cracks.
I intended to re-handle it beforehand but now i've seen those valleys of mini i would say i little fine sanding to expose the crack and apply black epoxy, dry it and another fine sanding. Visible cracks are good since the stress "escaped" instead of building up within the handle.

I had an even serious occurrence when my ASTK has a crack right on the tang; I made 2 V-notches to relieve the area and filled it with epoxy. It took my worst bashing and now a very trusty war sword.:D
 
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