OK, I got some photos and I hope they're good. I'll also give impressions since I'm here. First the specs: 18 3/4" OAL, 13 1/4" Blade, 5 5/8" Handle, a little over 7/16" Spine, 2 11/16" Width, POB at 4 3/8" from bolster and 34.4 oz.
This particular blade was sold by forumite MikeL. It is the heaviest blade in my group to date. This model was brought to my attention by Yvsa's impressions in the Archives. I like the feel of this khukuri but Yvsa was correct in that it needs to be handled slightly different in use. The forward curve puts a little more weight forward than say an Ang Khola. The POB is nearly an inch further out than my 18" Hanuman and more than an inch further out than an 18" M43 that I tried. The 18th Cen. chops nearly as well as my Hanuman (Full Ang Khola), which is the best chopping khuk I have. I'm sure that the 18th Cen. would be as good at chopping as the Hanuman once I used it more. Personally, I prefer the 18th Cen. model in hand than the M43-it feels more comfortable and controlled, perhaps due to the ring on the handle.
Other than the forged marks on the blade, this is an unmarked khuk. No kami marks or HI designation on the blade. The blade has a good edge on it that is easily brought back with the chakma after chopping. Chakma and karda are both approx. 6" in length and the blade of the forge marked karda has a good sharp edge. I haven't chopped on anything that was green or sappy so I haven't had to worry about cleaning the blade with its markings. In use I don't think I'd worry much about it either. Clean off what you can and go to the next task. I do understand how the more fastidious may find this problematic with a user. Overall, I'm glad that I was able to get one of these. Its a great HI offering. Maybe you can still order one.
Rick
This particular blade was sold by forumite MikeL. It is the heaviest blade in my group to date. This model was brought to my attention by Yvsa's impressions in the Archives. I like the feel of this khukuri but Yvsa was correct in that it needs to be handled slightly different in use. The forward curve puts a little more weight forward than say an Ang Khola. The POB is nearly an inch further out than my 18" Hanuman and more than an inch further out than an 18" M43 that I tried. The 18th Cen. chops nearly as well as my Hanuman (Full Ang Khola), which is the best chopping khuk I have. I'm sure that the 18th Cen. would be as good at chopping as the Hanuman once I used it more. Personally, I prefer the 18th Cen. model in hand than the M43-it feels more comfortable and controlled, perhaps due to the ring on the handle.
Other than the forged marks on the blade, this is an unmarked khuk. No kami marks or HI designation on the blade. The blade has a good edge on it that is easily brought back with the chakma after chopping. Chakma and karda are both approx. 6" in length and the blade of the forge marked karda has a good sharp edge. I haven't chopped on anything that was green or sappy so I haven't had to worry about cleaning the blade with its markings. In use I don't think I'd worry much about it either. Clean off what you can and go to the next task. I do understand how the more fastidious may find this problematic with a user. Overall, I'm glad that I was able to get one of these. Its a great HI offering. Maybe you can still order one.
Rick
:foot: