Questions for Uncle and other Forumites

QM3SS

QM3SS

Joined
Jun 8, 2000
Messages
100
I was wondering how well the steel used in the HI Kukhris would hold up to the corrosive effects of life at sea? The salt air and water and the harsh winds. Would there be a special coating or oil that would be needed to keep the blade from corroding and also for protecting the scabbard?
And a question on forging and construction. I'm wondering if it's possible to put a lanyard hole through the tang of the blade during the construction of the kukhri and subsequently through the handle. I've learned the hard way that if you want to keep your tools safe while working at sea then you need a lanyard on them to keep them from taking a 2 mile drop to the ocean floor.
If so then would there be an extra cost or such for a blade made that way? And to the forumites...what would you suggest for work on a ship? I think that a long blade (20-25 inches would be considered too long due to the fact you might need it belowdecks and end up severing some power cables.
Thanks.......
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Keep it oiled up, and you'll have no problems. I keep either auto wax, or Chrome Polish on my blades, and it does fine. The oil is what I use (Olive or the like) on blades that will be used with food. Take a look at the AK Bowie, it already has a lanyard hole in it, and it is a MEAN blade. I really like mine.
<A HREF = "http://members.aol.com/tibetitems/2000.html" TARGET=_blank> HI Bowie Pix</A> /

Rob

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The only thing better than a sharp knife is... Lots of sharp knives!
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[This message has been edited by lefebvrj (edited 09-06-2000).]

[This message has been edited by lefebvrj (edited 09-06-2000).]

[This message has been edited by lefebvrj (edited 09-06-2000).]
 
Most HI blades are stick tangs and don't have any room for a lanyard hole. You could drill a hole through the handle which would probably work as long as you don't use the lanyard to actually swing the blade ( a very unsafe practice in any case).

The steel used is 5160 spring steel, which is a higher carbon and will corrode very easily unless protected with some oil, wax or other sealant. I have found that a good grade car wax works well against corrosion and doesn't leave an oily film on your hands, etc.

And yes, a 20" blade is probably too long on ship. You might want to look at a 15" sirupati or some such, depending on your intended use.

Tom
 
I like to use Rig to coat knives and guns that are going to be wet for extended periods,or just for long term storage.
 
Hmmmmmmm......could always paint my BAS Villager.....
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Don't know how that would hold up or work out though......
Thanks and Happiness to one and all for your help and insight
 
In the old times (we are talking sail ships) it was common practice to paint the blades of knives and cutlasses with some tar like stuff to protect them from the corrosive salt water environment. A good epoxy based coating would probably do the trick (any surface tolerant epoxy primer). 15" is a lot of knife on a ship/boat. You may even be happier with a 12" thick sirupati (sher) or AK, if small handles fit your hands.
Fausto
 
A good coat of white grease is acceptable in the high-humidity climes of south louisiana. Otherwise, I might reccommend Birchwood-Casey Sheath, its a great metal-bonding protectant I use on firearms, smells good taboot.
 
I forgot something, in my opinion a wooden handle at sea would be better than a horn one. Also the holster deserves some attention, if you think your knife will get splashed often, you may want to make sure that the holster doesn't retain water or humidity. Being made of leather and wood, I (IMO) don't see the traditional holsters to be that fit from this point of view. One of those fancy Kidex ones ,with some drain openings in it, would be great from the humidity point of view and much less bulk to carry around. I love traditional materials but I've learnt that at sea plastic works much better than anything else. I'm presently working on a ship, which kind of ship are you going to work on?
Fausto
 
Hi QM3SS, First if I rean your rate,SS
You sre only aloud a 3 or 4" blade,right
that is if you are on active duity. Most other fleet ships would not aprove of a blade in this form. My rating EN2,My son
Boomer-His rating ET3. Now if you are a
Merchent Marin, any thing goes-depends what is your ships Flag.I would go with
a caflar sheath-planty of drain vents,
Take 3/8 niylon line-make a six strand TURKS Head weave 3 braid lanid in the Turks Head,on handel. Blade care any thin
oil-out of engin room.Happy Sailing Mate.
Remmber never spit into the Wind.
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Bill Montana
 
Unfortunately I'm no longer on active duty and am seeking a job in the maritime industry...currently the most prospective is one crewing on supply ships and crew boats for the oil industry making the runs out to the oil rigs. Rating was Quartermaster...the lazy buggers who just plotted dots all day on the charts
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Thanks for the help everyone.
 
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