Questions From A Newbie

G

gulfvet01

Joined
Aug 7, 2006
Messages
5
First:
Is there a problem with the search function? I try to search using the search feature and I only get a blank white screen returned.

Second:
With the Kukuri such as the WWII, British Army, and AK models I was wondering about the ability to replace the handle in the field. If the tang is simply a triangle/rat tail then the design won't lend itself to be easily repaired. What I mean is can any of the tangs from these models be wrapped with 550 cord to provide an improvised handle. I'm pretty sure that the Chiruwa Ang Khola would allow this; however, I wanted to reduce the weight as much as possible. This blade will be used for camping, clearing, trail blazing, and if needed for protection. Since I'll be in the field with it and may not necessarily be able to ship it back if needed for warranty work, I need to be able to improvise being able to fix it myself. I don't think I would ever have to worry about the actual blade; however, the handle does give me some notion of concern. If I have to I will go with the Chiruwa AK; however, if any of the other model would suffice then I would want to consider them as well.

Third: What is the best method for sharpening these knives? I tried to do a search on these topics but I'm only getting the blank white screen as noted with point one above.

Thanks to everyone for your feedback.
 
I just tried out the search and it seems to be working fine. Don't know what to say. :confused:

As for question two, I'm guessing that most people will tell you replacing the handle isn't going to be a problem (in the sense that you won't have to). A quote from a post on someone modifying his blade:

the possum said:
I used a hatchet to split the handle wood, and further used the poll to smash it. Even with the wood splintered it would not let go of the tang. With lots more effort I was finally able to remove most of it, but it did not pop off from the epoxy- the wood broke leaving a coating of fibers still embedded on the tang and pieces in the bolster. I started using a hammer to break off the epoxy, but it refused to just chip off. So I tried burning it off with a propane torch. I burned the wood fibers out but it still wouldn’t let go. I had to use a hammer and chisel to get enough out of the bolster to remove it, and then finally had to grind off the excess with a dremel. If a hatchet, hammer, chisel, grinder, and a friggin’ blowtorch have a hard time getting the handle off, I don’t think you have to worry about it flying off on its own.
Click to expand...
:D

(you can see the whole thread here: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=411516)

As for the sharpening, I've been struggling with that recently with my crow knife, so I'll be interested in hearing the replies.
 
my hat's off to you, you could probably break a ball bearing. I've been beating on the big WWII for 3 or 4 years now and the handle hasn't loosened at all, not even a tiny bit. The "rat tail" tang is more like a kangaroo tail. It's really thick, almost as thick as the blade. It doesn't start to get "thin" till half way to the pommel.

If you're worried about saving weight get a BAS, 15" AK, 16.5" WWII or 18" siru. The 18" WWII and 18" AK are beastly knives, replacing the wood with cord won't save you that much weight.

Frank

Oh, yeah. Welcome.
 
never had a kukhri break it's handle or tang yet, all the ones i've seen here broke thru the blade or at the bolster.

i've never had a problem with a rat-tail tang, i did recently have an indonesian golok where the handle needed repositioning. put it in a baggie & boiled it for 20 min. to melt the indonesian laha,then pulled off the handle, and then pushed it back where it should have been. it had a two inch stub tang, 12" blade. it's a modern one i use in the garden all the time & have never had a problem with it before or since even with heavy chopping on pine branches and heavy bushes. if i were out in the woods and it broke i'm sure i could whittle up a handle, drill or burn a hole for the stub tang & pack some pine tar & hair in it fairly easily.....mebbe not as quick as wrapping one with paracord, but i'm not all that keen on that style hand grip for chopping anyhow.
 
I recently got an oval shaped diamond coated rod sharpener that works well. To keep a convex edge, just vary the angle of attack with each stroke. Just the opposite of what you were taught to do when sharpening yer Boy Scout knife. Or make yerself a mouse-pad support for abrasive paper.
Handle repair:
I'm not too worried about a big, solid hunk of buffalo horn or hard himalayan mountain-grown wood coming apart in use. But then, I don't do extreme camping. Historically, every-day working or military khukris had rather short, stout tangs set into handles and secured only with laha (Himalayan epoxy). The HI products are far superior in materials, craftsmanship and construction. In other words, don't sweat it, unless you're going into the wild with only the minimum. In which case, I beg ignorance. And beg off this topic :)
 
Gulfvet01, if you truly are a newbie to khukuries, take a look at today's offerings on the specials. You simply couldn't go wrong with any of them.
 
The Search function only works if you use three words or less, and one word is best.

Welcome to the forum.
 
I email Aunt Yangdu directly about a 16" WWII and she posted it the next day. Unfortunately, I was at work and was not able to check the forums so I missed out on this awesome deal. Man was I ticked. Oh well! Aunt Yangdu mentioned that she would have more next month; however, I don't know if I will be able to wait that long so I may have to go to another source.
 
Welcome to the forum. Get an HI. They are tried and true, no one has made and sold more. They are made for bushcraft work. The handle won't break. If weight is an issue I suggest the BAS.

For search to work for me I have to do an advanced search. I've never once gotten the quick search to work.
 
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