Scimitar Epiphany

namaarie

namaarie

Joined
Aug 23, 2004
Messages
1,499
I had an idea. I'm not sure I have the know-how to properly express it, so bear with me. It might be a decent idea, and I'm pretty excited. But it may not be, so everyone's input is appreciated.

As I posted on another thread, I recieved both a khuk and a small Saudi dagger for Christmas. The dagger is a typical, swept-back, double-edged ceremonial/defense blade. Nice piece of work, and very good profile for a weapon, since it can slash like claw or like scimitar.

Then I started looking at it next to a Khukuri. I thought, "ya know, they're not that different, except inverted."

Then it hit me. A traditional scimitar, with a rounded, sharp back would look an aweful lot like a khuk.

So here's the idea, and is it feasible:

A double-edged khuk/scimitar. Not much of a tool, but great weapon. One side is slasher, other side is chopper. Maybe would be best if handle went "up", from Khuk P.O.V., to better-facilitate the scimitar part, like a straight, reverse-m43 handle?

It seems this would be a very versatile weapon. Could slash like scimitar or chop like Khuk. Since it's best as a weapon, probably a narrower profile.

Once again, I'm not a bladesmith or an expert like many here. What do you guys think?

You knifesmiths, are there problems with this design?

Opinions, thoughts?

:D

Nam
 
Since I can't post pics, anybody willing to post a sketch I made?

It's really crappy res, because of my cheapo scanner, but it gives an idea of profile.

Thanks,
Nam
 
She'd be a devilish beyatch to harden properly.:grumpy:

And methinks the Ghorkas have proven the khuk to be a most formidable weapon in it's own right.;) :D
There was a time when it might've been feasable to get made, but even the special run of the 17" Foxy Folly is going to be a real chore to bring to fruition because of Uncle Bill's illness.:(
 
Look at nature. Talons, fangs, claws, beaks, and thorns all have the same general shape. Natures furthest evolution of the piercing/cutting instrument has a curved shape with the sharper (though not exactly sharp) side being on the inside curve. Its remarkably similar to a jambiya.

Namaarie, you might learn some interesting things about knife design by looking at pictures of jambiya (s?). I guess your dagger may even be a jambiya. Its not exactly like your idea for a double sided khuk, but its close enough. Its an interesting and versatile design, and many people consider it to be the best design for a fighting knife.

The only way I see to differentialy harden such a double sided blade would be to use clay, which can be a pain in the ass.
 
The dagger of mine is of very similar design to Jambiya, except *much* shorter and stubbier. Probably 4ish inch blade. That was my inspiration.

However, instead of that tip make the "back" side like a khuk, and probably put the curve in non-khuk side further towards tip to coincide with opposing khuk shape. More scimitar edge profile.

Those Jambiyas are really cool, and bear a lot of resemblance to my new dagger. Thanks for the info.

Nam
 
First off - Welcome, Mr. MojoRisin' !


namaarie - I think I understand what you're looking for. Sounds interesting.

I'm trying to think through how it would be best designed....give me a few minutes...see if I can come up with a drawing.
 
I've made a really rough sketch, but I can't post images. Can I email it to somebody? Feel free to post more input...

Nam
 
Atlanta Cutlery's mighty Assamite Dagger

assamitedaggerac.jpg


assamitedaggeracflipgrip.jpg


:D


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DDean, somebody already had my brilliant idea!!!

Mine would be thinner, though, by God!!

Thanks,
Nam
 
Can double-edged blades be differentially hardened?

I read somewhere that if you use a treatment like clay, the part that is clayed will shrink, and this is what gives katanas and the like thier curve. So, it seems like if you harden a double edged blade with clay down the middle, the metal will want to curve somehow, but, it won't be able to without tearing the blade apart. Maybe this would cause the edge to crack. This is just speculation, though.

The other possibility is using a torch to heat and soften the middle, however, this would be difficult to do without softening the edge, too.
 
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