Sgt. Khadka 12 inch-new handle

IUKE12

IUKE12

Joined
Nov 25, 2005
Messages
3,847
I re-handled my Sgt. Khadka and I hope you guys don't hate me for changing the lines. I have had this knife for about seven months now and a fine knife it is....but the handle was a bit too short for practical use. Since I use all my HI blades this was not acceptable to me. I had some oak left over from a cabinet project [read frugal here] so I decided to give it a try. After Dremeling off the peened tail cap, I fired up the Coleman camp stove outdoors and proceeded to boil off the original bone handle in a coffee can. The handle slipped off with no problem. I used a router to cut groves into the new two piece slab oak handle where the rat tail tang would fit into. Drilled some holes for a couple of brass pins, nice epoxy sandwich, clamps and an overnight cure did the trick. I am pleased with the results, lots of comfort and a sure grip. I credit this forum for giving me the info required to do this project. I have never done anything like this before and it was a gamble that could have resulted in a total loss. I regret not taking step by step photos along the way, but here are two of the finished job. I have a villager Ganga Ram and an Ang Khola that are perfect and shall remain as is, I promise.

 
i approve! looks good to me, and a better job than i did - next time, the slab method, and a pin, though i'm tempted to try a pin when i can get a drill press.

what did you make your pin from?

attachment.php


bladite
 
This is one of those that makes my heart smile. While it goes without saying that we all very much admire and respect the artistry and mastery of the kami's craft, there's nothing sacred about a knife. A knife is a tool, and a tool is meant to be used. That an owner thought so highly of a tool, that he would go to such length to adapt it to his needs, is not an insult to the kami, it is indeed a compliment. A lesser tool would have simply been relegated to the junk drawer in favor of one more suitable.
I have never failed to be impressed with the quality of Sgt. Khadka's work. The fit, finish, and attention to detail on his knives reflect a man of quiet pride and deep character. I very much doubt he would want somebody walking around in shoes that are too tight, in a manner of speaking, on his account. Replacing a too small handle with one that fits, is a worthwhile endeavor, and yours is nicely done.

Sarge
 
Thanks everyone for the positive comments, better to use it and enjoy it. Bladite, I used a couple of ordinary 8-32 brass machine bolts for the pins. I cut them to length with the Dremel. The machine threads in the screws help, the epoxy has a nice rough surface area to cling to. I did use the drill press for the holes through the handle and tang. Your handle conversion looks strangely familiar.
 
Very nice job! But one comment, the original handle was bone? Or horn? I don't recall any of the good Sgt.'s work in bone. In any case, you really personalized it and did a great job. :thumbup:

Norm
 
Svashtar said:
Very nice job! But one comment, the original handle was bone? Or horn? I don't recall any of the good Sgt.'s work in bone. In any case, you really personalized it and did a great job. :thumbup:

Norm
Click to expand...
Sorry for the confusion, the handle was horn.
 
I've mixed feelings.

I agree with everyone who's said variations on "good for you for making the tool usable." It's far better to have the blade handled in a way that it won't live in a drawer. I also see that the handle you've made will be comfortable, handy, and fit for hard use.

It would look better, IMHO, on a Western style blade. Were it mine, I'd have tried to make something that had more the look/feel of the original.

But it isn't mine - and as a result of your work, it will have an ongoing and functional life. Much better than the alternative ...

t.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top