Sharpness of the WW2 model

H

Hermit_Knight

Joined
Mar 19, 2018
Messages
448
Hey all I’ve recently discovered Himalayan imports and they are beautiful to look at, I am thinking about getting the ww2 model I just want to know how sharp these come because my sharpening skills go as far as a sharp maker and the mouse pad and sandpaper technique. Thanks.
 
The mousepad technique is more than enough, in fact, most of the time, I just run the Chakma down the edges to realign any rolled edge, after usage.

The edges are all fully convex, and for good chopping ability, you don't really need anything shaving sharp anyway.
 
For field use I've been using my Lansky Puck lately. It puts a decent edge on a khuk but requires some dexterity. It packs easily in a backpack. In fact I use it at home as well. Works great with axes and machetes too.
 
When you talk about the sharpness of a Kukri versus say a Japanese chefs knife it seems to me that you're looking for a different level of sharpness right? Like the edge on a chefs knife is very very sharp, but probably too fragile for a Kurki. Is this correct? What kind of edge angles do you want on the Kukri? My chefs knives are around 15 degrees.
 
mctecheng said:
When you talk about the sharpness of a Kukri versus say a Japanese chefs knife it seems to me that you're looking for a different level of sharpness right? Like the edge on a chefs knife is very very sharp, but probably too fragile for a Kurki. Is this correct? What kind of edge angles do you want on the Kukri? My chefs knives are around 15 degrees.
Click to expand...
I’m just looking for around the same sharpness as my new kabar kukri but I know traditional kukris have different angles to kukri like objects.
 
There's a posting somewhere on this site that shows cross-sections of all the most common HI models, so you can see the angles of the edges. It's an older posting so I'm not sure how to find it, but maybe someone else can let us know.

As you might expect, heavy chopper models like the Ang Khola have more obtuse angles, compared with lighter models like the Kobra The WWII model is more multi-purpose than the AK, but still pretty robust. Regardless of the edge angle, all of these blades can be made pretty sharp. Personally, I don't like the concept of "shaving sharp," because that's contrary to the designed purpose of these knives. A khukuri does not make a good razor, just as a razor does not make a good khukuri. I do like an edge that can make a smooth cut in an ordinary sheet of paper, and I think that every HI model can be sharpened to that degree without much effort.

There's no single answer to "how sharp is a WWII model" because they often come very sharp, but sometimes not so sharp. These knives are made by hand using traditional tools and techniques. It's not like products that are churned out on CNC machines and are all identical.

A word of caution about sharpening devices. You should not use a device that puts a secondary bevel on the edge. This changes the edge geometry and can reduce the chopping ability of a convex-edged HI blade.
 
davidf99 said:
A khukuri does not make a good razor, just as a razor does not make a good khukuri.
Click to expand...

Amen to that.

My 12" Reti (currently razor sharp after its maiden stropping on cowhide) continues to intrigue me. Technically I suppose it is a Khukuri but obviously not meant to chop wood. Apart from the obvious EDC/concealed carry potential I'm a little unsure as to what I'll do with it.
 
davidf99 said:
There's a posting somewhere on this site that shows cross-sections of all the most common HI models, so you can see the angles of the edges. It's an older posting so I'm not sure how to find it, but maybe someone else can let us know.

As you might expect, heavy chopper models like the Ang Khola have more obtuse angles, compared with lighter models like the Kobra The WWII model is more multi-purpose than the AK, but still pretty robust. Regardless of the edge angle, all of these blades can be made pretty sharp. Personally, I don't like the concept of "shaving sharp," because that's contrary to the designed purpose of these knives. A khukuri does not make a good razor, a razor does not make a good khukuri. I do like an edge that can make a smooth cut in an ordinary sheet of paper, and I think that every HI model can be sharpened to that degree without much effort.

There's no single answer to "how sharp is a WWII model" because they often come very sharp, but sometimes not so sharp. These knives are made by hand using traditional tools and techniques. It's not like products that are churned out on CNC machines and are all identical.

A word of caution about sharpening devices. You should not use a device that puts a secondary bevel on the edge. This changes the edge geometry and can reduce the chopping ability of a convex-edged HI blade.
Click to expand...
Thanks for that informative post ‘A khukuri does not make a good razor, just as razor does not make a good khukuri’ makes a lot of sense.
 
Amko said:
For field use I've been using my Lansky Puck lately. It puts a decent edge on a khuk but requires some dexterity. It packs easily in a backpack. In fact I use it at home as well. Works great with axes and machetes too.
Click to expand...
I have one and would love any usage descriptions, instructions, or tips! In particular khuks and axes
 
It will come with an edge that will cut wood easily and do it for a long while. They are excellent wood choppers. Ww2's are outstanding knives.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top