Short sword hassles, HI the answer?

J

J Harris

Joined
Aug 18, 2000
Messages
13
Hey fellas! I'm new to the HI forum, as is evident, and to khukris in general. Typically, I've only been a closet edged nut, only buying great deals as they come and go, end even then only ones I could really use. I tend to spend most of my money on other hobbies (Khukri blasphemy I know...) but lately I've been wanting a short sword. I was eyeballing the Del Tin Falchion (30 inches and about 3 lbs) as I handled one and loved it. A friend of mine told me to check out the HI line, claiming the durability was vastly superior. I mailed Uncle Bill and requested a catalog, but here's the deal: I'm hunting a sword in the range of about 30 inches overall, I originally aimed at 3lbs or under, but I'll settle for more. I'm looking for durability and overall quality, no real frills needed. I liek the khukri design principles, but my only experience with them is a cold steel ATC from the early 90's. The option I see is the 30 inch sirupati. I'd like anyone's input on the blade who has bought one in the past, and any pictures you may have. I'm a pretty large person at 6'3 and 200 lbs, so the big hand/short arms issue is not really at question here. So, fire me your suggestions at will! Thanks in advance and sorry for the masive post.
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Hi JH,
WElcome to the "Cantina". Before you get your self confused beyond hope, I'd suggest that you look back through the old postings and get acquainted with the place. Also, click on the links to Hymalayan Imports site and to the FAQ's. In the mean time this posting will get all kinds of replys. Newbys are always fair game
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Dan
 
Howdy Dan! I may be the resident FNG, but I'm by no means "forum-new". I'm a fairly driven gun nut, with a major in ballistics and a minor in "poking, chopping, edged stuff". My preferred manner in dealing with negative social circumstances would be a M1 Garand, not a Sirupati. But hey- we got our needs, and then we got our wants, huh? I am well-versed in construction, use, and terminology of bladed things on a whole (especially certain ethnographic weapons), I've just never owned a khuk before. I am glad that I stumbled across this site about a year ago and remembered that it existed, I've found a vast amount of khuk-related gems by cruising the archives. I've pored over the HI site and all it's contents over the past few days and am as well-acquainted as I can be with them until I get that catalog. The regulars here are just as colorful and informative as the ones back "home" and I look foward to everyone's input on my delimna (Hey, the fate of a paycheck hangs in the balance!)
Thanks again,
the FNG
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Hey. IMHO, a khuk is a khuk and a sword is a whole different barrel of fish. I may be hung up by the ankles but a khuk above 25"isn't that great. I've used a 25" sirupati and as far as self defense is concerned it wasn't to good. The foward tilt is too strong on a blade that size to move effecently as a weapon. Granted I'm not as big as you, but I think you'll experience the same thing. I'm expecting a very nice, very funtional gladius that I had made in about a week or two. If you like I can tell you how it looks and then point you in his direction. His prices are reasonable. By the way, I've actually had reasonable sword experience so I'm not just talking out of my you know what.

-D
 
JH,
I don't think that catalog will help much, unless Bill has done a major update. Have you thought about a Hymalayan Katana? Or a 25" Kumer Kobra?
Dan
 
Yes, a 25" Kumar Kobra would be absolutely ideal for you. My 22" (made by Bura from spring steel) is a dream to wield, feeling almost weightless. And it's not too 'thin' so you can actually use it to cut tatami mats or whatever...
 
Welcome to the Cantina!

As you want, a Sirupati will fit your purpose. And King Kobras go as well or better.
Only thing I'm afraid of is you might find shorter thick blade as ALSO attracting and efficient... That's what most of us forumites suffer from, HIKV!

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Did you enjoy today?
\(^o^)/ Mizutani Satoshi \(^o^)/
 
25" Kumar Kobra... Fast in the hand, amazing balance and "feel", unbreakable, slices through most anything like a lightsaber... IMHO the perfect all-round khukuri for peace or war. Very highly recommended.

30" Kumar Kobra... Well, some folks like 'em. I reworked mine to alter the balance and weight distribution. I wouldn't recommend it for what you're after.

Regarding what Vampire Hunter D said about the 25" sirupati (as distinct from the 25" Kobra); agreed, in spades. The full weight 25" sirupati makes a really useful and efficient tool for clearing timber and undergrowth, splitting logs &c, but it's not my choice for a weapon, unless I happened to be fighting an elderly, slow-moving knight in armor...

As for the gladius-type short sword he mentioned; I've seen it, and it's a real thoroughbred fighter (though the scabbard's not up to much).
 
Well...I guess I'll look into a 25 inch Kobra, looks like I'll get lynched if I dont!
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This is a surprise Christmas present to myself I'm letting my brother in on, so it might be awhile. That being the case, are there any nice options offered by HI on their blades, if so, what would the grizzled mail order vets recommend? I'd like to ask about an engraved buffalo horn handle, as I saw on a 15 inch AK on the site,is that doable (or in the long run, desirable) on Kumar's blade? Steel mounting? Any clues as to what this package may cost me? Thanks, and well...sorry for all the questions in one line there, terrible form you know.
PS, VHD- who is making this gladius for you? I do like the little stickers.
 
I'll bow to the experience of the others here and offer no objection to the Kobra...I do feel that the sirupati in normal form maxes out at 20". That gives you 14 in. of very stout steel to swing. Big enough to fill an apartment hallway or alley...but not enough for dragons in an open field.
It kinda depends on the style of fighting you favor...but maybe a straight cut and thrust sword is more what you would need (I brace myself here for a flood of khukuri-lover's protests) like perhaps one of the Japanese or Medieval designs from a purveyor like Kris Cutlery or Tinker...depending on whether price is or is not an object. Of course (he said, hoping to avoid tar and feathers) you'll still need a khuk, and HI's are the best...I recommend the Gelbu Special.

Ken (waiting to see if he will ever be allowed to post on this forum again)....
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The sword cannot cut itself, the eye cannot see itself.
 

Well... I've aquired the services of an english blacksmith who is said to be of tremedous skill. His name I won't mention just in case he doesn't want me to. I will however say that the person who connected us is Tom Holt....

As for the 25" kumar kobra I've only heard good things. However I've never handled one so I can't really say.

- D
 
I've had great use out of an 18 inch Kobra made out of a file. Works VERY well! The Tarwar is another one I can highly recommend!

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Vince

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Stay sharp and be Safe!
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That which does not kill us only makes us stronger.
F.W. Nietzche
 
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