Side by side comparison: 18in AK and 18in WWII

Daniel Koster

Daniel Koster

www.kosterknives.com
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Oct 18, 2001
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Here's a look at the 18" Ang Khola and the 18" WWII model khukuris - a side by side comparison showing differences in size and shape, etc.

First, have a look at the two side by side. (The WWII is on top and the AK is on the bottom)

The imagery has been adjusted to show both at approximately the same size. The blades have been rotated as if standing on a countertop, where both the handle and the blade would touch.
 
Now beneath a 1" grid.

You can begin to see subtle differences - such as the AK blade is taller.
 
Now 2 colors are imposed on the blades to illustrate design objectives.

Notice the angle between handle and blade on the two knives - they are very different. The WWII is more perpendicular while the AK has more of an angle to it. The handle of the WWII is also longer.

Further, note the difference in buttcap angle. The WWI is more relaxed, while the AK (bottom) is more "upright".
 
Now a look at the negative space around the knife - you artists out there know what I mean...

Basically, I'm looking at 2 things here: the shape of the space below and above each khukuri.

The first set of arrows (on the left) show how the WWII handle is curved while the AK is straight.

The second set of arrows (middle) show the line of the handle in the WWII continues nearly horizontal, while the AK rises.

The third set of arrows (far right) point out the difference in fullness of the 2 blades. The AK has a deeper belly and in general a wider blade, while the WWII is less deep both in the belly and recurve.

The best way to think about the negative space is to sum up the amount of color below the 2 blades. There is a lot more color beneath the WWII which means there's more of an arc, or bend, in general over the length of the knife.
 
Last pic - the "rise" difference between the 2 blades.

The WWII (on top) is mostly parallel to the "countertop" while the AK rises higher past the handle before it bends.


Now I've given the technical comparison. Anybody got a field comparison they want to add?
 
AWESOME!!!:)

Thanks Dan, that's the best khuk comparison I've ever seen! The 1" grid and the blue and red diagram really prove the old adage " a pics worth a 1000 words", or in this case "a pic saves 10,000 words of debate;))"
 
That's the best blade comparison I have seen of any type. I vote Dan as Best Dan of the Day and, if not topped by Friday, Dan of the Week!:D :cool:

-SB;)
 
Cool!!!

I'm wondering how well the comparisons hold up among different knives and makers. Don't have a WWII yet, so I can't make a comparison of my own. Wait - suddenly I feel a strange itch.....

:D :D :D
 
Great way to compare design elements.

Thanks...... but now I think I NEED a WWII.

How about a sirupati and kobra done by the same kami.

I may grab some pics and try the same type comparison
unless someone beats me to it.
 
Great job, Dan! You almost convinced me to buy a WWII! I'd appreciate one more comparison, between WWII and BAS, which also seems really good to me.
(I know what Uncle would advice me: "buy both of them":D )
 
guys, guys, guys....

I wasn't trying to pitch the WWII...(although I do have one on its way to my door) :D

Just a comparison between the two.

For me, bend angle is only one of many factors including handle width, blade length, belly, "rise", buttcap angle, and so on...

I actually prefer a slim bend angle like the AK...that was one of the reasons behind the Pen Knife design - less bend than the 12" AK + deeper belly = more weight behind the stroke.

Of course, you could just buy both the AK and WWII and decide for yourself...;)

...still waiting for a field comparison.
 
Absolutely awesome Pen!
I haven't got a WWII so no chance of a field report, look forward to finding out what all this means in performance.
Thanks for the treat!
 
I still would like to know if you took these pictures from HI or are your own. That WWll looks kesarian to me.


munk
 
Thanks. What is left missing from your remarkable comparison is the weight difference. WWll's do not run as heavy, do they?

munk
 
Dan, if you're taking requests for comparisons, here's one I'd like to see; 12" AK - 12" Sirupati - 12" Pen Knife. That's a whole "yard" of khuks:D

Sarge
 
How about a comparision of plastic knives from different fast food restaurants? They're chiruwa too. :D
 
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