Some due explanations - reloaded: broken in posts that don't timeout on server side

No hard feelings Moon... I read your all your posts in this thread and I still feel your aren't seeing the big picture, but that's fine. Your looking for CNC perfection out of a shop with dirt floors and a bare minimum of equipment. These blades are hand hammered and tempered with teapots

There are HI kamis that have better finish work than Thamar. I have a lot of Thamar pieces but I will be the first to tell you that Lachu, Purna and Bhakta are the current kamis with the best finish work. Thamar builds pieces more for work than for show. None of my Thamar blades have ever been mirror polished. He blades are a hybrid between Villager fit and finish and a true polish finish.

Bhakta and Purna both finish their blades to a mirror shine and take pay much closer attention to fit and finish than Thamar does. Im not saying they are better kamis, just different. Thamar spends a lot of time on the balance and over all usability of his blades. He is what I consider the AK47 builder of the bunch. He build a kukri that will outlast anything even though the finish work could be improved.

Speaking of AK47's reminds me of a gentleman at my local gun club. He kind of reminds me of you when it comes to what he expects out of a product. He ordered a Romanian AK47 a couple years ago. He was disappointed when he opened the box because in his words "The rifle is horribly finished". I would have to agree with him on that point. Romanian AK's look like they have had their finish applied with wool :eek:. They are seriously ugly rifles.

I explained to him that the initial cost of that AK is around $450 and there were better finished AK's out there for double the money. I told him to just keep the rifle and use it, and if he didn't like it I would buy it off of him for what he paid. Well its been a couple years not and I cant separate him for that gun. The finish is still horrible... even worse than when he bought it.

I asked him months later about the gun and he said its one of the best rifles he has ever owned. He was kinda embarrassed about his initial "finish" complaint. He has over 5000 rounds through it and has NEVER had a failure to feed or function. These kurkis remind me of AK47's... Heck kukris are nicknamed the AK47 of the knife world due to their extreme toughness and life long service. The last thing anyone should worry about is the "cosmetic" appearance of any kukri or AK47.

You can spend close to $2000 on some AK's, but they will perform the exact same as a $500 AK. I hope my analogy wasn't lost in translation. The 5mm off buttcap, discolored bladed, heck even the very slight warpage are all none issues. They are cosmetic issues only. You got more than your moneys worth even with the "defects". How long do you thing it took Thamar to make that piece your probably paid less than $200 for?


You might be better off with CNC machined pieces if you are looking for cosmetic wall hanging perfection. Your blade "warp" is actually pretty normal, or at least the degree at which yours is warped. Ive been trying to locate the article I read about the older military kukris that Atlantic Firearms are selling. You are more likey than not to receive a kukri with a slightly warped edge. It just how they are made... Im not taking about severe warp, only slight warp like yours.

Thamar is known for his light weight pieces. The lighter or thinner the blade gets, the more likely the blade will slightly warp slightly when hardening is done. You can actually tell if the Kami is left or right handed by which direction the blade warps. Once I locate the article I will post it. Blade warp if far less common on thicker pieces.

You might be better off with a different Kami's pieces. I am dead serious when I say that not all Kamis finish the same way. Bhakta always had the best finished pieces IMHO but his in no longer around (Im guessing). Rajkumar is another super high finish work type of kami... again he is gone. Lachhu is still around and makes some great stuff that I think might be better suited to your needs. Yuvraj is also extremely high on the list for best finished kukris.

Here is my list of what I think the Kamis themselves excel at individually. This is just my opinion, but I own a large number of pieces by many different kami's. I can only comment on what I own


Bhakta... Probably the best finished kukris made. The level of attention to detail is just amazing. He does build his kukris heavier than some. Bhakta makes the best fullers PERIOD!!!


Yuvraj... His polish work and finish work is on par with Bhakta's. He puts a mirror polish on his blades that has to be seen to be appreciated. He builds heavy, but with perfect balance


Lachhu... His polish is also top notch and his kukris are built heavy and strong. His handles tend to be on the larger size which is nice for my big hands. He makes great standard knives too. My AK bowie by Lachhu is a masterpieces.


Purna.... He is one of those very special kami's that come along once and awhile. I have noticed his blades have more character built into them. He doesn't use a template to make his kukris. He puts his own flare and curves into the blades. His polish work is only slightly behind the top three, but the way he builds his stuff exceeds the top three in terms of originality. His Yek, and Dui chirras are in a league all their own with graceful lines and deep hollow forging. Purna excels at hollow forging and builds blades with thick spines, yet very thin centers.


Thamar... He excels at producing work horse pieces. None of my Thamar pieces have a mirror polishe. None of my Thamar pieces have superior fit and finish. All of my Thamar pieces tend to be on the lighter side. He creates very light weight kukri with a narrow spine and semi deep fullers. He builds them very light, yet very strong all at the same time. His pieces are more likey to have slight warp in the blade due to his extremely thin spines. All of my Thamar pieces are perfectly balanced. All of my Thamar pieces have well defined grip and ring areas. All my Thamar pieces are built hella strong. He builds for work and not for show.


Kumar... He builds the best swords IMHO. I have several of this swords. They are all perfectly balanced and razor sharp. He lacks the true mirror polish of the top three, but he isn't far behind. His Reti's are the stuff of legend. Kumar is the kami I go to for my swords.

Sher Tiger... Gone but not forgotten. I have a Tibetan long sword by Sher that is perfect. I miss Sher very much, he would produce rare and interesting varieties of kukris


There are other HI kamis that I didn't mention. I could go on and on about their attributes. Rajkumar, Kesha, Dhan, Sgt.,and many others that work for HI and make nice stuff. I just provided a short list so you could see that not all kamis build kukris the same. You got some real gems on your hands. It just a shame you don't see the time and energy that went into the pieces you not have.

I wish you could see the true beauty in these hand made pieces, but to each his own. You seriously might be better off with a mass produces KLO from Cold Steel or Condor. You will get the fit and finish you are looking for, but the blade will have ZERO character. I take back my troll comment because you obviously aren't a troll by any means. What I do see you as... and this is just my opinion of course... is the "remorseful" buyer type. The type of guy that buys something and loves it for the first couple months, only to knit pick it due to a sudden case of buyers remorse. I use to work with just such a guy. He bought a PCP airgun and loved it for the first couple months, he then proceeded to find little problems here and there. I think it was due to the $1000 bucks he shelled out for it. It was worth the grand, but he convinced himself that it was a bad idea to buy it. The problem wasn't with the product, just the person who bought it. He returned the gun a few months later at a loss... I still don't understand what the hell was going on in his head, and I probably never will.

Sorry for trying to figure out your thought process. Its just the way I tick/thgink , and why I got mad at you in your initial post. I try and read between the lines and figure out whats going on behind the scenes with everything I do and see. Sometimes I dig to deeply into things to find meaning, but that's just who I am as a person.
 
Last edited:
Moon, I do believe you've misunderstood me, or perhaps I was just unclear. My earlier conclusion was only that there was not enough evidence to back up your claims. I did not, and do not, believe you are a troll. I've seen you posting since I got here, and read many of your posts before buying my first HI blade. You have always asked good questions and had good things to say, an some of your posts definitely played into my decision to buy from HI in the first place. It is for that reason that I reacted with such suspicion before. It was just completely out-of-the-blue that you posted about all these issues, and it would have been foolish of me or anyone else to accept what you were saying without any hard evidence to back it up. I see where I may have mix up words, leaving you to believe I thought you were a troll, but I do not. I've never seen anyone start randomly trolling after almost a thousand good posts.

Furthermore, while I don't think your original post was justified, it does not scream troll to me. It was very well thought out, and it is quite obvious to me that these were genuine issues you had, at least to you. Perhaps you're being a little "too picky," but at the end of the day it's your knife and you're the only person who needs to be pleased with it.

Now, I will say that my current conclusion is simply that you're expectations may be a little unrealistic for handmade blades, but I could be wrong. Without holding the blade for myself, I'm still having trouble determining whether there is warpage. Again, not saying it isn't there, just that it is unclear to me if perhaps camera angle is to blame. And I apologize, but your overcriticism of the butt cap, markings, and hammer mark don't do great things for your credibility. I would really like to see a picture of the blade up against a flat surface like a straight-edge or a countertop, and even better would be one from either side, showing the center raised one way, and the tip raised the other way. This way we have a known flat surface for reference.

As I said above, if you were not happy with the blade for any reason, even if it was perfect in every way, but just not quite what you hoped for, I fully support sending it back for return or replacement. All of your posts have been well-written, thought-out, and resonable, being that there was no name-calling or foul language. That doesn't say "troll" to me. While I still don't think you should have derailed a thread to voice your concerns, I also don't think it was wrong to bring it up. If you weren't happy, let Yangdu know. If you still weren't happy, let her know again. If you need advice from the forum, start a thread in the Cantina, like you did here. To me, the fact that you can't return the knife immediately is neither your fault nor HIs, so I don't feel it necessary to bring that up as an issue. I'm sure you and Auntie will be able to sort this out one way or another.

To paraphrase someone I used to work with, arguments are a good thing. If we don't argue, all that frustration and all those thoughts just build up. Better to get it out. As long as all can remain civil that is.

Just so my points aren't lost in all these words, let me reiterate. I don't think you're a troll, a liar, or even a troublemaker, just unhappy with your purchase. I don't think you you made the best decision in making your original post on the other thread, mainly because that was neither the time nor the place. And most importantly to me, I don't think bad of you for posting what you posted, and hope you can see it from my perspective as well. I do appreciate your clarification, as I said above.

You don't seem like a bad dude in the least. I'm not taking any of this personally, and hope you don't either. We're all just voicing our thoughts here, and I would hate for anyone to think they cannot do that. This doesn't need to be the end of our exchange, but if it is, I wish you the best of luck in solving this issue, and sincerely hope you are able to find a khuk that makes you happy in every way, whether HI or not.
 
Okay guys, I can see where both of you come from and I appreciate your input, both on aspects we see eye to eye, and those where we diverge on, to say the least (the dead horse is so beaten up it is minced meat by now ;) ).

I'm glad there are no hard feelings on either side.
 
Last edited:
In the Kami specialty arena conversation I think Thamar is my favorite, at least since Rajkumar left.

He's very consistent, always well executed and I favor traditional. However all the rest are very very good.

Bhakta knows his way around a bowie for sure. Except for Rajkumar, Thamar is in the front of the pack for consistency.

Really hard to pick a favorite now days, they all really are very talented.
 
I will pursue a new topic, based on some feedback in this thread. The answers I expect to vary quite a bit, influenced by personal prefferences.

Since I mentioned good heat treat and a certain straightness of the blade as expectations of mine in a quality kukri...and I seem to be off (as far as the allowable amount of variation...I estimated 33%) or at least it seems so - per my interpretation, don't want to put words in anyone's mouth - compared to what others expect in a traditional blade...leaving aside fit and finish, which, again...are nice to have, but not deal breakers in the least...as evidenced by other rough blades, with no "buyer's remorse" attached to (I am not offended by this idea, GB, I guess it happens to some when excitement wears down) what exactly does make a quality kukri in your eyes?

What would make you send a knife back to HI for warranty?

Aside from the moral aspect which I understand would make one purchase a HI product rather than one from another kukuri house...how would you compare a properly heat treated kukri, straight, from another traditional manufacturer, versus one from HI that so happens to trail behind in these aspects? How much "trailing" would be a deal-breaker for you?

In what sense, quality-wise, HI is expected to stand out from other manufacturers?

I am genuinely interested in anyone's thoughts, that is willing to share. Not only the participants so far to this topic.
 
Last edited:
I feared this thread would go in exactly this direction and in my tiny personal opinion I don't really like it much.

What to return and what not to return is a very personal decision. I know in my mind and heart that Yangdu would not intentionally send out an inferior knife. Sometimes she has help and mistakes can happen, maybe a wrong knife sent to the wrong person, that sort of thing but seldom a poorly made knife. Those end up on DOD if they even meet that standard which is pretty high itself.

Personally I don't think there's a knife bad enough that I would send back, I'd take it rather than cause an issue even though I know for fact she would send a new one and feel bad for a long time. I sent a little (mind went blank, little bitty knife) because I thought the bolster was improperly welded based on the color. Now I know that that is usually the case and it's just the way they are. I felt bad sending it back, she made me feel not so bad for doing so.
I probably would let Yangdu know of the issue so she knows about it and can make corrections or watch for similar issues in the future but I wouldn't send it back.

Maybe I drink the HI Kool Aid but I like it, and I like the cause and the work ethics and integrity. I'm stickin with it.

Anybody who doesn't agree, that's ok, nothing wrong with that either.

I'm not insinuating anything about any person or persons here but I know people who you could cut off both legs and they would still kick, I've seen people in restaurants complain about the smallest of unimportant details.

Totally up to the individual as to whats acceptable, whats expected and everything that goes into the scheme of things.
 
That's funny, I think Kumar is most consistent in quality overall, but I do agree with GB about polishes. My Bhakta IBBB came beautifully mirror polished, as did the Lachhu Kerambit. My Lachhu Kumar Karda was villager finish, so I can't comment there. Cul's Yuvrav Western Knife is also a mirror.

I love my Purna Foxy Folly, but I haven't brought myself to use it quite yet. Soon. It feels so nice in hand, and beautifully finished.

My Thamar DC is one of my most heavily used right now, I EDC my Bhakta IBBB, and I have the most Kumar blades, including my coveted Tibetan Short Sword. Y'all decide for yourselves which you think I favor.

Moon, glad we're on the same page again. You hit the nail on the head about censorship. Speak your mind around here. We can all get along even if we are in total disagreement :)

I do like the point GB makes about blade thickness and the warping, that may be something to consider. Have you been able to test the blade on some soft wood like a pine 2x4 or 4x4 yet? Curious to know if the warp can be felt or just seen.

If you're ever in the Boston area, get in touch. There are plenty of HI blades around for you to check out.
 
Well if you think this has drifted too far, I will let it go. You can lock the thread, if you deem so, Bawanna, you know better as a mod.

(I edited the post probably a few times since you read it, it sounded a little off and I don't want to cause any trouble.)
 
SingleGrind, I am sure thinner blades wrap more readily, he's got a good point.

I did not test the blade; if I intend to return it, I would not want to spoil the finish. Maybe someone else will be happy with it and it will sell for more than a used one. I will just make sure it is properly maintained for now.

Thank you for the invitation; I tend to move around Chicago, San Pedro in California and most likely will need to crash a little in Oklahoma. But never say never.
 
I have personally never returned anything from HI. Have I had some issues, sure, but nothing I would return. Auntie always handled it with professionalism, and more than I expected.

As Far as Kamis, OMG, where to start? I love Rajkumars stuff, by far and away the best balanced. Lok is my favorite after Rajkumar, most of the blades from him are so well balanced, and light, which is what I prefer. I like anything from Kumar, Sher, Yuvraj, and Dil, they're stuff is beyond average. I would kill for another Sanu in my collection. Purna stuff is getting really good in form, and finish. I truly love Thamars work, and yes, his Yeks, DC, and TC's, are exceptional.
 
There is way too much here for me to even comment.. But I'll try.

I've owned many, many (50+-) HI blades. Some from the very beginning till now.

No two are alike, I've used some hard, some not at all. Every single one had its quirks and imperfections but I have always understood that's the nature of these kinds of blades. I have the tools to be able to repair nearly any issue (except heat treat) on my own. I enjoy it.

I'm sorry moon had a bad experience but I feel some of that was exasperated by the fact he is overseas. Things would have been much more simple if he was stateside like most of us. Hopefully this is the end of it.
 
Every one from blade forum who purchased the Thamar made knife they were very happy except you.
Simply return the knife back to HI for refund.
Thank you
Yangdu
 
On 11 Nov 2015, at 7:57 AM, xxxxxx ms <xxxxxxx@hotmail.com> wrote:

Hi Yangdu

I would like to take Moonw's samsher once he returns it.

Kind regards
 
Not being disrespectful to you Moonw's but I always wanted a samsher and this looks as good as any, warts and all!
 
Haha aw man, that's genius Kanano!! I'm surprised no one else thought of that, including myself :)

But now I'm a little confused. In the other thread, I thought it was a warped Dui Chirra, but in this one it says Smasher. Is a Smasher a DC the same way a Foxy Folly could be a DC?
 
Darth, this is the one the you and Moonw fought over - I had to go a fair way back and search it out!

I actually picked up a chiruwa handle Thamar "Dui chirra" form he forgotten knives DoD that Yangdu put up. I seems to be a samsher in every other way other than a more pronounced line in the middle making it a sight dui (2) fullered blade than the other samshers in previous DoD.

So i need to confirm with Moonw's one if what I have it more or less a samsher - if that makes sense!!

So Singlegrind, samsher (very slight) and fox folly (more deep) may have 2 fullers (if my conjecture about the samsher is true) but they are not considered a dui chirra, as the curvature of the blade, the handle shape and curve, balance and feel are quite different.

Maybe that is the reason Moonw first called it a dui chirra - because of the slight dual fuller I can see on the blade in the DoD picture.
 
This is the DoD:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...hitilangi-Bowie-Thamar-Samsher-and-Great-Buys

Hey Moonw - I know we have similar taste in blades - the lighter variety. And I know I out-sharked you a few times for ones that you wanted.

If there's one in my list that you particularly like to try out, like the 17.5 inch 24 ounce Manakamana special Knife by Purna for this DoD let me know and we'll try and find a way for it to reach you.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...kamana-Special-Gelbu-Special-and-Awesome-Buys
 
Hey Kanano. Yeah we have similar tastes indeed.

The Samsher is the one I was not happy with regarding the heat treat. I received a DC for it, as a replacement. All pictures in this thread are of the DC. Currently, both blades are with me. Maybe you skipped some of what I wrote (who could blame you, it was a long read).

Hit me up on the email, please, moon walker to the moon AT gmail DOT com and we'll talk.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top