Sweet Anticipation (subhilt AK)

Spectre

Spectre

Joined
Nov 3, 1998
Messages
4,331
The scales at the postal service weighed the package at 3 lb, 8.1 oz. The long, triangular box was just shorter than my entire arm from shoulder to fingertips. I eagerly cut the package open with my Spyderco.
As with so many other knives I’ve received in the past six years, this one was wrapped securely in newspaper. I gently slid the whole mass out of the box, and discovered that the actual knife- whose handle was further protected by cushion wrap- was exactly as long as my forearm from elbow to fingertip. Auspicious.
As with other Himalayan Imports knives this size, this kukri feels powerful, but not unwieldy. I had Dan sharpen the knife as well. It’s not quite shaving sharp, though I did succeed in cutting a hair or two. Time to remove the cushion wrap.
Ah- beautiful. This handle is of Redwood Burl, and it is gorgeous, the dark marbled wood nicely offsetting the brass guard, endcap, and subhilt. Slimmer than expected, the handle feels good, though the subhilt felt odd for a minute, until I let the knife angle forward a little more, at which time it felt more natural.
It may be a while before I actually get to cut something with this beauty, but I'll try not to wait too long. :D

John
 
John, I am sending one as well to Dan for this treatment. Was your chiruwa AK the standard 16.5"?

I have several 16.5 inchers in this model (Dan says the Chiruwa style is best for this conversion), but they all already have stag or other nice handle materials so I didn't want to give them up. The only one I had that qualified was a Bura 15", with a pretty bad horn handle. I like the feel of the bigger blade more, but will see how the 15" comes out. Since that is probably the single most popular size khuk worldwide (given all the BAS's and 15" AK's and Hanshees out there), I think it will work out OK.

If it does, I still might try and score a larger chiruwa later for the same treatment; we'll see how it goes.

Thanks for any info.

Norm
 
Norm,

I have heard my AK described as "extra beefy". I'll post some measurements later.

John
 
"It’s not quite shaving sharp, though I did succeed in cutting a hair or two."

If Iknow Pen, just strop if a few times on each side to bring out the razor. :)


Keith
 
Yes - my apologies, Spectre.

I was initially skeptical about the subhilt handle working ok "in the field" - so I put it to good use and forgot to resharpen it. :o

Glad you like it - can't wait to hear test results.

The banding in that redwood sure is neat, isn't it?


p.s. Re-sharpening is always free. ;)
 
PherrousWeal said:
"It’s not quite shaving sharp, though I did succeed in cutting a hair or two."
Click to expand...

Did you actually touch it to the blade, or did it split out of fear? :eek: :D
 
Daniel Koster said:
I was initially skeptical about the subhilt handle working ok "in the field"
Click to expand...
As am I.

Any initial reports on how the knife with the subhilt handles?
 
It will take some getting used to, but the subhilt is about where I tend to rotate a kuk anyway, so it may work.
 
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