Tamang Knife: First Impressions

[sweetcostarica]

Recently I bought a Himalayan Imports (HI) Tamang Knife. It arrived today and I would like to share my personal opinion of this replica Knife.

Here is the listing on the site of the sale:
TK#11
Overall length--16''
Weight --11oz
Spine thickness --1/4''
Dhar wood handle
White metal fittings
Navy blue leather sheath
$75.00

My measurements:
Overall length: 16 in - 41 cm
Blade Length: 10 3/8 in - 26.5 cm
Spine thickness: 3/16 in - 5mm
Weight --10.95 oz - 311 grams



When I held the knife it was noticeably light and not blade heavy. The Tamang felt more like a normal knife. I am thinking this type of knife’s use maybe is for working with crops and meat. Although it can do wood work other knives like the standard Kukri are better suited for that.

The Tamang has the thinnest blade I’ve seen on a HI Knife to date. An interesting well made example of good Kami work and traditional design. If taken care of this knife could last a lifetime or two.

Overall fit and finish is really good. The Dhar wood is beautiful with it’s red hue. A nice hard wood. The blade is outstanding and is saber ground (it is not convexed). This is a discounted knife but definitely not a blem.

Another champion from Himalayan Imports.

 

[davidf99]

Thanks for the review.

When I saw a 16" HI knife posted with a weight of 10 oz, I thought it must be a typo.

It makes sense, though, with a spine thickness of 3/16". The more common thickness for one
of the "smaller" HI knives would be around 5/16", so one would expect the weight of this
knife to be around 3/5 of the more usual weight of a 16" knife. That would make 10 - 12 oz
a good ballpark figure.

Please excuse: I get so little opportunity to use even simple mathematics these days.

-- Dave

 

[leebrewer]

Well said. Mine came today also. I'm amazed with 15" 10 oz!

 

[sweetcostarica]

Well said. Mine came today also. I'm amazed with 15" 10 oz!

Agreed. You sometimes have to hold something to really understand it's true nature. I think the heat treat is properly done too but only actual use can determine this. Glad I got the Tamang Knife.

By the way the sheath is OK. The knife is loose in it but it works.