Tang issues?

Ironballs

Ironballs

Joined
Nov 18, 2006
Messages
1,414
I am reading up on the HI and thinking/considering of them, but the only thing that worries me is the thin metal spike or vein in the grip. I have always preferred 'full tang' design, and question the strenght of the small tang used. Anybody want to weigh in on the abuse you dished out and it held - or anyone who has broken/bent the tang?
 
Do a bit of searching on the forum, and you'll come across threads where folks have re-handled a couple of HI blades. You'll see that the tangs are really robust, not thin "rat tails" at all. With very, very few exceptions (and always disclosed when it's true), HI's knives are all through-tang style too - with the tang peened over a keeper on the butt-plate, if the knife's not chiruwa style.

I've worked my 16 1/2" WWII model harder than any other tool I've owned. In foul conditions, and easy ones. It's still as solid as the day Kumar sent it off to Reno for Uncle Bill to sell. Others have worked their knives harder yet, and have had more models they've gone through in doing it.

The "failures" we have heard about on occasion never had to do with the tang construction; very occasionally a bolster, or the glue-up, or the tempering has slipped past the quality control police. Without exception, Yangdu's made it right - but also without exception, the problem wasn't due to a too-thin tang.

FWIW, I think it's Munk who said that HI doesn't do "rat tail" tangs, it does "alligator tails" instead.
 
First of all, welcome:)

Like many others here, I have used khuks with both the standard thru-tang as well as the full slab (chiruwa) tangs. IMHO, both are perfectly and equally fine for hard work and use. Keep in mind that there really isn't a huge difference in the amount of material that makes up each style of tang. The thru tangs, sometimes called a rat tail tang, is fully forged with the blade...not tacked on like many cheaper knives. Also, calling these tangs "rat tail" is a misnomer. They are more like kangaroo or crocodile tails;) They are fat through the bolster and slowly taper as they get to the buttplate before they are peened over the keeper. In other words...super TOUGH! :)
Personally, I believe that the chiruwa style of tang is "stronger" in the sense that it gives the person using it a feeling of extra toughness. The only real advantage that I see to the chiruwa style over the standard thru tang is that the slabs could be readily repaired in the field. However, if you have ever tried to remove a standard Khuk handle with a thru tang, then you will know that getting the handle off the tang generally requires boiling water, fire, a file, a hammer, and tenacious resolve;) They are peened over at the end and stuck fast through out the handle with laha (a type of natural epoxy that does not give up the ghost easily);)! Generally, I prefer the standard tang to the chiruwa tang just based on how they feel in hand. However, my YCS is a dream to use and has the chiruwa tang.
Finally, if you are thinking about getting an HI khuk, rest assured that Yangdu will stand behing her warranty 100%. If you should ever have a failure, just let her know and she will make it right. HI is a remarkable company in this regard...as well as just about every other regard, for that matter;)

Once again, welcome:)

Jake
 
there are several full tang knives available... I'm pretty sure they are usually called chiruwa style. I have a Chiruwa Ang Khola, its a full tang knife, and an insane chopper.

I havn't been around too long, but as far as I know there hasnt been any problems with anyone bending or breaking the tang, I'm sure one of the guys that has been around longer can talk more knowledgably


and if you do manage to damage it yangdu will make sure your taken care of by getting you a new one
 
the traditional stub tang pushed into a wood grip, someties also held in with glue or resin of some sort has been thru combat - taken many heads, cut down a zillion trees, and has been the main form in SE asia, indonesia, the phillipenes & the himalayan countries from before they cut down capt. cook with one, and the through tang which is peened over the keeper at the pommel end is even stronger. the full tang slab sided grips (chiriwa or panawal) are stronger yet. the stub tang pushons will fail eventually, and probably will need replacement fairly frequently, say, every 20-30 years, or sooner if abused. the through tangs and full tangs will be passed down for a few hundred years.

do they fail? yes, nothing is perfect and the occasional mfg. flaw may get thru, which is why HI suggest giving it a good bashing about when you get it. after all, it's got the best guarantee in the business, auntie yangdu.
 
Both designs (chiruwa and the standard "through tang") are tough as nails. They're tough as springs actually, since that's what the blades are forged from. I've used and abused both styles and have yet to have a problem with a bad tang. I got a bad blade once, but still no problems with the tangs.
 
The standard tang is very strong- much stronger than a 'rat tail' tang. Fans say it imparts less impact to the hand and arm and changes the balance favorably of the kukri. Fans of the Chiruwa style rightfully appreciate the cro-bar comparison. Both are amply strong and when done properly you should have no concern about toughness.



munk
 
This is one of Dave Rishar's pics from an earlier post on the subject.

siruparts.jpg


Steve
 
I had the opportunity to see the tang on my Sgt. Khadka special when I decided to re-handle it. The tang taper is gradual, lots of spring steel at the critical blade to handle transition. I confess to being partial to the chiruwa style, my chiruwa Ang Khola is a beast, I could never imagine this breaking, it is simply wonderful to chop with, but I would have no reservations about strength with either style.
 
Ive got kukri that have been through several wars & lots of village firwood use, with tangs 2 inches long, without problem.

Nothing wrong with partial tangs.

Lots of 100year old users in Nepal still have the original handles.

rivets is a sort of western belt & braces approach, but alters balance & felt bounce on chopping.

Spiral
 
I've never had a problem with HI tangs. I own both chiruwa and fully enclosed tangs, so I've had a chance to use both. I prefer the enclosed tangs because they seem to be a bit easier on the hand in terms of dampening shock and vibration.
 
tsf said:
Steve,
I love the mad scientist avatar pic.
Terry
Click to expand...

hi tsf,

it's really a picture of me with my hat off....:D

wayne4.jpg



(not really, steve is my younger twin brother, we wuz separated at birth and grew up separate by being born to separate mothers and fathers at different times and in different states)
 
HI khukuris are meant to be used. The other thing to remember is that customer service at Himalayan Imports is second to none. If you have a problem with a khukuri, they'll take care of it.
 
All those years ago, when I first found HI, I preferred chiruwa tangs because I felt they felt "safer." Now I like the standard handles better, they have a better grip in my opinion. I've never had a handle failure, and I slam every blade I get sideways into a log a few times on either side to test for failures. If you find photos of the disassembled handles, the tang is quite robust, and is hammered through the buttcap.
If you're still unsure, a Chiruwa Ang Khola or M43 are both full tang and good models to begin with. I prefer an 18" WW2 or a 21" Gelbu, those extra inches sure make the wood fly when you're chopping. It's always fun watching a 4" sapling topple in just a few strokes. Always know your backstop when swinging a khukuri :D
 
tsf said:
Steve,
I love the mad scientist avatar pic.
Terry
Click to expand...

i thought of a jerry garcia/tony iommi image when i saw the avatar.

regarding the topic: i'm no specialist but i have nothing but confidence in the standard tang of my him imp.
 
Well, I was still thiking about which HI to pull the trigger on,... sitting on the fence for quite a while...

In the mean time, i fell in love with my Busse FBM and felt bad i could not afford a FBM-LE. My wife i guess appreciated the situation, as while i was at work today, she scored me two HI pieces from the sale section...

1- UBE(Uncle Bill Especiale) This one is by Bura the Royal Kami. Great work. The design was originated by one of the other Kamis to honor Uncle Bill(founder of Himalayan Imports). Differentially tempered to have a hard edge and yet be tough enough to hold up to heavy use. This khuk while decorative, is meant to be used. Specs are: 19"OAL, 3/8" spine, 29oz, saatisal wood handle. - $120

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2. Munk Cleaver Bowie by Bura. Made by the Royal Kami Bura, This design is a modification of the AK Bowie. Very sturdy it will last several lifetimes. 16" OAL, 1/2" spine, 34oz weight. Saatisal wood handle. A real steal at $120.

attachment.php


Thanks Hoghead, she said you were very nice!


as far as tang issues go, looks like the cleaver is as stout as can be (I wonder if its machine washable?=) and the UBE looks like a very proven design. Now if only i can remeber to do that hit on the tree safety test before really using her.
 
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