Tempering a kukri

I

Ian Stevens

Joined
Dec 21, 1999
Messages
3
HELP!! Iwas given an Indian made kukri as a gift. The blade is very soft, and the handle is of poor quality, so I would like to "rescue" it if possible. I have little or no metal working skill, is there anywhere in the Edmonton area I can take the blade to have it treated? Any suggestions are appreciated.
 
I'm afraid you may be out of luck on this one. With the exception of Himilayan Imports, most of the Kukuris that we get in the US are made of mystery metal. They're all recycled, and some aren't even ferrous. To test the metal, the best way I would know is check first to see that a magnet sticks, then, if it does, spark test to see if it has enough carbon in it to harden. Then take an educated guess on what kind of steel it actually is to decide on heat treating techniques. Then you would have to disassemble the blade, heat treat it, and repolish after heat treating. A lot of variables there, and it's a pain even when you know the answers. Wish I had something more upbeat to tell you. Once you know what the steel is, you'll be able to decide if it's worth it or not. Have fun!

------------------
Oz

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It's a waste of time and it annoys the pig."
-Lazarus Long
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It may be a lot less expensive to directly buy a HI Khukurie and let the indian one be a wallhanger. And you get an excellent grip, sheath and karda and chakma for the price, too.

Achim
 
I have several of these. None of them have the basic geometry let alone the material correct, they are very thin (1/8"-3/16" usually). The steel is of very poor quality and fractures if you grind it even though it is very soft.

-Cliff
 
the shape of the blade is good, and the thickness is about 1/4", scabbard also seems to be oxhide. The purchaser was told it is Indian Army issue, but I find that doubtful. It would be a shame if it couldn't be salvaged. Thanks for your thoughts.

Ian
 
I'm afraid Cliff and Achim probably have it right. I don't do my own heat treat, but I can take a look at it for you and send it out with one of my HT batches.

If you check out the Canadian Knifemaker's Guild page you'll find contact info for Emil Bucharski in Stoney Plain. He does his own HT. Thomas Haslinger is in Calgary, contact info on the Candian Guild site or my links page.

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Matt Harildstad
Knifemaker
www.planet.eon.net/~matth
matth@planet.eon.net

 
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