Testing a Small Khukri

[Semper Fi]

I have read the FAQ posts about how to test a Khukri. In the example shown the blade is subjected to about 190 lbs of side force to see if the tang holds.
Also, some have suggested whacking the blade sideways against a tree to see if the tang is strong enough.

My question is do these methods also hold true for the smaller Khukris? ie. the 12" and, say, 15" sirupatis? If true, I may have found a weak tang in a 15" siru I have. It bent slightly when I whacked the tree. But then I thought maybe I shouldn't be subjecting a light K to such treatment.

Any thoughts?

 

[etp777]

I've never had a Siru of any length, so take my opinions here with a grain of salt.

First off, is the bend in the blade somewhere, or in the tang? If it's in the tang, this is almost what they're supposed to be(tang should be that soft, but there shouldn't be enough open air in the handle for it to bend). THe primary concern, to my understnding, that necessitates this test is heat treats that leave tangs too brittle, and hence snap(during Dasein usually, though I probalby have that spelled wrong).

With an Ang Khola, I'd say a blade or tang definitely shouldn't bend(Though first is heat treat problem, second is handle problem). WIth a Siru, especially a small one like that, not really sure. Others here I'm sure will chime in. If it's in handle, would still say HT is fine, Handle is problem. In blade, not sure. How thick are those things?

 

[firkin]

Sounds to me like another case of the tang sitting poorly supported in the habaki bolster in stead of embedded in the handle where it should be.

 

[Rusty]

Not sure from the way you describe it.

The whack it on a tree test is to be sure the tang ISN'T hard to the point it is brittle and can snap off. OK, we know that's not the problem.

If it can be bent back straight and superglue run down into the bolster area to melt and reharden the laha, that should cure the problem ( pun intended ). In any event, Uncle Bill will make it right one way or another.

 

[t1mpani]

Don't have any wisdom to add to what's been said, except to say that I don't think you need to baby your Sirupatis. They're slender in profile, but my 12" is still a very hearty 5/16" at the spine. Big difference between a Siru and a Kobra.