Thanks to BF and HI (long)

S

stickfred

Joined
Nov 6, 2009
Messages
803
I started looking for "kukris" after seeing an offering on the CS website. A little more searching linked me to a few other sites. After being "blocked" for not being a member on BF while trying to read reviews from the HI website, my focus drifted to one of the Nepali based sites that had "better prices" than I had seen on HI. I made contact with them about acquiring some of their product. Three weeks of attempting to communicate with them led me to drastic measures. I signed up on Blade Forums (I'm not fond of "becoming a member") so that I could get better info on the HI products. SURPRISE, I see the DOTD. A 21" Chainpuri came up (one of my favorite styles) and I emailed Yangdu. I was too late but she said she had another that was available. In response I told her that an 18" was more of what I had in mind and it was shipped to me. The first of many as it has turned out (reviews to come once I've figured how to get good pictures out of my camera). Checking for the DOTD of course frequently led me to the HI page when nothing was available and I noticed the Uncle Bill Memorial sticky. I checked it out one day and was surprised at the outpouring from forumites and by the many quotes of Bill's that were posted in it. A combination of curiosity and a jaded outlook led me to find the Archives and how to access them.

Reading the HI Archives has been, for me at least, another stream in the continuum of life and learning. I've read about 100 pages of postings and read about khukuris, knives, guns, religion, politics, ancient history, sharpening, mill shop workings, forging, design, computers, didgeridoos, driving in snow-you can pretty much name it and it has come up. A lifestream of knowledge from 10 years ago. And from such a diverse group of people. Cobalt and Cougar Allen could make me laugh out loud and have a special place. Add to the mix mohd, John Powell, Apothecary(Koz), Will Kwan, Maui Rob, jim clifton, Ray C, Howard W., Berkley, novadak, BrianC, Rusty, prn, (even ghostsix/FNG/Warrior 11)- I certainly can't name them all. Yvsa came onto the forum about the beginning of the archives. I'm amazed that in two years time he came up with two designs that BirGorkha has produced and his sharpening guides are the best I've seen, enit? He is like so many of the others, a man with much experience and information that he is willing to share. So many individuals putting themselves out there and sharing. Some are still with us (thankfully), and though others may not be, a part of their legacy can live on with what they typed out on a keyboard. A blessing.

Bill believed in the goodness of people and that if treated with respect they would show respect in turn. These individuals combined into the forum that Bill conducted with minimal rules and the feeling (or gestalt, if you will) contributed to a "lifestream" effect. I just read where The General had posted a question about which khuk he should get and he continually replied that the response he was getting on the HI forum was so friendly and informative in comparison to other forums that he had interacted with. Rusty kept the forums to Bill's standards when he was needed-and when he had the right meds. I never got to communicate with them in person but I think I know both of them and many of the past forumites very well.

I'm so glad to see that Bill's way is still alive. I haven't tried to catch up to the more recent things going on in this community while trying to go through the archives but I've found that it has not changed. People are willing to help someone choose the right khukuri for their needs, help the kamis' put their children through school, help an HI employee get medical attention, contribute design adjustment to bring a product closer to perfection and send smoke, prayers and good wishes whenever and wherever it is needed in this "lifestream" that we live in. Ferguson has done really great work that I missed. And is monk writing THE BOOK?

I've joined up and made postings. I wish them to be welcoming and informative, even when I'm sharking. I know that I have misread and reacted in at least one thread. Please, forgive me for my errors. I have erred before and will do so again (pointing them out won't bother me. My imperfect memory still surprises me when I'm "geezin"). I mean no harm, no foul.

Bill was right. "Good forumites make a good forum." I'd like to thank you all for continuing to make Bill's words and works truth. I want to put out a special "Thank You" to Yangdu for holding up the business and the forum on her own. I know it can't be an easy task. I also send my love to you all-from forumite to BirGorkha gofer.

This has been long-winded but I couldn't wait any longer. I had to respond to what was happening in my heart/brain and felt I had to say something. It just fit so well.

Rick
 
Well Rick, your sentiments are echoed and often displayed here openly.
I've read or browsed thru most of the archives and it has been an education both in khukuri knowledge and life knowledge. I agree it is a priceless treasure to those fortunate enough to have lived it, and to those of us who wish we could've been there also. It should be required reading for those who wish to learn why H.I. conducts itself in the manner it does and for those seeking enlightenment or guidance. We are fortunate still to have some of the older members such as Yvsa, berkley, etc with us, and i hope they all know how much we appreciate them.
Thank you for a great post.
 
stickfred said:
After being "blocked" for not being a member on BF while trying to read reviews from the HI website, my focus drifted to one of the Nepali based sites that had "better prices" than I had seen on HI......I signed up on Blade Forums (I'm not fond of "becoming a member") so that I could get better info on the HI products......
Click to expand...

My story was rather similar: all the good info about HI was on BF, and I eventually became so intrigued by the company that I just gave in.
 
I had a few of these blades before joining the forum here. I never joined up because I have as my provider, Verizon. This is apparently an issue here so until I was able to find a way around this, Yangdu was kind enough to email me the DOTD postings.

I have had nothing but trouble with forums in the past. I usually wind up saying or doing something so heinous, like disagreeing with some moderator's opinion, that I wind up banned. I had heard that BF was especially capricious in this and was very leery to join here but after the experience with Yangdu, I went ahead and did it. Originally I was only going to post things involved with purchasing but found the forum to be a fun one so I went ahead and tried to add a little bit, like making some PDFs of things and starting a tread or two. In short I am glad I joined and wish I had done so a lot earlier.

As I have now said repeatedly, I should have joined this forum when I first heard of it. Not only would my collection be a lot further along but I would have had the pleasure of knowing Bill. After hearing about him and reading more than a few of his old posts I am certain we would have been good friends and that we could have spoken of many things that I will now never have the opportunity to say. I am the poorer for this but I am happy to be here now.
 
Great post, thank you
 
Well, I've been on BF almost eight years (which doesn't seem possible) and while my participation has waxed and waned over that time, I've never found a forum I prefer to HI.
 
warty said:
I have had nothing but trouble with forums in the past. I usually wind up saying or doing something so heinous, like disagreeing with some moderator's opinion, that I wind up banned. I had heard that BF was especially capricious in this and was very leery to join here but after the experience with Yangdu, I went ahead and did it.
Click to expand...
Infraction issued for being a heinous. :D



















Glad ta have you here, warty.....:thumbup:
Unless you're a real derrière you have nothing to worry about. we're pretty forgiving here.
 
This is why I stay here in this little area and the Cantina... the mods aren't as capricious.:foot:
 
warty said:
This is why I stay here in this little area and the Cantina... the mods aren't as capricious.:foot:
Click to expand...
Now,Now... the rest of the site is all good too. Just read the FAQ so you know the rules and you shouldnt have a problem.
 
Honestly, I have little interest in knives other than these. I am more of a gun person. ;)
 
IMO the HI forum, and the ESEE and BUSSE forums are probably the best on the site as far as being able to speak your mind even if it's to put forth displeasure at the products. Generally, kif someone starts personal attacks, the members will dogpile the guy before the mods get the chance.

That being said, there are quite a few "whip & chair" forums here which aren't so laid back, and often only allow posts that fawn over their products or agree with their outlook.

A lot of other discussion boards have become an easy way for the board owner to play little dictator, and to be frank, I don't bother with many boards anymore.
 
Welcome.

My first contact with H.I. and Yangdu was through the mail. My first efforts to join the forum were unsuccessful for some reason. (probably my lack of skill with a computer)

I have found this site to be a great place to share and learn. I have been blessed to meet many truly fine people through this forum as well.

My first H.I. kukri was an M-43 by Bura. That knife has more than served me well.
 
It isn't just "top-down" management that influences this Forum's atmosphere. There's also enough of a "bottom-up" attitude of tolerance that doesn't require one to et involved in topics, or profess opinions, that don't interest you. For example, if I choose not to get involved in a gun-related topic, or someone else chooses not to read about Nepalese culture, neither of us suffers socially. We both go on, and talk about something else. There are no mandatory topics or opinions among forum members here.
 
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