The Family YCS

H

hdwrlover

Joined
Sep 21, 2003
Messages
548
A few months ago I made the following special request:

A carved YCS by Kumar like the one second from the top in the picture but with a 20 inch length overall, 6 inch handle length(chiruwa style) with 3 inches behind and 3 inches in front of the raised finger ring. Same diameter as previous - fits me well. The one I got previously was 33 ounces but had a great balance and feeled lighter than its weight. I would like to shoot for this 33 oz minimum weight but a maximum of 35 ounces. This one should have a chandan carved handle unless Kumar can come up with similar or better handle out of a different material. Traditional bolster. Also edge hardened from tip to cho.

standard.jpg


The first YCS on the bottom is an early Kumar model, about 17" and 28 oz. and not chiruwa style with habaki bolster. The second from the bottom is a later Kumar model, 18" and 38 oz with chandan chiruwa handle. The third from the bottom(2nd from the top) is a Kumar model from last year with carved chandan chiruwa handle, 18" and 31 -32 oz. (measured again yesterday because scale was not consistent). Unfortunately, Kumar was sick until recently and Bura stepped in to produce the top model in the picture right on my specs: 20", 33 oz. Did he harden from tip to cho? Its so pretty I hate to test it.

More pics:
standard.jpg

standard.jpg

standard.jpg

standard.jpg


You might be wondering why I asked for a 6" handle. I did it to allow for a flexible grip position.
standard.jpg


Full leverage - 3 fingers to rear or finger ring:
standard.jpg


Neutral position with 2 fingers foward and 2 fingers back:
standard.jpg


Finally, foward balance with 3 fingers foward of the ring:
standard.jpg
 
Outstanding! Beautiful pics as well. I don't have any of the early ones, and none with carved handles. That is a beauty. Thanks for sharing.

Norm
 
The YCS model is the one I miss the most (except for Ashley... my engraved WWII that I sold to Dave) from my old collection. It had almost perfect balance in my hand and felt like an extention of my arm... not something that I was holding onto.

Simply a beauty design. You've got a fantastic collection!

Alan
 
WOW. I bow at the feet of the great khukuri collector. Spare me the wrath of your blade O YCS weilding one, I am but a humble beginner.
 
Drooool, YCSs, and very nice ones at that. My favorite big model. I have some pics of my family but they are hiding in shame. Some sunny day I'll take some pics worthy of them :D
 
I should have mentioned: kudos to you as well for thinking up the multiple grip idea. That gets you maximum versatility for using such a large blade. The advantages of a longer handle are too often overlooked. 2 pounds is perfect for a 20" knife IMHO. (Witness the Jange.) Good job and beautiful knife by Bura!

By the way, that standard sized carved chandan handle by Kumar was the first one ever done wasn't it? I think I remember seeing it on the DOTD. I believe the one Sogguy just nailed last week was the second one made, unless I'm mistaken. Really pretty.

Finally, are the karda and chakmak on this one about the same as on Kumars? Or are they a bit longer?

My YCS family now consists of a Sher checkerboard with habaki, a nice 18.5" Osage Orange that I got from Nasty, and a chandan. All models from last year. 27, 32 and 38 oz. respectively. Would like eventually to track down one of the original lighter non-chiruwa models.

Thanks,

Norm
 
Svashtar said:
By the way, that standard sized carved chandan handle by Kumar was the first one ever done wasn't it? I don't know if it was the first, there have been others since last year.

Finally, are the karda and chakmak on this one about the same as on Kumars? Or are they a bit longer? The kardas on the 20" are larger than the others.

My YCS family now consists of a Sher checkerboard with habaki, a nice 18.5" Osage Orange that I got from Nasty, and a chandan. All models from last year. 27, 32 and 38 oz. respectively. Would like eventually to track down one of the original lighter non-chiruwa models. Yangdu is taking special orders. They cost more than DOTD, but I don't mind when they come out they way I want them.

Thanks,

Norm
Click to expand...


See above replies.
 
DaddyDett said:
Is the carved handle uncomfortable after a bit of use?


DaddyDett
Click to expand...

That occurred to me, but I haven't used any of the ones above yet. I would wear gloves anyway and I feel the carved handles are more grippy. I asked for the carved handle because it is so beautiful. I"ll probably have to order a standard chiruwa checkerboard in 20" that I don't mind using.
 
hdwrlover said:
See above replies.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info. I am slowly getting past my ingrained conditioning of absolutely not bothering Yangdu personally for specials (set in stone when UB asked us not to in early 2004.)

To date I have asked her for a plain BGRS villager, and a pair of regular BGRS knives. Both about a year ago and all standard features. I didn't even think to specify a std. bolster! as I thought it was enough to get them in at all. The one turned out to be a perfect match for that 24.5" antler GR, so it all worked out in the end.

Thanks again,

Norm
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top