Tirtha's Gelbu Special and M-43

Yangdu said:
21 inch 29 ounce Gelbu Special by Tirtha Kami. Satisal wood handle. White metal fittings. Usual great work by beer mug Kami. One more addition to your collection at $195. *SOLD*

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I just wanted to report briefly on this blade. I already had a smaller Gelbu Special, but wanted to see what a big boy would be like.

It is very impressive. Overall length is 21.5". The spine is a full 1/2" thick from the bolster, tapering to 7/16" at the bend, and 1/4" thick almost to the tip. It's hard to see how a blade that long and thick can weigh in at 29.5 oz, but it does. The explanation is the deep, wide fullers, which are typical of the Gelbu Special model, and which Tirtha did perfectly on this one.

The balance point is about halfway from tip to pommel. The handle is comfortable, just right for my average sized hands and for a blade this large. I think the wood is sisau rather than satisal, but it's a good piece of wood in any case, and nicely shaped. The scabbard is well done and a good fit.

I could only find one imperfection. When I sight along the spine the blade is perfectly straight, but the handle has a slight bend to the right, almost unnoticeable. In fact I didn't notice it the first day. It has no effect on how the GS feels in the hand.

We've been told in the past by HI shop owner Pala, that the Gelbu Special is perhaps the best all around model khukuri, and I believe it. This particular GS has a massive feel to it. Even though it's not a dedicated chopper like an AK or Bonecutter I would feel confident using it for just about any task.
 
Great followup Davidf99, I just love how that particular picture shows the fullers off. It appears to be an amazing blade and from your account I guess appearances are not deceptive in this case.

I am unsure of the types of wood. Does anyone know what those woods botanicals are? Closest I find on either is Sisal Agave and I am pretty sure that isn't right.
Either way I agree with you it looks good and as long as it fits your hand so perfectly then it appears this blade has found it's owner :D
 
davidf99 said:
I think the wood is sisau rather than satisal, but it's a good piece of wood in any case, and nicely shaped.
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I have several blades with that type of wood grain, Auntie's description said, "Satisaal wood", so that is what I am going with, unless we find out it is Sisau. Regardless, I really like the wood on yours, and the ones on mine as well.
 
davidf99 said:
I just wanted to report briefly on this blade. I already had a smaller Gelbu Special, but wanted to see what a big boy would be like.

It is very impressive. Overall length is 21.5". The spine is a full 1/2" thick from the bolster, tapering to 7/16" at the bend, and 1/4" thick almost to the tip. It's hard to see how a blade that long and thick can weigh in at 29.5 oz, but it does. The explanation is the deep, wide fullers, which are typical of the Gelbu Special model, and which Tirtha did perfectly on this one.

The balance point is about halfway from tip to pommel. The handle is comfortable, just right for my average sized hands and for a blade this large. I think the wood is sisau rather than satisal, but it's a good piece of wood in any case, and nicely shaped. The scabbard is well done and a good fit.

I could only find one imperfection. When I sight along the spine the blade is perfectly straight, but the handle has a slight bend to the right, almost unnoticeable. In fact I didn't notice it the first day. It has no effect on how the GS feels in the hand.

We've been told in the past by HI shop owner Pala, that the Gelbu Special is perhaps the best all around model khukuri, and I believe it. This particular GS has a massive feel to it. Even though it's not a dedicated chopper like an AK or Bonecutter I would feel confident using it for just about any task.
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grrr. yours already came. I waited for the mailman for the past 2 days ..and noth'n. I'm jealous. I've never had anything send from NV to KY. I wonder how long it takes??
 
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Shavru said:
...I am unsure of the types of wood. Does anyone know what those woods botanicals are? ...
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Sisau = Dalbergia sissoo

Dalbergia sissoo, known commonly as Indian Rosewood, is an evergreen rosewood tree, also known as sisu, sheesham, tahli, Tali and also Irugudujava. It is native to the Indian Subcontinent and Southern Iran. In Persian, it is called Jag. Wikipedia


Satisal = Dalbergia latifolia

Some common names in English include blackwood, Bombay blackwood, rosewood, Roseta rosewood, East Indian rosewood, black rosewood, Indian palisandre, and Java palisandre. Wikipedia


Source: Timber Species of Nepal
 
Pinkeye said:
I've never had anything send from NV to KY. I wonder how long it takes??
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Hang in there, it will come. Usually it takes three days from NV to NC, but it took 5 days once. Always worth the wait.
 
Thank you Steve T! I knew what I was finding wasn't right, but my Google-fu was failing big time. That clears is up completely thanks.
 
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