Review Tora KTM Goorkhali Angkhola is fuctional for hard use?

[jie zhang liu]

Hello I am new on the website and I hope that someone can help me with this doubt I have, I bought the Kukri model Tora KTM Goorkhali Angkhola and in its description I said that its construction was of partial spike which does not seem a very solid for a knife like a kukri, has anyone tried a kukri tora with a partial spike construction?

 

[jdk1]

I have a Tora Battalion\Regimental khukuri from maybe 2014? It's my favorite traditional khuk. It has a rat tail tang and is plenty strong. This the traditional khukuri construction. The tangs are thick and left soft, so they are tough. I also have had many HI khuks with "kangaroo" tail tangs and I have no qualms with beating this type of knife senseless . Never fear.

 

[jie zhang liu]

hello JDK1, thank you for commenting on my publication, the problem with my purchase is that when I bought the kukri and not being very informed I thought that all kukris is rat tail which I trust the solidity of this type of construction but After reading the specifications of the kukri I saw that this is a partail tang construction which I have no experience in this type of construction but to see images of how this type of construction is (the tang reaches the middle of handle attached with glue ) which does not convey much confidence considering the weight of the blade of a knife like a kukri, but maybe it's just an unnecessary concern and really is a robust type of construction, but since I do not know the answer for this reason I created this forum XD

 

[PocketKnifeJimmy]

I know it almost sounds crazy to think that the traditional Kukri knives, (made a century or more ago and that were used by Gurkha soldiers), had tangs that only went half way or two thirds through the handle... But, yes, that is the traditional method.
And, we are not talking a partial length tang that then got pinned in place, or something like that... They were simply glued into place within the handle. With what kind of miracle glue?... A natural glue, not some fancy schmancy modern day epoxy.
Did it work?... Well, the knives used by the famous men that made the knife famous too, were these exact construction method knives. So, it must have worked
Of course, (like with almost any design), things have evolved with the kukri knives to include tangs that go all the way through the handles and are peened over metal butt caps. And, there are threaded end tangs that go all the way through the handle and are secured by nut, (and often peened as well). And then there are the full handle girth tangs that are often secured to their slabs of handle scales via glue AND pins/rivets.
In the end, the kukri has evolved to offer more options, including in tang/handle construction. That said, the partial through tang, that was/is simply glued into place, has a proven track record with the Nepalese. It is supposedly still a very popular choice, if not THE most popular choice, by the common folks living in Nepal.
I guess each method has it's pros and cons, but this most traditional of kukri handle attachment has withstood the test of time. I"m sure ease of it being re-handled, may be one of it's strongest points.

 

[jdk1]

Ok. I misunderstood your post. I haven’t used a partial tang, Jimmy is correct. That is the true traditional method and worked for a long, long time. I wouldn’t worry at all. If you are really worried, you can drill a hole through the handle and pin the partial tang. I saw that somewhere, but can’t recall where. It doesn’t seem like it would hurt anything. Ultimately, if you use it and the handle becomes loose, you would just need to epoxy it back in place.

 

[DocJD]

Not just kuks but many types of traditional big knives had partial tangs . Seems to have mostly worked OK if done right .

I'd still rather have a full tang , given a choice .

 

[shortwinger]

I think all of my Tora's are either full tang MkII's or rat tailed tangs. I do have several older antique kukri that are partial tangs but they are not users so I can't really relieve any of your anxiety except to echo what others have said, it is a common traditional way of making the kukri so it must have been working for centuries or it would have been discontinued. And while many will point to the recent surge of full tang models, this is mostly attributed to marketing to the tourist and novice buying frenzy over the last few years and not as a direct result of performance.

Another thing about the partial and rat tangs, they drastically enhance the balance and feel of the kukri and reduce vibration compared to the full tang models, especially the newer fad models.

I'm sure you can message Simon and have him explain the design and that may alleviate your concerns.

 

[jie zhang liu]

hello I feel my absence in the post, thanks to everyone for answering my post, if they are right if for decades this method was used and after so many years and the kukris continue in one piece will mean that this method works I suppose

 

[jie zhang liu]

Now I also have another question, how often does it take tora blades to complete the kukri? and in case of buying two kukris you have to wait twice as long?

 

[BeyondTheBox]

I just think of the comparison to a Morakniv, they're all partial tang and simply glued, and they're done of the best, do it all/beat them up bush knives you can buy. So, yeah, it's probably just fine.

 

[shortwinger]

You would have to contact Tora for order times. They have always been a "batch" type of supplier rather than having lots of items in-stock. In the past, batches were mostly sold out long before they were made, but that may have changed.

I do not believe they have any official presence on this forum but you can contact them through Facebook for availability.

 

[oldmanwilly]

Regarding order times: I ordered a Pahadi Kukri in early June and was told it would not be delivered until September or October. However my kukri was delivered within 2 weeks of my order. I guess I just got lucky.

For what it's worth my kukri has a hidden tang that is peened at the pommel. I was surprised by how light it was compared to its considerable size and have been impressed with its performance. I hope you enjoy yours.