Traditional vs "Habaki Type" Bolsters... What are the differences/pros & cons?

Originally posted by Pan Tau
ichor,
look over to the Gelbu-Special thread. The upper pic of the 18"GS shows the habaki-bolster, the lower of the 21" GS the more traditional one.

Andreas
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Thanks, Andreas. It appears that, Basically, the newer style extends the sheet metal onto the blade covering the junction between the blade and handle.
 
Originally posted by ichor
Thanks, Andreas. It appears that, Basically, the newer style extends the sheet metal onto the blade covering the junction between the blade and handle.
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If that were only true then I wouldn't have a problem with the so-called habaki bolster.
The flat part of the bolster is butted up against the end of the blade where it is cut down for the tang and -does not- extend over the blade itself.
If the so-called habaki bolster extended over the blade the flat end of the bolster would be closer to the cho and therefore the wood or horn would extend further down the tang making for a much stronger unit than ir is.
It would also make for a nicer application, would be just as easy, and would be very satisfactory and a true, to form anyway, habaki bolster.
There would also be the same lip that is on the sides of the flat that can be seen and felt on each side of the blade, that is supposed to make the scabbards fit better, on the top, spine, and bottom, cho side, of the blade as well if it weren't butted up against the blade.
 
On the HI's I have, the bolster is perfectly level with the blade at the top and bottom of the blade. Either the bolster has zero thickness, which seems highly unlikely, or there is a shoulder in the blade.
 
Originally posted by Thomas Linton
On the HI's I have, the bolster is perfectly level with the blade at the top and bottom of the blade. Either the bolster has zero thickness, which seems highly unlikely, or there is a shoulder in the blade.
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Tom you're exactly right and that's what I said in the post just above yours.
The shoulder is where the blade is cut down and the tang extends from there. The tangs -are- the same thickness as the blade which gives them their strength.
The shoulder is what the so-called habaki bolster is butted up against.
 
Yvsa, Tom, others: do we have khukuris that have failed at the part of the habaki bolster that ends below the blade in a slightly shouldered or shallowed depression? (if I understand this right)

When a tang snaps, where does it break? How often does this happen? More or less than yesteryear?



munk
 
Originally posted by munk
Yvsa, Tom, others: do we have khukuris that have failed at the part of the habaki bolster that ends below the blade in a slightly shouldered or shallowed depression? (if I understand this right)

When a tang snaps, where does it break? How often does this happen? More or less than yesteryear?

munk
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I have had no experience with a khukuri failing - not even my first (Mistake!) Atlanta Cutlery "genuine military" from 1979. (Well, the handle on that item HAS started to work loose.)
 
Originally posted by munk

1- Yvsa, Tom, others: do we have khukuris that have failed at the part of the habaki bolster that ends below the blade in a slightly shouldered or shallowed depression? (if I understand this right)

2- When a tang snaps, where does it break?

a- How often does this happen?

b-More or less than yesteryear?

munk
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1- Yes. Mrostov sent me the pix of his broken khuk and to the best I can tell it broke in that area, more about this in 2nd answer.
I can forward the pix to you if you want?

2- It breaks where it was accidently hardened in spite of where it is under the bolster or handle material. The breaks I have seen are at or near the intersection of blade and tang where the bolster is butted up against the blade portion.

a- Fortuantely not very often it appears. The only ones we're aware of are the ones here on the forum. As far as the ones sold off forum only Bill knows for sure.

b- Again only Bill knows for sure. The most apt time for breakage is the time around Dasien give or take a couple of weeks either side of the religious holiday.:(
 
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