UBE design idea

[Howard Wallace]

The UBE is the HI interpretation of an old design that has been around the Indian subcontinent for a long time.

I recently ran across an old knife of the UBE type that has a design feature HI might want to consider.

Note, at the tip, the back edge has been forged down to a thin edge and sharpened. In the forging process the metal was forced outward forming a bump where the back edge begins.

This sharpened back and inline tip allows for backcuts and thrusts as in bowie or dirk designs, while retaining some of the forward angle of the khukuri for chopping.

The forged bump allows picking up the bail of a pot in a campfire, in a similar manner to the notch RockFarm filed in the back of his AK. Such a notch is frequently used by woodsmen who need to snag pots. Unfortunately I’ve seen evidence of at least one knife with a square-cut notch breaking at the notch. I don’t think it’s an issue with RockFarm’s AK, because it has so much metal where the notch is. For the UBE type design, I suspect the forged bump gives greater strength than a filed notch, while providing the same practical utility.

 

[Steely_Gunz]

I can dig it, Howard I think that would be very cool. From what I have seen Tirtha do on my Tirtha Bowie, I have no doubt that it couldn't be done. The clip on my knife is both robust and incredibly even. I'd love to see the kamis take a crack at something like this

 

[Recluse]

I've seen that feature show up in many recent knife designs as a "harpoon tip." I guess everything old is new again.

 

[sash]

That is a great-looking knife. I'd love to see HI's take on it, as well.

Steve

 

[John T]

Oh, yes. Would like to see the kamis do this.

 

[Howard Wallace]

For those not familiar with basic bowie and dirk techniques (for which this style of knife is also well adapted), I've posted a little introductory video in the cantina. It's clumsy, but hopefully will convey some idea of the possibilities.

 

[Yangdu]

Thank you for sharing , Howard