Ube, The Blade

Joined
Jan 10, 2001
Messages
2,618
I've covered the sheath and handle to the point that the blade became jealous from lack of attention, and tried to cuddle alongside my ribs :eek:
First, it is the sharpest "from the sheath" Khukuri I've received. the section about 2" behind the "sweet spot" will shave hair. An old Radiac black Arkansas stone will just skip along the sweet spot, and only wants to bite at the tip and toward the cho.

The blade is as near perfect, I think, as a man with a hammer can make. The spine is 1/2" at the bolster, and tapers to 1/4" at the end of the fuller, and then bevels to the point. The fullers are identical, in shape and in location. The spine is straight - there is no waver, no ripple, the length of the blade. I do not believe a modern machinest with a CNC precision grinder could make this blade.

There is an 18-year-old Lilac bush which has encroached on our back fence, and collected debris to the point that needed attention. The stalks from the main trunk are 1" to 2". Some were dead, and as hard and springy as cable. I have an old army surplus machete (no contest) and a bush axe, or "ditch cutter" - a version of the old bill hook, with a 4' handle. The machete cut the smaller live branches, cut into the larger ones about 1/3, and bounced off the dead ones, large or small. The bush axe, with its' much greater leverage, cut everything, but needed two strokes on the heavier dead stuff. The UBE matched the bush axe, except on the large dead stalks where I was able to get a 45° down-stroke. Then, it cut the heaviest of them, live or dead, with one stroke and wanted to continue on a couple of times.

I can't retain my balance without the cane, or a good hand-hold on the off-side, so my strokes were carefully thought out before hand, and the fence rail could have added something in a couple of positions. Regardless, I've taken down 4" oak saplings with two-three levered strokes with the bush axe, and the UBE held its own. It in no way can equal the axe in over-all cutting, but for a one-handed blade, it is remarkable. I brought out the 18" Garud AK, and (after a hurried prayer) tried it on a couple of the big live stalks. It whistled through one, and took all but the bark on the far side on the other. The difference in grips (the carved UBE grip is unshakeable) was enough to make this a non-test of the AK. With a handle I wasn't afraid to use hard, it would be unstoppable.
The grip on the UBE is very ornate, but was meant to be used. The leaf and vine pattern is in very heavy relief, with few delicate ends or edges in a position to take a knock. The grip you can achieve is phenomenal, as the carving bites into you hand, and welds the knife in place. As a fighter, it isn't as fast as a Malla or Gelbu Special, but it will take an arm off an opponent without slowing down.

Finn, you've made another convert!!
No hair on it yet, but the wanderobo with the driveway sealing scheme might come back....we'll see
:D
 
Sounds Awsome Wal, It sounds as though you have acquired the best of all worlds. I can't wait, I've started my Grande Supremeo UBE Fund already. It is just a matter of a little more time,......time .......time AHHHHH! Congradulations on a great acquisition. :cool: :cool:
 
Walosi,

"balance without the cane, or a good hand-hold on the off-side"

Now that is determination.

Will
 
Will:

Nah - just shaky old legs and a shiny new Khuk. That's what it took to get me up off my duff:o
 
Great field report Wal. Sounds like the handle carving works the same as on an old style Scottish dirk.

Another thing the UBE does well is function as a field-expedient draw knife. That upcurve at the point provides a more secure rest for the hand on the spine.
 
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