Ultimate Fighter gets more Ultimate (pants)

[Ironballs]

I bought a Himilayan Imports Ultimate Fighter from right here:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=486836&highlight=ultimate+fighter

Overall length -- 17.5''
Weight -- 36 oz
Spine thickness -- 3/8''

The blade is beyond awesome, grip scales are beautiful and secure. She is everything I hoped she would be in an Ultimate Fighter of this style... the only rub was the sheath sucked. It is not very well designed, and every time I would sheath or withdraw the blade, the tip would poke out. The fishing-line thread was part to blame, but the design in general was off... And this blade deserved the very best...


This is what i sent to RainWalker:

He sent me back a few sketches for sample designs... I choose the open back for its speed and beauty (figuring the design was perfect for a fighter... so i can have a nice straight fast pull and easy return)... Material, tooled leather to match the scales. From what I described, I wanted nothing too fancy.. just tough and functional... but what I got was beyond what I expected, in beauty, design, and function. (I understand there is even a kydex insert just at the seam where the point would put the stitches/seam/leather at risk). The lines of the blade are totally complimented, and pictures simply do not do her justice.
1 Totally Satisfied customer here.

 

[Ad Astra]

Nice! The perfect finishing touch.

The HIUF is about the most badazz HI blade; they do vary a lot- that one's unusual for sure.


Mike

 

[greenwoods]

Ironballs,
Thanks for posting these excellent pics. They give me a better mental picture of what I have been contemplating making at some point. I wondered if it might even work angled 30 degrees forward for an improved quicker draw.
mark

 

[STEELWHORE]

Great sheath for a great looking blade.:thumbup::thumbup:

 

[tyr_shadowblade]

Awesome sheath!!! The one thing I don't like about khuks is the sheaths with the pointy metal thing at the tip.

 

[kronckew]

caution: thread veer zone: this is a public service announcement

Awesome sheath!!! The one thing I don't like about khuks is the sheaths with the pointy metal thing at the tip.

it'd be nice if the chapes were a bit rounded, i modified all mine by adding a brass jingle bell:

thread veer zone ends: we now return you to your regularly scheduled discussion

 

[munk]

The HI tradition amongst the true fan was always to make the blade yours, by use and modification. I'm pleased to see this thread this morning. I needed a booster.

This is a blade that some felt was the opposite of fighter because of its weight. You demonstrate to each his own. That's exactly as it should be, and I'm glad the blade found the right home in you.




munk

 

[wildmike]

Very nice sheath. cool tip with the jingle bells too.

 

[Yangdu]

Nice sheath, Ironballs

 

[Ironballs]

This is a blade that some felt was the opposite of fighter because of its weight. You demonstrate to each his own

munk

the old Broad Sword vs. Foil debate?
Yes, a quick killing blade, should be thin and fast to find the organ quickily and withdraw. A fighter should be light/fast and toss-able to a degree... but... there is more to consider in a fighter. Many a punctured-man continue to fight and swing until collapse, so that 'size of wound' and actually stopping power play a role as well... and lest we not forget intimidation and mental affects of large wounds.

This blade with its fantastic wedge grip and rib, make pull and retention effortless, and I find the heft of the blade to still be lively due to the grip. Plus, anyway you strike, it would be devastating. Limbs would fly for sure... and the tip an backslash.. almost unheard of on a Khukri, are sweet and smooth with this blade... It is basically a shotgun with a shorter reach

Thanks all for the thumbs up...

 

[Andros]

Ironballs

Congratulations on this amazing looking blade! As for the sheath, I think the moment you mention the name "Rainwalker", for people in the know, they can only expect a fine sheath! I have nothing but good words for Jeff and eventhough I have never met with him in person (we have only communicated over the phone and through many e-mails) I believe he is a great person! BTW, the sheath that Rainwalker made for your Ultimate Fighter is simply awesome:thumbup:.

Thanks for sharing these pictures and enjoy your new toy!

 

[marenoa]

re-reading this post....I thought, would´nt it be nice if a blade like this were hollow ground? I mean, keep the edge convex but the rest all the way to the spine a big fuller.

 

[ferguson]

Great thread!
Steve

 

[new]

holy crap ironballs, sweet blade!!!!


wow, another bolster-less khukuri...i thought i had the only one of that kind.......

if you ever decide to sell it please sell it to me.....i promise, no more impatience from me......

 

[new]

i read the original sales thread....it says that it is made of catepillar steel.....


what exactly is that????


is catepillar steel still 5160???

 

[Kazeryu]

I remember that question, but I'm a bit fuzzy on the answer. I think the answer was something along the lines of 'leaf springs from caterpillar vehicles' which is generally 5160. My memory might be playing tricks on me, however.

 

[Ironballs]

Standard HI is spring steal (actually taken from vehicle leaf springs, so 5160).
Caterpillar steel is taken from a Caterpillar (tractor) from the steel 'fingers' of that protrude off the front of a lifting bucket. Caterpillar (brand) does not specify the steel, but it is made for general toughness, impact resistance, and hard duty. Description reminded me of the steel used in the spear of jackhammers (S7) and we all know what that is good for (Busse Scrap Yard).

I moved to a new house recently, and unfortunately the crop of Bamboo is not up yet, so the blade is as of yet, unused. But, seeing how my MCC has taking some decent hard woods down... I figure this lady is a beast.

New, if I ever list her, I will let you know first.

 

[new]

Standard HI is spring steal (actually taken from vehicle leaf springs, so 5160).
Caterpillar steel is taken from a Caterpillar (tractor) from the steel 'fingers' of that protrude off the front of a lifting bucket. Caterpillar (brand) does not specify the steel, but it is made for general toughness, impact resistance, and hard duty. Description reminded me of the steel used in the spear of jackhammers (S7) and we all know what that is good for (Busse Scrap Yard).

I moved to a new house recently, and unfortunately the crop of Bamboo is not up yet, so the blade is as of yet, unused. But, seeing how my MCC has taking some decent hard woods down... I figure this lady is a beast.

New, if I ever list her, I will let you know first.

thanks man......by the way, i love the AK47......