Ultimate Presentation Khuk

Tohatchi NM

Tohatchi NM

Joined
Mar 26, 2002
Messages
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My brother is midway through Annapolis. When he graduates, I'd like to give him an HI khuk. He hasn't committed to an assignment yet, but is thinking strongly about flying for the Marines, probably helicopters. Could end up anywhere between that and a sub, though.

So I'll take a straw poll of the forumites: if you could give ANY khuk to someone, what form would it take? The only bounds I'll put on it is this - in my mind this gift khuk may trade a little function for appearance (as much as any HI can), but if he likes it could get a similar blade for duty carry.

So what can your devious little minds cook up? Blade pattern? Size? Handle material? Fittings in brass, steel or silver? Engraving? Sarki or Sisco Special sheath? ?????? Go wild!
 
Might think about a 15" Silver Mounted AK. Have one that Terry Sisco is in the process of resheathing right now. Very nice looking khuk which can be used. The really fancy ones like the Kothimodas are more for display but would make a nice gift.
 
I like the Berk special, aka the Dui Chirra, but they are special order and kind of expensive. They embody the khukuri as art, to me.
Chitlangis and Sirupatis have a fancier look because of the brass inlaid spear of Shiva. They are less than half the price of the Dui Chirra, and are hard workers, too.
The Hanuman is supposed to be great too- but I don't have one.
 
Berk special, silver-nickel hardware, darkbrown T. Sisco quick-draw sheath. Only downside, accessories are in a separate sheath. I'm sure Terry would have suggestions about that, though.
 
MBE, you're too fast for me.

BTW, I'm about 90% through "Coyote Blue". Love it.
 
Bill and I discussed the appropriate kukri for a cockpit and came to the same conclusion: there isn't enough swinging room in there to take advantage of a kukri's worth. Even if your brother get's into Navy or Marine Super Stallions (huge cockpit) the value of a functional knife is in its stabbing, slicing or punch-thru ability. When it comes time for a knife and he doesn't want the issue piece (ugly, not glamorous, but ideal)he will not want anything large to add to the bulk of flight gear.

If he goes the Devil Dog route as a grunt maybe he will want something sexy and macho like a kukri. From the reports we've seen and that I have gotten from recipients of kukris I sent they seem very popular. But these are guys in the dirt who can take advantage of what a kukri is capable of (besides, they are very cool and menacing looking).

There was an attempt by some private parties in WW II England to make a kukri design that was meant as an RAF survival knife and examples do exist, but I don't think it ever became an issue item or if they enjoyed any type popularity.

Please congratulate him on his dedication and efforts at "Canoe U".
 
Yep - I'm of the same opinion. There are lots of good knives to lash on your flight gear, but I can't see a khuk being one of them. A Bilton might be an OK size, but there's some things that would probably perform better, have better sheath retention, and get in the way less (I'm sure Sarge is going to flay me for railing on the Bilton ;)). And a khuk is probably even less useful on a sub.

My goal is just to find something to mark the accomplishment that he can appreciate and maybe hack stuff with on R&R. If he needs a serious utility knife for ground-pounding, then he can get a plain version. (thus starts HIKV :D )
 
As a gift, not a work-tool, for someone uninitiated to HI khukuris you might consider the simple, but beautiful 12 inch AK, made by Bura (the master) or Shanker (outstanding work.) I think sometimes we forget just how beautiful these tools are to those who haven't seen them before.

It will not be so ponderous as to intimidate, but fully functional for many things. Later, you can send him the Cantina site.;)
 
I've thought about special ordering a 15" silver mounted Sirupati with a carved horn handle.
 
Originally posted by Tohatchi NM
this gift khuk may trade a little function for appearance
Click to expand...
18" Chitlangi.
Big & beautiful, but very usable.
And fuller.
643chit.JPG

623chit.JPG


If you really want fancy, go for a kothimoda.
 
I got off on a tangent in my post, but as a presentation piece I would get whatever you fancy, but have the blade engraved or have a named silver plate put on the scabbard. That would make any kukri very special and personal.
 
You may want to give 2 knives. One of them being a serrated edge with easy open for cutting straps and rope etc...
 
I think I'd just show him the options and let him make the choice. Surprises are nice but in this case I think practicality takes preference.
 
Tohatchi-- I thought about your question a bit last night. Why not get a nice wood- handled khukuri and put a Tru Oil finish on the handle yourself. Might make a more personal gift. I dunno, just a thought.
--Josh
 
The Truoil takes a while, but definitely is worth it, least so far. I'm on coat 9(or at least that's arbitrary number I've given it, might be a fewmore) and already looks great. The actual time to knock off tops and add another coat is actually negligible, the long time i sjust waiting for coats to dry. But looks great.
 
Let me just inject a word of caution on the TruOil finish: it's beautiful (really beautiful), but not what I would do again for a user khuk. If the intention of the presentation knife is strictly for decoration, or for using with a lot of care, go for it. If you want something you can chop with, then lay it on the chopping block for a second, and accidentally knock it onto the ground, would advise against it. The finish isn't hard enough to take that without showing.

I put 16 coats on a 16.5" WWII as my first exercise with handle finishing. I'm very satisfied with the way it looks, but I'm going to look for something more impervious next time.

It is, of course, possible that I did something wrong on the application of the finish. Just reporting my results.
 
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