Had a bit of a problem with my newish HI sirupati #204, (spontaneous handle cracks) and while those issues are being resolved, Bill very generously offered me a similar village model to examine. Perhaps some of you would be interested in my observations on the differences. The HI khuk is a 'superpati'...wt. 2.14 lbs, and 7/16" at the spine. There is very little 'fuller' forged in, which helps account for the weight. Finish is very good, with a nice satin polish on the blade. Blade hardness seems perfect. Only one tiny forging flaw is present, on the back parallel to the length...inconsequential. By contrast, the village sirupati seems feather-light. 20.5"x3/8"x1.5plus lbs., it seems a wisp. Blade is straight and well forged, with a slight fuller, really better done than HI #204. The finish was better than I had expected from a villager, not highly polished but all deep grind marks worked out. A couple of small forging flaws, superficial and of no consequence. It would take very little work even with hand tools to bring this knife up to HI finish standards. The karda/chakma are the rough small ones typical of villager manufacture, but seem well hardened. Scabbard with superfrog was good. Conclusions: I like the extra heft of #204, but if someone wanted a knife for martial exercise and light chopping (after all, 3/8" is 'Iron Mistress' stout!!) you may find a villager quite satisfactory, and at about a 20% cash saving. Thanks, Bill, for letting me check it out! gunhou
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Villager and HI sirupatis
- Thread starter gunhou
- Start date
- Joined
- Mar 5, 1999
- Messages
- 34,096
gunhou finally opted for a Gelbu Special and I think that is probably a wise decision. That khukuri is very hard to beat.
Many thanks for the review from the field. This is important information for not just me but for everybody.
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Uncle Bill
Himalayan Imports Website
Khukuri FAQ
Many thanks for the review from the field. This is important information for not just me but for everybody.
------------------
Uncle Bill
Himalayan Imports Website
Khukuri FAQ