Water Buffalo Handle ?

P

PappaCutter

Joined
Jul 24, 2015
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I am thinking about a WWII with Buffalo handle in all Silver. I am very new to this Kukri world, so please give your thoughts freely.

Is water Buffalo durable!
Pro's
con's

Any feedback appreciated.



Pappa
 
Between horn and wood, I like the looks and feel of horn. As for as utilitarian use in the hand, I prefer horn.
Horn will crack, if left out in the heat, if it is not treated. I've read on this forum that Hoflex is a product that will help to alleviate this problem.

I like the horn grips.
 
Horn handles are personal preference. Some people like the contrast between the dark horn and the silvery steel. Some folks like that it is exotic. Some people find horn more comfortable in their hand.

I think horn is gorgeous. I have lots of khuks, knives, and a sword sporting it. However, wood feels better in my hand. I also feel like I can modify wood a little more easily to my tastes. As far as durability goes, keep the horn (or wood for that matter) hydrated, and it should hold up just fine. Even if it does develop a crack, its an easy fix. All but the most grotesque splintering can usually be patched up into working order pretty easily.
 
Most of the horn handles on HI products are Water buffalo.

I think it looks really nice. It's a bit more slippery which can be alleviated with just a bit of sanding to knock the gloss off which takes a bit away from the nice look but not much.

It's strong and dense and if properly cared for and protected will last a long long time.

I go back and forth myself, used to prefer wood by far and still do but not as much, either works for me.

I too used to be a full tang or nothing kind of guy but now have total faith in the rat tail tangs, they are very tough, so now I'm happy with either type. I guess the more I hang out here the easier it is to keep me happy?
 
I was thinking white water buffalo and all silver , like one of the models on their webpage. Except in WWII 18.

Thanks for feedback.
 
PappaCutter said:
I was thinking white water buffalo and all silver , like one of the models on their webpage. Except in WWII 18.

Thanks for feedback.
Click to expand...

I have a M-43 with horn scales. The horn is dark grey with white marks. It's beautiful. It's the one in this thread.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1312880-Felling-a-tree-with-a-M-43

Here's a close up of the M-43's horn scales. The HI Kuk underneath is a BAS. It has a horn grip.

af32f215136d4d4f4734389f20c9f7c0.jpg


I picked up another 15" M-43 shortly after this one. It is 2oz. lighter, and has a wood handle. Personal preference, but I just like the look and feel of horn.
 
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Those handles look so rich. Very nice. I was surprised how solid and sturdy the woods grips are even though I prefer horn.

Pappa
 
Rest assured that when you get it, it will be both beautiful and utilitarian too. What a combination. Make sure you post plenty of pictures.
 
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