Webshop question: Buying laha

[Zixinus]

Buying Laha from the webshop:
I understand that laha is used traditionally to preserve horn handles. I would like to ask, would it be possible to order a (preferably large) jar with a kukri from HI? That and whether it's worthwhile to do so.

I think it would be convenient for some, especially for people like me who just brought their first kukri (or have brought another and unsure what to care for it with). That, and it would be an additional taste of Napal that would too support the people there.

Adding metric measurements:
Simple really: add a metric equivalent of measurement to various kukris sold. I know that this is primarily an American site, but I recall that there are at least some here (like me) who are not and thus are more familiar with metric.

 

[pugs75]

Laha is actually a glue made to hold together the handles and such. If you want to hydrate your horn, I usually use mineral oil, I soak it in mineral oil for a day or two, this preserves the horn very nicely.

 

[shortwinger]

If you want to hydrate your horn, I usually use mineral oil

And if you want that fresh babie's butt smell, use Baby Oil...

Another option is Hoof-Flex. It is specifically formulated to keep hoofs hydrated and it soaks into the horn very nicely. I use Mineral Oil most of the time but I do also hit the horn with the Hoof-Flex every now and then.

Bill
Virginia

 

[stickfred]

Yeah the laha is the glue used on the handle materials. If you read any of the rehandling threads, you'll find that removing the old handle and laha is the really fun part what with the heat and the smell. With the availability of epoxies here in the West, that is the usual choice for securing a new handle.

Rick

 

[Zixinus]

Ah, I was confused then.

 

[stickfred]

Ah, I was confused then.

That's OK. We've all been confused about something khukuri related at some time and that's why we come here. Welcome aboard.

pugs75's suggestion of mineral oil for horn handles is an excellent recommendation. It'll keep the horn from drying out at a low price.

Rick

 

[Zixinus]

Yeah, I think I have mineral oil (weapon oil, not sure what it is made out of). All I would need to do is to put some on it, rub it around and let it dry?

What if I see a crack? I should look for something from a feeder store?

Oh, and regarding the brass: will the same mineral oil will do or do I need something else? I already have a spray for anti-rust (although I don't think it was meant to withstand heavy duty).

 

[stickfred]

Not sure what you mean by weapon oil but I try to stay with natural oils. Mineral oil can be found in any drug store where the laxatives are. Feeder stores would be good for finding Hooflex, but Hooflex is basically lanolin with other additives to encourage healthy horse hoof (and I've heard its got an odor to it). Either mineral oil or a lotion with a high lanolin content will work and be relatively cheap. Some will rub it on and others will soak the handle in it for a while. If you see a crack, rehydrate it and see if it closes up some. After its soaked up the oil you can use any super-glue for small cracks.

As for the brass, Brasso or a metal polishing paste (Flitz, Mother's, etc.) should be all you'd need to keep up with it. The pastes will leave a film that helps protect the metal for a while and can be used for maintenance on the blade of your khuk if you're not using it for food prep.

Rick

 

[kronckew]

just for interest laha is made from tree resin, wood ash, and animal dung, the latter is why it smells so good when melted. some say there is also some bees wax in the mix...

19c western knife makers used pine resin, brick dust and a dollup of bees wax as 'cutlers cement'. some added horsehair or human hair to provide some fibre and improve the shock resistance rather than the undigested plant fibre that dung adds to nepali 'glue'

 

[pugs75]

If you want to use the mineral oil, I cut an old plastic bottle, tape the blade up so you dont cut yourself then place the kuhk handle side down in the bottle and fill with mineral oil until the horn is covered. I then let it sit for a few days like this, the mineral oil will rehydrate the horn nicely, sometimes there is hidden white,gray streaks in the horn that you dont see until its hydrated, kind of a surprise at the end of the soak. After that its good for a year or two, but I still wipe mine down here and there. The best part is the mineral oil is very inexpensive and really works wonders. Hope it helps.

 

[Zixinus]

On the topic of getting people started in maintaining their kukri, can anybody link me to Uncle Bill's durability/quality tests? I want to make sure that my kukri will be OK.