Well, my first triangular box arrived yesterday. To provide some context - I enjoy a good knife but I've never used anything bigger than a 10" chefs knife. I have excellent kitchen knives, a few Spyderco knives for general use, and grew up around Randalls in the family but don't own any (yet). I had never seen a khukuri outside of a museum. I suspect this perspective may be illuminating to other newbies and amusing or nostalgic to the rest so here goes.
I'd ordered a WWII model, 16.5 inches. This was partially because I have an interest in military knives in that period and partially because people on this forum seem pretty enthusastic on the subject.
My wife had been warned not to open anything coming in an odd box, so it was waiting closed on the bed. Lots of newspaper and tape - excellent wrapping job. My little keychain knife - a Spyderco Ladybug - got everything liberated. I remembered to be careful removing the knife.
My first reaction was a little puzzled. The blade looked awful - not shiny, little dots everywhere. Then I realized, duh, it has a thick coat of protective oily material with little bits of fuzz and who knows what else. A little kleenex later, and I could see myself. Nice mirror finish.
I could also see various markings. I looked them up on the website - mine was made by Bura. There are a couple of what I assume are Napalese characters on the blade.
I took a few tentative swings at the air. The balance felt all wrong but I soon realized I was holding it way too far back. With a little experimentation it felt pretty good, but I had to leave any more experimenting to today.
Today I tried the air again, and boy it just felt right. That's more like it. I took it outside and tried a few swipes at a wood pile. First very tentatively, then with more force. I worked my way up a bit until I was chopping through decent-sized pieces of kindling without too much effort. Nice.
It's a good trick that something can feel that light as it moves but that solid as it hits.
I haven't quite worked myself up to a full force blow, and I will do that and some of the other recommended tests before any serious use.
So all in all - a really nice tool, well made, useful, but also with an interesting historical and cultural aspect. Shipped quickly, in good packaging, at an affordable price.
I encourage anybody who is on the fence about if they should try one of these to go for it.
Doug
I'd ordered a WWII model, 16.5 inches. This was partially because I have an interest in military knives in that period and partially because people on this forum seem pretty enthusastic on the subject.
My wife had been warned not to open anything coming in an odd box, so it was waiting closed on the bed. Lots of newspaper and tape - excellent wrapping job. My little keychain knife - a Spyderco Ladybug - got everything liberated. I remembered to be careful removing the knife.
My first reaction was a little puzzled. The blade looked awful - not shiny, little dots everywhere. Then I realized, duh, it has a thick coat of protective oily material with little bits of fuzz and who knows what else. A little kleenex later, and I could see myself. Nice mirror finish.
I could also see various markings. I looked them up on the website - mine was made by Bura. There are a couple of what I assume are Napalese characters on the blade.
I took a few tentative swings at the air. The balance felt all wrong but I soon realized I was holding it way too far back. With a little experimentation it felt pretty good, but I had to leave any more experimenting to today.
Today I tried the air again, and boy it just felt right. That's more like it. I took it outside and tried a few swipes at a wood pile. First very tentatively, then with more force. I worked my way up a bit until I was chopping through decent-sized pieces of kindling without too much effort. Nice.
It's a good trick that something can feel that light as it moves but that solid as it hits.
I haven't quite worked myself up to a full force blow, and I will do that and some of the other recommended tests before any serious use.
So all in all - a really nice tool, well made, useful, but also with an interesting historical and cultural aspect. Shipped quickly, in good packaging, at an affordable price.
I encourage anybody who is on the fence about if they should try one of these to go for it.
Doug
:barf: 
