what do you do with the chakma?

a_punker

a_punker

Joined
May 1, 2002
Messages
169
The chakma is a 'burnishing tool' right? is that like a steel?

so - you simply run it up the edge of the blade a few times?

i've read about ppl sorting out minor folds with the chakma - if it really is what i think, how does it do anything as major as straightening? unless you couple it with a hammer....
 
It's like using a steel, but the technique's a little different. What the burnisher (chakma) does is polish and straighten the edge. Small dings can be worked out by applying a little more pressure (being very careful not to slip) to push the distorted edge material back into proper alignment. I found it useful to practice on old kitchen knives until I got the hang of it.

Sarge
 
Which side of the Chakma do you prefer for straightening?

I've used the face of the blade as well as the spine. I prefer the face for polishing, and the spine for straightening.

Anybody else?
 
Pen:
I prefer to use the flats, feels more stable to me and easier to keep parallel with the edge being burnished, but you're right, the spine concentrates more pressure into a smaller area making it work good on dings.
Heres a question for everybody. Every chakma I've seen to date has a fairly acute point on it. Sharp enough to ream out holes, but too broad to serve as an effective awl. Still, I can't help but think the sharp point is a carry over from some past function. Can anyone enlighten me?

Sarge
 
i'm glad you all said that.

At first it didn't feel to be doing much, but i suppose the blade was so purfect and the chakma was so smooth it wouldn't have! Since i've used the knife, and the chackma has been roughed up by use it feels like its doing more (in action and result).
 
I use the edge. :o I never even thought of using the flat sides. I'll try it next time. I also keep a small ball peen hammer close by for more vigorous realignment procedures. :)
 
I use the flats and edges, I prefer the edge.

"At first it didn't feel to be doing much"--a_punker

Yes, I noted that as well. you can tell if the edge doesn't need it if the chakmak slides easily across the edge. If you feel it grab the edge, you kow it needed it. When it no longer grabs the edge but slides, you know you're done.

Tha chakmak is also good to use after you sharpen with a stone, as it aligns all the microserrations.

I am a huge fan of the chakmak, and I will be hard pressed before I'll put a stone to a blade again! I use the chakmak for any/all my blade burnishing needs, kicks ass on soft (stainless) steels, like kitchen knives.

Keith
En Ferro Veritas
 
I'm with you Ferrous, chakmas are great. I make knives for a hobby, so it just seemed natural to make my own chakma. Ground it out of an old file, being very careful not to overheat it. It'll quickly show the hardest knife I've got who's boss, and it throws good hot sparks for flint and steel firemaking. Wish I'd known about this burnishing business years ago. It's quick, clean, and expedient.

There's some very accomplished photographers, even cartoonists, on the forum. Maybe we could get some pictures on the FAQ of how to properly use a chakma. It would sure help others not have to go through the stage I did of "okay, now what do I do with this?"

Sarge
 
I usually use the back (spine), but will use the flats on occaision. Most of the chakmas have a forward curve, and I've used that (equivalent to a sweet spot on a khuk) as a fairly effective little hammer/mallet on rolls and dings.

I really love the chakma, but I've noticed that some of them don't seem to be adequately hardened. At one point, I actually did have steel removed. My khuk shaved a hairline of material off of the chakma.

Has anyone ever done a file test on their chakma?

S.
 
Got a ?

I have a 15" HI AK and it's Chakma isn't sharp anywhere....blunt all the way around.

I have a 19" HI Villager and both small tools are sharp. :confused:
 
I've considered sharpening an edge on my chakma, but have now decided against it. The karda on my BAS came dull as a doorknob, but after some sharpening, seems ok - except that it is definitely too short.
 
The YCS I got had bothe kardas ground, polished and sharpended; obvious to me that Sanu spent extra time and effort on them, hipolish etc. Unlik the diminutive Karda on my 21" Kesar made GS. The Karda w/ my 18" Sher AK Is full size and tough, tho.

Keith
 
To be honest I think the size of the karda and chakma depend a great deal on what size pieces of the "odds and ends" steel are laying around nearby.
 
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