What is the choice for handle available at HI?

[junon]

Hi all,

You might remember I posted question regarding modding HI khukuri with modern handle material (G10/micarta before). After reading all the wisdom on this forum, I think I have no idea what I was talking about and it would be best to stick with traditional handle material that has been tested for ages instead of trying something new...

Now, the BirGorkha Kothimoda is very pretty with water buffalo bone handle. Except the $850 price tag is out of my budget... *of course it's seems to be justified! Royal kami, high end khukuri, silver all over the place... drolling*

Is there any other model that would come with water buffalo bone handle? I really like the birgorkha, but not really sure I would like the sheath (it's very beautiful - too beautiful, in fact, to be used!)...

My ideal khukuri probably something in 12" range with water buffalo bone handle (just like the biGorkha) and kydex sheath.

I read that auntie has kydex sheath available for $20?
That would be great!

If you know any khukuri from HI that would meet my description above, please let me know so I can place an order! This would be my first khukuri (and I would like to say my last ; even though the last time I said it [when I got my first sword], I ended up with another 5 ordered... same thing with knives... got Spyderco and swore it would be the first and the last knives I ever need and I ended up with 4 folders know... this thing is addictive!)

 

[bemo]

Hello, several models come with the option of horn handles. Since this is your first khukuri, I would humbly suggest you go with the BAS, WWII, or an Ang Khola. The Ang Khola comes in 12" lengths, but I'd recommend the BAS for a first khuk. To my knowledge, Auntie doesn't sell kydex sheaths. The $20 dollar sheath that you've seen mentioned is the Kami medical fund sheath, and it's made out of leather. Let us know when you get your Khukuri. There's really nothing like a handmade and blessed blade.

 

[Karda]

Generally the usual choices are Satisaal wood and water buffalo horn. Sometimes khukuri come in with more exotic woods, antler and bone.
It is a matter of preference and wood and horn are about the same if cared for properly. The only real difference is wood is better for usage in cold temperatures.

You will likely want a bigger khukuri than 12" as H.I. khukuri are measured OAL and a 12" khukuri is roughly a bit bigger than a good hunting knife.
The smallest we recommend for chopping duties is 16.5", unless you are a tiny person. 15"er's will do, but the extra 1.5" gives you that much more chopping power.

 

[jdk1]

it would be best to stick with traditional handle material that has been tested for ages instead of trying something new...

There's nothing wrong with trying something new and there's actually very little "new" anything under the sun Micarta/G10 would be superior to wood or horn any day of the week in pretty much any category except looks and traditionalism. Those last two categories are very important to many folks though. I've seen some great re-handled HIs with micarta and stacked leather, as well as stabilized wood like JRoden's ASTK. They are really cool and will probably last forever. But, the horn and wood HI uses will last a very long time if properly cared for from what I've seen. I have both wood and horn and like both. Even the highly polished horn works great in a properly shaped handle. Some wood shrinks more than others in my experience and that is something to watch. Horn has a nice attribute in that it seems easily repaired with nothing more than super glue.

Micarta, per the uber accurate Wikipedia, has roots back to 1905 when Westinghouse was looking for a new material to use in the electronics industry. And, it's actually based on a Swiss product patented in 1893. Nothing new here, except maybe expansion of it's uses. If the kamis had micarta (or bakelite which is a very early plastic) and the tools to machine it (and reliable electricity), it probably would have replaced wood and horn long ago IMO. At least in government produced khuks. The reality is that even in the heat of WWII production, khuks were made by kamis under tents using worn out railroad carriage springs and wood. They still use laha instead of epoxy. I'm sure they could get buckets of Chinese epoxy, but the kamis use what they've always used. This discussion reminds me of an old post I read (probably in the archives) where a froumite wanted to send the kamis stainless steel to use. Someone, probably Uncle Bill but I'm not sure, said it would likely end up leaning in the a corner not rusting while the kamis went on using old leaf springs Take care.

 

[Steely_Gunz]

There are some really beautiful hard woods out there that, in my opinion, will trump bone in both looks and durability.

 

[kookery]

Hi all,

You might remember I posted question regarding modding HI khukuri with modern handle material (G10/micarta before). After reading all the wisdom on this forum, I think I have no idea what I was talking about and it would be best to stick with traditional handle material that has been tested for ages instead of trying something new...

You received the same advice I received, and it is good advice. But, my conclusion is that a modern ergonomic handle is vastly superior to a traditional Nepali handle, especially when made from a modern material like G10 that doesn't self-destruct when the humidity changes. So, I think you did know what you were talking about, but you only lacked experience with the traditional formula. In the end, I decided not to change the handle on my WWII kukri, just to avoid the hassle. I don't use it enough to need a better handle. I found that some leather work gloves were all I needed, and a lot easier than changing the handle.