FYI... I heard it from a reliable source (Auntie) that HI will be making more "historic" kukris in the very near future. The next batch or two should have some real gems. I was lucky enough to grab a 19in 27oz Chhetri kukri that was labeled a "curved spine" by Thamar. I have seen two or three of Thamar's curved spine and they all resemble each other. The DOTD I won was for a "curved spine" but it is most definitely a Chhetri. I have a Chhetri from another maker and its almost identical except for the weight. The HI is 19in 27oz and the other maker whom is 19in 15oz.
Im glad I have both because the lighter one cant chop anything other than flesh and bone. It isn't made for any kind of chopping. Its a Goorkhali fighting machine. The HI Chhetri is most definitely a fighter but it is much more solid. I wouldn't hesitate to chop down a small tree with it even though it is deceptively light for its size. I will post pics of them together to show how they are "twins" unless you look at the spines. The other maker has a deeper hollow forge to it, HI has a slight hollow forge.
The HI is a lot more solid because it has a standard tang that goes all the way to the pommel that ends in white metal. The other maker just has a partial tang with a solid wood bottom, non exposed tang. They are both good example of early 1800's style fighting kukris made for the higher castes who didn't need a do all kukri. They had more specialized khukris because they had the means to buy or have made any kukri they wanted... at least that's what I have heard from more historic minded members on the forum.
Here is a picture of the DOTD I won. I will post better pics...
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Here is a picture of the Chhetri from another maker whom shall remain nameless due to conflicts of interest and mainly because the guy is a jerk and I will never give him another dime even though some of his blades are decent.
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The HI has slightly more belly but they are DEFINATELY the same exact style. I am very glad I won the DOTD for HI's version of a Chherti kukri. Its an historic style piece and its quickly become by favorite kukri. My second favorite is another Thamar piece, the Dui Chirra.
Purna is quickly catching up because his finish is superior to Thamar's, although Thamar makes much lighter kukris that are well suited for fighting. Purnas pieces are flawless liquid metal with graceful, artful curves. Thamar pieces are light weight, well finished but more utilitarian in design and finish. They are both what I consider the "rock stars" of HI
I will take much better pictures tonight of the Chhetri's to illustrate my point and hopefully get some feedback on their similarities.
). Do the kami's receive an an order of what to make, or do they make what strikes their fancy at the time?
