When Was The H.I. Chitlangi Conceived, And What Is Its Pedigree?

Drdan

Drdan

Joined
Dec 24, 2003
Messages
1,390
The H.I. Website has a good side shot of the Chitlangi, clearly displaying its distinctive "bell handle"... It says the following regarding its origin: "In the western part of Makwanpur district of Nepal, by the Chandragiri Mountain range, there is a historical village called Chitlang, presumably whence the name."

I assume that the Chitlangi (a.k.a. 'Cheetlange) khukuri has been around a long time, perhaps not exactly as it appears today. Is it correct to say that the blade shape and distinctive bell handle and buttcap are what denotes it as a Chitlangi?

The striking Sword of Shiva adorning the blade, and the crosshatches carved on the handle and bolster are absolutely beautiful. When did the Chitlangi first appear in this form we all know it, and who was the artist who came up with such a fantastic design? It is truly my favorite khukuri as far as aesthetics go. Don't think there's too much room for improvement here (no need to pipe in, Dan Koster :D ), and I keep reminding myself that it is as beautiful as it is highly functional.

Anyone have any photos of "pre H.I." Chitlangis, or their cousins, the Chainpuri or Chaindadi?

Thanks
 
Don't remember when it was but I got the very first HI Chitlangi. It was made by Jag and Prem IIRC who were hired away from The Khukuri House by Gelbu. It has the double fuller and the beautiful handle.
Cuts like a much heavier khukuri!:D :cool: :D

Jag and Prem didn't stay at BirGhorka long for some reason.:(
I hated to see them go, they are damned good kamis!
 
Yvsa said:
Don't remember when it was but I got the very first HI Chitlangi.
Click to expand...

You've been at the right place and the right time for a lot of H.I.'s best pieces. :D I won't even ask if you'd like to part with Chit 001... :rolleyes:

Was the # 1 H.I. Chitlangi made by Jag and Prem an already existing design, or was it something of an design modification of an existing model offered at KH and others?

Thanks, Yvsa; I know the Chitlangi is one of your favorites too... ;)
 
Drdan said:
Was the # 1 H.I. Chitlangi made by Jag and Prem an already existing design, or was it something of an design modification of an existing model offered at KH and others?
Click to expand...
Dan the Cheetlang/Cheetlangi was offered by Ghurka House and although I lusted after one I refused to buy from Craig Gottlieb, owner of Ghurka House, for several reasons and never did. I, actually Rusty and me both, wouldn't even buy the nicely done video he made in Nepal at the Khukuri House shop.
I'm not sure where the design originated but suspect that it was a design that Jag and Prem brought to the Khukuri House themselves as it wasn't offered there very long until Jag and Prem went to work for HI.
If you could talk Bill into getting me a nice 17"-18" Foxy Folly I would consider selling you the very first HI Cheetlangi.;) :p But that is highly unlikely as I have bugged Bill about it now and then with no positive results.:(
Actually if I could get a Foxy Folly in that size I would most likely sell off the rest, well most of the rest anyway, of my HI khukuri's.
I would have to keep the Hanuman Special, 27" Royal Banspati, M-43, and maybe a couple of others.
I'm considering getting a gold membership in a while so I can legally sell off a few here on bladeforums anyway as there's some other things I want...
 
Yvsa said:
Actually if I could get a Foxy Folly in that size I would most likely sell off the rest, well most of the rest anyway, of my HI khukuri's.
Click to expand...

Aint that the truth!
For all of our prized collections, we are all, I think, still looking for that one perfect khukuri and would be willing to give up everything to get it!

I think I have mine, the Rod Allen Hanshee, but I think a YCS might woo me.
 
Yvsa said:
If you could talk Bill into getting me a nice 17"-18" Foxy Folly I would consider selling you the very first HI Cheetlangi.;)
Click to expand...

I'm glad to have that in writing, Yvsa; thank you! :p In any event, if you ever sell it, please give me the first shot at it, O.K.?

The current YCS special run has been met with considerable interest. I trust they will be made as ordered; if they are, I feel that Uncle Bill would allow another special run, as long as it doesn't become a weekly event. :rolleyes: Something tells me that Dan Koster would be the man to persuade the Chairman of the Board to undertake the project. ;) Let's all let the dust settle after the YCS arrives, and see what transpires...

I think that our favorite uncle secretly loves taking special orders; he enjoys reading replies to his crystal clear e-mails from Nepal, loves to shoot back and forth instructions for the most simple modifications, and probably chuckles when he opens up the box filled with the specially ordered khuks. :eek: :mad: :barf:

Write down as simply as you can what features you'd like on the FF; indeed do so every day... Visualize the knife in your hand, and feel it's perfect balance, excellent craftsmanship, attention to detail, and the smilies on yours and Barbara's face -- do this every day as well... :D
 
Dang, Yvsa....I think you're down-right fixated on this 17" FF.....:eek:


:p
 
I gots ta cuhmoonicate is ways that makes cents to'n ole Okie....
 
as long as that lustin' don't make Barb too jealous....


:eek:





:p :p :p
 
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