Which Ang Khola to buy...

[Sam Hurley]

Hello,

This is my first post on this forum, and I'm really interested in the Ang Khola line. From what I've read, no human being has the physical capacity to break one of these things. I'd really like to get the 18 inch version, but the Chiruwa has a full tang. Which to buy... How big is the tang on the 18 inch version? Does anyone have a picture of an unmounted Ang Khola with a good view of the tang?

Thanks,

Sam Hurley

 

[Tohatchi NM]

The Chiruwa and "stick" tangs have about the same amount of metal, but the Chiruwa is flattened out. Forum consensus is that the stick tang is practically just as strong as the Chiruwa, i.e. within individual variations from khuk to khuk, you won't notice a strength difference unless your the Hulk. Some people claim that the stick tang transmits less shock during chopping. I'd tend to agree, but don't notice much difference.

The Chiruwa is a great size at 16.5", but I really loved my 18". It was a bit skinny, and a chopping monster.

(Also, a properly made AK is dang near indestructible, but sometimes the kamis get in a hurry. Test each khuk thoroughly.)

 

[Mark Nelson]

The first thing that I got was a 18" AK. It is a great great khurk. I believe it to be a great first khurk. I would get one to start with...then a 20" Ak...then a 25" Ak

 

[Red]

Hi Sam, welcome. I don't own an AK and seem to be the only person here with no interest in them. If you interested in a lot of chopping power the 18" AK seems to be a good choice but look at the Ganga Ram Special too.

 

[Yvsa]

Originally posted by Sam Hurley
How big is the tang on the 18 inch version? Does anyone have a picture of an unmounted Ang Khola with a good view of the tang?

Sam Hurley

Welcome to the Cantina Sam.

Don't worry about the tang. If Cliff Stamp can't break a standard kukri of any kind the tang just doesn't matter. My 18" AK has been through hell and it's still going strong as are my other 7-9 user's.
(Personally I wouldn't own a chiruwa tang unless I had no other choice as in the M-43.)

But if you still Must See a tang do a search of Foxy Folly with Yvsa in the poster's name box.
To shorten the search time click the drop box and click/search the Himalayan Imports Forum only.
There's a pic of the FF bare tang here some where. The blade had an issue with a soft area in the sweet spot and has been sent for repair.
There's not a damn thing wrong with the standard tangs. The kamis have been making them this way for a couple thousand years.

 

[Kismet]

Welcome Sam.

(15 inch AK is really something!)

Neat thing is, you can't be unhappy. How often does that happen?

 

[37up]

what you need to do is skip the AK and go for a nice 18" WWII model.

it's good for what ails ya!

-D

 

[Sam Hurley]

WOW,

I posted this thing several hours ago and I've already been given a wealth of information! This rocks! Thank you all for your help. I didn't think that the tang would have the same mass, but only be in a different shape...interesting. I think I'll go with the 18 inch AK, but I promise to first look at the other models suggested to me!

Thanks again,

Sam Hurley

 

[ddean]

Originally posted by Sam Hurley
I'm really interested in the Ang Khola line. ..... Which to buy...

You must, of course, buy a complete set.

 

[mrostov]

I 've seen a 16.5" WWII by Bura snap off at the tang. Too bad, it was a beautiful knife. It broke within the first few minutes of field testing.

It was a defect in the quenching of the tang that made it too hard. The break looked just like the metal had crystalized.

Bill Martino was a top notch guy about replacing it though. He sent two khuks as a replacement.

Given my druthers, when I get my next HI, I'd like it to be a 16.5" Chiruwa AK. Not that I doubt the strength of a standard handle, I just think a 1/2" thick khuk would be something special.

 

[btice]

Welcome to the cantina, Sam. You will find this place full of great people willing to share their knowledge and experience. I am a big fan of the HI line of blades, period. However, as much as I loved the 18" Chilangi that I sent to a young Ranger on the DMZ, as much as I admire my 18" WWII, Sirupati, and Ghopte, the bunch would not be complete without the 18" AK. I would be lost without one. It is a real workhorse and a beautiful piece of craftmanship. Plus, with that in hand, you can make judgements regarding your preferences of size and shape for the next khuk you get. Yes, there will be more in your collection. When I first found the forum, I found it hard to believe that I would end up with more than maybe one or two khuks. Well, I have more than two. And I'm glad I've got the ones I do.