Which HI khuk most resembles this one?

T

the possum

Joined
Jul 31, 2002
Messages
2,959
Greetings, all.
Several months ago, I bought one of the antique Nepalese kukris from Atlanta Cutlery, and am just now getting back to it. I wanted a user more than a collector piece, so I got one without a handle, planning to make my own. The only reason I got this piece instead of one from HI, is becuase I've never examined an HI kukri to see how they're shaped or balanced. I bought mine in the showroom in Conyers, and got to sort through a whole box of 'em to find one with geometry I thought was about "perfect".

I figured if the cutting edge was in the mid 40's Rc, I'd be happy enough with it, but when I got home, I quickly discovered the thing is soft as brass. I've attempted to contact someone to try re-heat treating it for me, but have had no luck so far. This brings me to my question...

Today I called Atlanta Cutlery to inquire about returning it. I missed the lady in charge of that department, and will have to try back Monday. If they do take it back, I plan to use the cash to put towards an HI model. (I cannot afford to purchase one out of pocket at this time.) But since I've still never seen an HI in person, I was hoping you guys could help point me toward one that is closest in design to the one I already have.

0401124_D_000.jpg


I want something in the 18"-20" overall range, but don't want one of the extremely thick and heavy ones. I really do love the shape of this one, and would greatly prefer this pattern over any others.

So, what are my options? Any suggestions?

thanks in advance
-the possum
 
I think a M43 would work for you. A search in the forums should show many.
Good luck :)
 
M43s are great, but if you can get one, a 20" Village AK feels lighter in the hand, and is larger.

I base the above statement on a highly scientific, statistically significant sample size of one each... :rolleyes: ;) :footinmou
 
The M43 would probably bear the closest resemblance, but it's probably quite a bit heavier than your AC khuk. A Gelbu Special has a slimmer profile but would probably come closer in balance and heft. Some of the recent Khadka specials looked very much like your model, but were a bit smaller.

I was going to link some comparison pics from the HI shopping site but for some reason none of the images are loading on the website for me. :confused:
 
I guess every Khukuri is different.

I have two M43's and they are both thinner by an 1/8 of an inch than any others, AK, Gelbu, Sirupati, or WW 2.

:confused:
 
sams said:
I guess every Khukuri is different.

I have two M43's and they are both thinner by an 1/8 of an inch than any others, AK, Gelbu, Sirupati, or WW 2.

:confused:
Click to expand...

It's not that the M43 is a boat anchor (it's not), it's just that the 20" Village AK feels a lot lighter. I think the Village models are built lighter and thinner than some of the regular HI equivalent models.
 
Thomas Linton said:
I'd say the Jange if the handle of the Jange had the same curve. Blade's right I think.
Click to expand...

Thomas is absolutely right. 20" 2 pound Junge is a perfect match, although I can guarantee you the HI product will be heavier. If that is a problem for you, then I would go with one of the 18" 30 oz. Samshers that Bura has been making lately with chandan handles. Also very close, but IMO the Junge is a twin of the one shown, right down to the SOS groove on the back of the blade.

Regards,

Norm
 
I'm with Tom and Norm...Junge.

And a nice shape it is too...

.
 
Dang, you guys are fast!
I've been trying to see some pics of the blades you guys are suggesting.
I do like the looks of that M43...

yhst-7333098713883_1801_1969149


It looks like it has more belly up front, but the shape of the spine and curves ahead of the cho look more like mine. Imagine, if you'd grind away some of that belly on the end third of the blade, it would look very much like the AC version.

I like the Jange too, but I don't think I could alter it to my tastes. I don't keep up with all the special runs HI does, and since this is not a regular item on their website, I was not aware of this model. Several of you mentioned that the HI models would be much heavier than mine... I sorted through the box at Atlant Cutlery, and could have easily chosen one with a 1/2" thick spine. I chose this one because it was lighter- more like a weapon than heavy wood chopper. So, I really don't want to get too heavy.

I thought I saw reference to custom orders somewhere in the past... Do you think the folks at HI would be willing to specially make one to my liking? Just thought I'd ask on that one, no foul if not.
 
Uncle Bill is sick at the moment so a special order may not be possible.

What you could do is e-mail and ask about what weight M43s are in stock and pick from there.
 
Imagine, if you'd grind away some of that belly on the end third of the blade, it would look very much like the AC version.
Click to expand...


But you'd be grinding out most of the sweet spot (cutting/impact point.)

I can't speak for H.I., but even before Bill M. was so terribly ill, special orders were difficult to arrange, and almost impossible to guarantee. (There's this whole kami "interpretation" issue which sold roughly one entire truckload of Heineken beer in Reno.)

Nice to meet you. Hang out, other shapes may intrigue you, and holding an H.I. khuk WILL seduce you.



Be well and safe.
 
the possum said:
Dang, you guys are fast!
Click to expand...

YEAH! Quite sharking the newbies. You could at least be less helpful. Something like "Oh, yeah, HI makes something exactly like that - there's a pic somewhere in the first hundred thousand posts" Then pull these out when he finds out that all the pics in those posts got eaten in the photopoint (or whatever it was) scandal. :D

If you want something lighter, your best bet is to order straight from Reno, and specify something light. Yangdu will pick out a winner. All of the khuks cited will work. If you're going to use it, AK is a great bet, though the shape match is a little off. 17" Ganga Ram Special is a bit curvy. New Foxy Folly might also fit the bill.


Mini Foxy Pics
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=335397&highlight=Foxy+Folly
 
interested in a trade, possum?

At the least, perhaps I could inquire as to what you paid for the handle-less blade?
 
By the way - yours is the topmost in this picture, right?


My father-in-law wants one of the "C" (WWII) blades - no handle.



attachment.php
 
Well guys, I want to thank you all for the generous help. It would take me a week to download pictures of every HI model on my dial-up connection. This really helps narrow down the selection.

I do have a question about these "Village" ang kolas that were mentioned. Are these a lighter version of the AK listed on HI's website? Where could I find some pictures or specs?

The knife I'm used to carrying is about 24" overall, and weighs 28 ounces. (1 3/4 pounds) I figure the kukri should be built a bit heavier, but two pounds for a 20" knife sounds a bit much to me. (and once again, that's just the assumption of a guy who's never handled one.) If I had to compromise on my specs, I would rather go longer than heavier, so I'd rather not go to the short end of my range just to get within the weight.

Daniel-
thanks for chiming in. Yeah, mine would be the top picture. I would be interested in a trade, since even if Atlanta Cutlery takes it back, I'd be getting another khuk anyway... - what did you have in mind?
As I recall, I paid around $95 with tax. They offer a discount if you buy directly at the showroom rather than order, plus saving the shipping cost. (plus the bonus of getting to check out the blade in person first) If you are interested in it, I could probably post some pics early next week.
 
Possum, I'll add my vote to contacting HI directly. Email Bill and Yangdu and ask if they have any M-43s in stock that are at least 18" and no more than 30oz as that would probably be your best bet for getting a khukuri that resembles the one you already have and is within acceptable specs.

The villagers have rougher finishes to them (satin blade polish vs regular mirror finishes, not as finely sanded handles). The villagers by nature tend to be lighter than the regulars. I think this has something to due with the kamis making them in the image of nepali villager khuks, but that's just my opinion.

Bob

PS Nice to see someone else from my neck of the woods interested in khukuris.
 
Welcome to the nut farm 'Possusm! :D Didn't you used to hang out in the bladesmith forum here? Or am I mixing you up with someone else? :confused:

I will agree with the other fellas and say that you should contact HI and they will dig through the magic shed and let you know what is available.

stevo
 
No one has mentioned the Burke Special/ Dui Chirra--it has fullers, but I think it is a pretty good profile match. With these khuks showing up pretty regular on the DOTD threads at $150 or so, you may be able to contact Yangdu and inquire about a second.

I have always wanted a Burke!

Possum, I'd be happy to buy your soft AC long-leaf, if Dan doesn't snap it up. I'll send you an IM.
 
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