Who chooses whom?

[MagenDavid]

I got to thinking about the recent threads in this forum from folks looking for recommendations for that first khukuri. It reminded me of my first thread in this forum about the same topic; I suspect that it's something of a rite of passage for those of us who count ourselves among the HI family. You can probably guess the suggestions for an all around user. And I listened and payed attention. I even put in a custom order for a 16.5" BAS (it was and still is a beautiful example of Vim kami's skill).
Then I promptly pounced upon the first M-43 I could. It was made by Sher the Tiger with white fittings and bijayasal wood. It had a noticeable heft at 34 ounces, and it rang if you plucked the edge. In the time it's been with me, I've used it for several projects of varying stupidity. Kitchen knife? Check. Industrial sized can opener? Check. Hammer? Check. I've also marked it with some of my personality, shaping the handle for my comfort and unevenly patinating the blade with mustard. It only left me for a while when I traded it to my old college roommate. He'd been going through a rough time and found therapy in clearing brush and chopping wood. And when my roommate's situation improved, the knife returned to me. Thus far, it's the only knife to do so, and nowadays has the peculiar honor of my trust to ward off bad dreams. It works well enough, too; fighting Xenomorphs does not constitute a nightmare if you're wearing Iron Man's armor during the fight.
Ultimately, no matter how practical I tried to be, the shape and design of the M-43 spoke to me. And I like to think that in some way or another, I didn't choose this knife. So naturally, I got to wondering. Who else among us has a khukuri that chose us?

 

[abdelhazred]

Blades are a very personal thing. One of the reasons I am here is because I so love the power a khukri can impart into a simple and short movement. But after so much lusting after a Cherokee Rose I finally purchased one, and I do not regret. It's probably not as durable, definitely cannot do the same damage or put in the same amount of force as a khukri, and while I prefer the thrust a little more it is not significantly different. But the way it feels in the hand. Like it was made for me.

Few blades I have handled have ever felt like what I have purchased from HI. There is an... impetus. Even the heavier blades I sometimes use for light tasks.

 

[Steely_Gunz]

You're absolutely right. I have a plethora of khuks. Some have come to me via custom order, some through impulsive sharking. I have a handful that always are at my side. My 13" AK has been a constant companion for years. My Cherokee Rose has been a bump in the night blade for many o' year. Currently, I have been feeling a weighty bond with my Manakamana Special. The raw hard hitting power of the blade coupled with the graceful balance has made this a Spirit Blade to be sure. I've put it through a few chop tests, but I plan on really putting her through the paces over the weekend during a light camping trip.

It really is something when you can literally feel your trusted blade leap into you hands. It becomes an extension of your body and soul. It's not like a hammer or a hatchet. It's not anything as mundane as those soulless tools. It's fully a part of you. An eager vector of your will personified in 2 lbs of hand forged prayer-blessed Nepali steel. Even if the blade wasn't made for you, it was MADE for you.

I love a good bit of romanticized blade philosophy in the morning. Thanks

 

[uncouth]

I know my first called to me for quite some time before I finally ordered it, when it came it had several issues (cosmetic blemishes mostly) and I was disappointed, but after a few minor mods, and going through few a few trials with it, it is know my favorite and most trusted blade. (I just wish I could wear it everywhere I went, so I would always have it with me.)

 

[MagenDavid]

I do love how my M-43 feels as heavy in my hands as my dhankute/kobra. Also, I think if I could carry it wherever I wanted, I'd get some funny looks putting ice cream in my shopping cart while 2 lbs of steel hung from my belt.