WWII khukuri from Atlanta Cutlery

Daniel Koster

www.kosterknives.com
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Oct 18, 2001
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My father-in-law is interested in the WWII khukuri that is shown on the cover of the Atlanta Cutlery catalog. Inside the catalog, it is "C", the third blade down. I couldn't find a pic on AC's website. Anybody got one?

Are they still available? Anybody here ordered one? Have any idea if they have any "blade only"?

If I don't hear back here, I guess I can call them on Monday. Just layin' it out there for now....

Thanks.
 
If it's the model on their website with a picture of a karda instead of a khuk and lists for $79, then yes, I have one. I don't have a catalog available to check though. Ready for some pics?

WWII khuk with some kardas/chakmas I ordered at the same time:

acstuff.jpg


Although only four chakmas are pictured, I actually have one more that was in a scabbard at the time of the photo. I'd ordered 10 chakma/kardas and interestingly enough, they'd sent me five of each. All needed considerable cleanup. All had grease-soaked wood and some pitting. All are quite nice overall. The chakmas are all extremely hard and throw sparks from a flint easily. The khuk itself needed plenty of cleanup - labor intensive (for me) but not too difficult. The steel was essentially sound and the grip was so darned thick that I was able to simply sand off the bad wood and there was plenty left over. I believe that you'd be able to do a nice job on one of these.

Closeup of the handle:

khukhandle.jpg


Very thick, steel endcap, Chiruwa construction. Think those pins are big enough? :) As I said, the grip is quite large and I have no problem using a "2+2" hold on it with two fingers on either side of the ring.

Results of a quick-and-dirty rust remover etch:

etch16.jpg


It does indeed have a hardened zone in the chopping area.

Overall finish on the blade was rough; there were numerous old sanding and grinding marks but nothing too bad. Only light rust and some minor pitting. It looked a lot better than I thought it would. Marked "SA HW45" near the cho, whatever that means.

I've only used mine to cut beer cans. I'm not planning on thrashing it but I believe that it would be up to the task. I feel it was worth the price as a collectible if nothing else. I don't know if they're still available or not but I got mine a few months ago, if that helps. (Probably doesn't.)

If this isn't the model that you're talking about, forget what I said and write it off as too much coffee. :rolleyes:
 
I have 2, both seem to have been cleaned with a coarse wire wheel at some time. Otherwise all intact. I think they are historically important. J.P. has had a lot of dealings with A.C. over theses pieces, he knows more than anyone else probably.
 
Dan, just from reading here in the forum I know what you know; that many people recieved some delightful finds amongst the blades they are selling. I think it was in British Blades Forum that there was a discussion of the authenticity of these blades. They are. It reminds me of surplus Mauser 98's; you never know if you're getting a great one or just so-so. Maybe there is a 'hand select' option if you could talk to Atlanta Cutlery.



munk
 
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