- Joined
- Oct 2, 1998
- Messages
- 39,759
I began wondering whether Uncle Bill had fallen from grace with the U.S. Postal Service when, for the first time, my khukuri hadn't arrived within two days of his shipping it.
Today, however, in the midst of a somewhat hectic day, the fateful knock came upon the door announcing the arrival of khukuri #6, a 12" Sirupati by Sher.
Well, as it says in the subject line, Rusty's right!
During the period that I've been frequenting the online cantina I've heard Rusty mumbling oftentimes about the secret whispers and nuances deriving from his beloved 12" Sirupati(s). As time went on and I began to get a feel for my own khukuris I started thinking that he was probably on to something.
Now I know that he was.
When Uncle Bill told me that he was shipping this khukuri to me I was a bit concerned that it might be a tad too heavy or stout as Uncle took pains to point out its thickness across the spine (1/2") and weight (1 lb.).
Now, I don't know what a lighter 12" Sirupati feels like, but I can tell you that this knife is wonderful. Sher is to be complimented.
The balance is such that you barely feel the weight. (I'd estimate the balance point as about 3/4" to 1" forward of the cho.)
The grip fits me to a "T" much like my WWII.
It allows a very secure hold while the "little" knife flashes through the air thrusting, slashing and parrying. The khukuri is easy to control even with the momentum generated by its stoutness. The buttcap is at times noticeable, but not annoyingly so.
Overall length is 12.25", 8" of which is blade. The blade is very nicely finished with brass inlay in the middle section of the "sword of Shiva". There is also a circle forward of the "sword" that I haven't noticed on others.
The edge has one stubborn dull spot just forward of the recurve but before the sweet spot. The rest is sharpened typically based on my experience with my other five khukuris. (Chopping sharp, not shaving sharp.)
The scabbard and frog are quite well done, but the fit of the karda and chakma only fair. They barely fit their slots and need to be wedged in tightly to prevent their dislodging. Of course this dings them up, but I didn't get this rig for the karda and chakma. The karda has a better edge than most, but is still a ways from being really "sharp". They won't see much action in any case.
Other "fit and finish" is what I'd call typical HI standard. Very good with minor issues here and there on the buttcap, bolster, handle and blade.
This knife has (as Uncle advised) minor cracks on the horn handle which I personally don't feel need to be super glued yet. They are barely large enough to get the edge of a fingernail in. I will monitor them and patch them up when called for. For now, they received a loving coating of Ren-Wax.
In summary, I am quite enthralled with this Sirupati. I am glad I listened to Rusty and that my karma led me to this knife by Sher (or vice versa) on a day during which I was musing aloud on the forums about my interest in acquiring one. It is worth much more than the paltry sum Uncle Bill asked for it.
I am now tempted to try a lighter version of this size Sirupati to have an opportunity to compare the feel and function. If anyone has two (stout and light versions) I'd be very interested in your impressions.
Thank you Uncle Bill, and please convey my supreme satisfaction to Sher as well at your earliest convenience.
Blues
------------------
Live Free or Die
Some Knife Pix
[This message has been edited by Blues (edited 06-22-2000).]
Today, however, in the midst of a somewhat hectic day, the fateful knock came upon the door announcing the arrival of khukuri #6, a 12" Sirupati by Sher.
Well, as it says in the subject line, Rusty's right!
During the period that I've been frequenting the online cantina I've heard Rusty mumbling oftentimes about the secret whispers and nuances deriving from his beloved 12" Sirupati(s). As time went on and I began to get a feel for my own khukuris I started thinking that he was probably on to something.
Now I know that he was.
When Uncle Bill told me that he was shipping this khukuri to me I was a bit concerned that it might be a tad too heavy or stout as Uncle took pains to point out its thickness across the spine (1/2") and weight (1 lb.).
Now, I don't know what a lighter 12" Sirupati feels like, but I can tell you that this knife is wonderful. Sher is to be complimented.
The balance is such that you barely feel the weight. (I'd estimate the balance point as about 3/4" to 1" forward of the cho.)
The grip fits me to a "T" much like my WWII.
It allows a very secure hold while the "little" knife flashes through the air thrusting, slashing and parrying. The khukuri is easy to control even with the momentum generated by its stoutness. The buttcap is at times noticeable, but not annoyingly so.
Overall length is 12.25", 8" of which is blade. The blade is very nicely finished with brass inlay in the middle section of the "sword of Shiva". There is also a circle forward of the "sword" that I haven't noticed on others.
The edge has one stubborn dull spot just forward of the recurve but before the sweet spot. The rest is sharpened typically based on my experience with my other five khukuris. (Chopping sharp, not shaving sharp.)
The scabbard and frog are quite well done, but the fit of the karda and chakma only fair. They barely fit their slots and need to be wedged in tightly to prevent their dislodging. Of course this dings them up, but I didn't get this rig for the karda and chakma. The karda has a better edge than most, but is still a ways from being really "sharp". They won't see much action in any case.
Other "fit and finish" is what I'd call typical HI standard. Very good with minor issues here and there on the buttcap, bolster, handle and blade.
This knife has (as Uncle advised) minor cracks on the horn handle which I personally don't feel need to be super glued yet. They are barely large enough to get the edge of a fingernail in. I will monitor them and patch them up when called for. For now, they received a loving coating of Ren-Wax.
In summary, I am quite enthralled with this Sirupati. I am glad I listened to Rusty and that my karma led me to this knife by Sher (or vice versa) on a day during which I was musing aloud on the forums about my interest in acquiring one. It is worth much more than the paltry sum Uncle Bill asked for it.
I am now tempted to try a lighter version of this size Sirupati to have an opportunity to compare the feel and function. If anyone has two (stout and light versions) I'd be very interested in your impressions.
Thank you Uncle Bill, and please convey my supreme satisfaction to Sher as well at your earliest convenience.
Blues
------------------
Live Free or Die
Some Knife Pix
[This message has been edited by Blues (edited 06-22-2000).]
