4 years or so later

[RockFarm]

Howdy folks, its been a while since I was last on here. At that time I was checking the specials daily to find a khukuri for primitive skill camping and exploring around the Ozarks. I zeroed in on the Angkola because of its unbreakable reputation and found a great deal. This one was made by Bura and came with a sheath but had no handle. Once I received the blade I felt confident in the quality and my brain was buzzing on what type of handle to use! I made some small mods to the blade, a small notch toward the tip to lift up a cooking bail and sharpened groove across the spine to spark a ferro rod. The next order of business was to attach a steel butt plate for pounding and make a handle with strips of fabric and epoxy. After shaping it to taste I wrapped it in stingray skin for a good grip.
With the knife done next it was time to make a kydex sheath that would fit on the bottom of my 5.11 PUSH pack. Using copper rivets and kydex strips it was attached to the MOLLE straps so that the edge is facing away from me but I can draw it with one hand once I flip the leather holding strap over a brass stud. Anyway this has been my goto setup for several years now and I love it! Bura's blade just sings as is slices thru whatever is in front of it. Rarely needs sharpening and is always a joy to use. It's fun camping with folks and watching them try to chop with a kbar to build a shelter and wonder why I am done in half the time, even this medium size khukuri has amazing cutting ability! So long story short, 4 years later and still a VERY happy customer

Enjoy the pics!

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[Dirtbiker]

Nice, more pictures please.

 

[RiverRat9533]

Cool, a custom, custom, one of a kind. Like the mods as well. It might be difficult, but seeing the mods in use would be helpful

 

[RockFarm]

As soon as I can pics (in use) will be posted

 

[davidf99]

RockFarm:

Nice work; thanks for sharing.

I'm curious about the stingray skin:

1. Where does one get stingray skin?

2. Is it flexible enough for wrapping, or do you have to treat it in some way?

3. Will ordinary epoxy hold it in place?

I have a possible rehandling or handle-wrapping project in mind and this might be just the way to go.

 

[RockFarm]

First thing was to cut a section of leafspring and drill a hole in it to accept the tang of the blade. I got the end of the rat tail red hot and tapped it into place, then let cool. Next was adding the layers of epoxy and fabric (homemade Micarta) to the tang and grind it down to a comfortable grip. I left a traditional "ring" or raised spot halfway down. Stingray hide was purchased at a local leather shop and is fairly pliable, first it was cut to size and then soaked for a bit in water. Next thing was to cover the grip in epoxy and spread the skin over it and wrapping the whole thing in twine so that it molded to the grip well. You can still see the seam on the underside of the handle. I touched up where the hide met the buttplate and choil with a few wraps of hemp cord soaked in epoxy for looks. Thats about it, if you ever decide to do the same post pics!

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[wildmike]

Good work!