Himalayan Imports Katana - Cutting Ability and Sturdiness Compared to Other Brands

A

Anthony

Joined
Jun 11, 1999
Messages
47
Hello Everyone,

Does anyone on the board actually OWN one of Himalayan Imports Katana?

If yes, can you give me any specific comparisons of its sturdiness and cutting ability compared to other makers of Katanas (e.g., Cold Steel, Bugei, etc.)?

I'm looking for specifics from first hand use here and not general comments.

Also, any general comments about Himalayan Imports are welcome as I am not familiar with their knives. Only a lot of favorable comments I have read over the years.

Thank you for your assistance.

- Anthony
 
Broken Arrow of the forum did the classic testing of one and posted results on the forum but I have no idea how to find it. Swordforums had some folks test it, too. Generally summary, ugly but very tough.
 
Uncle Bill-- I would hardly call that katana with the carved horn handles you had in the sword shed when I got my 25" AK ugly. That thing was stunning.
--Josh
 
Originally posted by Josh Feltman
Uncle Bill-- I would hardly call that katana with the carved horn handles you had in the sword shed when I got my 25" AK ugly. That thing was stunning.
--Josh
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:eek: I knew I should have put my glasses on. :)
 
Anthony-- this might be the test to which Uncle Bill is referring. I haven't had a chance to use an HI katana, and I've only seen one in person, but it was quite nice. It definitely appears to be up to the normal standard of HI work, which is, simply put, phenomenal. If you are looking for a traditional Japanese katana, you should probably look elsewhere. This katana is made in Nepal, and the Nepalese influence shows. With that said, the katana I saw was beautiful-- the handle slabs were ornately carved water buffalo horn, and the blade looked sharp and functional.
--Josh
 
Josh and I looked at the same katana, and it was very well done. The blade was straight, and the tapers very even. However, if you're really picky or comparing with a really high end sword, you might find a few hammer marks here and there, or places where the taper isn't laser straight. Think of it as the Hubble telescope before corrective optics.

You could also say it's like Jack Daniels. Helluva lot better than the cheap stamped junk hooch, but if you're used to Gentleman Jack, Single-barrel, or better, you'll find some rough edges.

Balance was good and it swung pretty easily. However, I'm not a swordsman and can't really give in-depth info on performance, or how it compares to other katanas out there.

(edit)

Pardon my manners. Welcome to the forum!!!

As far as HI knives in general: khuks, being all hand-made, are much more individual than production knives. It takes a little getting used to - everything not being 100% "perfect". Thinking about it, I guess HI is an anomaly. Most of the knife market is split between highly-manufactured production knives, produced at high output with a few stutters here and there, and low-output customs that are slaved over until perfection. The HI kamis are a blend - relatively high-speed customs, produced at the rate of several (?) per day. So every blade has something that could probably be more "perfect". Bura regularly puts out blades that are equal in precision to many low-output customs, and the other kamis do as well, though it seems to be less frequent.

I don't mean to harp on minor "flaws". However, for some people I've showed my khuks to that is the second thing they notice. (the first being a friggin huge, curved knife). It's a different method of production, and takes a little getting used to. The quickest way is to take perfect knife X and an HI khuk out to the woodpile. It's soon obvious what works.

Bottom line is that you get 150% performance and 200% service. Not to mention that each blade has a little bit of its own personality, and the prices for a hand-forged blade of this quality can't be touched.
 
Anthony,

I own an HI Katana, but don't have any others to compare it too.

I love mine. I think the test Bill talked about stated the strength was very impressive. It might not look as fancy or as traditional as a high-end Japanese katana... but then it isn't one either.

I'd put my trust in my HI over one of the fancy ones any day though...

Alan
 
I noticed that the HI Katana by Bura Same one in the Andale Sopping site picture is a little thicker than the Paul Chen swords I've seen. The HI is not as refined as the Paul Chen. But I would not feel the least bit ashamed to use the HI Katana compared to the Paul Chen. Besides the Paul Chen cost five times as much!
 
Originally posted by ACStudios
Anthony,

I own an HI Katana, but don't have any others to compare it too.

I love mine. I think the test Bill talked about stated the strength was very impressive. It might not look as fancy or as traditional as a high-end Japanese katana... but then it isn't one either.

I'd put my trust in my HI over one of the fancy ones any day though...

Alan
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I wouldn't want to go out on a limb without seeing a comparison test or make general statements on strength comparing it to those "fancy swords". ;)

Just a thought.:)
 
Originally posted by Ankerson
I wouldn't want to go out on a limb without seeing a comparison test or make general statements on strength comparing it to those "fancy swords". ;)

Just a thought.:)
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I would :) I've read the tests that BA did (they aren't in the FAQ any longer), and I have owned mine long enough to trust it. I have also read reviews of the "fancy swords" and read reports of how some of the real Japanese katanas fared in battle and testing. I believe that my HI Katana will more than hold its own... it just isn't as pretty :D


Here is what BA has said in other posts on the subject (just do a member search for Broken Arrow to see them all):

QUOTE:
Uncle, the future owners of the H.I. Everest Katana are going to get a great sword that will last them. For the money, getting a working sword for H.I. price is a steal! Many other wall hanger swords cost twice as much and they will fail! The skills of the Kamis at Birgorkha really impresses me. They can make a blade style that they never have seen or made, and the puppy still performs. I wouldn't hesitate to take the Everest katana into battle!


I for one trust my HI Katana over anything else that is out there right now. One, because I've seen the quality of BirGorka's work in this katana and other khuks I've owned. Two, because this is one I own. I cannot afford one of the fancier kats that are out there. I would be VERY nervous to actually USE one of the fancier kats even if I could afford it.

Just my opinion :)

Alan
 
I think it appropriate to reiterate that HI's main line is khukris. They are made to the highest standards found in Nepal. They are also made ( when the bladesmiths can get away with it ) a little heavier in the blade than others. The idea being all other things being equal the thicker the less likely to break.

The products made in Birghorka ( HI's Nepali shop ) are almost always well checked before being approved for sending to the Reno warehouse. Occassionally a few slips are made the month before Dasein, during which the shop is shut down for a religious holiday for nearly a month. Tangs that should be dead soft get hardened in the rush to get extra production before the shut down.

Uncle's advice on getting a khukuri made then is ( with the caveat you know enough to be careful about it ) to take the khuk out and beat the devil out of it until either you or it gives up. Slap the side of the blade against a foot thick tree of power pole hard as you can , then do it backhanded, then slam the spine. If anythings wrong with it, it'll break. If it holds together it'll last a hundred years.

Note: this does not apply to the Kobras which look like khuks but actually function as swords.

OK: You asked for people who actually own HI swords. I own a katana, a kora, a small tibetan sword and have owned but
traded a tarwar. I also own a 26" kobra. And a 30" Sirupati, which I hesitate to classify as a sword - maybe it's more of a battle-axe. Let's cut to the chase here. I have not, nor have I ever had, a Himalayan Imports product I would not stake my life on, as survival tool or battle blade. Some are prettier than others, the khukuris especially. With the khuks I can feel a spirit in some of them. In all of their products is sweat, blood, and some of the ( bladesmiths ) kami's heart.

If you can't see beyond the HI Everest katana's somewhat homely exterior and feel the heart forged into it, look elsewhere. You'll feel happier and the sword will find someone else who deserves and appreciates it's qualities.
 
Originally posted by ACStudios
I would :) I've read the tests that BA did (they aren't in the FAQ any longer), and I have owned mine long enough to trust it. I have also read reviews of the "fancy swords" and read reports of how some of the real Japanese katanas fared in battle and testing. I believe that my HI Katana will more than hold its own... it just isn't as pretty :D


Here is what BA has said in other posts on the subject (just do a member search for Broken Arrow to see them all):

QUOTE:
Uncle, the future owners of the H.I. Everest Katana are going to get a great sword that will last them. For the money, getting a working sword for H.I. price is a steal! Many other wall hanger swords cost twice as much and they will fail! The skills of the Kamis at Birgorkha really impresses me. They can make a blade style that they never have seen or made, and the puppy still performs. I wouldn't hesitate to take the Everest katana into battle!


I for one trust my HI Katana over anything else that is out there right now. One, because I've seen the quality of BirGorka's work in this katana and other khuks I've owned. Two, because this is one I own. I cannot afford one of the fancier kats that are out there. I would be VERY nervous to actually USE one of the fancier kats even if I could afford it.

Just my opinion :)

Alan
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Alan,

Let me clear a few things up for you about those "Fancy Swords".

First off I was not talking about Wall Hangers, they are what they are, most are stainless steel or poorly heat treated carbon steel.

What I was talking about was quality Katanas that are Folded Steel or high quality fordged steel that is properly heat treated. (Huge Difference here).

High quality well made Katanas are "Very Strong" and won't break under normal use. (Any sword will break if that is what you intend to do).

There are the Paul Chen Katanas, Folded and Fordged that are very strong and have an excellent reputation as cutting swords.

There are the Bugei Katanas that are made by Paul Chen that Bugei warrenties as Cutting swords and stands behind them. (Tested and designed by James Williams and Tony at Bugei)

Full blown custom Katanas with blades from Howard Clark are increadably strong, his L6 Bianate blade is pretty much unbreakable while all the blades he makes are extremely tough.

There are others like the Katanas that are being made by Japanese smiths that are very strong too.

So making a general statement without testing is really putting youself out on a limb.

Now I have read the HI Katana is a great cutting sword, I have no doubt at all that it is strong. For the money it is a good buy and I don't think you could go wrong. It is a good Katana for $250 and I am sure it will last forever under normal use.

And I do own a HI Tarwar and a 25" Kobra and Sirupati and they are first rate well made blades.:D

I have 14 HI Khukuris and wouldn't trade them for anything.:D
 
I have had 2 HI katanas, I had to sell the pretty one (snivel), but I kept my first one, the workhorse of the two. Balance is remarkable for the price, sturdiness is beyond belief, cutting ability is good to very good, at least in my non traditional, backyard tameshigiri. Fit and finish is "Field Grade" on my piece, and the "furniture" is not traditional. For the price, phenomenal sword! It's really a no risk proposition, since you will be able to sell it pretty easily, if you decide to. The only problem you might have is that, being handmade, there can be a great deal of variance in weight, curve, etc.
 
Anthony,

I still stand behind the quality of the H.I. Katana! It's been a while since I wrote the initial testing of that sword. Nice blade. The heat treatment is very consistant and will not fail the owner. I mean the sword is designed for cutting flesh, not trees. The H.I. Katanas have their own distinctive personalities, it is not a traditional Nihonto, but an interpretation.

The other swords that I have used/ have:

1. Kris Cutlery Katana (normal production) - great sword for the price.

2. Kris Cutlery High end COmbat Kat - High end sword, traditional styline and can be disassembled, slightly higher in price but feels real good. Cuts bone and meat with ease!

3. Bugei Bamboo Kat - good sword, but needed to be re-polished to extract maximum cutting power.

4. Howard Clark L6 Kat - Awesome katana, great for swordsmen who wants alot of blade flexibility/ strength, but edge holding abilities is somewhat decreased. Great sword and Smith.

5. My pride and joy - My Michael Bell forged cable Katana. This puppy is my family sword, and cuts like no tomorrow!!! This was made for my son when he gets of age, and so, I need to commision Michael to make another one for my new son!

All great swords, and a couple H.I. Everest Katanas will be included into my sword collection soon.
 
Originally posted by Ankerson


Alan,

Let me clear a few things up for you about those "Fancy Swords".

First off I was not talking about Wall Hangers, they are what they are, most are stainless steel or poorly heat treated carbon steel....


Ank,

I too wasn't talking about wall hangers when I used the term "Fancy Swords." In fact, we were talking about the same type of swords (Chen, Clark, et. al.). To me, a $5,000 + sword (hell, a $500.00 sword for that matter) is an unreacheable dream, something that I go and drool over on the internet when I'm bored. My HI Katana is something that I put my trust in because it is priced right, and has the strength to hold its own. That was my original point... an HI Katana will hold its own when tested against any of the other swords. It isn't going to be as pretty, but it'll do what needs to be done and survive. Like comparing an old '68 Chevy pickup with a new Dodge Ram... one is fancy, the other isn't. Both are strong and durable. They'll both get the job done.

I'm not taking anything away from one of the high-end kats... and never intended to either. I was simply stating that HI is where I'll put my trust... without hesitation :D

Cheers!

Alan
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Originally posted by Rusty
I think it appropriate to reiterate that HI's main line is khukris. They are made to the highest standards found in Nepal.

If you can't see beyond the HI Everest katana's somewhat homely exterior and feel the heart forged into it, look elsewhere. You'll feel happier and the sword will find someone else who deserves and appreciates it's qualities.
Click to expand...

I think what Rusty said is sort-of what I was trying to say with all my blathering. Thanks for putting it a lot more elegantly!
 
It was nice to see you at the convention. Sorry we didn't have more of a chance to talk.

As far as the part you quoted about:

"If you can't see beyond the HI Everest katana's somewhat homely exterior...",

( that's not a put down - to each his own - different blades call different people )

let me add that some of HI's khuks have strong and immediate presence or spirit to me. Others don't. Some that don't sing to me are operatic in other's hands and hearts.

HI products are first and foremost tools that will do a job. Some end up being fancier and prettier than others. But even the fanciest of kothimodas are made extra large and tough ( for kothimodas ) because the shop foreman argues, "...but what if it did have to be used? A Birghorka khukuri should not fail!"

When you've handled the number of HI products I've had, and seen the effort put into them to make them right, there's a unstated bond or guarantee between me and the kami.

That means more to me that prettier cosmetics.

I'm not you though. If it doesn't grab you, go for something else.
 
Originally posted by Rusty

I'm not you though. If it doesn't grab you, go for something else.
Click to expand...

I've been grabbed! At this point, I think I've got about as many khuks as socks! :D
 
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