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Post by elbufo on Jul 24, 2021 18:18:41 GMT
I found one of these at the metal recycling yard. Cost me a whopping $1. Definitely looks like something made out of a large leaf spring. It was coated in what looked like a cross between tar and muffler paint. The grips were cracked all to bejeus but intact. My first thought was junk, Second thought was meat cleaver from hell...
Took it home, cleaned, sharpened, repaired grips etc. Not pretty, but is is the cleaver from hell! Just don't use a good cutting board. Plywood works well!
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Post by aldarith on Jul 24, 2021 20:29:02 GMT
I found one of these at the metal recycling yard. Cost me a whopping $1. Oh my god, could you please share pictures? This is a story and a half! Maybe I ought to go to my local landfill! |
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Post by Simpleman on Jul 25, 2021 14:30:16 GMT
Did AC take more blades than IMA? I do not have any in-depth knowledge about that, but if you are getting into the Nepali cache this might be helpful.  Perhaps you have seen it.  |
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Post by aldarith on Jul 25, 2021 14:43:02 GMT
Did AC take more blades than IMA? I do not have any in-depth knowledge about that, but if you are getting into the Nepali cache this might be helpful. Perhaps you have seen it. I haven't seen that specific image, thanks for sharing. I have been interested in the Nepal Cache for years, however it has been at least a couple since I did any serious reading and I never got involved with IKHRS prior to this, but I jumped on the group recently on Facebook. If you have any suggested reading I am always interested! I also recently rewatched the Nepal Cache doco and had forgotten Windlass / AC was involved which led me to start browsing their offerings. I saw that Legendary Arms also sells from the cache (presumably even out of the same warehouse as Atlanta Cutlery since they're next door) but have found no reviews of their stock nor validation of my assumptions as yet. |
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pgandy
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Post by pgandy on Jul 25, 2021 17:44:19 GMT
This is what a Nepalese had to say about the markings on one of mine: ENGRAVING:: This kukri is an original issuance belonging to a soldier of RNA (Royal Nepalese Army) dating back to ca 1905-1920 during the reign of his highness PM Shree 3 Chandra Sumsher Rana. He actually started this system of engraving hence at the back what you see is his name. The numerics are the name of the company in which the soldier belonged to. Sadly I can't figure out which one it is. Then its followed by batch no. of the arsenal from which the kukri was given to him to keep stock track, and last is the name of the supreme commander of the army, the man himself. The kukri was the main weapon of the army that time. Its issued to the infantry division and was made in Kathmandu in one of the official army factories back then.  |
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Post by aldarith on Jul 25, 2021 21:53:04 GMT
That's very cool pgandy - It almost looks as if it has been stamped, effaced and overstamped. |
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Post by Simpleman on Jul 25, 2021 22:04:12 GMT
The Nepali cache, its offerings, the inscriptions and its classifications etc is common on knife forums. It should have its own thread I think, that could also be useful for many others. Always a lot of discussions on this topic. Many times some of the khukuris is the first step into antiques. |
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Post by aldarith on Jul 26, 2021 3:50:50 GMT
The Nepali cache, its offerings, the inscriptions and its classifications etc is common on knife forums. It should have its own thread I think, that could also be useful for many others. I will have to start that thread when I get around this indecision & pick which type of 'Cache Kukri' to get. 'WW1'... Bhojpure....Long Leaf.... Hell, maybe I should just buy one of each? Who knows what you are going to get, they're hardly divided by typology - just sort of arbitrarily & by rough sizing. It doesn't help that one has no idea what one will actually get. It's like a ... a... high stakes antique surprise bag  I can't beleive NONE of the participating entities has updated their stock photos. Like.. open the box, take a shot of them and you are done. Why these awful stock images?  |
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Post by pgandy on Jul 26, 2021 12:17:47 GMT
It doesn't help that one has no idea what one will actually get. It's like a ... a... high stakes antique surprise bag I can't beleive NONE of the participating entities has updated their stock photos. Like.. open the box, take a shot of them and you are done. Why these awful stock images? I believe the kukris in ACC’s photos are uncleaned showing dried cosmoline, rust, pits, and any other crud they may have accumulated. It’s true one doesn’t know what one will receive. In addition to condition there are variations within each category. My Bhojpure was in fine condition while the Long Leaf less so but in reasonable good condition and certainly serviceable. That one has become my all time favourite knife. It is larger than the average Long Leaf they sell. I base that on the fact they sell generic scabbards to fit either model. The one I received for the Bhojpure works, it’s a bit large however shimable. With a blade width of ½” alone on the Long Leaf that didn’t began to fit. I hesitated for several years before ordering due to the photos. That and I thought customs would give me a harder time than I was willing to go through, especially based on the photos. It turned out that they frown on swords but look the other way for a knife although from what I read of the law both would be included. I love both of my antiques and have learned a lot from them. I’ve been tempted to order again but fear that the next one won’t be as good and also I do very little cutting with them as I fear damage so I’ve spent the money on newly made knives. I just received Windlass’ Regimental Kukri, a disappointment, and yesterday placed an order with KHHI. |
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Post by aldarith on Jul 26, 2021 13:28:08 GMT
I believe the kukris in ACC’s photos are uncleaned showing dried cosmoline, rust, pits, and any other crud they may have accumulated. It’s true one doesn’t know what one will receive. In addition to condition there are variations within each category. Indeed, I have spend quite a bit of time looking for other folks' testimonials. To be true, I haven't heard of anyone who was disappointed by what they received which I suppose is great news. I totally expect to receive a diamond in the extreme rough & will thoroughly enjoy the 'getting to know you' stage of cleaning it up (something I already know I enjoy from previous projects with oldies). I suppose the real sticking point is the absolute lack of categorization from the beginning without any subsequent attempt in 20+ years from Atlanta Cutlery or other cache vendors to improve the listings. They are really sticking to their initial names and bad images for these blades. IMA had the better images so I just use their old listings & customer testimonials for reference of what the possible outcomes may be. Aside, I e-mailed IMA customer service regarding the cache purchase last week. I asked if there was any unreleased documentation or images & received a trite reply with a link to the listing for the book & dvd combo of Treasure Is Where You Find it... so I guess that's a 'no'. Would be nice to have additional support & documentation from those who are essentially the sole primary source english language authority on the matter of the cache acquisition. You'd think additional information would support and drive sales since there still appears to be a not insignificant stock of blades and especially firearms from IMA's side. |
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Post by aldarith on Jul 26, 2021 19:48:43 GMT
Certainly, thanks for the link. I read through there the week before last, I believe. There is/was definitely some good exploration of what's available. I'm mostly complaining about the lack of nuance from what are ostensibly 'collectors' companies |
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Post by aldarith on Jul 27, 2021 10:29:22 GMT
After days of internal hesitation, I finally did it.
I sprung for three Nepal Cache kukris - two 'long leaves' and one 'bhojpure'.
Super excited to see what comes & will certainly do an unboxing & review.
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Post by pgandy on Jul 27, 2021 12:28:54 GMT
Congratulations. I would like to hear the end of the story. Keep us advised.
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Post by Simpleman on Jul 27, 2021 12:40:39 GMT
I suppose the real sticking point is the absolute lack of categorization from the beginning without any subsequent attempt in 20+ years from Atlanta Cutlery or other cache vendors to improve the listings. They are really sticking to their initial names and bad images for these blades. IMA had the better images so I just use their old listings & customer testimonials for reference of what the possible outcomes may be. After days of internal hesitation, I finally did it. I sprung for three Nepal Cache kukris - two 'long leaves' and one 'bhojpure'. Super excited to see what comes & will certainly do an unboxing & review. I think they just dont care, if the blades are selling and people are happy with them. There is no need for change. They are in the business of selling khukuris, while others have the interest in researching them. Sometimes these things go together but in general not I would say. I also guess most buyers arent that interested. Good one. I think and hope you will be satisfied. Looking forward to the review. Have you seen this? |
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Post by aldarith on Jul 27, 2021 18:44:31 GMT
I have! I actually watched it several times trying to decide which combination to get. My budget allowed for 'three kukris' and there was 'Bhojpure', 'Long Leaf' or 'WWI' to dine on, as you know. I was trying to figure out whether to get one of each, two of a kind + one or three of a kind. I ended up going for 2x Long Leaf and 1x Bhojpure because the 'Long Leaf' type seems to be pretty much sold out at IMA, leading me to believe it's most popular and fastest selling besides being most common. (Plus they were on sale)That means I can get a 'WWI' variant down the road as those are marked as being available at a future date, so I figure I have 'some more time' on those. I have considered buying cache items for years but never got around to it, so I am like a kid in a candy store now that I have opted in! |
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Post by pgandy on Jul 27, 2021 19:32:30 GMT
In the back of my mind I recall that they had more Bhojpure . Which lead me to believe that was the most popular with the troops. Having both and overlooking the variations within the same model I find the Bhojpure a delight to handle. It is better suited for carry and everyday chores. While my Long Leaf weighs in at 980g and has a 2” longer blade it appears to be designed for combat in mind. It over shadows the Bhojpure in that respect although both will cut through a rug(s) and slice a gallon jug the Long Leaf is more efficient at it.
That prompted me to order a 15” GI4 from KHHI, which is my primary combat knife although a backup, for a spear for home protection. That one doesn’t handle as well as the surplus model but a terror to be reckoned with especially when use with shied.
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Post by Simpleman on Jul 27, 2021 20:42:11 GMT
I have considered buying cache items for years but never got around to it, so I am like a kid in a candy store now that I have opted in! Happy for you. I am not one of them, I like new khukuris way to much. But there are those that pretty much only deals with antiques. There are good khukuris today, but an antique is a piece of history. Amazing really if you think about it. Think you have taken of nicely in your search for answers, here is another link you may have seen. But if not. Shree Kali Prasad Battalion; Royal Nepal Army Khukuri (Kukri). sirkukri.blogspot.com/2014/08/shree-kali-prasad-battalion-royal-nepal.html |
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Post by pgandy on Jul 27, 2021 21:05:41 GMT
Thanks for the link.
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Post by aldarith on Jul 28, 2021 0:07:00 GMT
I have considered buying cache items for years but never got around to it, so I am like a kid in a candy store now that I have opted in! Happy for you. I am not one of them, I like new khukuris way to much. But there are those that pretty much only deals with antiques. There are good khukuris today, but an antique is a piece of history. Amazing really if you think about it. Think you have taken off nicely in your search for answers, here is another link you may have seen. But if not. Shree Kali Prasad Battalion; Royal Nepal Army Khukuri (Kukri). sirkukri.blogspot.com/2014/08/shree-kali-prasad-battalion-royal-nepal.htmlAbsolutely, I do feel lucky and happy to have got some before they dried up at the source. There will inevitably be a slight climb in price within 5-10 years and who knows beyond that, so I am happy to get in 'early' before the commercial source dries up. Indeed, I have come off well for information but not without help from others  , something which I am thankful for. I have been browsing and reading SirKukri for a day or two now and there is SO much good info to digest. I wish he would publish that book he was talking about! |
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Post by Simpleman on Jul 28, 2021 1:29:47 GMT
Absolutely, I do feel lucky and happy to have got some before they dried up at the source. There will inevitably be a slight climb in price within 5-10 years and who knows beyond that, so I am happy to get in 'early' before the commercial source dries up. Indeed, I have come off well for information but not without help from others , something which I am thankful for. I have been browsing and reading SirKukri for a day or two now and there is SO much good info to digest. I wish he would publish that book he was talking about! Tru, no matter who looks into these things, we cant get away from the fact that plenty of people helped us along the way. It is a good place to hang around in I agree, I dont think it gets much updated though because some people have used his pictures, his travels and research for their own use. Several manufacturers have used his pictures without even a small reference to where they took it. If one finds reliable information about Khukuris hard to come by, thank these people.  If things get stolen, of course no one will share what they know. VK has put in a lot of hard work, and yes the book. Please now! I am oldschool, I want a proper book to hold.  |
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Perhaps you have seen it.
, something which I am thankful for.
If things get stolen, of course no one will share what they know.
