Kukri restoration help

Shakethetrees · 26th August 2014, 05:05 PM

This kukri was brought back from the China-Burma-India theater by a friend of mine's uncle after WWII.

The veteran recently died and this was found in a trunk in his garage.

The grip is too far gone to try to fix, so, I proposed to him that I carve a new one out of water buffalo horn, which is what the original appears to be made of.

I thought I had some of this horn stashed away, but I can't find it!

Are there any sources out there where I can find some? Or, if any forumites out there may have a piece they would be willing to sell, I, and my friend who owns
it, would be appreciative!

In a perfect world, a piece that is solid, 5" by 2" by 1" is the ideal! Those dimensions, but hollow would work.

Please PM if you can help.

Rick · 26th August 2014, 05:47 PM

ebay search .
cow horn for carving
Water buffalo horn for carving

kronckew · 26th August 2014, 06:05 PM

looks like a nice blade. any markings?

grips were also made from hardwood, so wood, er, would also be traditional.

there may at some point also have been a brass or steel bolster and a butt plate with the end of the tang protruding a bit & peened over a keeper. the hole down the centre was also traditionally filled with 'laha', a nepali cutler's thermal cement made from tree resin and dung, brick dust, etc. (there's a thread here on recipes for it & less smelly equivalents)

whatever you do, do not grind off the rust or use acid, naval jelly or similar agressive chemicals to derust.

use the search function here for info on khukuris, rust removal, restoration tips, etc. there are also a number of threads on identifying your model, showing the grip details of each so you can be more accurate.

Shakethetrees · 26th August 2014, 09:52 PM

Thanks for your suggestions!

I have been a blade restorer (and other antique metals) professionally for over thirty years, so I know about naval jelly, grinding, etc.

I have the bolster and pommel cap as well as a number of small bits that I will incorporate back I to the project.

I plan to show pictures when I'm finished.

Andrew · 26th August 2014, 09:55 PM

http://www.glacierwear.com/crafts-cl...alo-horns.html

http://www.atlanticcoralenterprise.c...idCategory=410

http://www.swethaexports.com/buffalohorns.php

spiral · 29th August 2014, 02:49 PM

Interesting project, always good to give a kukri another lease of life!

If untreated that horn is likely to be riddled with dermistid larvae that will infect any other horn,wool or fur product they come into contct with..

A week at -17C in the freezer insures all eggs & larvae are killed.

Spiral

Shakethetrees · 29th August 2014, 03:49 PM

Thanks for the suggestions

The kukri was frozen for about eight weeks before I would even touch it!

The original is only around to use as a pattern.

spiral · 29th August 2014, 04:15 PM

That's a relief!

Spiral

26th August 2014, 05:05 PM	#1
Shakethetrees Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Louisiana Posts: 363	Kukri restoration help This kukri was brought back from the China-Burma-India theater by a friend of mine's uncle after WWII. The veteran recently died and this was found in a trunk in his garage. The grip is too far gone to try to fix, so, I proposed to him that I carve a new one out of water buffalo horn, which is what the original appears to be made of. I thought I had some of this horn stashed away, but I can't find it! Are there any sources out there where I can find some? Or, if any forumites out there may have a piece they would be willing to sell, I, and my friend who owns it, would be appreciative! In a perfect world, a piece that is solid, 5" by 2" by 1" is the ideal! Those dimensions, but hollow would work. Please PM if you can help. Attached Images

26th August 2014, 05:47 PM	#2
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,291	ebay search . cow horn for carving Water buffalo horn for carving

26th August 2014, 06:05 PM	#3
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,181	looks like a nice blade. any markings? grips were also made from hardwood, so wood, er, would also be traditional. there may at some point also have been a brass or steel bolster and a butt plate with the end of the tang protruding a bit & peened over a keeper. the hole down the centre was also traditionally filled with 'laha', a nepali cutler's thermal cement made from tree resin and dung, brick dust, etc. (there's a thread here on recipes for it & less smelly equivalents) whatever you do, do not grind off the rust or use acid, naval jelly or similar agressive chemicals to derust. use the search function here for info on khukuris, rust removal, restoration tips, etc. there are also a number of threads on identifying your model, showing the grip details of each so you can be more accurate.

26th August 2014, 09:52 PM	#4
Shakethetrees Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Louisiana Posts: 363	Thanks for your suggestions! I have been a blade restorer (and other antique metals) professionally for over thirty years, so I know about naval jelly, grinding, etc. I have the bolster and pommel cap as well as a number of small bits that I will incorporate back I to the project. I plan to show pictures when I'm finished.

26th August 2014, 09:55 PM	#5
Andrew Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: USA Posts: 1,725	http://www.glacierwear.com/crafts-cl...alo-horns.html http://www.atlanticcoralenterprise.c...idCategory=410 http://www.swethaexports.com/buffalohorns.php

29th August 2014, 02:49 PM	#6
spiral Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,712	Interesting project, always good to give a kukri another lease of life! If untreated that horn is likely to be riddled with dermistid larvae that will infect any other horn,wool or fur product they come into contct with.. A week at -17C in the freezer insures all eggs & larvae are killed. Spiral

29th August 2014, 03:49 PM	#7
Shakethetrees Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Louisiana Posts: 363	Thanks for the suggestions The kukri was frozen for about eight weeks before I would even touch it! The original is only around to use as a pattern.

29th August 2014, 04:15 PM	#8
spiral Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,712	That's a relief! Spiral