Description
Blade: 11″
Handle: 4.5″
Spine Thickness at Bolster: 7mm
Total Weight: 720 grams
Is there anything tougher than an all steel knife?
An all steel khukuri perhaps.
Knives made completely of steel have been made in nepal for hundreds of years. You can see smithed steel handles on historical koras or ornate tulwar style cast handles on the khukuris intended for officers in the late 20th century or even nowadays, with rough, heavy use khukuris often having steel pipes welded on as a handle. The specific method used here though is uncommon to see on khukuris but seen at times on cleavers and large butchers knives. Popularised in the west by Tai Goo and heavily utilised by James Helm, this type of integral socket handle is incredibly resilient and durable, while also having a few advantages over other techniques. It is hollow and can be forged with thinner steel than others, which reduces weight and cuts down on vibration. It also allows for an ovalised and tapered handle, which allows for a more comfortable, secure grip with greater retention. These knives are sold and are intended to be used bare as shown in the pictures, but they’re fantastic candidates for a leather/paracord wrap for a more textured handle, emergency cordage and a bit of flair. If you whittle a plug with the knife the handle can also act as emergency storage for survival supplies or food items. Finally, if you are looking to make a spear or polearm, you can easily carve a stick and insert it into the handle to transform it into something much more formidable. The handle even has a small hole drilled in it to accept a nail or carved peg for a secure fit.
The 11″ long recurve blade is an original blade pattern that Andrew has been working on for some time. The recurve is intense and starts early, which allows for the actual sweet spot to be broad and curved more subtlely for ease of placement and a more predictable impact dynamic. It also allows for the point to be accentuated slightly more than on a traditional khukuri and raised slightly to be more in line with the handle for ease of use. The entire blade is full flat ground for the ideal compromise between penetration efficiency, cutting performance while still allowing durability for hard use. The low heel on the blade acts as an integral front guard to protect the hand during stabbing or prying, with the entire handle left with the raw forge finish for a rough and ready look that shows off the skill of the Blacksmith that made the knife.
The Socket khukuri is more powerful than the Bowie, but by khukuri standards has a moderate, controlled balance which makes it an exceptional all rounder. It has a 7mm spine at the bolster for durability and power, and a modest 4.5″ handle with the total weight coming in at 720grams. It is perfectly suited to light or fine work when choking up on the blade but when held further back on the handle the blade will deliver the kind of chopping power these knives are known for. It’s a versatile, tough blade that excels at a range of outdoor tasks and makes a great camp knife, yard tool or single tool bushcraft solution.
Simple, Strong and sharp. What more could you ask of a knife?
Before Purchase, please read through our section on Warranty and Factory Seconds for information on the different grind types, tang options and how they affect the level of warranty we offer.