Hello there: up front, understand that I'm co-moderator of the HI forum. Definitely not apologizing, just want you to know.
There's a very different attitude over there, as the HI stuff is handmade and you don't get perfection that way, forging things by hand.
Someone said that the marvel of a dancing bear is not how well he dances, but that he dances at all. Same with the HI khukuris. No jigs, no fixtures, just the kami ( blacksmith ) and the steel, basically.
Likewise, it doesn't sound normal over here in the west, but somehow the maker seems to put a bit of himself, his sweat, blood, soul, into each blade he makes. I know it sounds like mumbo-jumbo, but the khuks themselves are very solid, and handle cracks become a non-issue when you hold it in your hand and feel entranced. What would be considered flaws or blemishes in the custom knife game just add to the character of khuk's. Uncle Bill says the knives find their rightful owners.
I will tell you that they do seem to have a spirit in them that no factory knife can. One that says I was made for you. I know that sounds odd. But I believe in it.
If you want to try something completely different, and are open to good honest tools, try an HI 12" AK or a Pen knife ( named after a forumite whose handle is Pendentive ). Then take it out and use it hard. What seems like an ugly duckling will transform in your mind to a graceful swan. Don't think of the HI's as Ferrrati's, Lamborghini's and Corvettes, think of them as John Deere's, Massey-Fergusons, McCormicks, and Ford tractors.
Now shut up, Rusty, you're not in the Cantina. Thanks for letting me spout off, JS.
