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Rampuri Chaku, an Indian Switchblade
Posted: Mon Oct 26, 2020 9:51 pm
by Nephilim
A recently manufactured, handcrafted switchblade from India.
- Construction is pretty rough, but it deploys smoothly and came well greased. Needed some clean up and oiling, but I'll take a greasy knife over a rusty knife.
These knives are traditionally made in Rampur, Uttar Pradesh. I assume that this one is as well, thought it has no markings whatsoever, but that is not unusual for this style of knife. Its a leverlock switchblade, fires smoothly and easily, if not super strongly. Honestly, I'm not sure I'd want a super hard firing spring on this knife, considering that it has a 6" blade. I really like the style of brass scales with the fishtail shape. This style of knife has something of a sinister reputation in India, as I understand, being the typical weapon of thugs in Bollywood cinema. Most if the Rampuri Chuka I've seen are leverlock switchblades like this, but I've also seen examples that were ratcheting manual folders with a palanquilla lock, like an old school Spanish navaja.
Re: Rampuri Chaku, an Indian Switchblade
Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2020 1:55 am
by kootenay joe
What is a "lever lock" ?
And how do you 'fire' it ?
Any blade play when open ?
Good defense against dangerous snakes !
kj
Re: Rampuri Chaku, an Indian Switchblade
Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2020 2:45 am
by Nephilim
The lever is folded down and depressed in order to deploy the blade, and then folded back up when not in use. This is opposed to a more common press button, like on a typical Italian or American switchblade. Leverlocks are common on old German switchblades, like a Hubertus. When I said fire, I meant to open a the knife, when the blade swings out under the force of the spring. The lockup on this is solid, and I don't think there were any previous owners. Not sure how well this style of lock will hold up, but I don't plan on putting it through any hard use.
Re: Rampuri Chaku, an Indian Switchblade
Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2020 3:15 am
by kootenay joe
O.K., so in the closed picture the 'lever' is on the other side not showing. Then to close the blade do you have to move the lever ?
kj
Re: Rampuri Chaku, an Indian Switchblade
Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2020 5:17 am
by Nephilim
Yes, indeed. I'll link a video showing a knife with the same mechanism.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4MmBrn ... e=emb_logo
Re: Rampuri Chaku, an Indian Switchblade
Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2020 2:43 pm
by kootenay joe
Thank you. Very clear demonstration in that video. Also a very 'neat' and safe mechanism for opening, closing and locking the blade, either in the open or closed positions. Same as the vintage German knives as stated in opening post.
kj