My first Kukri

[KaceCoyote]

I've been needing something to clear brush forever and a day now, and on impulse whilst at an army surplus store I picked one up.

Its the Cold steel unit, sheathe is sorta cheesy but it works. The important thing is the tool itself though, I cant express my surprise enough. It clears brush like a magic wand, Holds a rather sharp edge quite well and fits my hand just perfectly. The ability of this blade to chop into anything its set too is -awe inspiring-. I took down several stubborn sapplings on the property with a single sweep of the blade and alittle force. It chops wood like an axe, (perhaps better than the smaller ones). Clears brush better than a machete, and it can cleave a human head with one swing! What in the world is -NOT- to like about this 25 dollar blade!

 

[Don Gwinn]

Sounds good, especially when the cheap Indian POS's tend to cost about that much, too!

 

[det.pat]

they throw really well too, kinda like a hawk.
pat

 

[JShirley]

The Cold Steel unit is usable. When you're ready for something with the good CS qualities and more, check out the Himalayan Imports products.

Throwing any knife is hard on the knife, but I especially do not suggest throwing a kuk.

John

 

[KaceCoyote]

And what tangible advantages do more expensive Kukri have over my Cold Steel unit?

 

[TrapperReady]

I haven't handled a CS version, but I've got two HI WWII models. Last week, I was putting up a tree-stand with a hunting buddy, and in the process we cleared out a couple of shooting lanes. The khukri was very well suited to the task, and after refining my technique a bit, I was surprised at the size of tree I could fell with just a couple of strokes.

I have noticed that while it performs exceptionally well on green tree trunks and limbs, it doesn't perform as well on dried wood. I've used it to split firewood a number of times over the summer and while it will work eventually, a hatchet or small axe would be better for that task.

BTW, both HI knives have been quite well made and hold an edge far longer than I would expect them to.

 

[KaceCoyote]

I suspect the thing with splitting logs has to do with a mixture or weight and how slender the blade is.

 

[TrapperReady]

No doubt. I think the primary issue with log splitting is the width. While wide enough to be very sturdy, it isn't as effective as a wedge. However, it does work. On smaller (but stubborn -- containing knot-holes and such) pieces of dry wood, I would get the blade started with a hard initial swing. I would then use another piece of wood do continue driving the knife down until I could twist it slightly and split the wood.

 

[JShirley]

KC,

The Cold Steel LTC was my first large blade, and it is usable. Himalayan Imports kukuris not only tend to have an entirely different personality to them, they also typically feel better in the hand, can generate more force, and have a much better warranty.

Don't get me wrong; what you bought is much better than tourist junk often marketed from India, and sometimes Nepal. I was just suggesting that if you like the CS kuk quite a bit, you might eventually look at the Real Deal (though upscaled in size for us bruising Americans). OTOH, it is entirely possible the CS will meet all your large brush knife needs.

John

 

[det.pat]

i've thrown them for years and they are just fine. knife throwing is not a fighting skill but a very entertaining skill game. that said kuk's throw really well and i would recommend them for that use as long as you understand that you don't throw heirlooms or safe queens.
pat

 

[homeka45]

JShirley, what blade offered by HI would you recommend for all around utility use?
Thanks for any insight.

 

[ecos]

the argument against throwing kukris is that having such an angle going from tip to the handle if you stick the tip in a target slightly off center the forward momentum and offset handle creates a twisting action on the tip. its easier to torque the tip off compared to a straight knife of equal length.
it may break or it may not...just keep in mind any time you throw a knife it might be the last time you see the tip on it. (and yes i still throw knives )

 

[JShirley]

Home,

For a general purpose brush/camp knife, I would suggest a kukuri between 14 and 18". There are several that would all fit that description well, with different combinations of balance and weight, depending on your preferences.

For a really lightweight and handy to carry kuk, a 14" BDC is an excellent choice.

Slightly longer is the BAS, at a typical 15".

The 16.5" WWII model is an excellent choice, believed by many to be the best all-around kukuri available. I have owned one of these for 6 years or so.

If you like redundantly strong and heavy for length, the Ang Kola 15-16.5" Models are it.

If you prefer a lighter, slightly longer kuk, the 17-18" Sirupati, Chitlangi, and Gelbu Specials might be your bag of tea.

Himalayan Imports has the best reputation in the kukuri field for a reason. I believe all the prices you'll find on their website are very fair for what you are receiving, which is a handmade knife that, with reasonable care, your grandchildren can use. If you're willing to watch the BladeForums.com HI forum, though, you can get even lower prices from seconds (small cracks in handles, spots of rust) and daily specials.

Hope this helps,

John

 

[TimboKhan]

R. Lee Ermey explained on "Mail Call" one time why Kukri's are so good. I am sort of an idiot when it comes to issues like physics (Rockstar.Esq, are you reading this?) but as I recall, the relationship of the angle of the blade to the handle somehow "magnifies" the force of your swing. In other words, provided that your swing was exactly the same every time, the kukri would do more "damage" than a comparable knife with a straight blade. An issue of leverage, I guess.

Sigh... I really hope Rockstar.Esq reads this, because he can explain it way better than I can.

Sorry for sounding like a halfwit, but somewhere in my answer lies the key to your magic brush-clearing wand, lol.

 

[Colt46]

Another recommendation for HI

I've bought nearly a dozen over the last several years and only have two. I always have friends/relatives on camping trips that gush over them so much I end up putting it into their christmas stockings or other special occasions. HI products are over-engineered. They have massive spines and therefore a lot of heft to them. Most are around $150 or so, but you can find daily special, blems or even villager models for much less at their web forum.

The two I have are an original shop one 15" Ang Khola and a 16.5" WWII. Of the two I prefer the WWII. Both will chop all day long.
I would never throw one of my Khukuri's it seems sacriligious.

 

[50 Freak]

HI freak here also.

On the 16.5 AK, there have only been one known case of it breaking in the many years HI has been in business and thousands sold. And that was a do to a fluke. That's pretty tough in my book.

Kinda understand why their warrantee is "if you break one, we will send you two". They only have to honor it once in a blue moon.

Don't get me wrong, the CS khukuri is okay, but the HI khukuris are better. Each one is done the old fashion way, heated and pounded steel from Mercedes spring steel.

And it seems each one has a little bit of "soul" from the maker.

Get one, you'll find you won't regret it.

 

[meef]

Kace,

Cold Steel has several models of Kukri (is that plural??). Just curious - which one are you describing?

 

[Trebor]

I've wanted a Kukhri for years. Great info. I'll have to get a HI when I have the cash. Thanks guys.