18" CAK or 18" Bonecutter?

J

Jaymo

Joined
Jan 17, 2009
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Trying to decide between the two for my first HI purchase. Which has the thicker spine and which is the better chopper?
Help me decide, please.
 
I'm interested in how these two models compare in the same size, especially if both are made by Sgt. K. My next HI will be a larger (22+?) and both seem to be capable hard choppers but I cant afford both......right now.;)
 
Jaymo said:
Trying to decide between the two for my first HI purchase. Which has the thicker spine and which is the better chopper?
Help me decide, please.
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Others may argue this point, but IMHO the difference between the two at that size will be negligible. Pick the one that calls to you the most.
 
One a purely theoretical level, between these two patterns at the same length, the bonecuttter will probably pack a little more wallop due to not having any fullers, as well as being a little less pointy near the end. In practice, will one notice a difference?
 
Seems like its comparing Apples to Apples then?

I wondered about the blade angle and 'feel' in the hand.

So would the Bonecutter be a little heaver with out the fullers?
 
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The only, practical difference I can think of, is that the AK has the heavier-duty warranty, especially the chiruwa.
 
Nicholas said:
The only, practical difference I can think of, is that the AK has the heavier-duty warranty, especially the chiruwa.
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Actually, the AK and Bonecutter come with the same "field use" warranty. The chiruwa version of the AK though, is warranted as a makeshift prybar (not to say that the bonecutter couldn't handle it either - they're the same thickness and both full tang designs).

As for the difference, I don't think there would be much of one - but if there was, it would be to the bonecutter's advantage. The reason I say this is because the bonecutter has more weight (due to the lack of a fuller) and a slightly thinner, steeper bevel which would allow it to cut further into the wood.
 
I may eventually get both. I've already posted 9 of my airguns for sale at a forum I'm on.
I have a couple of powder burners I'm going to try to sell, too.
 
Jaymo said:
I may eventually get both. I've already posted 9 of my airguns for sale at a forum I'm on.
I have a couple of powder burners I'm going to try to sell, too.
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Selling guns to buy knives.... You do get more blades than guns. But less Bang for the buck.....

I had too....

HI are great I started a few weeks ago, and Blade # 2 is on the way.
 
hi guys
guys what are your views on the ganga ram in both sizes 18/22inches as a heavy duty chopper
as i have the larger of the two and would be interested in your views alltho ive not used mine
yet.
mick
 
I have an love a 22" 3lb Ganga Ram that I purchased from Uncle Bill some 6 or 7 years ago when a summer storm tore through my mom's yard and knocked over trees. i bought it specifically for the clean up. i bet i have an easy 15 hours worth of solid chopping with this blade. beyond running a chakma down the edge, i dont think its ever been sharpened.

one of my 5 favorite khuks:thumbup:
 
I've never particularly cared for any CAK I've ever owned.

Now maybe it's just me:foot: but on most of the AK's I've owned the edge is thicker than I like which means less penetration. Also I think the way the blade is angled rather than curved makes it twist more in your grip.

But there is a huge variation in each individual model so the above could just be the examples I've handled.

I like the more curved and less angled blade of the Ganga Ram and Bonecutters. Also every Ganga and Bonecutter I've owned has a thinner edge.

Also with regard to the axe vs khuk I think that pound for pound an axe will chop better than a khuk of the same weight with less damage to your shoulder ligaments.

For me, the beauty of the khuk is it's abiltiy to cut small saplings and other things while still being able to chop decent size stuff.

So for me like a 2 lb plus khuk is too heavy. Stopping the momentum of the blade when you cut thru a small branch is just too hard on my shoulder.

I like something in the 15 to 18" size range and in the 20 to 25 oz range. For me this swings fast enough to cut small things and you can stop the blade while it will chop stuff up to 6" easily and 12" with some planning.
 
lal chatri said:
hi guys
guys what are your views on the ganga ram in both sizes 18/22inches as a heavy duty chopper
as i have the larger of the two and would be interested in your views alltho ive not used mine
yet.
mick
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I think the 17" 23oz Ganga Ram is one of HI's all time best blades.
 
hi s g
its strange how a kuk keeps its edge long after an axe looses its edge then a kuk just needs a quick run down with a chakmak to bring it back where as an axe has to be faffed on with before you get an anywhere near decent edge to it
 
I'll take either of my M-43's over an axe of even a bit larger size. I have proven to a friend that they can easily outchop an axe several times. Over the entire several year ordeal that my kuk carried me through I never experienced any shoulder or other problems related to its use, and it was used to do everything from everyday chores to building a couple trappers cabins. Edge retention even under heavy use was in the range of phenomenal.

Absolutely wonderful blades.
 
wildmike said:
I'll take either of my M-43's over an axe of even a bit larger size. I have proven to a friend that they can easily outchop an axe several times.
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What axe? I've tried several but the axe always wins. Now I have a 2 lb khuk that can outchop a 1 3/4 lb hatchet but so far for me to be on par with an axe the khuk has to be about 4 ounces heavier.
 
hollowdweller said:
What axe? I've tried several but the axe always wins. Now I have a 2 lb khuk that can outchop a 1 3/4 lb hatchet but so far for me to be on par with an axe the khuk has to be about 4 ounces heavier.
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That's why someone should test it out and video it - I'd love to see a youtube video of say 6 axes and 2 Khukuris tested for chopping ability.
 
I have a Normark made Gerber axe that chops like a dream. Then again, it has fantastic steel and an edge so sharp it's scary. Problem is, I'm a huge fan of Khuks. Plus, I can chop better at arms length with a Khuk than I can with a hatchet.

About the bang for the buck. The gun has the range advantage. The Khuk doesn't require ammunition, thus is much cheaper to use. It's also more versatile and it looks so KEWL.
'Bout cant afford to even reload ammo these days. That's why I'd switched to air guns for practice. Problem is, I ended up with too many pellet flickers. Selling about half of them. Only keeping the ones I like best/shoot most.

I'll probably get one of the 18" Bonecutters. I just really like the way they look.
 
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