1st Post , Help getting squared away, Kukri and all that jazz

PappaCutter · Jul 24, 2015

Hey guys,

I am more of a hunter / shooter but I do enjoy the blades. I own some RATS, Strider, Benchmade bla bla bla knives. Last Elk season I bought that cheap $20 SOG Kukri and used to clear a lane and as you might suspect, I beat it up pretty good. I have recently been studying more bushcraft and survival stuff and discovered it was a Kukri of sorts. I have been on the forum for a few days reading up on the Kukri.

I bought the KaBar and it seems a bit more up to the task. Taking the next step is where my questions comes to play.

The EGKH make some "tourist-ish" Kukri that may be of decent quality but will likely be heavy and may drift off the traditional?
Opinions on the 13" Blade Fuller Farmer Khukuri ? for a bit larger version than my KaBar
Opinion on 8" Fullers Farmer working Khukuri ? for a shorter version.
Anyone own these and or have opinion they care to share, shoot away.

It seems that HI is held in high regard for a place to buy a Kukri. It seems for good reason. So if you were going to buy one Kukri for general survival use, which kukri would you buy and if they make it in several lengths, what length would you choose?

Many thanks for sharing your knowledge.

PB

Karda · Jul 24, 2015

For HI.... I would recommend the 17" or 18" WWII model. It is sort of a combination between weapon and tool and will serve you well in clearing lanes, chopping, bushcrafting and personal protection. Its straighter curve also lends itself better to novice users to hit the "sweet spot" and is a good teaching tool.

PappaCutter · Jul 24, 2015

Karda, thanks. How is the horn handle for grip? Or is it better used with gloves? I prefer the horn if possible.

Thanks

R.c.s · Jul 24, 2015

Hi am going to put the cat animist the pigeons . Hi do some nice kukri but at a high price IMHO . but don't think that the EGKH are tourist kukri they are good working kukri at a good price IMHO . its up to you who you buy form but I have 2 from the EGKH and have used them Meany times in the field with no complements . HI are not the only kides on the block . here are 2 of mine .

..

PappaCutter · Jul 24, 2015

I like it. Are these two fine Pieces from HI. Give the newbie some specs, name & Length if you will. Both look remarkable. The K word is going to hurt my wallet.

R.c.s said:
Hi am going to put the cat animist the pigeons . Hi do some nice kukri but at a high price IMHO . but don't think that the EGKH are tourist kukri they are good working kukri at a good price IMHO . its up to you who you buy form but I have 2 from the EGKH and have used them Meany times in the field with no complements . HI are not the only kides on the block . here are 2 of mine ...

Karda · Jul 24, 2015

PappaCutter said:
Karda, thanks. How is the horn handle for grip? Or is it better used with gloves? I prefer the horn if possible.

Thanks

In all actuality, horn and wood are much the same in regards to grip. If either are too slippery and little sanding to make them rougher usually will suffice.

The other thing you get with your purchase is the best warranty in the business with world class, world renowned customer service.

Karda · Jul 24, 2015

PappaCutter said:
I like it. Are these two fine Pieces from HI. Give the newbie some specs, name & Length if you will. Both look remarkable. The K word is going to hurt my wallet.

No those are his EGKH khukuri. The WWII I'm talking about will look much like the one in his second picture.
As to the high price comment though....not once you factor in the shipping from Nepal. All HI khukuri are readily available and ship from Reno NV. Usually less than a weeks wait time as opposed to being shipped from overseas.

My best advice to you is to do your research.

R.c.s · Jul 24, 2015

PappaCutter said:
I like it. Are these two fine Pieces from HI. Give the newbie some specs, name & Length if you will. Both look remarkable. The K word is going to hurt my wallet.

No their both from EGKH .the first 1 is a full tang service number 1 remade kukri . with a 10.5 inch blade . and a 5 inch handle overall length 15.5 inch . whight 650 gms upper spine 10mm belly 5.8 cm handle circumference 3.9 inch in water buffalo horn ... The second one as a 10 inch blade whight 550 gms upper spine 9 mm lower spine 4mm belly 6.3 cm . handle 4 inch circumference overall length 14.5 inch .and the handle is in water buffalo bone ..

R.c.s · Jul 24, 2015

Karda said:
No those are his EGKH khukuri. The WWII I'm talking about will look much like the one in his second picture.
As to the high price comment though....not once you factor in the shipping from Nepal. All HI khukuri are readily available and ship from Reno NV. Usually less than a weeks wait time as opposed to being shipped from overseas.

My best advice to you is to do your research.

And Karda just for record one of the knives was $ 65 with posting and packing and the other was $ 95 with posting and packing . and I had a email of them with in an hr of my orders with the tracking numbers and they were on may door step 3 days later .

Karda · Jul 24, 2015

R.c.s said:
And Karda just for record one of the knives was $ 65 with posting and packing and the other was $ 95 with posting and packing . and I had a email of them with in an hr of my orders with the tracking numbers and they were on may door step 3 days later .

Youre in Great Britain. I guarantee that the shipping won't be that quick or that cheap to the USA.
Normal shipping from HI to anywhere CONUS is about 4 days. Being so close to Reno, this person could feasibly have it in 2-3 working days.

PappaCutter · Jul 24, 2015

Thanks guys. I'm reading constantly to get informed. I can assure you I will own some of both before its all said and done. Best way to appreciate the best is to have both and compare with use. I have two boys that will gladly take any edge I pass down. Thanks again.

R.c.s · Jul 25, 2015

Karda said:
Youre in Great Britain. I guarantee that the shipping won't be that quick or that cheap to the USA.
Normal shipping from HI to anywhere CONUS is about 4 days. Being so close to Reno, this person could feasibly have it in 2-3 working days.

OK Karda I have just checked and for the 2 I have its $105.00 and $ 75 for postage and packing and it sent by express delivery to the USA . but don't get me wrong I don't have a problem with HI kukri they have some quality knives . it's about info and the op making his own mind up .

Karda · Jul 25, 2015

R.c.s said:
OK Karda I have just checked and for the 2 I have its $105.00 and $ 75 for postage and packing and it sent by express delivery to the USA . but don't get me wrong I don't have a problem with HI kukri they have some quality knives . it's about info and the op making his own mind up .

That is why I told him to do his research on the subject. He owes it to himself to make as informed a purchase as possible. Not only on who to buy from, but in what style, length and weight will work best for his needs.
True, HI's may be slightly higher in price. You get what you pay for and then some. The khukuri is already imported here, so that is of no concern to USA purchasers. It comes with a limited lifetime warranty (lifetime of the tool) for replacement should it fail (excluding abuse or neglect). The warranty is readily viewable on the forum. It also comes with a family of like minded users on the HI forum who are quite knowledgeable themselves and willing to help and nearly 30 yrs of accumulated knowledge on almost every aspect of khukuri imaginable.

Coyote3855 · Jul 25, 2015

Go with HI. I have two purchased in the last 30 days. Excellent quality, super quick shipping, great people to deal with.

PappaCutter · Jul 28, 2015

I placed an order with HI 24 hrs ago. I have received no confirmation email. Is this normal? They took the money from my account, I just don't get the lack of response. I placed it last night ( Sunday) then half way through today I emailed and called. I got a voice mail when I called.

Is all this normal or abnormal? Is 24hrs too quick for me to expect?

PB

Karda · Jul 28, 2015

She's a one woman show, but she should get back to you soon. Make sure to leave a call back number.

PappaCutter · Jul 28, 2015

Ok, I'll keep you posted. Thanks.

Shotgun · Jul 28, 2015

HI is pretty good. I owned a smaller one and the bevels were just about perfect on it.

I don't want to derail you from kuks if you're set on them but a pruning saw and a belt knife could do the same job with less of a weight penalty.

PappaCutter · Jul 28, 2015

The lady called me back. She was back ordered for the WWII, so I subbed out for the M43. I guess they don't have the sophisticated system that immediately acknowledges your order via email which is fine, but good to know. And she had the issue with the having one product on backorder.

Talking to her was a pleasure and I'm sold on their CS. Said I would have my knives by the end of the week.

PB

Karda · Jul 28, 2015

PappaCutter said:
The lady called me back. She was back ordered for the WWII, so I subbed out for the M43. I guess they don't have the sophisticated system that immediately acknowledges your order via email which is fine, but good to know. And she had the issue with the having one product on backorder.

Talking to her was a pleasure and I'm sold on their CS. Said I would have my knives by the end of the week.

PB

Shes a wonderful lady and heckuva businesswoman.
Yes, the store needs some upgrades, but things keep getting in the way of allowing her to do so.
The recent earthquake in Nepal flattened the shops where these are made and they just finished building a new shop about a week ago. Be a bit patient with her and she always come thru. She just wants her customers to be happy.
In case you missed it, come on over to the forum and introduce yourself!: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php/739-Himalayan-Imports