2 Questions: Kukri and Trench Knife

[Disturbed0Ne]

Hey guys, I'm new to the boards and have a question regarding two knives I'm currently looking for.

My main uses for the knives would be outdoor/survival/EDC in my backpack (imagine walking around with a kukri...)

In relation to the Kukri, I keep seeing high praise go to the guys at Himalayan Imports but I've got 2 specific questions...

-Is there a manufacturer that has a hand-guard option.
-Is there anyway to black-out the blade/manufacturer option.

As you can guess, dependability and endurance are big factors in my decision.

Second, a trench knife; also mainly for the survival, etc. aspect.

The only legitimate modern design I've seen comes from Cold Steel but as far as my research goes, it is a very polarizing company; some love it, some hate it; I haven't seen much in between...

Thanks guys

-0Ne

 

[Dirtbiker]

HI has built blades with a hard guard as an option. You can cold blue the steel yourself.

 

[cricketdave]

There is always flat black spray paint too. There is a guy that makes very good replicas of trench knives of several types, I can't think of his name off hand seems like its something like plowshare forge try googling that.

 

[DShiflet]

The only legitimate modern design I've seen comes from Cold Steel but as far as my research goes, it is a very polarizing company; some love it, some hate it; I haven't seen much in between...

Thanks guys

-0Ne

If you haven't seen anything in between you need to look harder. There are plenty of people here who like Cold Steel but aren't fanatical about them, and there are plenty of people who acknowledge Cold Steel makes a decent product, but aren't big fans of what they release as well.

And people that hate(or dislike) Cold Steel usually do so for one of 2 reasons:
1)They are very over the top with their advertising/marketing, and they produce many items that some people view as "mall ninja" items...such as trench knives.
2)They mostly use AUS-8 steel. It sharpens easily and can get very sharp, but it does not hold it's edge for a real long time. It is not a super steel or anything like that, and many people on these forums prefer higher end steels. They also often use a bead blasted finish, which makes their knives more rust prone if they are not well maintained(though they have begun to release several of their bead blasted models with a stonewash finish instead). Some people also believe they overcharge for an AUS-8 product, though I find their prices pretty reasonable, for the most part(there are exceptions).

So, assuming you don't care about their marketing and advertising, here's what you should know about Cold Steel-they make a good product, and they have one of the best folder locking mechanisms in the business. AUS-8 isn't a super steel, so if you are okay with that, you really have nothing to worry about. Be aware that your knife WILL dull faster than something made of S30V or something, but it sharpens up easily, so as long as you are okay with sharpening occasionally you should be fine. Likewise, make sure you maintain it, esp if you get one of the bead blasted knives. Keep it oiled when not in use, wipe it down and clean it up after using it.

I will add one thing-you said you're looking for knives for outdoor/survival/edc, then mention a trench knife, so I have to ask...why a trench knife? It's not an outdoors knife, a survival knife, and as many of them are double edged, are actually illegal to carry in much of the country. A trench knife is a weapon, it's not meant for anything else. If you want a trench knife for the sake of having a trench knife, go for it, but if you're looking for an outdoors/edc/survival type blade...a trench knife really isn't what you're looking for.

 

[oldirty]

If you havent already bought look at the Kabar.I just got one and have used it at my work.Its razor sharp.Mine dosent have a guard but I dont plan on stabbing with it.I have seen a version of it that has a guard that toughes your index finger but it may be a older model.I like a good handmade for hunting.

 

[Disturbed0Ne]

I guess I should proof-read my posts.. @oldirty,

Yeah the trench knife is part; home defense part-just really cool piece of history.

Thanks for the answers; I sent HI an email and they told me that its an option.

@cricketdave; it was plowshare forge. Thanks for the heads up

@Dirtbiker; not having done any custom work to my blades besides hand guards; does DIY'ing a blade cold blue affect the rust resistance, tc....?

Thanks

-0Ne

 

[Dirtbiker]

Cold blue will help prevent rust but not prevent it.

 

[marcinek]

Yeah the trench knife is part; home defense part-just really cool piece of history.

If you want a "historical" trench knife....the Kabar isn't that. Not really a trench knife. Utility knife, not designed for trench fighting.

The M3 is closer to a trench knife...though made after most trench warfare/WWI. Ontario and Boker make versions. Boker was among the companies that made them at the time they were issued.

The "pure" US trench knives...the 1917, 1918, and Mark 1...I don't know if you are going to find a modern reproduction. Dagger + knuckle duster is a double whammy of illegality in most places.

 

[jdk1]

Cold Steel makes a version of their Gurkha Kukri with a guard (Ghurkha Plus?). The Gurkha is an outstanding khuk. I don't personally care for the guarded version, but some do and say it doesn't interfere with using it as a woods tool. You could remove the markings with a dremel tool I guess, though I'm not quite sure what the objective of that would be. I understand "sterile" Browning High-Powers in 1950's Europe, but not really with knives used for survival here in the states. But, no matter, that CS khuk is another option. Good luck.