25 inch Kobra--need advice

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DeathDancer

Joined
Dec 20, 2000
Messages
578
Dear Fellow Khukuri Addicts,

I am a new member of the Forums, and I have been switching back and forth between the two Khukuris makers sites. I own a nice little Mini, a 15 inch Chainpure, and a 20 inch Sirupati. I am considering (drool all over everything) purchasing a 25 inch Kobra.
However, I really like my Sirupati--one of the few big knives (I am a pretty good western fencer--did some coaching, etc.) that I can use with both hands.

What advantages will I gain with the extra 5 inches of blade? I am asking opinions and even analysis, because I read the review by that "British" guy, and as I said, drool is my least favorable reaction. Or should I stick with a good thing and go toward the 25 inch Sirupati?

I have only been involved with Khukuris for the last 6 months, but I have been a collector and user of edged weapons for about 20 years. For most of that time I carried an original Balisong Bushmaster (still got) as my everyday belt knife, urban and rural social antecedents nonwithstanding. I now wear the 15 inch Chainpure. And while I can see myself getting really involved in this, I would like some guidance from more experienced heads for this next important purchase.

As personal background, I started collecting modern renditions of Japanese style swords, with mostly stuff by Dawson, Sampson, "VG" Harrison, and a few others. I now collect western style 17 century "court sword" copies and quality sword canes.

Any help would really be appreciated, because my next purchase after this is going to be that Tarwar!!


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DeathDancer
 
I've got a 25" kobra and love it! easily my favorite "light" blade. it's essentially a slimmed down sirupati,the feel,weight,and balance are very similar to my 20" sirupati. as for what that extra 5 inches will do...just about double the tip-speed and penetration,not to mention the obvious extra reach. the 25" sirupati is a splitting maul,great at what it does,but miserable as a weapon. It's just too much weight too far forward,I think you'll find it feels twice as heavy as it is. might be a place for both,train with the sirupati and the kobra will feel weightless. Hope this helps.
 
Thank you, Brent. Exactly the type of input I am looking for. Especially appreciate the description of Kobra feeling much like the 20 inch Sirupati in use. As I said, like the dynamics of the Sirupati for both hands.
Again, thanks for input.
 
I have a 22 inch Kobra and it swings like a shorter blade. Extremely well balanced. The wood handle fits my hand perfectly. I am no martial artist expert, but I can defend myself with a long blade. I have a Tarwar and I can move pretty well with it one handed on occasion, and after that, picking up the Kobra is like handling air.
biggrin.gif
 
I was wondering about the size of the Tarwar handle--I have small to medium size hands. While I can use two hands to swing a sword, I like being able to one hand it as well. Thanks "rdnzlz" for the comparisons.


 
A long series (24" or 25") Kumar Kobra will do what no other HI product will do; it'll cure you of the dreaded and debilitating HIKV... because once you've got one, you'll never want to use anything else. It does everything, from felling lumber to chopping through nails to sharpening pencils, and it'll never tire you out or hurt your arm. I'm amazed Bill still sells the things; they'll put him out of business one of these days...


The long-series Kobra is (IMHO) as good as it gets. If possible, get Bill to order you one made out of a file rather than a truck spring. It may be my imagination, but I'm convinced my recycled-file LSKK is tougher, flexes less and holds an edge better than my other, spring-derived khuks.

BTW; some folks have expressed doubts about the LSKK's ability to withstand being used as a prybar. In my experience there's nothing whatsoever to worry about on that score.

I also own a regular 25" sirupati.It's beautifully made, as you'd expect from HI, but I can't do anything with it; too heavy, too weight-forward for a weedy little guy like me.

[This message has been edited by Tom Holt (edited 12-25-2000).]
 
Thanks, everyone. Looks like I'm going to get that 25 inch Kumar Kobra. One other thing...I've heard mention of a thiry inch model. Does such exist, and maybe some info..? Regardless, just waiting for the promised HI brochure before I buy (it's called a "cooling off period" I think). Also, what about the comment on "file" vs "spring" steel?

Again, thanks for all the input.

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DeathDancer
 
I believe the 30" kobra was discontinued due to problems getting the weight/balance/strength right,it would be too heavy if it were strong enough.
 
Thanks about the 30 inch Kobra. It seemed strange that the Kobra model didn't mirror the Sirupati line in that particular length. So, the 25 inch it is. I've got the money, and the only thing left is "file" vs "spring" steel, and I'll discuss that with Bill when I order. Of course, I welcome any comments on this issue.

"The Dwarf is in pain, but Natraaj keeps Dancing"

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DeathDancer
 
After all this talk about the 25 inch Kobra, I ordered one. Can't have too many Khuk's
biggrin.gif


 
I have both a 25" and a 30" kobra. I love them both, but the 25" is much more balanced. I feel that 23" would be the perfect length for one of these coupled with a chiruwa handle.

Peace-
Cam
 
I keep the 30" Sirupati around to swing when my back goes out and the chiropractor isn't available. I'm serious!
 
I've already posted on the Buy/Trade forum for the Tarwar and the 25 Kobra. If one doesn't show up by the first of the year (got the Tarwar), I'm sending my check. Do I just send it to Bill at the address or make an email or..?

The reason I ask is that it seems so many members order through the forum. Just want to follow procedure and protocol.

Just as an asside, I was practicing some snap cuts and was using a large standing brown paperbag as my target. Nothing to anchor, just the open bag. I managed to slash the bag at least 8 out of ten times without moving the bag!! How's that for sharp?

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DeathDancer
 
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