A Bowkri ?

I'm actually the same height as you Dan: about 5'3 and 110lbs. I personally find 15" (overall length) kukris to be my ideal blade length for hiking and treks: they still chop very well but are much easier to handle, swing about for long periods of time, and are much more portable. I do still love my 18"ers though - although I can't swing my 18", 2.4lb Vojpure nearly as long as I can my 15" AK, there's no arguing that it eats through wood like nobody's business!

That all said, I also have a 12" AK that I adore. It's so comparatively light and handy that I just love putting it to work. I'd say that if you needed a kukri more for everyday chores than for chopping up wood, a 12"er would be great!
 
stickfred said:
You haven't grabbed that Bonecutter yet, Dan?
Click to expand...

at 12" overall length? the blade would be probably 9" which is not bad but I'm thinking an 12" blade would be better. I hope i don't have this wrong.
when I was describing the desired length in the beginning of the tread I meant the blade length.
Sure the 12" "bonner" looks tantalizing, but I only have one shot at this (no real kukri in the hand = no HIvirus in the blood :D) for now...

Has anyone put an 15" YCS (as per original design i think) to a rough testing?
You see...I'm not after the fancy handle design, but the functionality of the knife set as a whole. I would love some input on this one.

... please excuse my English, not my first thong, i'm also typing on an non-qwerty (non-standard) keyboard to make things worst:confused:
 
I never did get why people who don't speak English as their native tongue ask us to excuse their poor English. In all honesty Dan, your English is great - better than a lot of people I know who ONLY speak English! :p

That said, I really can't speak for the YCS as I don't own one - my only kukris in the 15" size are a Sher-made AK and Murali-made BAS (both of which I can give a strong recommendation). For your stated needs, I would say almost any of the thinner-spine, steeper beveled 15"ers would suit your needs very well (models such as the BAS, WWII and perhaps even the Tamang). Really, there are so many models and all of them perform so well that you can't go wrong with whichever you pick! :thumbup:
 
I just hate making stupid typo's and my son's fancy gaming keyboard doesn't help much :-( Thanks god for spell checks :-))))

In your opinion guys...now that the great Bura seems to have stopped working as such...which of the kamis is the most prominent?
I know they all do their absolute best, but in blade tempering therms, which is your favorite?
 
They all do the same job as far as the temper of the blade as far as I am concerned.

It is a bit early to judge the really new guys but I have a lot of Young Sher's stuff and it is very good.
He is Bura's understudy and Bura still watches over him when he is able if this is what you are asking.
The newest ones look really promising from what I've seen but I don't own any of their stuff yet as I got broke just as they started producing.

When you finally get one of these in hand, you may well develop HIKV... ;)
 
warty said:
....
The newest ones look really promising from what I've seen but I don't own any of their stuff yet as I got broke just as they started producing.

When you finally get one of these in hand, you may well develop HIKV... ;)
Click to expand...

I hear you LOUD & CLEAR warty:D
Been here for a day or so and already have this "want it all" feeling creeping back my spine.

Away, away evil spirits:D
 
Hey Warty,

Since it's only two of us here now...
Nice review on those 16" tamangs!
How heavy are they?
did you had a chance to really push one hard
 
better done via email... shoot me one. I'd rather not clog up the forum chatting. ;)
 
Dan, sorry you missed it, but that 18" YCS would have yielded 12-13" of blade.

If you really want a YCS, I'd email Auntie and ask if she has another, she often gets them in batches. Just be aware, that sometimes I've asked if she had something and she didn't respond to the email, but put it up as a DOTD the same day!

Another suggestion, since you are looking at kukri with 12" of blade -- unless you are hung up on the YCS karda design, the 18" M43 will give about 12-13" of blade, and they punch way above their weight. My 18" M43 will outchop any kukri I have other than my 20" and 25" CAK.
 
Thanks Cpl,

I had already emailed her about a YCS, price etc. we'll see what she says.

But help me here: 18" OAL 12-13" blade, then the handle has to be a 5-6" that's a lot of handle...or i got it wrong (my fist / hand grip is about 4")
I'm a shorty and don't want an knife that will be in my way or can't handle comfortably. May be 12" blade is an overkill???for me (more thinking to do)

Also I've looked and looked and I'm leaning to what's a Tamang (heavily) or a PenK but not sure yet. Price is also important (i wish it wasn't)
 
Last edited:
I include the bolster in the handle length.

What works best is to put the ring on the handle between your ring and pinky finger. There will be a good bit of handle in front and behind of your hand -- that's how it's supposed to be.

Then you grip it with the index and middle fingers and thumb, and leave it loose in the ring and pinky. Then you use a sort of whipping motion, whipping the wrist forward and completing your grip just as you make contact.

Kukri take a bit of getting used to, and some technique to use. Once you learn, you'll wonder why anyone uses anything else.

BTW I keep the kukri for large jobs -- chopping and such, the fine work is why they include the karda.
 
My bad, DanS. You were indeed talking about a 12" blade. That would indeed be a khuk in the 18" range and weighing in at about 1.5-2+ pounds. Many have found that an AK in the 15-16.5" range worked very well as a camp blade. Another model that you might consider in the 18" range is the Uncle Bill Especiale (UBE). Quite surprising once you've handled one. The Tamang is a lighter and thinner knife, so it will also be a good choice for "bush" purposes though it may not chop as well as the thicker models. The YCS was designed as a 17-18" khuk with a 3/8" spine and a much reduced weight due to thickness and the deep fullers. Yvsa's original came in at 22 oz. and a little over 17" in length.

As far as the kami situation, a new group of kamis has just been hired on and we have yet to see the strengths of each one. There is one kami that has been there quite a while, although off and on. He is Murali. I have a "Baby" (18") Ganga Ram Special made by him that I am very happy with. It has a very good edge on it and feels good and balanced in the hand.

Finally, what do you mean "no HIVirus in the blood"? Didn't you just say "already have this "want it all" feeling creeping back my spine"? You were looking at a picture of a khukuri and touched the screen, didn't you? Well, its too late now. YOU'RE DOOMED. Welcome aboard.
 
Yeh, stickfred...

I'm still getting used to the khukuri unique designs, handle, weight. and sizes.
Which is to say I'm like back to squire one again :-))
But no despair, things are clearing up.
 
Things will clear up real soon for you DanS. Once you get that Dui Chirra in your hand things will be a lot clearer...at least for a little while. In the meantime all you have to deal with is the anticipation:D.
 
stickfred said:
Things will clear up real soon for you DanS. Once you get that Dui Chirra in your hand things will be a lot clearer...at least for a little while. In the meantime all you have to deal with is the anticipation:D.
Click to expand...

dam'n right about "anticipation"...can't stay in one place, can't sleep, dreamed of it last night too
BUT
this is why i got one from a genuine handmaker and not from the CS production line.
When you work with this blade it's like you are being held by the hand by a long string of knifemakers with history. impossible to not love it. like a good friend.:thumbup:

At least that's how i hope it is. When it arrives i will do a pic review for your plesure and pheraps a video. CANT WAIT :-)))
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top