A little help fo ra newbie

Yahmanin

Yahmanin

Joined
Sep 29, 2003
Messages
519
Hi, I just found BF a couple weeks back, fantastic site. I picked up the khukri below at a gun and knife for the low low price of ten bucks. I couldn't resist, and think it was money well spent, even if it's not made by and for the Guhrkas. I've known of khukris for a long time, owned and enjoyed Cold Steel's LTC, but didn't know where or if solid khukris could be found. I swear I heard harps and angels sing when I followed the link to HI's website. I'm curious to know what I've got with the $10 special, as well as maybe some ideas for what to get from HI when I can shake the $ loose. The blade is 12", overall length is around 16". Has INDIA stamped just over the handle with a vertical -> over it. Full tang, I'm guessing the handle slabs are some kind of rosewood, and the blade material possible an old leafspring. The thing feels indestructible, and has a nice balance. I've put a decent, but not shaving edge on it with a DMT black handle. No serious field tests yet, but I'm optomistic. The blade is just about 1/4" thick.

As far as recommendations for a new purchase, I'm a pretty big guy, 6'4", 290lbs, with big hands. I'm not too worried about weight, but I like a lively blade, and would go for fast and well balanced over huge and slow. Use would be as a camp hatchet, some wood splitting, and brush clearing.
718239Kukribeater.jpg
 
Looks like my first one. If so, you'll find that it's a little too light for decent wood chopping, and the edge will be soft. Handle was uncomfortable, and I had to tape-wrap it.

I hope you have better luck with yours.
 
That looks like an Atlanta Cutlery Khuk by Windlass Steelcrafts, and I have one just like it. If you paid $10, you got it for a little under half price. I liked my AC khuk so much that it prompted me to look further and locate HI & Uncle Bill.

How do you like the weight and speed of the AC? If it is about right, you can stay right at that point but vastly upgrade your blade, handle and scabbard with an HI 16.5" WWII. If it feels a little light to you, there is an 18" model with more heft.

They are all good though, and suggesting a "best" one is like trying to decide which is your favorite toe.

Oh, welcome to the Cantina too. It is quite an education hanging around here.
 
Welcome, and ditto what cliff said. I have a 16.5" WWII and it's quite maneuverable as well as tough. For a big guy like yourself I would suggest a 18" model. Although I'm a little guy I tend to gravitate towards the big ones myself. They're all good though.
 
I was actually just eyeballing the WWII over at HI. I'm thinking the 18" might be the way to go. The AC, (if indeed that's what it is), is a little chunky, but fits my paw fairly well. Moves pretty fast, and right now it's my bedside knife (right next to the CZ, you can't be too careful:). No complaints at $10. I realize it's nigh unto impossible to pick the 'right' blade for someone else, I'm more looking for heads ups on handling characteristics. Boy, that WWII looks sweet, need to start saving my pennies and dimes...
 
Hello:

Welcome to the Cantina. You have what looks like an Atlanta Cutlery khuk. AC is owned by Windlass in India. Quality seems fair, but some of the stuff isn't too bad, well worth the cost.

Atlanta is at present selling some real 19th & early 20th century Nepali khuks for $100 - $160 depending on which you order. Positive comments so far.
 
Get a 16.5" WWII and there's an excellent chance you'll encounter magic.

Get a 18" and you'll be caught changing horses in midstream. Uncle sent me an 18" WWII mistakenly and it gave me heartburn for two weeks trying to decide to keep it or send it back. Too good to return, not near what the 16.5" is.

( I have wood and horn handled 18"ers. )
 
Welcome to the Cantina. These guys are right. The 16.5" WWII is just about the cats PJ's for me. Shorter handle than the 18" and only slightly shorter blade. Measures 11.5", not enough for me to worry about. Seems to handle quicker too.:)
 
Yahmanin welcome to the Cantina/Psycho Ward!!!!:D

You're getting good info and there's not much I can add as I don't have and H.I. WW II model.
But looks are often deceiving but there's a pretty much sure fire test to see if it's an AC Model. Get yoourself a good file, A Nicholson "Flat Bastard" or "Mill Bastard" in an eight inch size is a good choice and always get a handle when you get a file, or you may already have a good one.:)
AC advertises theirs as being able to be Filed to a sharp edge, and indeed they can be but a good belt sander is best. This is on a new one purchased from them.
Anyway take your file and run it along the edge. If it files steel instead of just "skating" across the surface it's probably an AC Model.
If not then you may have a quality Indian made kukri.:D
But chances are in this country it's an AC Model, still not a bad little kukri, just not on a scale with HI's.
 
Welcome to the cantina. You are going to have a blast here. Things are always a cut above the average. I can't believe I just said that. Must be the medication. My fantasy is to order one of each model of khuk and then decide which one I like best. Until then, I'll just have to order one at a time and decide later.:D I currently have a couple of favorites...18" AK and WW II; Ghopte; BAS; 18" Siru and Chit. Ok, maybe that's more than a couple, but it's really hard to pick a favorite. It all depends on the task at hand; then the right one is picked for the job. Enjoy the journey.
 
I like the WW II's also, but I prefer the 18" ones. I am 6'2"-6'3" & weigh 250 lbs. on the nose according to the Dr as of Tuesday. My all purpose blade is an 18" WW II. I like the 20"-25" AK's & GRS's for serious chopping, but you can move lots of woods with any of them, & Uncle Bills' Khukuris will do what he says they will. This is a good forum & these are good fellers to listen to.
 
I have a WWII 18" blem en route! Aunt Yangdu had one up for all of ten minutes before she got my email. Depending on shipping, this weekend or the next will see the wood pile grow considerably :).
 
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