A special order (first HI)

S

samuraiprose

Joined
May 21, 2007
Messages
76
Hi all,

I have been a big fan of the khukuri for some time and decided I had to have one of these. I have never owned a Himalayan Imports khukuri, but I have always wanted one and now find myself in the position to get one while I can.

I am looking for a good overall task blade to put with my bag of equipment for the woods, and am torn between the Chiruwa Ang Khola, the M43, and the 18" Sirupati. I am hoping to get a blade 12" or over. I had emailed Auntie about a possible special order for getting an 18" with a 13" blade, and a 5" full tang handle with a slight curve to it. The 18" Sirupati seems perfect as it has both speed and power to it, but I do not have my mind completely made up yet.

I've been beaten on the draw a few times when it comes to DOTD blades, as I usually come home late in the evening, so it seems a special order is the way to go. There is a line for it, but I am more than willing to wait to get my hands on the perfect knife for my kit. I was wondering, of the people here who have the CAK or the M43, how do they handle? Which of any of these would you take to the bush, or opt for as the knife of choice for general field work?

Thanks.
 
I gather you are going to get a lot of opinion that is both helpful and unhelpful to you. :D
Everyone has their own preference.
Each khukuri has its own things that it is good for and sizes and weights it is useful at.

My suggestion would be to research each one and go with your own preference.
There are several threads on the subject.
Please be advised that only certain models are warranted for chopping.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/653192-Himalayan-Imports-Limited-Lifetime-Warranty
 
I haven't used any of the kukris you're interested in, and I don't know a lot about kukris in general. However, I have been reading through this forum for some time. I believe the general consensus is that the Sirupati is NOT suitable for field work, or bushcraft. It's strictly a combat blade that may be suitable for relatively light general chopping.

The Ang Khola, I believe, is somewhat better suited to general chopping than the M43, while the M43 may be (based on something one person said) better suited for chopping wood. You should also consider the difference between the regular Ang Khola and the Chiruwa version - as far as I can tell, the regular Ang Khola is better at chopping because it has a better balance and less vibration, while the Chiruwa is somewhat less likely to break. I don't know if the Chiruwa is tougher because of the larger tang, or because the handle is 2 pieces instead of one, or something else. I also don't know how much difference any of this actually makes.

Anyway, I hope some more knowledgeable people are able to chip in with their two cents.
 
I like the BAS, for it's balance between chopping, utility, and weapon. I have a 12", but I think a 15", or 18" would be better, especially for chopping tasks.

I also have the AK, but I use it more as a chopper only. The Siru, I see it purely as a weapon, and not much so for utility use. I have heard really good things about the M43, I plan on getting one sooner, rather than later, and it may very well become my "go to" khuk, considering all the great reviews and comments from the forum members.
 
that was my wish list


1) Chiruwa Ang Khola (the only khukuri warranted for use as prybar)
2) Ang Khola
3) British Army Sevice
4) World War II
5) M-43
6) Ganga Ram Special
7) Bonecutter
8) Pen Knife
9) Ang Khola Bowie
10) Amar Singh Thapa Khukuri
 
Samuraiprose,

If you are a decent size guy and are fit. You won't go wrong with an 18" Ang Khola or a Chiruwa Ang Khola.
The difference between the two is that the AK transmits less shock to the hand.
The M-43 is a good chopper also and there is a variant in smaller size.
These are all models that do well for camping and chopping, as long as you are fit enough to carry them.
I'm a smaller guy and getting smaller and older every year. I normally use an 18" CAK that is lighter than most at 28-29 oz. These models above usually come in at around 30-32 oz, although I've seen them lighter and heavier. For chopping I always recommend going as heavy as you are willing to carry. The shorter and lighter you go, the more chopping power you lose.
As with anything there are limits. 20" khukuri are for Paul Bunyan type people.
Always seek opinion, but please take time to feel out what will work best for you.
There are a few people who recommend lighter khukuri.... that is their preference. It works for them. It may not work for you.
 
Thanks all for the input!

Karda, I am 6'0" and am of average build, but have no problem with a longer khuk. Preferably, I like mine with reach to it, which is why I initially elected a 13" blade. If it happens to be heavier as a result of its length (within reason), so be it. I tend to prefer a handle that packs my hand, however, and do not have much use for an overly long handle. My problems arise in trying to calculate the ideal for me with the overall length descriptions of the khukuri lineup because some have larger handles than others, and I have trouble distinguishing where the handle measurement ends and the blade begins in the OAL. Helped getting suggestions, though. Did not consider the BAS before.

The other thing about my kit is that I am engineering it for emergencies as well as using it in the field, so ideally, the khukuri I would select is overbuilt and very tough. To this end, I like the CAK for its complete warranty, and I am deeply appreciative that you have made me aware of the fact that an 18" CAK can be done! Is this a custom model one must specifically request from Auntie, or is there a button on their page I missed?

I have been talked out of the Sirupati, and am grateful to FinnSetanta and cul4u01 for their input on the matter, which makes me reevaluate my options. What you said on weight is my predicament at the moment. I am not Paul Bunyan, and must stick to a blade my size. :)
 
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I'd just email Yandu about it and see what she says. I just ordered an 18" Ang Khola in regular rat-tang, but she said I could order any size in Chiruwa tang if I wanted. It'll likely be the same for you. :) 18" CAK sounds like a good tool for what you've specified.
 
samuraiprose said:
Thanks all for the input!

Karda, I am 6'0" and am of average build, but have no problem with a longer khuk. Preferably, I like mine with reach to it, which is why I initially elected a 13" blade. If it happens to be heavier as a result of its length (within reason), so be it. I tend to prefer a handle that packs my hand, however, and do not have much use for an overly long handle. My problems arise in trying to calculate the ideal for me with the overall length descriptions of the khukuri lineup because some have larger handles than others, and I have trouble distinguishing where the handle measurement ends and the blade begins in the OAL. Helped getting suggestions, though. Did not consider the BAS before.

The other thing about my kit is that I am engineering it for emergencies as well as using it in the field, so ideally, the khukuri I would select is overbuilt and very tough. To this end, I like the CAK for its complete warranty, and I am deeply appreciative that you have made me aware of the fact that an 18" CAK can be done! Is this a custom model one must specifically request from Auntie, or is there a button on their page I missed?

I have been talked out of the Sirupati, and am grateful to FinnSetanta and cul4u01 for their input on the matter, which makes me reevaluate my options. What you said on weight is my predicament at the moment. I am not Paul Bunyan, and must stick to a blade my size. :)
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No, the 18" CAK is a regularly produced item and should be available on the store website as well as during the DOTD sales here.

An 18" khukuri will have roughly a 5"- 6" handle not including bolster and usually will weigh between 26 and 34 oz depending on model and thickness of spine.
HI makes khukuri with slightly larger handles to accommodate larger western hands. These are not overly big until you start getting into certain heavy models such as the bonecutter and khukuri 20" and above.
The AK and CAK's will tend to run middle of that range, as will the M-43. The WWII, BAS will tend to be slightly lighter.
Again this depends on the kami making it. I always recommend to pay close attention to sizes and weights during DOTD's.
 
samuraiprose:

You should be aware that a few extra inches of length can make a big difference in the weight of an HI khukuri, and a few ounces can make a big difference in how it feels in the hand and when you swing it. The kamis tend to make blade and handle proportional to the length. A 20" khukuri will usually be wider and thicker as well as longer than an 18" khukuri, and probably much heavier. Thus, Karda's comment that 20" khukuri are for Paul Bunyan type people. That is especially true of the Ang Khola models, which run thick and heavy to begin with.

If you can give more details about your expected usage, you'll likely get better advice. 18" is a good length for all-around use, but there are other considerations than length. The AK and CAK are heavy choppers at one end of the spectrum of HI models, along with the Ganga Ram and Bonecutter. Their edge geometry is designed for heavy chopping. The Sirupati, Gelbu Special and Chitlangi are probably fine for everything except heavy chopping, and you can get a longer blade with less weight. I don't agree that they are just fighting blades. Khukuris of that design are widely used in various parts of Nepal by people who spend most of their time doing hard work, not knife-fighting. It's a matter of what kind of trees and plant life they have to deal with.

The M43 and ASTK are also fairly heavy, but very strong, and could be thought of as a compromise. Also, there are variations in length and weight even within a given model, since these are hand-made. Sometimes we see a run of lighter weight versions.

I suggest that you compose an email to Yangdu giving her as much information as possible, and ask her advice based on what she has on hand (or might have in the next shipment or two). Describe your fitness level and how you expect to use the khukuri in the woods or elsewhere. There is no one perfect model, since people and conditions vary.

I don't recommend a special order. It's not just a matter of a long wait. If this is your first khukuri, you really can't be sure exactly what to ask for in a special order. You'd just be guessing, and you wouldn't necessarily do any better than taking Yangdu's suggestion based on what comes in on the next shipment or two.
 
Thank you for the Help guys....
The painkillers and Muscle relaxers make it difficult for me to think and type clearly. between 11-2am seem to be my clearer moments.
I can't wait to get out in the sun and get my own fitness back. It has been a long hard winter this year and I'm determined not to have to repeat it.
 
If weight is your main concern, you may be surprised by how much difference a few ounces can make. My 18 inch WW2 model weighs about two pounds, and my 15 3/4 inch Villager Knife is just under 1.4 pounds, but the difference is night and day. The Villager knife is light and comfortable, while the WW2 model has serious heft. That's not to say that Villager knife is necessarily better, as the weight of the WW2 should get more done with each swing.
 
Karda said:
No, the 18" CAK is a regularly produced item and should be available on the store website as well as during the DOTD sales here.

An 18" khukuri will have roughly a 5"- 6" handle not including bolster and usually will weigh between 26 and 34 oz depending on model and thickness of spine.
HI makes khukuri with slightly larger handles to accommodate larger western hands. These are not overly big until you start getting into certain heavy models such as the bonecutter and khukuri 20" and above.
The AK and CAK's will tend to run middle of that range, as will the M-43. The WWII, BAS will tend to be slightly lighter.
Again this depends on the kami making it. I always recommend to pay close attention to sizes and weights during DOTD's.
Click to expand...

It is good to know that the 18" CAK is a regular item! Unfortunately, I can't find where to order it on their catalog page. I hate to be a bother, but can someone point out the link for me?

My hands are considered "average", I suppose. Not too big. A 6" handle is simply too much handle for me. I will be happy enough if I can get one within the ballpark of 5". I am aiming to get a khukuri that is just right for my hand as the last one I owned had a handle too long and a blade too short.

davidf99 said:
samuraiprose:

You should be aware that a few extra inches of length can make a big difference in the weight of an HI khukuri, and a few ounces can make a big difference in how it feels in the hand and when you swing it. The kamis tend to make blade and handle proportional to the length. A 20" khukuri will usually be wider and thicker as well as longer than an 18" khukuri, and probably much heavier. Thus, Karda's comment that 20" khukuri are for Paul Bunyan type people. That is especially true of the Ang Khola models, which run thick and heavy to begin with.

If you can give more details about your expected usage, you'll likely get better advice. 18" is a good length for all-around use, but there are other considerations than length. The AK and CAK are heavy choppers at one end of the spectrum of HI models, along with the Ganga Ram and Bonecutter. Their edge geometry is designed for heavy chopping. The Sirupati, Gelbu Special and Chitlangi are probably fine for everything except heavy chopping, and you can get a longer blade with less weight. I don't agree that they are just fighting blades. Khukuris of that design are widely used in various parts of Nepal by people who spend most of their time doing hard work, not knife-fighting. It's a matter of what kind of trees and plant life they have to deal with.

The M43 and ASTK are also fairly heavy, but very strong, and could be thought of as a compromise. Also, there are variations in length and weight even within a given model, since these are hand-made. Sometimes we see a run of lighter weight versions.

I suggest that you compose an email to Yangdu giving her as much information as possible, and ask her advice based on what she has on hand (or might have in the next shipment or two). Describe your fitness level and how you expect to use the khukuri in the woods or elsewhere. There is no one perfect model, since people and conditions vary.

I don't recommend a special order. It's not just a matter of a long wait. If this is your first khukuri, you really can't be sure exactly what to ask for in a special order. You'd just be guessing, and you wouldn't necessarily do any better than taking Yangdu's suggestion based on what comes in on the next shipment or two.
Click to expand...

Very detailed notes on how each one feels and works! Thank you very much. This is what I was looking for.

I was sold on the Sirupati early on when I saw a demonstration of how great they are at woodworking (a few survival nuts showcased the 18" Sirupati feathersticking and splitting on YouTube), which should hint toward my intended use: I want this as a survival knife to go with the rest of my bug out bag. Hewing and processing wood, cutting through equally soft materials. Self-defense capability also came to mind, though it is not a focal point behind the purchase. The consensus seems to be that to these ends, my purchase should be reserved for a more beastly weapon. Seems there is only one way to go from here: buy multiple khukuris and do a firsthand evaluation. :D

I should clarify that this is not my first khukuri, merely my first from HI, so I thought I would ask around and get opinions before placing an order from people who know them best. I was gifted a kukri in the past and liked the feel, but as I noted, found the handle too long and blade too short. My idea of a special order is not to guess at numbers and overshoot, but to get the reach and comfort I was missing in the last one.

FinnSetanta said:
If weight is your main concern, you may be surprised by how much difference a few ounces can make. My 18 inch WW2 model weighs about two pounds, and my 15 3/4 inch Villager Knife is just under 1.4 pounds, but the difference is night and day. The Villager knife is light and comfortable, while the WW2 model has serious heft. That's not to say that Villager knife is necessarily better, as the weight of the WW2 should get more done with each swing.
Click to expand...

Weight is not quite my main concern. Reach, however, is. I got acclimated to the heft of the last khukuri I held in no time before, so I expect it should not pose much of a problem this time.

As an aside, on your WWII, how long would you say your blade is from bolster to tip?

Thanks, everyone. I appreciate the in-depth answers, and am sorry if my responses are in any way hurried. I am in a bit of a rush and do not have much time to type this up.
 
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I went ahead and pulled the trigger on the 16.5" CAK. The warranty is what sold me. ;D I went through the site and placed an order through the Yahoo Store page it redirects to; this is how to do it, yes?

My next one will likely be the M43 if I'm feeling feisty. Thanks to everyone who had something to say, you've all been very helpful. :)
 
samuraiprose said:
Seems there is only one way to go from here: buy multiple khukuris and do a firsthand evaluation. :D
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May the lord help you. I was in a similar position about a year ago. Some of us took it harder than others.
My current HI Collection of fine blades weight 42 pounds. Some people here ended up with more than 100 pounds.

So beware of what you are dealing with.

samuraiprose said:
I went ahead and pulled the trigger on the 16.5" CAK.
Click to expand...

I've read your points and forumites comments - This is an excellent choice! Probably one of the most versatile and rugged blade.
 
yep same thing here, I came here looking for a custom-- and they were like look at all these other fine knives for sale!-- I think I have over 100 lbs of HI-- current collection is about twice again my avatar , if you don't include anything but HI, its a good pain.
 
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I envy you both. First blade's the beginning of the path, eh?

A last question. I put in my order yesterday and received no confirmation email despite ticking the box that allows for an email to be sent to confirm the order, and have not yet received a charge in my account. Do the email and charge typically follow a purchase immediately, or only once received and processed?
 
Samurai, Congrats on a great choice for what is a very good all around blade as a starting point.

I am also one of those who recently purchased her first Khuk and now has... umm. 11 HI blades currently in my hands and the very awesome micro mini bowie that is making the rounds of checkering and sheath customization by a couple of the extremely talented forumites. Once she arrives home that will make an even dozen HI blades and I see no end in sight of ones I want to own. Welcome to HIKV.
 
You can fire an email to Auntie early next week if you still haven't got anything. Don't worry - HI customer service is amongst the best I've seen.

samuraiprose said:
I envy you both. First blade's the beginning of the path, eh?

A last question. I put in my order yesterday and received no confirmation email despite ticking the box that allows for an email to be sent to confirm the order, and have not yet received a charge in my account. Do the email and charge typically follow a purchase immediately, or only once received and processed?
Click to expand...
 
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