Advice to the first time Khukuri buyer

H

HoosierQ

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Feb 9, 2010
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Hello all

Wow there is a lot going on in the Khukuri world. Knowing what to get is quite bewildering. I want something that will in fact get used, something that is very tough (just because Khukuris are famous for that, not because I will be particularly hard on it), something in the middle of the size range. Something that represents a very typical, useful khukuri. As a first time owner/buyer I expect to expand a collection.

I like the WWII and British service models because of the history. I found something called the M43 I think which seemed to be full tang which I like on most knives. I guess the horn is the traditional material but that worries me...needlessly no doubt...having no experience with horn.

So what would be a good Khukuri (HI) for a first time buyer to get. You ask: What are you going to do with it? My answer: Admire it much, show it off, and use it some as a rough duty knife.
 
Personally, I would start with a 16.5" WWII. Notice I said "start":). It is a wonderful design in a wonderful size and weight. I have quite a few khuks, as well as other large blades, but a WWII is what I reach for mostly. There are others here who use theirs much more than I and you'll find many opinions about what the "perfect" khuk might be, but most will advise to start with one of the mainstays (15" AK, 16.5" WWII, BAS). The M43 is a great khuk, but most are a bit heavy for everyday use. If you have a specific need, let us know and an experienced khuk swinger will likely offer planety of advice, otherwise Watch the Deal of The Day for one of the basics and you'll likely be a happy man....until you realize one is not enough;)

PS. Horn is great and very tough, as well as easy to care for. A well designed horn khuk handle is a thing of beauty!
 
A wwII is a great kuk to start with I love mine. I'll also recommend an ang khola as a second. I'm on the hunt for an M43 now.
 
I can only speak to what I have. I did a lot of research and reading and had narrowed it down to a few choice the AK the BAS and the M43. and after looking and reading and reading and looking I kept gravitating towards the M43. So i placed my order and waited for the shipment to arrive. Now i have not put the M43 through very many paces yet just a few 2-3 in soft wood tree limbs and WOW is it awesome. She bites deep and feels great in the hand I can feel no unwanted vibration or anything running through the handle. The fit and finish are excellent and the balance is amazing for an 18in 28oz behemoth. she is also wearing horn handles. I believe it is made by Kami Tirtha (beer mug mark) i could be wrong i looked briefly. Auntie thank you and please pass on my thanks to Tirtha. To those that are going to say pictures and review I am working it.

Chris
 
Hello HQ-Look at Ms.Yangdu's post titled "great way to spend your tax refund". 16.5 inch,33 oz. Bhakta made chiruwa ang khola-that would be my recommendation for a first khuk. Tough,tough chopper made by one of the best smiths around.If saving weight is a concern, a BAS would be an excellent choice as an "all-rounder".
 
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jdk1 has given the best advice yet HoosierQ. But don't forget about that other famous Kukri, the Sirupate. This Kukri style is my favorite in all around usefulness and is very popular in martial arts. It is light, fast, and beautifully slender like the leaf it's named after. The picture below is a great comparison shot of the Kukri.
khukfamily.jpg
Photo by TWBryan
from "We The Armed" website
 
Im no expert but have recently been in a similar situation as you. New kuk owners typically prefer full tang/chiruwa/panawal style kuks because we lack the experience to understand that a rat tail tang is just as good. Be that as it may we still want the full tang. I reccomend a full tang for a hard use knife simply because it will be alot easier the rehandle 10 or 20 years down the line if necessary. Three blades that i think you would like in weight order from lightest to heaviest the Tora Mk2 World War, HI M43, AND HI chiruwa ASTK. The CAK3 is a great knife but a bit to heavy for practical use when above 16 inches. A blade does not have to be thick to be durable. For the amount of force that most humans are capable of a thickness of no more then 3/8 inch is more then enough unless you intend to use your knife primarily as a prybar. GOOD LUCK!!!
 
Oh and as a general rule of thumb. Under 30 ounces is preferable if you will be using or carrying it for any extended period of time.
 
Anttheknee said:
Oh and as a general rule of thumb. Under 30 ounces is preferable if you will be using or carrying it for any extended period of time.
Click to expand...

I concur I have blades up to mid 40s but 28-32 is about perfect for a hard use chopper. I have a 36oz bonecutter by the Sgt and for some reason it feels much lighter than what its real weight is. I also have a 37oz Sherpa and it feels much heavier than what the scale reads. It's all about balance.
 
Anttheknee said:
The CAK3 is a great knife but a bit to heavy for practical use when above 16 inches. A blade does not have to be thick to be durable. For the amount of force that most humans are capable of a thickness of no more then 3/8 inch is more then enough unless you intend to use your knife primarily as a prybar. GOOD LUCK!!!
Click to expand...
This is a refreshing statement. I will add that a Kukri also does not have to be heavy (25 to 40 oz) to be a good, durable chopper. This is proven historically as well as presently in Tora models and with Himalayan Import's lighter blades. Just something to think about if you decide to carry and use your Kukri outdoors.
MK3 by Bernard V..jpg
Photo: MK3 by Bernard V.
 
My suggestion is get the chiruwa Ang Khola.
Welcome to the HI and forum, HoosierQ
 
arbiter said:
Hello HQ-Look at Ms.Yangdu's post titled "great way to spend your tax refund". 16.5 inch,33 oz. Bhakta made chiruwa ang khola-that would be my recommendation for a first khuk. Tough,tough chopper made by one of the best smiths around.If saving weight is a concern, a BAS would be an excellent choice as an "all-rounder".
Click to expand...

When you say a Chiruwa Ang Khola made by Bhakta, does that mean you can request a specific smith, or are all the Chiruwa Ang Khola made by him?

Eric
 
Eric E said:
When you say a Chiruwa Ang Khola made by Bhakta, does that mean you can request a specific smith, or are all the Chiruwa Ang Khola made by him?

Eric
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Hello Eric! and Welcome!
For Special Orders you may request that a specific kami make your khukuri. Auntie will be more than happy to have him complete your order, if he is available to do so.
 
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