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The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
Price is$300$250 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/ - Order as many as you like, we have plenty.
Afghan khukuri
- Thread starter Warthog
- Start date
- Joined
- Mar 8, 1999
- Messages
- 1,760
Wart: It's now on our catalog page on the website. Maybe someone who owns and has used one could provide you with a review (or if you search the forum, I'm sure you'll find one). Incidentally, I'm going to pick up the latest shipment today, and there is at least one Classic Afghan in the lot!
We'll see if it's more like the original (and if there's only one, it's already spoken for). But more will follow once the design is approved.
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Craig Gottlieb
Gurkha House
Blade Forums Sponsor
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Craig Gottlieb
Gurkha House
Blade Forums Sponsor
- Joined
- Oct 6, 2000
- Messages
- 567
Yeah, that is where I saw it
I can't decide!! I've been going back and forth between the 18" AK, 18" Pan., Fingergrip, (and now) the Afghan and the Cheetlang!
I've read others' posts about the Cheetlang. After some thinking and reading, the handle and blade seem almost perfect for me. I have this problem with my hand slipping down the handles of knives while chopping. I also wanted a knife with length, which the Cheetlang has, and a "fighter" style knife. From what I've read, the Cheetlang has the manueverability (sp?) to be that also.
Glad you put it on the site
Warthog
I can't decide!! I've been going back and forth between the 18" AK, 18" Pan., Fingergrip, (and now) the Afghan and the Cheetlang!
I've read others' posts about the Cheetlang. After some thinking and reading, the handle and blade seem almost perfect for me. I have this problem with my hand slipping down the handles of knives while chopping. I also wanted a knife with length, which the Cheetlang has, and a "fighter" style knife. From what I've read, the Cheetlang has the manueverability (sp?) to be that also.
Glad you put it on the site
Warthog
Warthog, this thread is not the easiest drift, but I'll give you an opinion (as I hope other forumites will do). First, the Afghan and Cheetlang are truly elegant, but very different. Since I don't wanna know how many khukuris I have (so I won't have to 'fess up), both are represented in the collection I'm not accumulating. But if I were to have to choose just one of them, it would be the Cheetlang. Everybody who picks both of them up seems to arrive at the same conclusion. It's the best of everything in one khukuri, and also the most comfortable and pleasing to the eyes. Berkley's assessment is dead on: "the great one".
If one were to have only one khukuri, it would be the WW2. Should several be an option, then the Cheetlang rates very high. If a few more, then add the Afghan, for sure. On the other hand, if my situation was one of wanting beauty, grace, and protection, instead of just down-and-dirty hard work and could only have one, the Cheetlang would get the nod.
The forward curve of the Afghan seems to pull stuff like brush in toward you, like a sickle. This curve gives it a feeling of the weight being more forward and down. They are in the neighborhood of 20" OAL, and the dropped point of the handle makes it very comfy. A beautiful and graceful blade, I would call its handling more of a power-glide, instead of nimble.
Resisting the collector urge, I still love them both, and think you will, too. But you don't have to take my word for it....Dan
If one were to have only one khukuri, it would be the WW2. Should several be an option, then the Cheetlang rates very high. If a few more, then add the Afghan, for sure. On the other hand, if my situation was one of wanting beauty, grace, and protection, instead of just down-and-dirty hard work and could only have one, the Cheetlang would get the nod.
The forward curve of the Afghan seems to pull stuff like brush in toward you, like a sickle. This curve gives it a feeling of the weight being more forward and down. They are in the neighborhood of 20" OAL, and the dropped point of the handle makes it very comfy. A beautiful and graceful blade, I would call its handling more of a power-glide, instead of nimble.
Resisting the collector urge, I still love them both, and think you will, too. But you don't have to take my word for it....Dan
- Joined
- Mar 8, 1999
- Messages
- 1,760
Why not get the Afghan AND the cheetlang, and return the one you are least happy with.
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Craig Gottlieb
Gurkha House
Blade Forums Sponsor
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Craig Gottlieb
Gurkha House
Blade Forums Sponsor
- Joined
- Dec 20, 2000
- Messages
- 578
The second Khukuri I acquired (after the 20 inch Sirupati) was purchased via eBay from a photojournalist that visits Nepal every year. He called it a "Chainpure" and it is very much like the Cheetlang, but with a ten inch blade and overall length of 15 inches. I really like this knife, because I put away a Balisong Bushmaster that I've carried for over 20 years as my belt knife. It weighs just under a pound, has a straighter profile than my Sirupati and cuts better than most of my swords. If someone were looking for an all around knife (large, martial, practical, outdoors, and urban), the Cheetlang design would definitely be my choice. However, like every one touched with Khukuri addiction, the temptation will be to keep all the knives you buy! I have!!
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DeathDancer
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DeathDancer
Warthog, while the Cheetlang is a feast for the eyes, it's even better in the hand. You will not be disappointed, that's for sure.
Having also wanted one in rosewood for everyday use, Craig sent me a used Chainpure that has a cracked handle and dinged blade. The repaired handle is getting the tung oil treatment at the moment. I don't think the garden varitey Chainpure (thinner spine?) is truly like the Cheetlang, but this one has the exact same blade as the Cheetlang, sans buttcap (chhapri, but has the fulo [diamond-shaped washer]), and plain c&k. The "great one" just has that extra special combination that brings it a level above my other khukuris, and they are all most excellent. And the Cheetlang handle is the most comfy, gives best lateral movement, and won't slip as easily as with the normal khukuri.
There's even more to be said, but I'll leave that for other forumites, or as a pleasant surprise should you get one.
The greater does indeed include the lesser....Dan
Having also wanted one in rosewood for everyday use, Craig sent me a used Chainpure that has a cracked handle and dinged blade. The repaired handle is getting the tung oil treatment at the moment. I don't think the garden varitey Chainpure (thinner spine?) is truly like the Cheetlang, but this one has the exact same blade as the Cheetlang, sans buttcap (chhapri, but has the fulo [diamond-shaped washer]), and plain c&k. The "great one" just has that extra special combination that brings it a level above my other khukuris, and they are all most excellent. And the Cheetlang handle is the most comfy, gives best lateral movement, and won't slip as easily as with the normal khukuri.
There's even more to be said, but I'll leave that for other forumites, or as a pleasant surprise should you get one.
The greater does indeed include the lesser....Dan
- Joined
- Dec 20, 2000
- Messages
- 578
Lt.Dan,
If you go up a couple of threads, you will find that I have the same Chainpure. Mine also has a rosewood handle and no cap, though it does have a triangular brass piece to hold onto the tang end. The spine is almost as wide as my 20 inch Sirupata, 3/8 vs 7/16 inch, and at at 15 ounces, floats into the target with almost effortless grace (please pardon the prose). As I said, it is now knife of choice, replacing an original Bushmaster, which I have used to cut firewood, dispite its diminutive size, for large overnight bonfires on California beaches. This includes driftwood, processed lumber, and blowdown. A sharp knife of the proper shape will do anything in experienced hands.
The handle is very comfortable, and contrary to popular knowledge, wood makes a very long lasting material if tended to. I use the old rifle stock treatment of boiled linseed oil, warmed in my hands and thinly applied, then wiped off and allowed to dry overnight. While buffalo horn is pretty and endures, it also has a tendency to slip through my hands after a bit of sweaty exertion. Also contrary to most, my Bushmaster had a Kraton handle and it still looks like the day I bought it. Remember, most people don't hit their targets, whether organic or inorganic, with the handle. Yes, a few of us slip, but Kraton is very forgiving. I even used the Bushmaster as a hammer (still in Kydex sheath) turn on its side.
If it wasn't for the existance of the Sirupati in the shorter blade length, I think that there would be more call for a shorter Cheetlang (Chainpure). Also, only my humble opinion.
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DeathDancer
If you go up a couple of threads, you will find that I have the same Chainpure. Mine also has a rosewood handle and no cap, though it does have a triangular brass piece to hold onto the tang end. The spine is almost as wide as my 20 inch Sirupata, 3/8 vs 7/16 inch, and at at 15 ounces, floats into the target with almost effortless grace (please pardon the prose). As I said, it is now knife of choice, replacing an original Bushmaster, which I have used to cut firewood, dispite its diminutive size, for large overnight bonfires on California beaches. This includes driftwood, processed lumber, and blowdown. A sharp knife of the proper shape will do anything in experienced hands.
The handle is very comfortable, and contrary to popular knowledge, wood makes a very long lasting material if tended to. I use the old rifle stock treatment of boiled linseed oil, warmed in my hands and thinly applied, then wiped off and allowed to dry overnight. While buffalo horn is pretty and endures, it also has a tendency to slip through my hands after a bit of sweaty exertion. Also contrary to most, my Bushmaster had a Kraton handle and it still looks like the day I bought it. Remember, most people don't hit their targets, whether organic or inorganic, with the handle. Yes, a few of us slip, but Kraton is very forgiving. I even used the Bushmaster as a hammer (still in Kydex sheath) turn on its side.
If it wasn't for the existance of the Sirupati in the shorter blade length, I think that there would be more call for a shorter Cheetlang (Chainpure). Also, only my humble opinion.
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DeathDancer
DD, I mentally drooled on the keyboard when reading the vital stat's on your chainpure earlier. A <1# version 15" OAL seems fantastic (would like to have one my own self!). Wow, it could even be an improvement on the SN1. You're blessed to own such a piece.
My new/used Chainpure is truly a r-wood Cheetlang...same exact size (19" OAL, 12.5" blade w/almost .5" spine), weight, cho (eye of dove), fulo and decoration, and finish. It seems to handle better than I expected of one this size.
The Cheetlang is so sweet, I can only imagine what one 15" would do. Perhaps I will find out someday....maybe GH (or somebody) will help me out next year.
Be well....Dan
My new/used Chainpure is truly a r-wood Cheetlang...same exact size (19" OAL, 12.5" blade w/almost .5" spine), weight, cho (eye of dove), fulo and decoration, and finish. It seems to handle better than I expected of one this size.
The Cheetlang is so sweet, I can only imagine what one 15" would do. Perhaps I will find out someday....maybe GH (or somebody) will help me out next year.
Be well....Dan
- Joined
- Dec 20, 2000
- Messages
- 578
Lt.Dan,
The people I bought this from are going to Nepal from February thru April. They promised me that they will look for more interesting Khukuris (area of Annapura), especially some like mine. As I said, finish is not up to standards of Gurkha house but if something like mine shows up, I will let you know. Actually, if this hadn't shown up, I was prepared to purchase the 15 inch Sirupati (I really like my 20 incher, since it seems to work well in either of my hands).
Before I found Gurkha house, I purchased an Ontario Spec 250 Kukri from Knife Outlet. Weighs the same as my Chainpure, but is almost 4 inches longer and very wide, with very little spine. Makes a great weed and meat cutter, but never could handle the type of work my Khukuris or Bushmaster does. Sure does look "menacing", powder coat black and all.
Thanks for the kind words. Respects to a fellow seeker.
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DeathDancer
The people I bought this from are going to Nepal from February thru April. They promised me that they will look for more interesting Khukuris (area of Annapura), especially some like mine. As I said, finish is not up to standards of Gurkha house but if something like mine shows up, I will let you know. Actually, if this hadn't shown up, I was prepared to purchase the 15 inch Sirupati (I really like my 20 incher, since it seems to work well in either of my hands).
Before I found Gurkha house, I purchased an Ontario Spec 250 Kukri from Knife Outlet. Weighs the same as my Chainpure, but is almost 4 inches longer and very wide, with very little spine. Makes a great weed and meat cutter, but never could handle the type of work my Khukuris or Bushmaster does. Sure does look "menacing", powder coat black and all.
Thanks for the kind words. Respects to a fellow seeker.
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DeathDancer
DD, I would indeed be interested to hear what khukuris your friends turn up. One of the things I appreciate about Gurkha House is their guarantee of a quality, full-tang khukuri. Many thanks.
A friend at work went to India to do anesthesia for free surgery with an Op Smile kind of outfit. He went to Kathmandu and found tables stacked high with tourist-grade khukuris. He said they were of such obvoiusly poor quality that he didn't buy one. What a shame that he wasn't interested before the trip, but he is sure is now. He wants in the worst way to check out mine before he goes again (maybe next month), and I plan to oblige him. If I had the good fortune to go, I'm not sure I could always tell if there was a full tang. (but I can fire up the mini fluoro machine at work and see all) Perhaps a decent file and judging the overall quality is insurance enough. From what I hear, the prices over there take some sting out of the risk. Anyway, if he does go there again, maybe Craig can give me a way for him to contact Lalit.
Rosewood handles are also my favorite. My limited experience has been that they seem to be less prone to cracking than horn. The way they feel and behave with sweaty hands is also my preference. Conversely, beautiful horn has an elegant quality about it that can really dress up a gorgeous blade.
O yeah, the new "Gurkha Steel" video will amaze you. I believe the more you know about knives, the more you'll appreciate the master craftsmanship and your khukuris. Maybe we'll get a DVD unit when/if it comes out in that format; I've got this feeling that I'm gonna wear out the tape -- it's just that good.
May you be well in this special season....Dan
A friend at work went to India to do anesthesia for free surgery with an Op Smile kind of outfit. He went to Kathmandu and found tables stacked high with tourist-grade khukuris. He said they were of such obvoiusly poor quality that he didn't buy one. What a shame that he wasn't interested before the trip, but he is sure is now. He wants in the worst way to check out mine before he goes again (maybe next month), and I plan to oblige him. If I had the good fortune to go, I'm not sure I could always tell if there was a full tang. (but I can fire up the mini fluoro machine at work and see all) Perhaps a decent file and judging the overall quality is insurance enough. From what I hear, the prices over there take some sting out of the risk. Anyway, if he does go there again, maybe Craig can give me a way for him to contact Lalit.
Rosewood handles are also my favorite. My limited experience has been that they seem to be less prone to cracking than horn. The way they feel and behave with sweaty hands is also my preference. Conversely, beautiful horn has an elegant quality about it that can really dress up a gorgeous blade.
O yeah, the new "Gurkha Steel" video will amaze you. I believe the more you know about knives, the more you'll appreciate the master craftsmanship and your khukuris. Maybe we'll get a DVD unit when/if it comes out in that format; I've got this feeling that I'm gonna wear out the tape -- it's just that good.
May you be well in this special season....Dan
- Joined
- Oct 6, 2000
- Messages
- 567
Alright it's done.
After I get some memory for my comp, I am pretty sure I am going to get the Cheetlang. I am so impressed by....well, everything about it
. I really, REALLY like the handle.
Craig, is there anyway I could get it in Rosewood? How much extra? Thanks!
Warthog
After I get some memory for my comp, I am pretty sure I am going to get the Cheetlang. I am so impressed by....well, everything about it
Craig, is there anyway I could get it in Rosewood? How much extra? Thanks!
Warthog
Warthog, I'm certain you'll be delighted with the Cheetlang...a wise choice. I don't mean to answer for Craig, but I seem to recall him saying in a posting someplace that there were only 3 rosewood Cheetlangs, and the horn models were a bit nicer. But Peter Frye was telling me that he saw them and they were a little smaller and he also preferred the horn models. Well, one can't argue taste, but I would put some trust in getting the same word from both Craig and a master knife maker.
I had also talked to Craig about one in rosewood, and he said it would have to be a special order, and to wait until January. Yet, didn't David (the Brit chap) get one of the 3 and love it? (I don't think he had seen the horn to compare, tho.)
Sorry, I guess I'm tryin' to he'p yew and doin' it all rawwnng! Suffice it to say that the horn is the majority vote getter. I'm also a wood kinda guy, and think my horn Cheetlang is without a doubt "the great one". I can't imagine you would be disappointed with it.
Let us know what happens...Dan
(Truth is relative; in fact He's my brother.)
I had also talked to Craig about one in rosewood, and he said it would have to be a special order, and to wait until January. Yet, didn't David (the Brit chap) get one of the 3 and love it? (I don't think he had seen the horn to compare, tho.)
Sorry, I guess I'm tryin' to he'p yew and doin' it all rawwnng! Suffice it to say that the horn is the majority vote getter. I'm also a wood kinda guy, and think my horn Cheetlang is without a doubt "the great one". I can't imagine you would be disappointed with it.
Let us know what happens...Dan
(Truth is relative; in fact He's my brother.)