AK or CAK

Sharp Knives 86

Sharp Knives 86

Joined
Oct 27, 2009
Messages
783
Ok so right now I'm thinking of getting an Ang Khola as my next knife (though I still haven't ruled out the M43) and I'm torn between a 16.5" to 17" CAK or 18" AK. I have a few questions for those who own either, what is the blade length on a 16.5" CAK. Also I know the CAK is warranted as a prybar but are there any disadvantages on a full tang knife? I read hidden tang models have better shock absorbtion. Also are full tang models really that much stronger than hidden tangs?
 
I do not have either, but the CAK is warranted as a pry bar, so I imagine its the stongest - of course if I was getting another it would be the m43...
 
I think the Chiruwa (full tang) models may indeed be a bit stronger, but it can't be much. I also haven't noticed a great deal of difference in shock absorption between the two handle styles. I have noticed a difference in comfort between the two. I find the traditional handle on my Vojpuri to be more comfortable than that of my M-43. That's not to say the the M-43 isn't comfortable, just that I like the Vojpuri handle a bit better. In answer to your question, I'd get the regular AK.
 
Sharp Knives 86 said:
what is the blade length on a 16.5" CAK. Also I know the CAK is warranted as a prybar but are there any disadvantages on a full tang knife? I read hidden tang models have better shock absorbtion. Also are full tang models really that much stronger than hidden tangs?
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Blade length on a 16.5" CAK is approximately 12". The only diadvantage is that they are slightly heavier. Hidden tang models are somewhat more shock absorbant because your hand is not directly in contact with the tang and the laha absorbs some shock. Some people notice it, others don't. Yes, Churwa style is that much stronger because of the larger surface area of the tang.
 
Carolina River Rat said:
I think the Chiruwa (full tang) models may indeed be a bit stronger, but it can't be much. I also haven't noticed a great deal of difference in shock absorption between the two handle styles. I have noticed a difference in comfort between the two. I find the traditional handle on my Vojpuri to be more comfortable than that of my M-43. That's not to say the the M-43 isn't comfortable, just that I like the Vojpuri handle a bit better. In answer to your question, I'd get the regular AK.
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+-1:thumbup:
 
I mainly like the chiruwa handle because the extra steel in the hilt helps balance out a longer/heavier blade.

My first H.I. is a regular AK. It's still my #1 hard work power chopper and I've been chopping with it for years now. That tang is plenty strong enough.
 
I have a CAK and have never been bothered by handle shock. There are no sharp points on the exposed tang - I didn't have to mod it at all. Rock solid and highly recommended. The fact that you can use it as a prybar if necessary is a definite plus.
 
I'd been wondering about this, too. My Mom may get an HI for a gift, and the hand-shock issue was the only thing keeping me from recommending the CAK, right out of the gate. The warranty being as tough as it is, it would seem to be the most reliable choice for the completely uninitiated user.
 
If you're holding it right, you'll have a fairly loose grip, and IMO, the additional shock from a Chiruwa handle is not noticeably more than a regular handle.

If you have a death grip on it, you might notice.
 
I prefer the Chirua handle for balance and IMO it absorbs shock more comfortably. My wife however prefers the traditional hidden tang and IHO it absorbs shock for her better...sorry for the obtuse answer, I did have to chop a bunch with one of each to get to evaluate this for myself though:)

Mark
 
I just got a Chiruwa Ang Khola yesterday. Chopped a limb with it that I had recently chopped with a traditional hidden tang handled khukuri and didn't notice any difference in shock. This particular CAK measured 16 1/8" long with a 10 1/2" blade.
 
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