Ang Kholas by kami & weight

[Ugly Duck]

I just ordered my 1st khukris - two Ang Kholas by Bura. Out of curiosity, I looked at the Ang Kholas in the DOTDs of the last 10 pages (since May) to see if certain kamis tend towards weightier blades on the AK models. Looks like kami Get is forging the heavier AKs & master kami Bura is forging the lighter ones. Here are the AKs listed by weight for each size category:

20" AKs
20 inch 47 ounce chiruwa Ang Khola by Get Bhadur Kami. $110

20 inch 44 ounce chiruwa Ang Khola by get Bhadur $110

20 inch 40 ounce chiruwa Ang Khola by Get Bhadur kami. $110

20" 38 oz AK by master kami Bura $160

20 inch 35 ounce Ang Khola by Bura. $75

20 inch 35 ounce Ang Khola by Bura. $75

18" AKs
18 inch 40 ounce Chiruwa Ang Khola by Get $100

18 inch 36 ounce Chiruwa Ang Khola by Get Bhadur Kami.. $95

18 inch 35 ounce Chiruwa Ang Khola by Get Bhadur Kami. $100

18 inch 35 ounce Chiruwa Ang Khola by Get Kami. $95

18 inch 35 ounce Chiruwa Ang Khola by Get Bhadur Kami $85

18 inch 33 ounce Ang Khola by Rajendra kami. $80

18 inch 31 ounce Ang Khola by Rajendra Kami. $95

18 inch 31 ounce Ang Khola by Dil Bhadur Kami. $85.

18 inch 28 ounce Ang Khola by Dil Bhadur kami. $95

18 inch 27 ounce Ang Khola by Vim Bhadur. $95

16" AKs
16.5'' 29 ounce Chiruwa Ang Khola by Vim Bhadur Kami. $95

16.5" 28.2oz AK by kami Get or Khadka Chiruwa style $115

16 inch 28 ounce Chiruwa Ang Khola by Vim Bhadur Kami. $90

16 1/4'' 27 ounce Chiruwa Ang Khaol by Get Kami. $85

15" AKs
15.5'' inch 27 ounce Chiruwa Ang Khola by Get Kami. $60

15 inch 25 ounce Ang Khola Bowie by Vim Bhadur Kami. $125

15 inch 24 ounce Ang Khola by Shaila Kami. $60

15 inch 23 ouce Chiruwa Ang Khola by Get Bhadur kami. $75

15" CAK by kami Get or Khadka - 23oz $105

15 inch 23 ounce Ang Khola by Shaila Kami. $65

15 inch 22 ounce Ang Khola by Bura. $65

15 inch 22 ounce Ang Khola by Dil Bhadur kami. $65

15.5” 22oz AK by master kami Bura $115

15 inch 21 ounce Ang Khola by Get Bhadur Kami. $75

15 inch 20 ounce Ang Khola by Bura. $90

I also noticed that at $160 for a 20" & $115 for a 15" I paid the most for AKs.... the $160 AK I just bought is even a blem. We might be seeing the effects of inflation right here in the HI forum. The dollar is being devalued against foreign currency and domestic inflation is starting to rise. We better get while the gettin is good.....

 

[Steely_Gunz]

It is also important to point out that Yangdu not only fights a weakening dollar, but since the Maoists control most things in Nepal, they tend to stick their finger in the pie. That raises costs as well, unfortunately.

 

[Berkley]

I also noticed that at $160 for a 20" & $115 for a 15" I paid the most for AKs.... the $160 AK I just bought is even a blem. We might be seeing the effects of inflation right here in the HI forum. The dollar is being devalued against foreign currency and domestic inflation is starting to rise. We better get while the gettin is good.....

OTOH, the "good old days" were even worse.

In 1999, a 20" AK sold for $250, which translates to $321.18 in 2008 dollars.

 

[wildmike]

My Bura made M-43 is quite a bit lighter than my Sheila made M-43. The Bura blade is my first and feels much more lively in the hand. The difference is in spine thickness as both blades are good and thin toward the cutting edge. The first time I contacted HI for information, the catalog was a series of polaroid snapshots and the prices were over my budget.

 

[Ugly Duck]

It is also important to point out that Yangdu not only fights a weakening dollar, but since the Maoists control most things in Nepal, they tend to stick their finger in the pie. That raises costs as well, unfortunately.

Boy I'll tell ya I've been getting quite an education since I stumbled onto this site a couple of weeks ago. At first I just wanted a kuhkri because my machete is too long for some brush work that I have to do. Then I became interested in the culture of the kamis. Became aware of the hardships & tough economic situation in Nepal. Now Steely_Gunz points me towards the problem of Maoist extortion against the people. After reading up on it, this isn't just about me hacking the brush out of the creek any more. I dunno what, but I just feel like I should do something to help. One of those "inner voice" kinda things.

I don't think I have the income to support the kamis by being a collector if the DOTD prices stay high. Recent DOTDs for a 20" AK averaged $96 until the last couple of weeks.... I just paid $160. 15" AKs averaged $76, mine just cost $115. If that trend continues, I can't afford to keep buying khukris. But I can afford to make donations. Is there some way to send gifts to the kamis? Stuff that they can use to get by, something to help them pay off the Maoists or to reward their helpers with? Even in mortgage-crisis inflation recession depression trade-deficit falling dollar America we have enough to share with Nepal. The photos of the kamis & helpers & their families on this site call out to me. There's gotta be some way to help.

 

[Steely_Gunz]

You're good people, Mr. Duck When Yangdu gets back from her trip and settled in, we'll have a good picture of how the country is getting along. She'll fill us in on what they might need.

 

[wildmanh]

a few years ago when Uncle Bill was around a DotD price was about $50 off most blades except the smaller ones. So I blade that normally cost $195 (20" AK) would be $145. I've seen them less recently. Sometimes it also depended on what was wrong or how generious Yangdu was feeling. I've seen expencive blades marked at half off recently and think it's crazy all the while I wish I had the cash to snag such great deals.

I've payed full price for some blades and gotten some at crazy deals and others at standard deals. It's not about the price so much to me. It's about being able to afford the one that catches my eye when it comes around.

As to the OP I have an unmarked 15" AK thats probably about 12 years old or more. Uncle Bill sold it to me for cheap. Thing is built like a tank, 1/2" thick spine and weighs closer to two pounds. It's only good at chopping wood, it's not a brush blade but it sure does chop. I've seen 2 identical looking khukuris from the same Kami weigh or balence differently because of how they wanted a blade to perform. While other Kamis (Kesar who no longer works there) would pretty much make the same thing the same way over and over.

If you find what you think would be your ideal weight VS size then email Yangdu and ask. She's pretty good hooking people up with their dream blade. And if it's not your dream blade it will be for someone else so selling it shouldn't be a problem. Good luck with your search!

Heber

 

[Ugly Duck]

As to the OP I have an unmarked 15" AK thats probably about 12 years old or more. Uncle Bill sold it to me for cheap. Thing is built like a tank, 1/2" thick spine and weighs closer to two pounds. It's only good at chopping wood, it's not a brush blade but it sure does chop. I've seen 2 identical looking khukuris from the same Kami weigh or balence differently because of how they wanted a blade to perform. While other Kamis (Kesar who no longer works there) would pretty much make the same thing the same way over and over.

If you find what you think would be your ideal weight VS size then email Yangdu and ask. She's pretty good hooking people up with their dream blade. And if it's not your dream blade it will be for someone else so selling it shouldn't be a problem. Good luck with your search!

Heber

Thanks, Heber. I don't have an "ideal" yet because I haven't used a kuk yet. I ordered a 15" and a 20" AK because they both have 1/2" spines & I read good things about AKs for heavy chopping. They haven't arrived yet, but I gotta feeling that I made the right choice judging from the feedback on this site.

Now I find myself interested because of the cultural aspect. Also seem to be mesmerized by all the pics of the shiny objects. There's just something hypnotic about the pics of khukris. Wonder what'll I'll be like after I actually touch one.....

 

[Karda]

Wonder what'll I'll be like after I actually touch one.....

You will immediately upon touching it,become infected with the dreaded HIkv (Himalayan Imports khukri virus) and you will welcome it. You will undoubtedly be tempted to forego paying bills and other such extravagance to obtain just one more for your "collection", and you will enjoy it without worry. your collection and pride will grow, even as your wallet shrivels and you will think of nothing else but....which one do i need next?:jerkit:

there is no immunization against it.
there is no cure.

and you will end up like the rest of us.....with far more handmade sharp shiny objects than one person can use in a single lifetime.:foot:

 

[wildmanh]

Thanks, Heber. I don't have an "ideal" yet because I haven't used a kuk yet. I ordered a 15" and a 20" AK because they both have 1/2" spines & I read good things about AKs for heavy chopping. They haven't arrived yet, but I gotta feeling that I made the right choice judging from the feedback on this site.

Now I find myself interested because of the cultural aspect. Also seem to be mesmerized by all the pics of the shiny objects. There's just something hypnotic about the pics of khukris. Wonder what'll I'll be like after I actually touch one.....

UD since both have 1/2" thick spines I'm sure that they will make great choppers, but you will probably need something a little thinner and or lighter for lighter stuff like brush and small branches. If you have a camera would you please post pictures of your AK's when they arive? I'd love to be able to compare your 15" to mine. Does it have a horn or wood handle?

The cultural aspect of things is very cool. I talk about it with friends from time to time. When I buy a product from companys I like to know the history behind it. And the history and evalution of the Khukuri is very interesting. I don't blame you for getting interested in the cultur. Got a French style Hawk for my Birthday and have been thinking of learning more about the old fir trade and how the people lived who did that. Please stick around and share your ideas and thoughts with us.

Heber

 

[Ugly Duck]

If you have a camera would you please post pictures of your AK's when they arive? I'd love to be able to compare your 15" to mine. Does it have a horn or wood handle?

Here's the DOTD pic of the 20" blem:

20" AK by master kami Bura
Weight - 38 oz
Spine - 1/2"
Buffalo horn handle
$160

Here's the DOTD pic of the 15" AK:

15.5” AK by master kami Bura
Weight - 22oz
Spine - 1/2"
Clean rig
$115

 

[Ugly Duck]

When Yangdu gets back from her trip and settled in, we'll have a good picture of how the country is getting along. She'll fill us in on what they might need.

OK... my wife & I are making a donation to the The Nepalese Youth Opportunity Foundation to free kids from slavery & pay for their education. When Yangdu gets back I'll ask her about how to help the kamis who make our knives. Now I can swing my khuk with a bigger smile on my face....

 

[Tohatchi NM]

Ugly Duck - welcome to the khuk experience. Use your khuks and enjoy them - the kamis appreciate it. You don't need to feel guilty about not buying more. Whatever fits the budget. The HI crowd has also been continuing a project that Uncle Bill started, helping offset med. school costs for one of the kami's sons. Steve Ferguson coordinates. If he doesn't wander in and fill in details, you can PM me and I'll give you contact info.

 

[Piso Mojado]

It is also important to point out that Yangdu not only fights a weakening dollar, but since the Maoists control most things in Nepal, they tend to stick their finger in the pie. That raises costs as well, unfortunately.

A weakening dollar is ancient history: the world's currencies have fallen off a cliff in relation to the dollar, with Asian currencies (ex Japan) leading the lemming high dive. For example, US vs. Australia: on July 15 a US dollar was worth AU$1.02, on October 10 it was AU$1.53. If it doesn't end in a global reenactment of The Great Depression or The Road Warrior, 2009 should be a great year for Americans to buy khukuris — if they still have money to buy anything.

I won't bore you with my views on the Maoists — not a fan — but they've been very clear about two things: they want Nepal to stop exporting children and starving farm girls, and they want to start exporting manufactured goods. I consider that positive.

 

[Munchi Kool]

When Yangdu gets back I'll ask her about how to help the kamis who make our knives. Now I can swing my khuk with a bigger smile on my face....

As you get better acquainted with the Forum you will read where a Kami has had a health issue or what-not. All you need do is say to Yangdu that you would like to make a donation to ease their burden. It is easy go to the online shop http://yhst-7333098713883.stores.yahoo.net/ and make a purchase and in the comment section write "please use this as a donation to help Kami ABCXYZ"

Those who live in developed nations like the US, Canada, Britain and Australia sometimes do not realise just how much a donation of even $US20 can make in a country like Nepal.

It sure is nice helping others while getting that HI blade you desire!:thumbup:

 

[Munchi Kool]

A weakening dollar is ancient history: the world's currencies have fallen off a cliff in relation to the dollar, ...
For example, US vs. Australia: on July 15 a US dollar was worth AU$1.02, on October 10 it was AU$1.53.

Tell me about it! Many thanks for appreciating my pain!

I was lucky in buying 2 Khuks at 0.96cents to the US dollar in July.

But now the $225 HI blade I'm interested in will cost me $349.51 Aussie dollars.

All purchases are now being reconsidered.:grumpy:

 

[Cpl Punishment]

I think everyone is counting pennies these days.
I just make a plan and include fun money and pay into that like it's a bill. Otherwise, I'd never be able to get anything.

 

[wildmanh]

Here's the DOTD pic of the 15" AK:

15.5” AK by master kami Bura
Weight - 22oz
Spine - 1/2"
Clean rig
$115

Thick but relatively light!! My 15" AK is 8 onces heavier with a thicker edge. Bet yours will still be a great chopper! Looks like a Typical Bura blade, really well done!! :thumbup:

Heber