Anyone know much about Cold Steel ATC Kukri?

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Loosearrow

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This was a very thick spined Kukri. I have only seen the thin ones from Cold Steel. Carbon V I believe. Can't seem to find much info on it. Thanks.
 
I had one for a short while when stationed in Germany, but it was stolen. I didn't get to use it much, but for the little while I had it I liked it.

I'm not overly blister-prone and the one I had gave me a small blister in the web of my hand.
 
They chop well are a good general design, but blistering and sticky wear prone handles were always a bit of a problem with them.
 
I've never owned one, but I know there were two versions - ATC and LTC. The ATC was the thicker version.
 
Loosearrow said:
This was a very thick spined Kukri. I have only seen the thin ones from Cold Steel. Carbon V I believe. Can't seem to find much info on it. Thanks.
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I have one and it's a decently balanced rendition of the Khukuri. As most mentioned, the rubber handle detracts, but I wear gloves when using it, so it's less of an issue. I had Blade-Tech make me a heavy duty kydex sheath for it. That old-school Carbon V sharpens very well and I can get that thing razor sharp. It's almost 5/16" on the spine and pretty heavy, but it does have a great full-flat grind.

ROCK6
 
Loosearrow, I have one that is pretty much mint that I picked up a few years ago for like $50. Turns out that was a pretty good deal even if you aren't into COLD STEEL.I chose not to use it since I have so many other similar blades although it looks like it would take care of most any chopping task you put in front of it? It is a massive piece of their Carbon V. If you want I would be glad to take and post some pics beside other knives and list its measurements and weight for you?
 
I have one- not in Carbon 5 but in there subsitute for it- SK 5. I love it. It has a funny balance that takes a bit of getting used to, but I think that is more a property of the kukri shape than anything (it was my first kukri)
It is a beast in the woods and does anything I need it to do from brush clearing to taking down small trees to splitting hardwood. It holds an edge suprisingly well through heavy use too. I have logged some good time in with it and have not had a problem with blisters but your miliage may vary. I find the handle quite comfortable and ergonomic actualy but again that could be different for someone else.
It is also my home defense go to weapon since I sold off my guns and until I replace them. As a weapon I see it being devastating- brutal attacks with the edge, better on a thrust than you would think to look at it, even the spine can deliver a debilitating blow to a forearm, knee, elbow or head.
All in all I'm very happy with it. The only thing I would improve is I would like a more definitive crossgaurd but that does not seem to be a design element of any kukri.
John
 
You can find some of the Kukri blades back when they were made by camillus on Ebay.
 
I have 2 each of the shorter thicker as well as the thinner and longer versions in Carbon V.

What do you want to know?
 
Thanks Buddha. Was just trying to gather info before I decide to take the plunge. I have an old Kukri that I love and thought something massive like that would be interesting in Carbon V. Looks like a workhorse and haven't heard much about them. Not made anymore. Thanks for all the info. If you could get one at a decent price, when you own an original, would you buy it? It is a thick piece of metal but has a lot of belly to it. Good for skinning? Or a multipurpose tool? Regards.
 
NDWoods said:
I have 2 each of the shorter thicker as well as the thinner and longer versions in Carbon V.

What do you want to know?
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If you could pick one, not counting the San Mai, which one would you get if the ATC was still available?
 
Loosearrow said:
If you could pick one, not counting the San Mai, which one would you get if the ATC was still available?
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For "in the woods" work I really liked the 15 inch thinner version. There were not a whole lot of those made, but the cutting power with the continuous curve was awesome and I still had decent reach. Other than those that I own, I have not seen one of these in years.

If you are not having to reach towards the grounds as much, no briars and heavy trail clearing, the more common version which was shorter and thicker was more versatile. It took off good size limbs with a single cut, and could still do some of the finer work with fire prep and shaving on sticks.

I think if you can find either at a decent price you should buy it. They are only going up in value.
 
The LTC version (same profile, thinner steel), is one of my favorite blades. I'm not a huge cold steel fan, but the LTC outperforms almost every other big knife I have ever owned, when it comes to slashing brush and chopping logs.

I was really bummed to see that they discontinued the LTC / ATC and only make the Gurkha Kukri designs now. IMO the LTC was a better, more unique blade.


You can still get the same basic blade profile of the LTC, made with a cheap steel and handle, in the form of the CS Kukri Machete.
 
A few shots of the LTC, along with a bunch of knives that it handily outperformed in chopping and brush clearing.

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I was fortunate enough to land one of Cold Steel's very rare HTC Gurkha Kukri blades. These had a 15 inch blade ( versus the normal 12 inch) and the blade was a thinner version (.125 thick). It has a great sheath and cuts like a small sword.

I would love to find a back up unit for it. But I called Cold Steel and was informed that they quit production on the HTC back around 2003. If you all ever find one on Ebay or any of the knife forums I highly recommend that one.

I have 2 of Cold Steel's other Gurkha Kukri blades but the HTC is by far my most favored one to take to the timber.
 
Thanks for all the information. I decided to pick it up since I probably won't have the opportunity at another. I suppose I can use it and see what it will do. I couldn't find much on in on the net.
 
If you decide you don't like it, let me know - I would be interested in having the LTC's big brother :D
 
MustardMan said:
If you decide you don't like it, let me know - I would be interested in having the LTC's big brother :D
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I will keep you in mind should this not work out after playing with it for awhile. It looks like someone used it and rolled the edge somewhat near the tip. A new sharp edge will do that sometimes till sharpended a few times. It is not chipped out. I thought mable a smooth butchers steel may roll it back. I do not have a slack belt sander to sharpen it. What kind of edge are you using? Convex would be nice, but I do not have a slack belt sander. I do have a paper wheel that I have not tried using yet. Dont't want to learn on the ATC. Mousepad?
 
I have exhaused all of my google fu on this subject and cannot find out much information on a noncoated ATC. I guess I will have to call the company and see what they have to say about the production. I now have to decide if I am going to keep the secondary grind on it or try my hand at a convex edge. What do you all think? Suggestions?
 
A none coated ATC would mean that it has been stripped .... probably by the original owner .... Carbon V as a steel has plenty of info about it on the net .... done by Camillus for CS .... I think it is 1095 off the top of my head but it should be easy to check ....

I have a Carbon V ATC .... had it since it first came out .... used it initially and then put it away because the handle checkering was uncomfortable .... after investing in some tools like a dremmel and a belt sander I used a dremmel drum to remove the chequering and the grip is 100% improved. I convexed my edge on the belt sander. Mine is the equivalent of your Harbour Freight 1 x 30 .... cheap but does the job ...

Hand sharpening a khukri blade is probably the hardest of shapes to be able to do .... you can see why the Nepalise use a soft heat treatment ( compared to Carbon V ) and use a hardened steel smaller blade to sharpen it ... the name of which escapes me right now but it is late over here and I'm a bit groggy ...

I have'nt tried it but a mouse pad and wet and dry paper would be quite hard to do as well ...unless perhaps you used a small block and moved that and kept the blade still ....

With large blades I would definately recommend buying a cheap belt sander and spend a while getting the techniques right on cheaper machetes .... again there is a wealth of info on using these and on selecting the right belts on the net ....

The CS Khukri's are for me their best product .... you have a good "chopper" there once the handle is made more comfortable and you give it a good edge ....
 
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