BAS stand in ?

S

SkipJunkie

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Jul 16, 2018
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I recently acquired a BAS model . For what I purchased this tool to do it does not disappoint . I was looking for a lighter Kuk for large belt "knife" camp task . Ive had no issues thus far . I was wondering if there's a model of similar weight that would/could push the limits so to speak and provide a touch more HD performance . Still wanting to stay within that large knife realm use wise . Not looking to fell redwoods , just a good capable camp knife !
 
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Maybe you might want to clarify.

What’s a BAS model?
How heavy is it (to determine a similar knife)?
What is “HD performance”?
 
strategy9 said:
Kabar BK9
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Yeah. I used a BK-9 a couple of years ago, bivvying for three nights in winter with snow. Did a very good job for me in terms of fire prep and anything else, TBH. I did have a folder that I used for cooking. Only thing I’d say is that I got aftermarket scales (walnut) and an aftermarket leather sheath. It’s a great knife to begin with, but mine is now better. ;)
 
BTW, as an afterthought I would add the following. I took my wife and younger two kids to the same bivvy area but in late summer, and still I took a forest axe! Doing solo trips without an axe or hatchet, if you are being minimalist and eschewing convenient camping stoves [I must have a masochistic streak in me], it is bloody hard work. With four people there is more of everything in terms of work.

Keeping fire going, fetching wood, water, edible flora, food prep, cooking, weather, shelter: it all adds up to constant work. Even with extra, useful hands, I was not going to baton or chop with a BK-9 if I could use a Hultafors Forest Axe of a similar weight having carried it in. It is a no brainer.

Next time I set off on my own in winter, which here is generally wet, cold and miserable, I will be taking an axe, rather than some big knife - machete, kukhuri, et al. Doubtless it will be this coming winter. I can never resist a hair-shirt.

You live and learn, and I am not getting any younger... ;)
 
If you like your BAS (I have one too, and it's awesome) you may just want to look at getting a similarly sized WW2 model or an Ang Khola model. Both are still khuks, so you would be familiar with them, and they wouldn't be so much bigger or heavier that they couldn't still do everything you were able to before. The WW2 in particular.
 
I'd look ask Yangdu about a 15" M43.

A bit heavier in terms of build over the BAS with a chiruwa handle. However it has the sweeping more martial blade of the larger M43 but still stays pretty neutral in the hand.

I've had one for 4 or 5 years. Does a number on firewood and remains more nimble than a WWII model in my hands.
 
Is your BAS from HI? If so and you want to stay traditional and with HI, I would recommend the Bonecutter. I would ask for a full sized lighter one and you will never look back. It is without doubt the best all around traditional kukri I have ever used. If someone gave me a coupon for 5 free HI kukri I wouldn't hesitate , I'd order 5 Bonecutters made like mine.

Also as Jake said above, another good option is the M43, however I would go with the full sized one and again, ask for a lighter one. I like the balance and power of the longer thinner blade rather than the thicker shorter blade. My full sized M43 weighed less than the smaller one and felt more comfortable in hand. But thats just a personal preference, you probably can't go wrong either way.

Good luck!
 
shortwinger said:
Is your BAS from HI? If so and you want to stay traditional and with HI, I would recommend the Bonecutter. I would ask for a full sized lighter one and you will never look back. It is without doubt the best all around traditional kukri I have ever used. If someone gave me a coupon for 5 free HI kukri I wouldn't hesitate , I'd order 5 Bonecutters made like mine.

Also as Jake said above, another good option is the M43, however I would go with the full sized one and again, ask for a lighter one. I like the balance and power of the longer thinner blade rather than the thicker shorter blade. My full sized M43 weighed less than the smaller one and felt more comfortable in hand. But thats just a personal preference, you probably can't go wrong either way.

Good luck!
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Are you referring to the 18" version ?
 
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