Best factory kukri for under $100.

Absolutely check out HI's villager finish working khuks or one of their "Deal of the Day" blems. Great tools made by a vanishing cottage industry that you can help support!--KV
 
DShiflet said:
Uhh, no, everything else is NOT just a "kukri like object". Khukuri house makes real kukris, and theirs are actually used by the people who made the kukri famous, so I'm fairly sure that's not just a "KLO".
Click to expand...

My language was not clear on the matter. Presumably there are in fact other sources of real kukris...besides HI. However I do stand by my statement in terms of the concept of the KLO. Only a real kukri is a real kukri. I went the KLO route as well for a little while, not believing it either. When I got one, I knew in about 5 minutes that if you are into the kukri, only a real one will do. If it is just another sort of "big knife" to a person, then I would reckon the distinction would be lost. I too though of it as just another "big knife". Turns out I was wrong. Others may not feel the same.

In this case, the OP is looking for a good kukri for less than $100. Himilayan Imports is the only source that I can recommend and since he's asking about a kukri, I will only recommend a real one.

Mileage on this matter will vary from individual to individual...as it does on "super steel", the whole "Gerber question", the "Cold Steel question"...etc.
 
DB731 said:
How does Ontario compare with CS in terms of quality, wrt to the kukri?
Click to expand...

The Ontario for the $65 or so dollars beats the CS kukri machete in fit/finish, handle comfort, weight, and balance. The CS machete is a great tool but just a kukri shaped machete.

The CS Gurkha Kukri is a whole different story but at 2x to 3x the cost of the Ontario not really in the same league.

I personally own 30-40 kukris from mid 1800s victorians to modern day pieces. Believe me when I tell you Himalayan Imports is the real deal for a traditional, Nepal made kukri. Don't just look at the knife but your whole buying experience... quality kukri, local USA shipping, unparalleled warranty, good communication, competitive pricing, great resale, and a loyal online support group here when you become addicted to buying kukris.
 
..so the Ontario is still a full weight knife, even though they call it a machete?

http://www.ontario-knife-store.com/ontario-combat-survival-kukri-machete/

As far as CS, I meant this one: http://www.coldsteel.com/Product/39LGKT/GURKHA_KUKRI.aspx

or this one: http://www.coldsteel.com/Product/39LGKI/GURKHA_KUKRI_PLUS.aspx

or this one: http://www.coldsteel.com/Product/35ATCJ/SAN_MAI_III_GURKHA_KUKRI.aspx

I think they're insanely overpriced, but I was curious how they compare with Ontario..or perhaps another quality manufacturer?
 
I don't think Ontario calls their kukri a machete. (it's .25 inch thick) Ka-Bar calls their kukri a machete (about .16 thick)

I like the CS Gurkha kukri but the original question was best kukri for under $100. The best price I've seen even a used CS Gurkha sell for is about $100.

The Ontario at it's price point (for a modern made kukri) really stands alone. I had a Condor HD kukri and sold it. Too short, too thick in the tang (read unbalenced) and it needed some serious edge reprofiling (too thick at edge). Sure it was heavy duty but overall there are better choices available.
 
I bought three of the Condor Kukri this spring, and then gave two away to friends who desperately wanted one.
It's a solid blade for sure, every bit what I expected, absolutely recommended.
 
HoosierQ said:
My language was not clear on the matter. Presumably there are in fact other sources of real kukris...besides HI. However I do stand by my statement in terms of the concept of the KLO. Only a real kukri is a real kukri.
Click to expand...

Sure, I agree, only a real kukri is a real kukri. I wouldn't be recommending a CS kukri machete or the Kabar kukri either, at least not to someone looking for a kukri. But Khukuri House does make real kukris, and you can get them for under $100 as well. I think there's another company too, with like 4 initials and an & symbol that I can't for the life of me recall right now. I was simply saying that HI isn't the only one making real kukris, not that there's anything wrong with HI.
 
So if you took an Ontario Kukri, a CS Kukri, and a genuine Himalayan Kukri to some brush and chopped all day, which one would you expect to perform the best and/or show the least wear?
 
All three will perform "well to great" and will probably need some touch up at the end of the day. Now, if you're going down that route, I'd say that most of the tools (machetes, hawkbills,...) found in great garden department stores will fit the bill at the lowest price for roughly the same (or even better) efficiency. It will be a tool (only a tool), not A KNIFE (insert Dundee voice here...). I think you get my point. It's about efficiency, OK, but the main matter is pleasure... Just my POV.
 
I contacted Yangdu at Himalayan Imports. She said that they did not have the kukri that I was looking for and would not get one for sometime and try back next month.

I was looking at some kukris from GK&CO. Kukri House in Nepal.

Has anyone purchased one from this company and were you satisfied with the quality?
 
I have a 15" ang khola from GK&CO and it performs great. The fit and finish was below a HI kukri but for a beater it works good.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top