Best Khukuri for (semi-)ultralight camping

H

Huey

Joined
May 20, 2002
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I'm planning on mountain bike camping this summer, which means ultralight gear is preferred, but I do have a BOB trailer for my bike (a Yak, no less!), so I can cheat a little bit and take a few heavyweight items too.

With this in mind, what sort of Khukuri would y'all recommend? I would want something that serves as both camp hatchet and machete and dead-serious cuttlery. What's the best compromise between functionality and light weight?

Thanks.

-Huey in Minnesota
 
I've got a short little villager (14" overall length) that's designated for backpacking duty. It will chop things up to a few inches thick with no problems, but I wouldn't want to build a cabin with it. The sirupati, with its narrow blade, also makes for a lighter knife, with only a small tradeoff in chopping ability.

Think about what you're goint to use it for most - if you're going to do lots of chopping, get something bigger. If you're only going to cut a few sticks for a campfire, go smaller.

Also, watch the weights - two knives in the same style could differ in weight by nearly a pound!
 
BAS. I take mine backpacking and it tackles all duties admirably. A 18" siru or GS would work too but the BAS seems better for chopping.
 
Also, watch the weights - two knives in the same style could differ in weight by nearly a pound!
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Yep, good advice. After handling a few different BAS's I'd have to agree with Munk. I would also say that a 15" AK that comes in on the lighter side would be nice as well.

What's your upper weight limit you're willing to carry knife-wise? This might help us steer you one way or the other. I would say that I handled a 15" Sirupati of ArchAngel's and despite it being one of the finest weapon khuks (and perfect in everyway!!!)I've seen, I wouldn't choose it for camping only because it might be a little light IIRC.

again, see above quote.
 
Uncle Bill,

Are you still offering the Baby Ganga Ram?

I can't find it on your online store.

Dan
 
I agree with all about the BAS. The 15"Siru. is a bit light, but the 18" with the extra length will hold it's own with the BAS. If you are concerned about weight they are probably good choices. There are others that compare well in the weight class, but then you run into a size difference.

Having worked the BAS and the 18" Siru a lot now, I would not hesitate to take either on a camping trip and not feel that I don't have enough knife.

Still, there is always that old thing of personal preference. The final descision is up to the individual who has to carry the weight. But, whatever you take with you I hope you have a good time, and I am sure you will.:D
 
I'll put in my .02 worth for the 15"AK. I've been using mine for a hiking khuk, and it will definitely handle most of what you'll face while biking/camping.
 
Yes Sir, there is little doubt about whether the 15" AK will handle camping chores or not. Just a little over kill for sliceing bacon though. Bur the karda can handle that. :)
 
14" Villager would be my choice if you only had to chop the occasional log over 4 inches or so. Otherwise it probably is the best compromise between chopping ability and weight. Depends if Uncle still has em' in stock. Otherwise I think a BAS or 15"AK will do just fine. Ask for a lighter one. I have a 21 oz. AK which isn't too heavy and is good fer choppin'. You may want to get a custom sheath for it. Banging around all day in a trailer may not be the best thing for the standard HI sheath.
 
Originally posted by Pappy
But the karda can handle that. :)
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The only experience of Khuks is a poor quality souvenir, and my AK hasn'rt arrived yet......

are the HI kardas much good to use, or are they 'for show' more than anything else? I know theyre just epoxied into the handles but don't know much else.
 
Both the Karda and chakma in HI products are usable. I find that the chakma is indespensible as a tool. The ones that come with the 12" knives are a little small though.
 
Originally posted by Bill Martino
It's there. The 18 inch Ganga Ram Special.
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Whew! Thought I was losing it for a minute. I got confused and thought the Ganga Ram came in a 15" version.

Ok, now back on planet Earth...
 
Originally posted by a_punker
are the HI kardas much good to use, or are they 'for show' more than anything else? I know theyre just epoxied into the handles but don't know much else.
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I think they're great knives. I'm currently making one into a neck knife.
 
raghorn = what part of Central/Northern Idaho do you hail from?
 
As you already realised, there are questions here that you need to consider. My first choice for versatility and lightness where the emphasis is on light weight would be the 14 inch villager (17 ounces). A close second is the 15 inch sirupati (13 ounces). If you can carry a bit more weight and need a little more chopping power, I would take my 15 inch BAS (21.5 ounces). However, my favourite overall survival knife is my 16.5 inch (28.4 ounce) chiruwa AK. Although heavier than the others, it seems to be proficient at just about anything and is not too heavy to carry, although I do carry it on an army webbing belt with shoulder straps. This knife takes up virtually no more room than the BAS and there ain't too much it could not be used for - except as a replacement for a machete.
 
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