"Best" Length and Weight?

J

jmpainter

Joined
Sep 11, 2008
Messages
140
I currently own a 12" and a 25" Sirupati.
Thinking about selling or trading them for a middle of the road choice.

I am a Martial Artist (I teach Knife and Stick among others) so I like a quick blade.
The 12" Sirupati handle doesn't fit my hand well.
I like to have a good work blade for clearing brush and bamboo.

I already own other knives, swords and machetes....what is the best representation of the classic Khukuri?

Thanks,
john
 
I dont know what the "classic" sirupati weight/length is... you might be able to dig that up in the archives, they go back to the paleolithic... However my 17" 19oz sirupati works wonders in clearing brush and the handle is just big enough to get half of a second hand on it for more controlled/more powerful chops
 
John, I hear ya. I am an experienced martial artist too and train in the sword and knife arts regularly in addition to the hard and soft styles (all Korean arts that have sister arts in the Chinese and Japanese styles). Since my HI journey began a couple of years ago, I've searched for the blade that I can take to the dojang and practice with regularly (when no one is around with a live blade).

I started with a 16-inch Siru by Vim that I really liked. However, the weight distribution is noticeably forward with that piece and it feels like swinging a little hammer or axe after a while. Of course, knowing that, I have modified my techniques to take advantage of that aspect of the blade (lots of chopping/slashing and downward circular motion that would let gravity help my arm and aid my swings). Then I discovered the 15-inch Katunje. It feels great as a martial blade, has less of a forward weight balance, and feels much more like an extension of my arm. I went to the Katunje as my go-to blade. And then, after several months, I was lucky enough to acquire a 14-inch BDC. I did not expect it to perform as such initially, but after handling it and performing several short forms and techniques with it, I can definitively say that it has the best weapon-like characteristic of all my HI collection. It's balanced excellently (almost does not feel like a khukuri) but due to its HI-trademarked thickness, would be a monster of a chopper as well. So, I found my calling in the BDC.

Perhaps my BDC just has the right balance that I'm looking for, but I would suggest that you give it a try as well. The BDC tends to sell inexpensively and the fullers are gorgeous to look at. If funds permit, I would also pick up a Katunje (Auntie Yangdu's signature knife) too as it has a very unique spine and beautiful patterns on the blade, and just also a great all-around blade to handle.

Just some thoughts on alternatives to the Siru. Like you, the Siru was my first go-to blade and I still love it. The Katunje and BDC called out my name along the journey.
 
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I have to say I brought my sirupate and Tamang knife to a friend of mine that is into Eskrima, and he preferred the Tamang (it is one of the longer 18.5" models) over the siru for weight distribution and balance.
 
The best length for me is between 20" and 22" OAL.

At 21" the standard Chitlangi's length and weight is about perfect.
 
One of the recent Gelbu Specials by Rajkumar would probably fit the bill. The last one was 17 1/4" and 16oz. My 18", 23oz GS feels very neutral in hand and not forward like the Siru. Also, a little over a year ago Sgt. Khadka made some Chainpuris that were very light in ratio to their length. If any of these show up again, I feel that they would be worth considering. I'm not in any martial arts, mind you, this is just my opinion.

Rick
 
The Tamang is a brush cutting machine, bit like a machete. My siru is more like a regular khuk, with a forward balance that provides better chopping efficiency.

As for best length and weight, that's subjective. Mine is still my Foxy Folly at 17 inches and 27 ounces. Perhaps it could be lighter, but that may impact on effectiveness when used on hardwood or something. Regardless, I love it.
 
I'm personally pretty fond of the 18" OAL. Now, my usual weapons are Chinese broadsword and long spear, so I am used to the weight balance of a heavy blade. So I actually go for a heavy khuk over a sirupate for my martial arts practice. But the 16" blade is a good length for fighting, regardless of blade thickness.
 
Thanks to all for the great info.
It gets very confusing digging through the online catalog.
 
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