Bushcraft Khukuri and Left-Handed Sheaths?

D

DannyBoy2k

Joined
Jun 15, 2010
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I've been eyeing khukuris for several days now and am ready to purchase one. Based on the dozens of recommendations, Himalayan Imports sounds like THE place to order from. I was hoping to get some recommendations for a general all-around khukuri for camping/bushcraft use. Would the British Army Service be the best model to fill that role, or should I look at another model like the Ang Khola?

Also, are left-handed sheaths available for any of these models? Being a lefty, I find that left-handed sheaths are not available, but I figure it can't hurt to ask.

Thanks!

~Dan
 
sorry - didnt check which forum the thread was in - delete
 
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Any of the models that are warrantied for field use are a good start:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=653192
1) Chiruwa Ang Khola (the only khukuri warranted for use as prybar)
2) Ang Khola
3) British Army Sevice
4) World War II
5) M-43
6) Ganga Ram Special
7) Bonecutter
8) Pen Knife
9) Ang Khola Bowie
10) Amar Singh Thapa Khukuri

If you want to do some major chopping with some lighter work thrown in, then the big bruisers would be tops:
Chiruwa Ang Khola (the only khukuri warranted for use as prybar)
Ang Khola
Ganga Ram Special
Bonecutter
Ang Khola Bowie
Amar Singh Thapa Khukuri

For a well rounded tool, the middleweights rock:
World War II
M-43 (probably the best choice for middle of the road)

If you want light, machete-like duty mostly, then a Sirupate, Gelbu Special, or Tamang knife would be a good pick
 
A 15" AK or 16.5" WWII.

As left handed sheaths go, you can always order one with a left handed scabbard, "flip" the scabbard around in the frog, or have one made/make one yourself.

Welcome to the forum:)
 
I would say anything around 15 inches and 20 ounces should be about right. I have a 15" Ganga Ram Special that has cleared a fair bit of forest but at 23 ounces it does get heavy after a while. I have been keeping my eyes out for a 20 ounce BAS.
 
Personally, that is what attracted me to the Chiruwa Ang Khola in the first place. Very tough, something you want when you are in the bush. You rely on something like that.
 
I think the logical place to start is the smallest kukri that will do the job, the BAS. Small, light and balanced, it can do big jobs well, meduim jobs better than most and is probably the best at doing the smaller "camp type" jobs. By far it is the easiest to carry and is the most packable of the full sized models.

Once you get used to that you will know if you need something bigger.

Bill
Virginia
 
alexanderkbaker said:
I would say anything around 15 inches and 20 ounces should be about right. I have a 15" Ganga Ram Special that has cleared a fair bit of forest but at 23 ounces it does get heavy after a while. I have been keeping my eyes out for a 20 ounce BAS.
Click to expand...

I agree with this. I have had quite a few khuks over the last few years, but most of my really big ones have left the stable. And I don't particularly like chiruwa handles. The hidden tang models, to my mind, offer the best combination of balance and toughness.

The WWII, the BAS, the Ganga Ram, the Ang Khola, the Pen Knives are the khuks I have the most experience with, and my favorites are between 15-18" in length.

They chop well, carry fairly well, and won't tire the arm as rapidly as the larger models.

Andy
 
While I prefer the CAK myself, I'd say that the M43, being a great all-rounder will either fill your needs perfectly, or will tell you which way you want to go from there.
 
Hi Dan. Welcome to the Forum. HI used to be able to get you a left-handed scabbard. I don't know if they still do...an email to Yangdu would get your best answer. Some guys were happy with removing the scabbard from the frog, turning it around and reinserting into the frog. Some didn't like this since it left the karda and chakma handles hanging on the outside with greater potential of them getting knocked loose and/or lost in field carry. Carry them in a pack?

As to which one to recommend, that question has been asked as far back as you can go in the Archives. You're getting good advice from the gang here. The most common ways of choosing is to pick the style that is "speaking" to you or to call Yangdu and get a recommendation from her. For extended carry you'd probably want something between 13-16" for the reduced weight and still have a usable tool. The BAS, WW II, AK or "Baby" Ganga Ram Special can be found in this size range (various times for various models).

Welcome to our disease, have fun and be safe.

Peace

Rick
 
Dan,

Check out the post titled "02/08 DOTD Sirupati". I too, am big into camping/bushcraft and find that my Sirupati (similar to the one in that post) performs any duties associated with these activities incredibly well. It excels at splitting firewood (batoning), clearing back brush and can easily chop down a 2" diameter tree in under a minute. I carry mine in my pack so its size (17.5" OAL) isn't a problem. Of all my khuks, it's my personal favorite for bushcraft.

I also have a 16.5" WWII, a 16.5" ASTK (w/left handed sheath) and a 12" Pen knife; all of which make for excellent camp blades depending on what you might consider the blades' primary function to be.
 
Thanks for all the advice! I ended up emailing Yangdu directly and ordered an AK 15" with left-handed scabbard that I hope to have by month's end. I went with the AK as I think I was looking for more of a chopper in my first khukuri, but look forward to trying some of the other models discussed above.

Thanks again all!

Cheers,
Dan
 
For chopping, an AK won't let you down. If you get it sharpened well, it's surprisingly good on soft stuff, too.
 
Glad to hear that your first khukuri is in the pipeline Dan. The AK is a workhorse and a fine choice. I know that it'll be a while but let us know what you think when you get it and again after you've been in the bush.

Rick
 
Good luck with fending off the addiction. I've got another coming myself, and I can guarantee I'll be buying more. HI makes beautiful knives, and it's hard to go wrong with any of their product.
 
be sure to send us pictures when it comes in the mail!

sharing your addiction is the only hope for a cure!
 
about the left handed scabbard - i like the scabbards that come from HI - on my Falcata which is closer to a sword i am having a scabbard made for it right now and it should be done in a couple of weeks.

There quite a few aftermarket sheath makers out there so find out about them if you ever decide to have one made

After exchanging several emails i really like the attitude of the guy making it for me - i saw in other places on the forum that he has a good reputation.

well anyway i wrote more than i planned on - good luck to you with future sheaths and such. I have read several post in other places on the forum of left handed guys having a hard time with the sheaths of several different knife companies.

Eric
 
It's here! Arrived a few days ago, but I've been swamped and just now able to take a few pictures of it. I tried to take a close up of its markings as well as I'm always interested in the history of the blade. Any thoughts as to the maker?

Hope to post more thoughts later when I can crawl out from under this mound of work.

Btw, does the loop at the top of the frog serve a specific purpose?

Cheers,
Dan

Click for larger:




 
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