Buying First Khukuri. New and Torn!

J

John Shields

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Oct 11, 2009
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142
I hijacked a thread for a page and a half and decided it best I just start my own. I'm torn and I really need help with deciding. Now I'm sure in the end I'll be buying multiple khukuri... so throw suggestions out there for definite future purchases. But right now I want to focus on the first of many.

Now, this is exactly what I need:

- Light and agile
- Good natural feel and form
- Ability to be used in MA training and light work

The recommendations made to me so far were the Chitlangi, and the M-43. The M-43 seems too hefty to be how light and agile I want this knife to be. But feel free to correct me if any of my understandings are misinformed.

I settled on the following:

- Sirupati
- Chitlangi
- Kobra
- M-43 (still keeping it in the mix)

Now what I'm also torn with is the size. Inside elbow to tip of fingers I'm at about a little over 16 inches. The "overall size" as its referred to seems to be the running length along the knife (this is how I understood it), and not tip to end straight across.

So, an 18 inch overall length seems like I'd get at least 13 inches of blade. That's almost my length (elbow to tip). That seems rather big. 15 inch variations almost seem too small.

So I'm torn all over and I want to get that order in here soon! ;) So, what do you guys think? I'm wanting to incorporate this into Martial Arts so that's key, but then if I need to chop something I want to have something of an impact (the Kobra seeming to be far too light/thin for that).

So let's have it! What am I ordering? :D Pictures to detail your suggestions and points would help a LOT (especially in regard to sizes).

Keep in mind I've read the FAQ's and the threads like this one and I only get more torn and confused. I also haven't found a good reference when it comes to size. I want this first to be hard to beat and fit my needs.

EDIT:

I did some more poking around and just when I thought I'd visited every page on the site I found a new one. This images shows how the measuring is done and what it refers to:

PowellDrawing01.gif


Of course that still doesn't translate for me. Be easier to see in someones hand I think. I only wish I could jump over to where these guys were based out of (Nevada I believe) and physically hold some of them to really see. But I'll take everyones word on it here.
 
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I had the same dilemma once (I am also an experienced martial artist having continuously trained for over a decade in several hard and soft styles). Well, but then again, I ended up owning more than a dozen HI products in a short period of time (going toward 2 dozen now). So I am now at the "khukuri for every occasion and then some stage." Many forumites here can relate.

But looking back, I'd say a Sirupati would be ideal for your situation. I'd recommend anything between 15" and 18." I'm lucky enough to have a 16" horn-handled Siru made by Vim that fits perfectly into a very well made scabbard. I'd consider it a great "fighter."

I'd consider a Siru ideal for your situation for several reasons. First, it's a light, fast, and well balanced khuk (the weight distribution is still somewhat forward, allowing it to be a decent chopper despite its slender shape). Second, a Siru is still quite strong and sturdy because it has a pretty thick spine just like the heavier big brother AKs and no fullers (unlike the Chilangis, which I also own). The Chilangis are great if you like the very gratifying aesthetic appeal of the khuk and arguable better balanced for forms and such (I think if my Chilangi were 16" instead of 18.5", it'd be faster than the Siru, but the Siru would be a better chopper and tougher because of the forward weight distribution and the lack of fullers; at least going by the khuks I have). And finally, the Siru just has the look and feel that says "I may look simple but I am a real workhorse." Mine lives in my trunk partly for that reason.

Don't get me wrong though, I love both khuks and think both are beautiful in their own right. The scrollwork on the Siru is quite unique and contributes to its simple elegance.
 
Again my recomendation goes to the M-43. The weight of my two M-43'3 are 24 and 27 ounces. That is the same weight as most of the blades you mention even in the 15 inch variants.

The M-43's are also very surprisingly fast and agile, far more so than would be expected form the blade.

The M-43 also lends itself very well to a very instinctual and natural ease of use.

You could also go with a 16 and 1/2 inch WWII model. but the=y dont handle quite as well as the M-43. Nor do they lend themselves to the thrust as well.

The 15" BAS is also fairly good.

As to the Sirupati don't underestimate a 15" sirupati especialy in the weapon role, but it is far inferior to the M-43 especialy in the tool role.

As me and Wolf were discussing in the thread reviewing the super CAK the M-43 does indeed do the best job of combining the two roles.

You could also look into getting Yanghdu to get you a Sgt. Khadka Chiruwa Ang Khola. They are not a standard item and are a beast of their own.
 
topgun0728 said:
I had the same dilemma once (I am also an experienced martial artist having continuously trained for over a decade in several hard and soft styles). Well, but then again, I ended up owning more than a dozen HI products in a short period of time (going toward 2 dozen now). So I am now at the "khukuri for every occasion and then some stage." Many forumites here can relate.

But looking back, I'd say a Sirupati would be ideal for your situation. I'd recommend anything between 15" and 18." I'm lucky enough to have a 16" horn-handled Siru made by Vim that fits perfectly into a very well made scabbard. I'd consider it a great "fighter."

I'd consider a Siru ideal for your situation for several reasons. First, it's a light, fast, and well balanced khuk (the weight distribution is still somewhat forward, allowing it to be a decent chopper despite its slender shape). Second, a Siru is still quite strong and sturdy because it has a pretty thick spine just like the heavier big brother AKs and no fullers (unlike the Chilangis, which I also own). The Chilangis are great if you like the very gratifying aesthetic appeal of the khuk and arguable better balanced for forms and such (I think if my Chilangi were 16" instead of 18.5", it'd be faster than the Siru, but the Siru would be a better chopper and tougher because of the forward weight distribution and the lack of fullers; at least going by the khuks I have). And finally, the Siru just has the look and feel that says "I may look simple but I am a real workhorse." Mine lives in my trunk partly for that reason.

Don't get me wrong though, I love both khuks and think both are beautiful in their own right. The scrollwork on the Siru is quite unique and contributes to its simple elegance.
Click to expand...

That's what the general look told me and the brief descriptions I've run into. Unfortunately it's 15" or 18". I think if there was a 16" I'd probably have picked that.

I'm just not entirely sure where to proceed. I don't doubt I'll end up with quite the stock in the end, but I'm trying to avoid having to buy a lot to "get it right" for the first one.

After that one, I can always go and try other styles and sizes.

wildmike said:
You could also look into getting Yanghdu to get you a Sgt. Khadka Chiruwa Ang Khola. They are not a standard item and are a beast of their own.
Click to expand...

I definitely haven't ruled out the M-43. It gets a lot of praise and I can almost guarantee that I'll own one. The question is, does it fit what I'm looking for in a first? That I don't know and I'm just going to take what you guys say, and then try and sift out the best option.

As for the CAK you mentioned... I didn't see any references to it on the site but have heard about the "Sgt. CAK" here on the forums. What's the differences between it, and the "standard" CAK (in terms of style, size, weight, etc)? What's the general pricing differences too? I'm not too concerned about a little difference, but if it's significant ($100+) then I'd need to pass with Christmas so close.
 
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Hey John,

Relax a bit. I think you'll find this "process" quite fun looking back even though it may be a little stressful now (if you can even call it that; I mean seriously, it's like asking a kid to pick out his favorite candy in a candy store :). Being a martial artist (I assume you've had some weapons training), you can probably become comfortable with a variety of knives and the bottom line is you can probably do no wrong with many choices being offered to you. There really is no such thing as having bought a "wrong" khuk. It'll grow on you. And as Uncle Bill has wisely said, the right khuk will find YOU.

That said, I CAN offer you another piece of helpful suggestion. Since all HI khuks are hand-made, the length can differ by an inch or 2. If you want a 16" or a 17" khuk, just talk to Yangdu (email her or call her and I think you'll find she's a gem to talk to) and see if she can pick one out for you that comes close to what you are looking for. Other than that, enjoy the process. :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:
 
topgun0728 said:
Hey John,

That said, I CAN offer you another piece of helpful suggestion. Since all HI khuks are hand-made, the length can differ by an inch or 2. If you want a 16" or a 17" khuk, just talk to Yangdu (email her or call her and I think you'll find she's a gem to talk to) and see if she can pick one out for you that comes close to what you are looking for. Other than that, enjoy the process. :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:
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If the general consensus was that 16" would fit better, I'd probably send that e-mail and ask. But then I'm not entirely sure what length is best. Most knives are easy, you can tell size and go from there. With these and the curve, it just makes it more difficult to gauge.

But yeah, I have plenty of toys laying around the house. Everything from daggers, knives, swords, bows, pistols, rifles, etc etc. I don't think that'll ever stop. I even have some armor pieces to add to the mix. What I hope to do in the end is either build a smaller training area (I have a decent sized back yard that could house a small building (attached to the house) or I can turn the cluster of a garage into a training area. That said, I'm going to end up housing all of these things there and display them. I can only imagine what a khukuri wall will look like. :P

As far as MA training goes, I've done a little of everything but nothing that involved weapons like these. This is a new concept for me (having that curve and not a traditional straight blade, or even a "straighter" katana style curve). I'll definitely be looking into existing techniques with these knives specifically (though I highly doubt there's anything like that around here. I may end up digging through books instead).

Anywho... definitely looking forward to seeing what you guys think.
 
John there is another set of pages on the site under kukri faq's. It is an evaluation of all the differnt models from a technological standpoint. It is what I used to decide on my first kukri from H.I.

There is a thread on the forums right now which is a review of the Super CAK by Wolf1989. It may give you some other info.

The Sgt. Khadka blades are made by an independent Kami in Nepal. He makes some very high quality distinctive knives. I have one of his CAK's on order now. Should be here in around a month.
 
If you're looking for a khukuri that is as much weapon as it is a chopping tool, IMO the Chitlangi and M43 are the best picks.

The difference being:

The Chitlangi has more of sword-like feel, similar to a Sirupati of equal size but it cuts a bit better than a Sirupati.

The M43 is heavier duty and chops better than the Chitlangi and it better for chopping logs.

The M43 strikes faster.

The Chitlangi recovers from a blow faster (JMO, my brother disagrees).

Both can stab/pierce fairly well.

IMO both are very close when it comes to agility in motion. The form of the M43 makes it very fluid and flowing in the hand. The Chitlangi is well balanced for use as a combat blade. I say they balance about equally but each has a different 'form' of balance. I really can't explain it in words. Those who have used both the Chitlangi and the M43 understand.

Both are very graceful in overall form and visually appealing.

I would say:

- if you need a khukuri for heavier use, get the M43.

- if you don't necessarily plan on using it to cut down large diameter trees, get the Chitlangi.

Both are perfect choices for a balance of tool and weapon.

I have a scale I have developed ranking khukuris from purely weapon to purely chopping tool.


Here it is, if it helps:

From 1 to 5

1 being purely weapon, 5 being purely tool
``````````````````````````````````

Common khukuris offered by Himalayan Imports:


1 - Kobra, Movie Model, Bura Snake Model

2 - Sirupati, Dahrain Chitlangi, Panchthar Chitlangi (2.5), Chainpuri, Malla, Gelbu Special (2.5)

3 - Standard Chitlangi, m43 (3.5), British Armed Service Model, Katunje

4 - WW2 Model, Yeti Hunter, Bura Dui Chirra, Tin Chirra

5 - Ang Khola, Ganga Ram, Bonecutter, Bagh Bhairab

But read my Super CAK review because I need to revise my scale as the Super CAK is a 1 and 5 at the same time without being a compromise between the two.
 
First of all John please let me say, "Welcome to the Cantina!!!!!":thumbup: :cool: :D

John as you've so aptly figured out there are some extremely varied weights among all the H.I. Khukuri...... Any of the khuks on your list should do just fine if you're careful to get one of the lighter ones..... I can never recall word for word how my Bro explained that a lighter khukuri could/would cut with what seemed like a heavier khuk's mass because of it being able too be swung faster than a standard weight khukuri of the same size.....

You might also consider adding another khukuri to the mix..... And it's the Bura Dui Chiarra, IIRC they come in 10" - 14" - and 18" lengths.
I tried to find a pic but it's really late or early for me depending on your POV..... ;) :o :) and I didn't have any luck.....

.
 
Yvsa said:
You might also consider adding another khukuri to the mix..... And it's the Bura Dui Chiarra, IIRC they come in 10" - 14" - and 18" lengths.
I tried to find a pic but it's really late or early for me depending on your POV..... ;) :o :) and I didn't have any luck.....

.
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What is the weight on that one? It seems rather thick from just the few images available (only a couple show up to me, the rest show the Photobucket picture).

EDIT:

Oh and by the way, I have begun what is probably many e-mail inquires into what's been recommended for me. Then I'm sure I'll be sold on each and every one of these.
 
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When researching my first buy I was unsure about size. I ended up with a 15 inch Bonecutter by Sgt, which I find to be just right for all around use. It chops quite well and does not tire your arm after extended use. I can also swing it around at light vegetation and still stop it without excessive effort. If you are leaning more towards a sirupati/chitlang/kobra, then a couple more inches would be alright I imagine. I guess the whole point here is that I too thought 15 inches was abit small. That is until it arrived and I got to feel it in my hand. I don't have any experience with the long/thin models but I from what I have read they make pretty decent choppers and hold up quite well.
 
Argh... I'm still at a loss. It's pay day and I can FINALLY order up my knife and I'm so torn (actually more now than I was before). There's just too many I want. Anyone ever have that problem too? :grumpy:

I guess I'm down to the following as my final pick for my first one:

- CAK
- M-43
- WWII

Looking through that picture thread has ruined me. I can only imagine myself come the end of 2010 and I have an entire wall filled with these guys.

I'm also still torn between sizes. I guess by default some of these are 18" but then a few also have 16"-17". So this really doesn't help.

I think I'm going to sleep, and when I wake up, I'll make the decision. I'll go for one this week, and one next week (or the week after... possibly order that S-CAK which will be in sometime in November).

If you haven't posted any pictures of those above that I'm looking at, please do. It'll help in my decision.

thesmokestack said:
When researching my first buy I was unsure about size. I ended up with a 15 inch Bonecutter by Sgt, which I find to be just right for all around use. It chops quite well and does not tire your arm after extended use. I can also swing it around at light vegetation and still stop it without excessive effort. If you are leaning more towards a sirupati/chitlang/kobra, then a couple more inches would be alright I imagine. I guess the whole point here is that I too thought 15 inches was abit small. That is until it arrived and I got to feel it in my hand. I don't have any experience with the long/thin models but I from what I have read they make pretty decent choppers and hold up quite well.
Click to expand...

After seeing the pictures I thought about adding in the Bonecutter too. I just don't know if I could add more mayhem to the mix.
 
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