Chitlange vs sirupati

[Frank.M]

Hi,

Can someone explain the différences between the chitlange and sirupati kukri in use, handling etc ?

Or are there better alternatives for an allrounder kukri ?

Regards,

Frank Michiels

 

[davidf99]

Hi,

Can someone explain the différences between the chitlange and sirupati kukri in use, handling etc ?

Or are there better alternatives for an allrounder kukri ?

Regards,

Frank Michiels

Probably not much difference, since the blade profiles and weight distributions are fairly similar. The chitlangi is fancier and has those beautiful fullers on both sides, but I doubt it affects use or handling.

If you've been looking mainly at the HI web site, be aware that these blades come in a variety of weights and lengths, not just the one or two most common options displayed at the web site. Follow Yangdu's DOTD postings on this subforum to see some of the possiblities. You can use the search box in the upper right hand corner to find previous offerings of those models, with specs and pictures.

As for alternatives, many forumites have their favorites, but the model that has been recommended for all-around use by Pala (the owner of HI in Nepal) is the Gelbu Special. It also has a blade profile not much different than the chitlangi and sirupati, but is perhaps a little more robust. However, since these are hand-forged blades, any of these models might be a little beefier than any other in a particular instance.

Some people might recommend one of the heavy choppers, such as the Ang Khola, the M43, the Ganga Ram, or the WWII model. Of these, the only one that can truly be considered an all-around khukuri is the WWII. The others tend to be thicker and heavier than you really need for most tasks, although even here there are exceptions. Some of the 15" models (that's overall length) lately have been lighter weight than in the past. In my opinion, weight is more important than length, and a few ounces can make a huge difference in use. Of course it also depends on your strength and fitness level.

The least expensive all-arounder would be the KLVUK, which makes a great first khukuri. Again, use the search facility to find out about these. The KLVUK is not available at the HI web site, only here in DOTDs or by emailing Yangdu.

 

[wildmanh]

The Sirupati and Gelbu special are pretty much the same Khukri, except the Gelbu Special has a fuller and a closed Cho. The Chitlangi is pretty much the same, but normally has 2 fullers, a Fancy handle and the blade can be wider [edge to spine] to accomidate the extra fuller.

Though, I have seen Chitlangi's and Gelbu Special's that had the same blade shape and single fuller, but the Chitlangi still had the fancy handle.

As far as usage go, if the length, weight and balance are the same, I dought that you'd notice much difference. Case in point I've seen two WWII that were made by the same Kami, that looked the same and weighed the same, but felt totally different in the hand do to a vastly different banelce point. I've also seen AK's and WWII's, two different Khukri's that felt the same in hand. So, if all things that can be equal are, you won't tell much if any difference in use, they will just look different. That's one of the cool things about these hand made blades. Each one is built based on the Kami's interpretation and mood and design intent.

 

[snow and steel]

I'm going to need to hunt down or acquire a sirupati, chitlangi or gelbu special in the 18" range from ms yangdu soon. They have an excellent weight that if you're actually going to go, say, hiking with this thing strapped to you for hors, is much better than the heavier brethren, but still have enough force to cut most anything you'd need cut besides a entire tree down. As for cutting a whole entire tree down - well, just take the smaller limbs - never step on anything you can step over, nor step over anything you can step around. Why work harder when you can work smarter.

 

[ndoghouse]

I'm going to need to hunt down or acquire a sirupati, chitlangi or gelbu special in the 18" range from ms yangdu soon. They have an excellent weight that if you're actually going to go, say, hiking with this thing strapped to you for hors, is much better than the heavier brethren, but still have enough force to cut most anything you'd need cut besides a entire tree down. As for cutting a whole entire tree down - well, just take the smaller limbs - never step on anything you can step over, nor step over anything you can step around. Why work harder when you can work smarter.

The difference between the Gelbu Special, Chitlangi, and Sirupati even though they look similar is that the Sirupati has an edge profile closer to a fast light fighter with thinner edge less desirable for chopping hardwood splitting etc. Chitlangi is a balance somewhere in hte middle with thicker spine (sometimes) and a little more "meat" behind the edge making it a light fast knife still suitable for chopping but not heavy chopping. The Gelbu special has the same edge profile as the Ang Khola which is designed for chopping and heavy use but also has the deep fullers to lighten it up a bit without compromising the spine thickness. Sounds to me that if camping is closer to your desires than fighting then Gelbu Special or maybe even Chitlangi would be a good choice. I am partial to Chitlangi because they are an excellent compromise and they are downright gorgeous. Think about your environment when you choose. Springy vines bush (fast siru), green trees, etc..(chopper gelbu) varied environments (compromise Chitlangi).

Never step over anything that might have a snake under it unless you got good boots up to your arse