Chitlangi vs. Gelbu Special

S

ShamrockWill

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Jul 7, 2011
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Which do you prefer and why? I'm am choosing between these two for my first khukuri. therefore it will be my "do everything" khukuri. I am interested in the 21 inch models. The 21" Chitlangi says it weighs about 2lbs which is my limit. How much does a 21 inch Gelbu Special weigh. I am also considering the 18 inch models. I am big and strong but want something I can take hiking easily. Thanks all! -Will
 
I like my gelbu special. I like the closed cho. Either of the khuks would be great but 21 inches is pretty large for a knife unless you are doing a ton of brush clearing. I'd get the 18" gelbu special.
 
How much does your 18" Gelbu Special weigh? The 18" chitlangi is 1.5lbs which I think would be a perfect weight. I want a Gelbu or Chilangi as long as I can get it, while still weighing 2lbs or preferably even less. If the 21" Gelbu weighs less than the 21" Chitlangi then I think it is the one.
 
can anyone give a detailed comparison between these two blades? It would be much appreciated. I am extremely anxious to order and have one of these on the way but I must choose which one first and I've been deliberating for 3 or 4 days now. Thanks! -Will
 
I thought I would like the larger/longer khuks better too, so I always picked up the 20" models. That is until I held 15-18" models. I think they have a better feel to them, even if they're the same weight as the longer ones. I kind of liken it to doing one-arm curls with a dumbbell vs. a barbell. Even if they're the same weight, the smaller dimensions of the dumbbell in one hand makes it feel a hell of a lot better a barbell in one hand.

As far as general Gelbu vs. Chitlangi, although I never had a Chitlangi I think I would like it better. The Gelbu feels fine, but I'm a fan of the bigger pommels at the bottom of the handle. The Chitlangi has a nice, big bell-shaped pommel that I would think help balance it better than the Gelbu.
 
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With everyone saying 20" is too long I guess I'll go with 18". In that size which of these two makes a better all around Khukuri. I'm slightly leaning towards the Chitlangi but Pala's statement about the Gelbu keeps drawing me back to it. Anyone know how much an 18" Gelbu weighs? Also which is the better chopper? Tom F wrote that his 18" Gelbu chopped just as well as his 15" AK. Could that be true?
 
It could be true -- a lot of the advice you'll get will be quite anecdotal and unique to that person using their unique khukuri. In fact, since each HI khukuri is going to be hand made, you'll see a lot of overlap in feel between one kami's Gelbu and another kami's Chitlangi (design differences such as fullers, pommels and chos notwithstanding).

And as Shortwinger mentioned in your other thread, don't sleep on the ASTK. Someone once called it a sirupati on steroids and I have to agree -- thinner, sharper profile ala Sirupati/Chit/Gelbu, but with the most substantial tang I've ever seen (ASTK tangs don't taper in thickness like the rest of the chiruwa models).
 
Such a tough call.... I have a 21 inch Chitlangi and 21 inch Gelbu Special. The gelbu is heavier and thicker but a small leaf of a blade. It seems to be the overall better hard wood chopper than my Chit, and that makes sense.
BUT, as I have said before in other threads, alot of it is in the technique. I like moving a blade fast and seem to go thru wood faster with my lighter Chit than with the heavier thicker gelbu even though traditional logic would suggest that the Gelbu would be better.
I believe if you will chop alot of hard seasoned wood or any wood in general for long period of time AND are into letting the weight of a chopping tool do the work (which I am not into, even when splitting logs with my axe; I like lighter heads that I can move faster), then go for the Gelbu. If you are like me and like to move a tool faster to chop wood and/or won’t do a whole lot of chopping with your Khuk then do the Chitlangi.

For light brush clearing: hands down, the lighter faster broader leaf Chitlangi Khuk.

As for weapon: hands down, the lighter faster broader leaf Chitlangi Khuk.

For looks: the Chitlangi Khuk. To me the most beautiful of all the Khuks in the HI line up

For a beater that you won't mind really putting it thru its paces: the Gelbu Special. Pala said he'd arm, if he had a choice, the Ghurkas with an 18 inch Gelbu if he had his druthers.
 
ps. this may appeal to you but when you have the money buy both and here's why: I TRAIN-swing with the heavier gelbu but I CARRY the lighter Chitlangi. Same type of sweet spot on both and they are exactly the same length but I rock out on my Chitlangi that much better after I work out with the gelbu for a couple of weeks. There's all sorts of little exercises you can do with your hands and forearms with the Gelbu that'll make the Chitlangi sing in your hand.
 
How big and strong are you Willywonka? I'm 6'1" 190lbs and quite strong. Will I be able to swing the 21" Chitlangi easily and take it on hikes or should I opt for the 18" model?
 
I'm 6 feet even, about 210 and very strong for my weight, don't know why. I do alot of functional workouts IE swinging 25lbs sledge hammers and full motion workouts with 45lbs plates etc. I can hold a 45lbs plate straight out both hands for over a minute no problem. I don't like traditional gym rat weightlifting anymore and find it somewhat pointless except for a nice sculpted look. And I don't look like 210; people usually think I'm 180 or 190 max. Once you get past the awe of the shear size of any khuk if you aint used to it and really learn to use it then the 21in chit will be a sweatheart swing for you. The 18 will be nothing for you to maneuver.

Anycase, do the 21 inch one- the weight will be negligable for u BUT carryability is the question: you aint gonna hang a 21 incher comfortably from your belt and do any sort of serious hiking or camping. Ofcourse it can be done but not in style or comfort. You'll have to come up with a baldric to carry a chit of that size or strap it to your pack. Also, I am warning you a 21 inch chit is a serious looking knife: if you are around people or the law it WILL attract not-good attention. my 16 inch WWII has waaaay less of a "Death baby killer extinction level destroyer" look than a 21 inch chit.
 
Thank you for the strength description Willywonka. Everyone on here asks about size but never about strength. You sound very strong. Just tried the lift you mentioned and only lasted about 40 seconds, your deltoids must be huge. I'm most proud of being able to do 22 pull ups in a single set and being able to bench my own weight 10 times. I'd like to hear more about the workouts you do. Maybe we can chat about that sometime. Sounds like I'm big and strong enough for the 21 incher. As long as its not concealed then I'm good to go with the law here in CA. Your posts have helped me a ton and I'm pretty convinced to go for the 21" Chitlangi. Thank you everyone for your input, it was much appreciated and I wish all of you the best of luck in life. -Will
 
This thread needed a photo of various Chitlangi sizes, thanks to Wolf_1989:

Wolf_1989 said:
...
Chitlangis6-16-08.jpg


26" Chitlangi - saatisal - kami Bura
23.75" Wolf's Battle Chitlangi - saatisal- kami Santosh
21.5" Chitlangi - horn - kami Sher
18.5" Panchthar Chitlangi - saatisal - kami Santosh
15.5" Chitlangi - horn - kami Santosh

...
Click to expand...
 
Hi Shamrock,

If i want an all rounder, Gelbu is my choice. Chitlangi and Sirupate are fighter's dream.
Let's put it this way:
Sirupate- lightest, Gelbu- Siru with 1 fuller, diff cho, Chitlangi -Siru with 2 fullers, diff.cho.
From Jankerson:
DSC_3031.JPG

From top: Chitlangi, Sirupate/Sirupati. CAK and Gelbu.
It looks to be Chitlangi has a much stouter approach.Notice the larger pommel on Chitlangi; it served as a stopper on your wrist to reduce the swing as well as maintaining the balance. With such construction it's a very scary and swift fighter.

Thanks to Steve, you may now see some differences within the Chitlangi families. I could see why Wolf1989 chose his 23.75" as Battle version; it is full tang with 2 rivets for tougher application.Chitlangi, Sirupate and Gelbu are Gurkha's staple other than the BSI.

attachment.php


You might want to read up the reviews of these 3:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/532465-Himalayan-Imports-15-quot-Villager-Chitlangi

I must admit, Chitlangi is a very attractive blade. In fact it's one of my treasured khuk too.
 
ShamrockWill, congrats on your purchase. May it serve you well.

I carry a 20", 24oz Sirupati made by Kami Bura. I an 6'5" and weigh 175 pounds. It's a great blade for slicing Pop cans, plastic bottles or trail clearing. Green stuff doesn't stand a chance against it. :)
 
Thanks Wildmanh. I just received my 21" Chitlangi yesterday. It's a beautiful one made by Tirtha. Unfortunately my eyes were too big for my forearms and this beauty is a bit too heavy for me. I'm bummed I missed out on the Gelbu blem from yesterday and the open cho Chitlangi one from today. Both of those were around the weight I am looking for. Oh well, next time I suppose. I'm still looking for a detailed comparison of Gelbu's and Chitlangi's. I guess the average weight is what is listed on the website for each model. 1.5 lbs for 18" Chitlangi and 2 lbs for 21" Chitlangi. Mine came in at 33oz (right on point, guess I have no one to blame but me). What is average for an 18" Gelbu? What about a 21" Gelbu. Of these two blades Chitlangi vs Gelbu which is better suited for chopping and which is swifter in the hand and therefore better suited as a weapon or light brush clearer? I've heard some say the Gelbu is swifter and some say it's the Chitlangi. I went for a Chitlangi for the looks because no one could answer this question definitively. Also does anyone know if HI will do exchanges. If so I plan on exchanging my 21" Chitlangi for an 18" Chitlangi or Gelbu Special. Willywonka and JayGoliath how much do your Chitlangi's and Gelbu's weigh?
 
Ho man, i told you an 18" is a better choice! But ya live and ya learn -- I'm sure no matter what anyone says, sometimes you gotta go with your gut and make your own decisions.

At any rate, unfortunately you're not going to get a definite answer about Gelbus vs. Chits because there is no definite answer. As I'm sure you're seeing, the weights between the two khuks, or even between two of the same model, vary greatly. In general, the Gelbus are supposed to be better wood choppers, but the difference in that role can be negated by the difference in how the Chit is built.
 
At any rate, unfortunately you're not going to get a definite answer about Gelbus vs. Chits because there is no definite answer. As I'm sure you're seeing, the weights between the two khuks, or even between two of the same model, vary greatly.-Moogoogaidan
Click to expand...

Indeed. I was thinking of getting you the weight of my Chitty and Gelbu but they are made differently (Chitty with Al handle and Gelbu with walnut handle, riveted at cho) but decided this is the best scoop:
It still depends on the Kamis who made it; Say the enigmatic Kobra model from Kumar, UBE from Sanu, Super CAK from Sgt.Khadka,Bhanduk from Rajkumar and etc.
Sher the Tiger used to make it super thick and Murali might just make it really slim.

I would pick the style of Kamis i like and combine that with the model i want, knowing very well they will enjoy making it THEIR style. Kamis aren't just crazy talented smiths, they are eccentric artists and that's what make EVERY single HI khuk special.:D
 
Shamrock,

That is a very heavy Chitlangi. Way heavier than my 21 incher which was about 25oz max. Your chit is very much like my gelbu special- about 21in and 32 oz, a real beast and sweet heavy chopper. I remember when I got my 16 inch WWII, that it felt very heavy and big for me and now I swing that 21in 32oz gelbu like nothing.

Give yourself some time with your new blade. To be sure you WILL get more khuks and keep searching for the elusive "perfect fit". Most khuk folk have more than one khuk just like a wood worker, lumberjack, or farmer will have more that one of any implement they use. Here's whats weird: I'll get a khuk, be like "Meh, not into this one" leave it be and screw around with the other khuks then come back to it and then that damned thing just starts singing to me, as though being with the other ladies brings out whats really special about this one, so to speak.

I think if you live with your blade abit and try her out you'll find you will grow to be able to handle it. Think of a khuk as a sword, hand forged for a warrior: although made just for him, he will have to marry himself to his new blade and learned from it and grow into it even though it might have been made perfectly to spec for him. We knife folk think that if a blade is made "perfectl" enough that somehow by design it will then perfectly perform anything we want it to, magnifying our strengths and shoring up our weaknesses as a person. It will be the perfect skinner, chopper, splitter, woodworker, thrower, defense blade we always wanted. More and more I do things the more I see it's my training with a blade, really ANY blade, that makes the difference; you just gotta live with that thing as though there's no other options in the world and you will very quickly figure out how to make do. More over, with a well made khuk you will start seeing the genius behind its particular design and the kamis' ridiculous skill in making them.

-worst case: just trade that puppy up if you dont like it or sell it: trust me it won't last long in the trade post. Lemme know if you r looking to find a new home for it.

:)
 
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