Choice for 1st HI Gurka?

WarrenR

WarrenR

Joined
Dec 27, 2003
Messages
314
Greetings everyone...I'm a newbie to the forum as well as Gurkas, and
have spent the last few days drooling over the posts and pics of these fine blades. I was wondering if someone can help me out for a future HI Gurka purchase?

I live in the country and spend a good amount of time each late winter/early spring taking down brush, small trees, and large trees around our 7.5 acres of mountainside. From what I've read so far, a Gurka may make this work a little lighter and pleasurable than my usual use of loppers, axe, and chainsaws. Standing only 5'4" I'm a smaller guy but built sorta stocky.

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions...
Like I stated, I really don't know squat about these but accept the fact that it's a matter of time before I'll need to add one to my knife collection, only for real duty use. From what I've read, it sounds like the 15"/16.5" Ang Khola is a real chopping workhorse, but may lack in the light brush (vines, scrub,etc.) cutting dept...sound right? The WWII 16.5" sounds like it will gream in the chopping dept. also, but may not be so suited in the cutting dept. either...right? The Gelbu Special I'm unsure of...looks like maybe better for smaller stuff but unsure of its use in the larger chopping arena...Please set me straight...

I'm also wondering how the blem for 50% off deal works and what I'm really looking at spending to own one of these?
I'm not being cheap at any means, but money is tight right now due to the holidays (+ all the knife gifts for the family) and like I said I intend to really use this on a routine basis (glamor isn't necessary). Like anyone I guess, I'd rather get my 1st HI Gurka that's suited more for me and for the work I intend to perform while having a nice balance and grip to minimize fatigue. What grips would be better, horn or wood based on your experiences? Do you specify what you'd like or is it more cost effective to take what's available? I'll accept any and all input (please, go light on the criticism ;-)
You guys sound like great forumites...
Thanks in advance and Happy Holidays to All
Sincerely,
Warren
 
Most likely you will get a million and one different answers.

Me...I like my WWII 16.5". Good weight, and good length. I would personally suggest this one as a great first.
 
The word you need to get used to is Khukuri. Uncle Bill or Yangdu can't sell Gurkha's. They are soldiers. The Khukuri is their weapon of choice for close combat. Not making fun of you just trying to get you headed straight.

JJW didn't steer you wrong either. The 16.5" WWII is truely a work horse. If you later find that it is too heavy for the vines and smaller stuff you are cutting you can think about a Sirupati 18 or 20". The Kobra seems to do well for many and it is lighter than almost any of the other blades.

When I have had to cut some of the trees around this place I cut the trunks with the Chain saw and the limbing is done with the khuk's.After we all recuperate from the expense of Santa Claus The knife buying will probably improve for most of us.

For a long time I did pretty good with my 15"AK on limbs up to 4" or 5". The AK's are the king of the choppers if all your work is heavy. Like every one else I don't see how a person can get along with only one khuk. Once you get one and use it a lot you will know just what I mean. One Thing for sure, Crocodile Dundee didn't have a knife. What ever you decide I hope you love it like I do the few that I have. :)
 
Thanks Pappy and JJW for the replies...
I really don't need soldiers...wood-cutters maybe, but not soldiers 8-).
I guess it goes along w/ the the old saying the screwdriver can't be the universal tool.
Most of the time, I'm cutting 12"-18" Oak and Hickory trees. Certainly a job for the chainsaw alone. I'm sure I wouldn't get too much accomplished trying to drop these w/ a Khukuri, other than looking like Popeye after a few weeks.
I haven't checked but is there a big difference between a 16.5" AK vs a 16.5" WWII? My rationale is leaning now more towards a chopper. But what about the Gelbu Special? Is this designed more for all around use?
Thanks,
Warren
 
If your looking for a chopper, then the 16.5 AK is that. I have the wood handled Chiruwa AK. It's replaced my Redwing hatchet. Seems that I can't even remember where or when I last used my hatchet. It's "my go" to all duty blade. Until I get into a bit heavier stuff. Then I grab the 18in AK.
 
The WWII 16.5" OAL is my choice when I don't know what I'll be using it for.

It is the one next to my bed most of the time.

I also am 5'4" tall, and size 8 shoes, gloves, ring finger, etc., but the 16.5 has a handle large enough for those much taller.

I have two 18" WWII's, one in horn handle and one in wood. They are excellent for 6' guys, and can be used by me. My problem with them is they are too good to return, but don't have the magic feel of the 16.5".

The 18" WWII came about this way. The blade used on the old style Hanuman ( monkey god ) was IIRC, a dui chirra ( double fullered ) blade. Uncle Bill asked the kamis to put that blade on a regular handle. What happened was when he opened the shipment they had reversed it. They put a WWII type blade on a Hanuman carved handle. It came in at 18" OAL and was marvelously balanced. It was in fact closer to an 18" Sirupati blade, but they didn't make any 18" long blades at the time. It was called the Hanuman Special to distinguish it from normal Hanumans.

When they tried to order a similar length with a regular handle and the blade of the mistake, they ended up with the slightly stretched blade on a longer handle. Beautiful worker blade, and with the longer length could outperform some heavier khuks, but it's magic balance was gone.

They later started making 18" Sirupatis, which are darn close to the Hanuman Special. Beautiful fighting and lighter chopping blade, and mine sometimes sits next to the bed. But it isn't the "everything" knife the 16.5 WWII is.

A fourth knife you might consider is the 20" Sirupati. The extra length over the 18" models adds just a touch more stoutness and the thing is good as a medium fighter, and a heck of a chopper.

Number five suggestion is a 15" ang kola and number 6 is a 16.5" Chiruwa ang kola ( Chiruwa and Panna Butta mean roughly "riveted-through" ) with slabs on each side of a full width and length tang. Regular tang khuks also have a full length tang through the center of the handle extending out the end of the buttplate and peened over. The common description of this type of tang is "rat-tail". But on HI khuks we like to refer to them as kangaroo or alligator tail tangs.

Read the two sticky posts above. Pre-compose a letter to Uncle Bill leaving the date, special wanted, and so on, then check the Morning posts for the specials. ( Don't hold me to this but I think the specials ended the day before Christmas for the holidays and may not resume until he gets back home. ) Regardless, get the letter drafted so you can fill in the blanks and fire it off to UB's email addy before anyone else.

What happens when UB puts up the specials has been described as a bunch of Great White sharks in a feeding frenzy.

I believe any of the khuks described will easily outperform your expectations.

And welcome to the forum. We are a bit weird at first, but 'fore too long you'll be actin' that way yourself.
 
... taking down brush, small trees, and large trees around our 7.5 acres of mountainside ...
Click to expand...
Warren

IMHO 18" WW II is one of the best choice for your case. You needs a real good combination of length, weight and shape of Khuk. Khukuri Dynamics - khukuri shapes, sizes and performance provide good infos about it.

I have a 18" WW II but not 16.5" WW II. It is one of the most versatile Khuk. I keep it in the bonnet of my car all the time for any emergency usage during travelling. I might suggest you to choose 18" GS if you need it for MA purpose as well.

18" WW II is more superior than 16.5" WW II in comparison (i.e. just my 2 cents):
1) It has better reach.
2) It has longer sharp edge.
3) It must be slighly heavier than 16.5" WW II.
4) It has wider blade.
5) 18" WW II has the same shape as 16.5" WW II.

It doesn't matter with your height of 5' 4" ... but size of your arms, hands and wrist does matter. Anyhow, I guess you better pick 16.5" WW II if you have a small size of arms, hands & wrist.
 
The 18" WW2 is a great all-around blade. I love mine. Great "feel" and balance, and strong as you need.
The AK is a great chopper though. I only have the smallish 16.5" Chiruwa AK. But it sure does the job.
(The 25" Sirupati does the job a LOT quicker but it's not as comfy to carry :) )
 
You WILL get a 15in AK. Why not get that part over with, and then go from there?

Welcome.:)
 
Thanks everyone for the ideas and info...
I hate it when there's so many decisions!
I think I'll wait for Uncle Bill to post some blem specials for a larger 'chopper' like a 16"/17" Chiruwa ang kola or a 16.5" WWII.
I can see looking at all this is going to be real great for my two daughters' college/wedding funds. Im sure you guys are gonna be real supportive too...

About a month ago I picked up an (elcheapo?) KhuKuris on eBay that
I think I'll sharpen & give a try for cutting light brush & stuff. I don't know what it is. It probably wont last long because it's light (12.9oz @ 15.5") but what the heck. I figured it was just a display/conversation piece (not sharp at all) so I'll try to put an edge on it and see if it'll hold me over till I get an HI.
Anyways, thanks again and Happy New Year everyone!!!

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from what I see, certainly not an HI...just a hold-me-over
'till I get one
-WarrenR
 
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