Choices of Khukuris

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lenoxmi

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Jun 18, 2004
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I don't own a Khukuri and was wondering which might be the most effective tool ? The WWII Model is advertised as being versatile, but without examaining a few examples, it's difficult to tell if there are significant differences between that model, the "British Army Service" and the "Ang Kohla". Anyone have a hint on which might be better in some circumstances or another ?

Mike Lenox
 
lenoxmi said:
I don't own a Khukuri and was wondering which might be the most effective tool ?

Anyone have a hint on which might be better in some circumstances or another ?

Mike Lenox
Click to expand...
Hello Mike, Welcome to the Cantina, sometimes known as the Psycho Ward!:D

Mike this is an oft asked question and the answer depends on what you have in mind for using a khuk.
There is considerable differences between an AK and a BAS. I don't nor have I ever had a BAS and the closest khuk I have to it is a hybrid called a Hanuman Special which is a Hanuman handle with a WW II blade which was a fluke and only four examples were ever made.
It is much thinner and lighter than an AK. The khukuri is a very versatile knife with many shapes and sizes for more specialized work although the different shapes and sizes overlap each other's best attributes.
A Sirupati is good for things an AK doesn't do so well at and vice versa.
Tell us what you have in mind for using a khuk for and we can guide you to the one most suitable for the task you have in mind.
 
Let me add that if you get one, you'll find, or maybe "make up" is a better way to put it, a job for it to do.

A 12" AK can do quite a bit.
 
So far, about the best all around khukuri I've gotten my hands on is a wood handled 15" Ang Khola.
 
That's what I did. A fantastic tool that you can't go wrong with. I have the AK, WWII and BAS. I like them all, but would choose the WWII if I had to play favorites. It seems to have the best blance and sweet spot of all my knives. Most Cantina denizens seem to have several khukhuris at least. Uncle Bill confesses to having a shipping crate under his bed full of them.
 
I have:
18" villager AK
18" villager baby Ganga Ram Special
18" M43
30" AK
17" WWII that I gave to my dad

I still haven't decided which one I like the best. The 18"AK and the baby GRS have seen the most use, but only because I had them when I did the most work. The M43 fits best in my hand, but I've only chopped a piece of moulding with it. The 30"AK is a huge chopping monster that works well but will only see limited specialized use and serves mainly as a display/shoiw-off piece. My dad seems to like the WWII and uses it for small branches and bushes. (He's 58)
 
It depends on the use and your physical strength. Some of the bigger khuks weigh around three pounds and will tire you out quickly. Some like the 30"AK weigh around six pounds and are like swinging a sledge hammer.

You can use a khuk for a lot of tasks. I use an 18" Sirupati or 18" Gelbu Special in the kitchen. Work great for chopping things up to slicing tomatoes. When you use a khuk this way the blade will stain and take on what is known as patina. Doesn't hurt the blade and some of the colors look kinda neat.

You can do many garden tasks which include chopping down trees or even digging. Digging will take it's toll on the blade though. For this type of work a BAS or 15"AK would work nicely as would a WWII. I believe that Uncle Bill will still trade with you if you get one and it doesn't feel right. If you have big hands you can ask him for one with a larger handle as many of them come with smallish handles.

Enjoy.
 
Though the Khukuri can do many tasks, each has a little different advantage.
You really have to ask yourself realistically what is the primarily use for you.

A defensive weapon, a tool for chopping, camping, or just to display from there the selection would be more on track.

Or a basic 15” AK to get you started.

Then the next question the handle wood or horn?

Or you can buy several and test them you will find the one or two you will use most of the time.
Then you can be like a lot of others and the one you will want the most is the won't you don't have!
 
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