Chopping ability of Lighter service models like Chitlangi,Gelbu,Kobra and Sirupati?

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Scubie67

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Jun 24, 2010
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I read where these models arent warranty covered for field use just general use so I am aware of that,but knowing how well all these knives are built for HI (alot of the models still have 3/8" spine from the description) if they still can be used for limbing trees maybe up to 4" in diameter or so?

The advantage of this I am thinking they would be quicker for work like a machete does (light grass to vines aka.. jungle type stuff) and still do camping chores or survival tasks like shelter,firewood and such that the m43's,CAK's and Ganga Rams are built for, but may be overkill for light duty constant swinging chores like light vegetation.

I say this because these fine blades seem to be heavy duty built, some could say overbuilt from all the reviews and pictures I have seen.Defrinitely a good thing.

I guess if you need to clear 6" or thicker limbs you shoud just go get a chainsaw and for camping or a survival situation you wouldnt want to be doing that anyways.

Of course Splitting wood is the one red herring that a light,thinner blade may not do so well in these cases so if anyone who has these lighter models and used them for that maybe they could chime in and tell what results they got.

Thanks for bearing through the dribble and reading all of this. ;)
 
The Chiotlangi is really more of a medium-duty blade, and is heavier than the others you listed. Which makes it a good compromise between chopping and light vegetation chores.

While some of us have used their blades beyond their intended use (I cut down a tree with a Tarwar, another guy did it with a Sirupate), such is not covered by the warranty.

From the warranty:
Field Use, As defined by Himalayan Imports:
Chopping wood, limbing trees, clearing trails, camp use, properly batonning firewood.

General Use, As defined by Himalayan Imports :
Clearing light brush, light household chores, caping or skinning of game.

The following models are warranted for "Field Use" and are warranted against breakage during "normal use". They are NOT warranted against MISUSE or ABUSE (intentional or otherwise) as determined by/at the discretion of Himalayan Imports, Its owners and/or staff.

1) Chiruwa Ang Khola (the only khukuri warranted for use as prybar)
2) Ang Khola
3) British Army Sevice
4) World War II
5) M-43
6) Ganga Ram Special
7) Bonecutter
8) Pen Knife
9) Ang Khola Bowie
10) Amar Singh Thapa Khukuri
Click to expand...

So, while I honestly think any of the HI kukri will stand up to most woods chores (field use) in reality, they are not covered for such by the warranty.

From the above excerpt, I'd say that limbing, or cutting of wood of any kind is considered field use.

If you want a lighter one, and intend to use it for field use, it'd probably be a good idea to get two of them once you've found the model that's for you, "just in case".
 
Cpl Punishment said:
The Chiotlangi is really more of a medium-duty blade, and is heavier than the others you listed. Which makes it a good compromise between chopping and light vegetation chores.

While some of us have used their blades beyond their intended use (I cut down a tree with a Tarwar, another guy did it with a Sirupate), such is not covered by the warranty.

From the warranty:


So, while I honestly think any of the HI kukri will stand up to most woods chores (field use) in reality, they are not covered for such by the warranty.

From the above excerpt, I'd say that limbing, or cutting of wood of any kind is considered field use.

If you want a lighter one, and intend to use it for field use, it'd probably be a good idea to get two of them once you've found the model that's for you, "just in case".
Click to expand...

I was thinking about that as I had read the warranty list.The blades have about the same thickness as the choppers on the spine but just save weight through having a shorter belly I guess.I know the deep belly gives more chopping power but does having a shallow belly make it weaker as long as you have a thick spine
 
I am lucky enough to own a 16" Sirupate by Bura, and, to be completely honest, I find it amazing to chop with. Despite the smaller sweet spot, I personally feel that the lighter weight (20 ounces) allows me to very easily aim for that sweet spot and chop through wood like a demon. Reminds me of a tomahawk almost, due to the concentration of weight almost all on that exact sweet spot curve just a few inches from the tip.

It's strange I know. Which is why I've got an 18" Foxy Folly on the way to further test whether or not these larger but lighter khuks also work well for me. Yes, it is 1/4", and using it as a prybar will almost certainly snap the tip if you apply enough leverage. But for chopping? I have high hopes for it...
 
You can do some serious chopping with a lighter khukri such as a sirupati but you must keep in mind it wasn't really designed to be used in lieu of an axe like other heavy duty models such as the Ang Khola, M43, or WW2. It can indeed be used for the same tasks but it don't use it to deliver any powerful blows. Take it easy and slow. Lighter weight khukris were meant to be used on light vegetation such as vines and grasses, and as weapons. They are built more for speed than brute force power. They're plenty tough; you just need to keep in mind everything has limitations and you need to have realistic expectations of what those limits are.
 
Yeah I guess I need to do some desicion making before Monday's Frenzy,dont really have too much time to make last minute choices once Yangdu hits the "POST" button on the DOTD page. :D
 
Scubie67 said:
Forgot to add the Malla to.

Is the chitlangi the best combination of chopping and speed of all 5 of those models?
Click to expand...

Of the models you listed I'd rate them in order of speed to chopping power as:

1 - Kobra
2 - Sirupati
3 - Gelbu
4 - Chitlangi*

What was the 5th one?






* - That's a standard Chitlangi. There's two other versions; the Panchthar Chitlangi and the Dharaine Chitlangi. The Panchthar on that scale would be a 2 and the Dharaine would be a 1.


I'm rather fond of Chitlangis. IMO they achieve a nice balance and can chop better than one might think. They're also graceful and beautiful khukris.
 
Wolf_1989 said:
Of the models you listed I'd rate them in order of speed to chopping power as:

1 - Kobra
2 - Sirupati
3 - Gelbu
4 - Chitlangi*

What was the 5th one?






* - That's a standard Chitlangi. There's two other versions; the Panchthar Chitlangi and the Dharaine Chitlangi. The Panchthar on that scale would be a 2 and the Dharaine would be a 1.


I'm rather fond of Chitlangis. IMO they achieve a nice balance and can chop better than one might think. They're also graceful and beautiful khukris.
Click to expand...

Malla was 5th

edit * been reading some reviews on these slender knives plenty of people do use the for various chopping thats for sure,especially the chitlangi
 
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Scubie, I've got 18" Malla, Chainpuri and Gelbu Special. All made by Sher the Tiger with wood handles. Spines are 7/16-1/2" and the weights are around 26-28oz. After I get a khukuri, I chop one of my neighbor's seasoned maple limbs that he has in a pile. All three of them chopped respectably but the Gelbu Special was almost on par with a 16.5" CAK made by Sgt. Khadka. That surprised me a little since it feels so neutral and natural in hand. The Kobras are good for lighter vegetation with their thinner blade and while they can chop on wood, I'd be careful choosing one of them since they're not really meant to. I had a Chitlangi that didn't fit my hand and returned...about the same as my Chainpuri. I have a 20" Siru that doesn't feel comfortable in hand that I use for dirt chores. M2c.
 
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