Cold Steel Kukri

Bors

Bors

Joined
Mar 23, 2000
Messages
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What are the general feelings and experiences both good and bad regarding the Cold Steel Gurkha Kukri.
 
I don't know about the Gurkhas, but I do have a LTC Kukri from Cold Steel. It is an awesome chopping machine. I bought it as a lark, thinking that it might come in handy for a camp knife. I use this thing way more than I thought I would.
My first outing with it was very educational. I was camping and headed out to get some firewood. We came across this old driftwood log and I figured on cutting off some pieces for the fire. I picked a good size piece and took a swing.
Now I figured I would have to chop a few times to get through, so I wasn't expecting the result I got. The blade sheared through the big ol' branch, went through my sweatpants, and didn't stop until it had tasted blood. I still bear the scar from that trip. One of my real smooth moves, that one.
It's a really big blade with excellent balance, and if I ever wear this one out I'm going right back and get another.
 
Hey Guys....

I concur on the Kukri Light from CS...
She's a Hacker for sure.....

Just gotta watch those cuts..
smile.gif


ttyle Eric...

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Eric E. Noeldechen
On/Scene Tactical
http://www.mnsi.net/~nbtnoel
Custom made, High Quality
Concealex Sheaths and Tool Holsters
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I have all the CS Kukris except for the new little one. I love them all. If you are going to do some heavy duty chopping (anything over 10-12" diameter) I would recommend the Ghurka Kukri. For everything else, I would recommend the LTC. It is better at brush cutting and clearing because of the thin profile but it can handle the larger stuff, too. If you must have the thicker stock, I would recommend finding an ATC. They are now out of production. The ATC is the same blade shape and geometry as the LTC, only of 1/4" stock as opposed to 1/8". They pop up on ebay every once in a while. I have 2 of each (ATC, LTC & Ghurka Kukri) but only one of the Ghurka Light models. My favorite is the LTC.

Peace-
Orion
 
I would characterize the CS and Ontario offerings as second rate when compared to performance of the real khukuri. Cliff Stamp, one of the BF moderators, has done a comparison involving the Cold Steel versus the real thing on his website and on the subject of performance, the Nepalese khukuri has proven to be more effective as a chopper and cheaper to own. Just check out the Himalayan Imports forum or bring up Cliff's profile for his website.
 
Those comments on the CS vs HI khukuris were written by Will Kwan, not me. However I would bet that my impressions would be pretty much the same if I was to ever compare the two.

-Cliff
 
I have owned several of the GH kukris for over a year but had never used any of them until recently. The one I have been using is a Jungle model. It took a scary sharp edge and was really easy and quick to sharpen (with Lansky).
While it is not as good a a brush cutter/clearer as the thinner LTC, it is one MEAN chopper when it comes to heavy duty stuff. I have no experience with any HI stuff yet, but I have heard great things.

Orion
 
I have owned several of the GH
kukris for over a year but had
never used any of them until
recently. The one I have been
using is a Jungle model. It
took a scary sharp edge and was
really easy and quick to
sharpen (with Lansky).
While it is not as good a a
brush cutter/clearer as the
thinner LTC, it is one MEAN
chopper when it comes to heavy
duty stuff. I have no
experience with any HI stuff
yet, but I have heard great
things.

Orion
 
Is it really fair to campare a 1/8" blade CS to a 5/8" HI? I mean, seriously, it is like saying that a Porshe is not as good at pulling a trailer as an F-350. DUH! I don't mean to be critical, but it seems that the two blades were designed for very different purposes. And considering the weight of the HI, it had better be a lot better than the CS.

Really, I received a pamphlet from HI, and their stuff looks really cool (I'll get one when I can afford it), but lets not compare apples to watermelons.
 
H I khukuri are the best! I have one for trade if you are interested. b.teel@mailcity.com

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AKTI# A000991
I'm living on the edge!
 
Stilleto, I read the review that you are referring to and the HI khukuris were being tested against the Cold Steel Gurkha kukri, not the LTC. The CS Gurkha kukri is made of 5/16" stock I believe. The HI Ang Khola is of 1/2" or so stock, but it's also 2" shorter overall. You can check it out for yourself at http://www.physics.mun.ca/~sstamp/knives/HI_CS.html .

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Just because I talk to myself does not make me crazy. Now, when I listen to myself, that makes me crazy.
 
Good point, Roadrunner. Also, consider that there are different khukuri styles and if one were to compare slashing/slicing between the appropriate models, you would find different results again. If you are looking at a general purpose khukuri, it would be interesting to compare the CS and Ontario offerings against the Gelbu Special or the WWII or a small Ganga Ram Special.

Speaking of which, Uncle Bill over in the Himalayan Imports Forum(in the manufacturer's section) just started selling some blems(khukuri with some minor cosmetic flaws) at pretty good prices($75-85 dollars for the models listed so far) so if you are considering purchase of a khukuri for hard use, now is the time to check this out.

 
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