Cold Steel Kuk's

Simon:

Not picking on you (far from it - we want good knife enthusiasts here) but you have stated what you consider important in a knife. Your CS has a 12" blade, with a 1/4" spine, and is a "heavy" knife, that will do well in the field. The AK that Heber mentioned is only "slightly" larger (Khuks are measured from buttcap to point) and a 20" AK has a 14" blade, that has a spine 7/8" thick at the bolster.

"Traditional", in terms of a Kukuri, means it was born in the field, and has been back and forth between the field and the village kami's shop thousands of times over hundreds of years. Each time, it was refined. Each refinement was an improvement, enabling it to do one or more of its' many jobs just a little better. These jobs were mainly related to everday rural life, but the Khuk has always been a weapon, as well, because it was always on hand. These refinements did not come off of a 3-D computer program - they came from the hands and minds of the user and the kami, because the man who had a better blade ate better, and lived longer. When you get your first HI Khukuri, hold it next to the CS blade. Then take them both out and use them, realistically. Then let us know what you think :D
 
I have the CS LTC and full size CS Gurkha. The CS Gurkha is a decent khukuri. If H.I. were not available I would take the CS Gurkha. It is very similar to my favorite khukuri somewhat the 18" WWII. It is a bit lighter than the WWII and does not perform as well for chopping.

The CS is flat ground. This tends to make it stick but it also penetrates and cuts well. If you can knock it down with a single blow the CS is good. For light brush/grass clearing the CS is actually better. The H.I. khukuri with its thicker grind tends to push stuff away.

The point on the CS khukuri is much more slender and is the same hardness as the edge. This makes it vulnerable to breakage.

The CS is kind of uncomfortable during heavy chopping. I find that it vibrates too much. The handle does not abrade my hands but it does not seem very durable. I have had my Trail Master handle come loose and this knife had not been used much. The CS handle does make a good earser.

A 7/8" Ang Khola? Do you mean 7/16"?

The CS is not a bad buy since without it you will always wonder how it really compares.

Will
 
Thanks, Will. I could blame old fingers and a sticky keyboard, but that doesn't cover "dumb" very well :rolleyes: It is, of course, 7/16".
 
I've actually had pretty good experience with the durability of the CS handle in terms of staying on the tang. However, I hate the dimpled kraton finish on the rear handle flair. It just grinds the skin off the base of my palm. I find that I need to wear gloves to use it for more than about 30 min. Someone suggested placing the CS Kuk in a freezer for a couple hours, then grinding the dimples off the flair. The dimples elsewhere don't bother me too much.

Aside from the handle flair, the CS blade should serve you fairly well. You can always trade it if you find yourself using your future HI blade to its exclusion.
 
Hey, Simon! Welcome!

I got an LTC some years ago. I like(d) it pretty well- but have nothing like the feeling I have for my WW II HI. FWIW, I used to buy A LOT of CS tools (maybe 13 or so, over the years?). Since I got my first HI piece, I've bought at least 6 more...and no Cold Steel pieces.

(Unc, if you haven't sold that other bancharo by then, remind me in another month or so.)
 
I would pay $$ for a CS TrailMaster but never for one of their "khuks"!:barf: The TM is a great bowie knife, I have one but their curved knives don't even come close to an HI!!!:mad: ;) They don't even come close to looking like a khuk, maybe the bigger one but those skinny,frail things...I'd just break 'em over my knee and toss 'em over the shoulder!!:D I guess I've been spoiled by to many HI's!:D :) :D ;)

P.S. Simon, welcome to the forum and do yourself a big favor, sell the CS and get yourself an Ang Khola it will eat the cold steel alive in every way!;)
 
I have a LTC my father used before he took my 20" Kobra. I dont care for the blade on the LTC, it is more of a curved Machete than a Kuk. The 20" Kobra beats the pants off of it for the light stuff my father does. :D
 
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