Couple of questions from a potential first time owner

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PatrickKnight

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Jan 24, 2012
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I have decided I really want a traditional khukri and after doing some research I have settled on HI. Having never owned or even used one I am not sure what model would be the best overall choice. Also I saw some that have the forging scale left on them (I love this look on anything forged) and was wondering how you would go about ordering one like that since I didn't seem them on the website.
 
Your best bet is to send Yangdu an email at himimp@aol.com and let her know what you are interested in. She is the best resource to find the right khukuri for you. When you say traditional, can you elaborate? Such as: traditional materials and construction which would be anything HI makes or traditional as in smaller curved handle and a curved vs angled spine? Any details could help.

Edit: A lot has to do with what your intended use would be. And what weight you are comfortable with.
 
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Welcome:)

The most common scale-on model is the KLVUK. It's not on the site, but it's a great place to start dipping your toe.

The KLVUK tends to be a bit thinner, a bit lighter, and comes in an attractive price point. It bites deep, and it doesn't look so "nice" that you'll refrain from using it.

The downside is that it doesn't come with a sheath, but you can either make one or have one made. Heck, I probably have a scabbard that would fit it well enough if you need one sent to you at no cost:)

I would email Ms. Yangdu Martino at himimp@aol.com and ask what she has in stock. She'll be more than happy to help you select something that will fit your needs.

Once again, welcome:)
 
Steely_Gunz said:
Welcome:)

The most common scale-on model is the KLVUK. It's not on the site, but it's a great place to start dipping your toe.

The KLVUK tends to be a bit thinner, a bit lighter, and comes in an attractive price point. It bites deep, and it doesn't look so "nice" that you'll refrain from using it.

The downside is that it doesn't come with a sheath, but you can either make one or have one made. Heck, I probably have a scabbard that would fit it well enough if you need one sent to you at no cost:)

I would email Ms. Yangdu Martino at himimp@aol.com and ask what she has in stock. She'll be more than happy to help you select something that will fit your needs.

Once again, welcome:)
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Do you know the price point of the KLVUK? I cant seem to find it anywhere.
 
pmwc78 said:
Your best bet is to send Yangdu an email at himimp@aol.com and let her know what you are interested in. She is the best resource to find the right khukuri for you. When you say traditional, can you elaborate? Such as: traditional materials and construction which would be anything HI makes or traditional as in smaller curved handle and a curved vs angled spine? Any details could help.

Edit: A lot has to do with what your intended use would be. And what weight you are comfortable with.
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When I say traditional I mean one made in Nepal.
 
PatrickKnight said:
When I say traditional I mean one made in Nepal.
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All of HI blades are made in Nepal, when people usually ask traditional or westernized, they are usually talking about handles.

Traditional (It's a combo horn/wood handle, but the shape is traditional)
BAS - Lachhu 15 inch 20oz.jpg

Westernized
M43.jpg
 
Welcome to the forum Patrick! When you buy you have to ask yourself what do you plan to do with this knife mostly and would you consider buying another for another purpose so you dont have to compromise a certain task. What i mean is if all you do is chop chop chop then an Ang Khola is your knife. Well,actually there are many other choppers in the HI lineup but the only one designed specifically for chopping is the AK (Ang Khola). If you want a knife for martial arts and/or fighting specifically then the Kobra is a great knife. There are many many models that fill these two end members and will certainly complicate your decision as you learn the models. Thats part of the beauty of this forum is because we are all willing to help you and some are even willing to send you something to let you try it out and send it back later even if you are a complete stranger. We trust each other and have built a great community here so dont be afraid to ask questions. We welcome you and hope you enjoy the community here. Mrs Martino (Yangdu) is a fantastic person with a great heart (we call her Aunti) and will do anything to make sure you are pleased with your purchase.
Like these guys said before. The more info you can provide of your intended purpose the more we can drill down to the blade that will fit your needs. The call to Aunti will certainly give you the most immediate attention and if she has something in stock that fits your needs it is likely she can have it in your hands in a few days. Again... Welcome to the forum and ask them questions.
 
RayseM said:
What makes that one "westernized" the wood handle?
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A traditional handle is generally a rat tail (HI's are very substantial, we call then kangaroo tails there is an x ray of them somewhere.) round in circumference, with a ring protrustion, it helps to lock in between the fingers to use a Snap, type of hold/swing. There is a video of that technique somewhere. Westernised handles can be full tangs and they usually might have a palm swell, and mainly NO ring.
 
So the ring for the swing makes it traditional. I see. Thanks for the clarification.

Ray
 
The handle ring is not only traditional, it's actually quite ingenious and functional. It locks the hand onto the handle and prevents forward and backward slippage. It eliminates the need for a guard when chopping, since the hand can't slip forward onto the blade.

The only scenario where a guard would be better is a duel with another knife wielder, but for most people that's about as likely as being struck by lightning. I'm not counting martial arts practice, where you probably would use an unsharpened blade made of aluminum, wood or rubber, and maybe a guard would save you a rap on the knuckles. :)
 
RayseM said:
So the ring for the swing makes it traditional. I see. Thanks for the clarification.

Ray
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The normal western interpretation of chopping with a knife (rare is that is) is if you could imaging grasping the knife how you feel comfortable then have someone start wrapping an ACE bandage starting at the blade ricasso and wrapping tightly all the way to your elbow so that you cannot rotate your wrist or move your fingers then thats about it. Some even use two hands which reduces the velocity negating almost completely the ergonomics of the tool. Then one would be inclined to raise the knife high as they can to get some speed and come down hard as they can to accelerate the knife to get a cut.
Thats completely counter to the ergonomics of the Khukri design. Imagine using the ring as a fulcrum or center of rotation of the knife and utilizing your whole arm and even your shoulders and body in a whip cracking like motion to make the chop. Figure your hand , arm, shoulders etc as a noodle and begin applying energy from the body out! The rest of your joints are to guide the tool to the right spot. Let the tool do the work period! It takes far less energy from your grip to the body to accomplish this whipping action. It really is black and white. You WILL notice the difference when you get this technique down. You will be surprised how much work can be done with a foot of stroke of the knife versus raising it over your head with both hands and gorilla gripping it down on a piece of wood. I will be happy to explain this further if the need arises. These knives are bent for a reason and that ring is critical! Im pretty bent too tho so feel free to question me too:D
 
Another forge on blade that is quite a crowd pleaser is the Tamang. It's straighter, not as curved as most khukri but an awesome knife.
 
Bawanna said:
Another forge on blade that is quite a crowd pleaser is the Tamang. It's straighter, not as curved as most khukri but an awesome knife.
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Ooooh yeah! that tamang is awesome, always forget about that gem!

Tamang 1.jpg
 
The Tamang is fantastic, as are the KLVUKs. I highly recommend either for "general use," as well as an M-43, though the latter does not have forge scale. If ordering a KLVUK, you can ask Yangdu if she has a sheath to go with it. She can often find one.

Here's a pic with my Tamang and 2 KLVUKs, the bottom one was ordered for a friend, the other is my "kitchen" KLVUK. I used apple cider vinegar to remove the forge scale on both of mine, but the bottom knife has it, and the Ang Khola Bowie on top has the normal HI mirror polish. This pic is also good to see the shape of the Tamang vs the KLVUK
 
I want them all but I love my M43. An Ang Khola, Tamang, KLVUK, ASTK are very high on my list of wants...
 
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