CS Kukri vs. HI Khukuri?

M

Moving Target

Joined
Feb 8, 2000
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617
Hello. Can someone please compare and contrast the Cold Steel Kukris and the Khukuris from Himilayan Imports? The ones from HI appear to be more "showy", but of course that doesnt mean they arent rugged. What I want to know is which of the two can stand the most abuse - not unusual stress, but constant heavy use. I am interested in picking one as my regular heavy field knife and was hoping someone out there could steer me in the right direction. Any help would be much appreciated!
 
I have some 15 HI's and can vouch for their studiness. They all have thick blades with decent heat treat. I haven't found anything short of rocks or metal that really might damage these. I've seen and handled the CS models. The only one I was impressed with was the heavy weight. I like the blade but not the rubber handle - blister city after hard use. The HI horn and wood handles are much better for hard work.
 
The HI khukuris are not only pretty but built like tanks. I don't think the Cold Steel offerings can come even close to matching the real thing from HI.
 
Hand-forged, distally tapered and differentially hardened by a guy that's been a making khukuries for 20, 30, 40 years vs stock removal and (I think) uniform heat-treat?

For a large chopping blade, the former seems better to me. Good warranty too. Can CS make a really big blade (3,4,5 lbs) that will chop hardwood and stay together? HI sells khuks that big also with the same no BS warranty. Not great to carry around, but boy do they chop wood. The traditional leather-covered wooden scabbards may not be suitable for everyone though. Fine for me, but the multi-mode attachment, jump-approved, kydex fans may want to have a sheath made. The HI horn handles are maybe more "abuse-proof" than the wooden ones, but you'll need to put appropriate dressing on either once in a while, not unlike a rifle stock. E-mail "Uncle" Bill for help choosing an HI model to fit your needs--there a many models and sizes, which is another advantage.

If you need a machete, I'd say get a machete instead. Some of the slender-shaped HI offerings will do OK at that, but you'll get tired sooner.

Just my 1.5 cents.
 
You could probably use an HI khuk to chop up a Cold Steel one. I am only mildly exaggerating that claim. The HI is backed by a full lifetime guarantee against breaking. Break it, no matter how you do it, and send it back for a replacement. You will not be dissapointed in an HI.
 
Moving Target = shoot me an email, and I'll send you an 18 inch HI khukuri to play around with (no charge). Just try it out and if you like it, I'll cut you a huge deal. If not, just send it back.

Even if you decide not to keep it, you'll be very impressed at the quality craftmanship.

Dan
 
I have no CS khuk to compare to an HI, but I have yet to put an HI to a task it could not handle.

Furthermore, it is backed with the word of Bill Martino, and the word of an honorable man is worth 100 signed legal contracts.
 
If HI was not around the CS kukri might be interesting- but it costs more, it is make from lesser materials, and it is poorer performer in the field than actual HI kukhri. HI's are handmade knives- long proven tradition with improved quality control due to better working enviornment and technology provided by Bill Martino. You can't go wrong with HI- especially with best warranty in business as Bob White said.
 
I have a HI Chiruwa and a GS, and a CS Gurkha light.

Here are a few differences:

I prefer lightweights on my belt, and a 1 kg Chiruwa with sheath is not something I can stand for more than two minutes, winner CS.

If you pack them (in the backpack, winner CS, because the sheath is flat, and the space taken is minimal.

If you are looking for an hatchet or axe replacement, winner Chiruwa.

If you like reach, winner CS.

CS carbon V is good. HI spring steel is good, though my Chiruwa is really really soft in some places near handle and tip.

The Chiruwa is clearly undestructible, but is built like a pry bar, overbuilt to my taste.

But honestly now, and to step out of the topic, I do not get the Khukuries out any more, they are replaced by my Valiant survival golok, which I find at 39$ offers more on most aspects than what the CSs and HIs do for 3 times the price. But sure, it is not a khukhuri.
 
This is a hard question, they are both very good for different reasons.

The CS is a very big knife that is shaped like a Khukuri. It comes VERY sharp out of the box, and is plenty tough for any self defense needs. It is a little light for a chopper, but still a very good blade. It is the only knife that I have ever owned capable of cleanly cutting in half a section of newspaper rolled up and held with a rubber band while tossed in mid-air. Try this, it's very hard to do.

The HI's, depending on which you get can be outstanding. Fantastic choppers, historically correct, and a great warranty. If you want something for all around quality and warranty, then these are it. Every once and a while a defective one slips by, but they are promptly replaced, no questions asked. As noted by others, Bill Martino's integrity is unquestioned. He will make things right, no matter what.

I have both, and love both for different reasons. It really depends on what you want to do with your knife.
 
I have about 5 HIs and one CS (heaviest). The one thing I really dislike about the CS is the dimpling on the flare at the back of the handle. It feels good in the knife shop and for a few minutes of doing forms. However, after 20 min of trail clearing it started to grind the skin off the base of my palm. If I use it in the future I'll wear light leather gloves, grind the dimples off or wrap athletic tape over the rear of the handle. On the positive side, the CS seemed to cut quite well.

Of the HIs, I like the 18" WWII or AK for trail clearing. My 25" Sirupati is a bit much for long trail clearing sessions.
 
Originally posted by DancesWithKnives
I have about 5 HIs and one CS (heaviest). The one thing I really dislike about the CS is the dimpling on the flare at the back of the handle. It feels good in the knife shop and for a few minutes of doing forms. However, after 20 min of trail clearing it started to grind the skin off the base of my palm. If I use it in the future I'll wear light leather gloves, grind the dimples off or wrap athletic tape over the rear of the handle. On the positive side, the CS seemed to cut quite well.

Of the HIs, I like the 18" WWII or AK for trail clearing. My 25" Sirupati is a bit much for long trail clearing sessions.
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The only thing the CS "Kukri" has in common with HI is that it's vaguely Khukuri-shaped, and that's 'bout it. The CS has nowhere near the cutting power of an HI, that's for sure! Plus, Uncle Bill's QC and customer service are without equal!

However, what do you think 'bout a 25" Kobra? They're lighter and faster than a Sirupati, and IMOHO, they're a better trail clearer, as a 25" Sirupati, being heavier, tires u out faster...
 
I can certainly vouch for Bill Martino's service. One problem with the HI's is that the weight can vary from what is listed on the website. I asked Uncle Bill if I could exchange my 15 inch Sirupati, which is rather light, for a heavier one. He agreed. This is outstanding customer service.

Of course, if weight is an important issue to you, just ask Uncle Bill what is available before you order.

One other thing - the HIs sure do look alot prettier than the CS offerings. If you get one and it doesn't perform the chores you have in mind, you still won't regret you bought it. The HIs are excellent as collector's knives, in my opinion.
 
Go HI. You won't be sorry, I promise. They're definitely prettier than CS and they're built like tanks, plus they chop like there's no tomorrow. I have a Gelbu Special and a Chitlangi. I've had the Gelbu Special for a while, but I got the Chitlangi just before I came here to South Korea and it couldn't come along so I haven't really gotten to play with it yet. The Gelbu Special is great though. I use it to clear trails in the woods where my brother, dad and I ride our 4-wheelers and hunt. It cuts heavy brush like nothing else. Two inch limbs, grapevines, brambles so old they're practically as big as some of the trees, deadfalls, you name it, the Gelbu Special will take care of it. HI customer service can't be beat either.
 
Hibuke,

I have an 18" Kobra and think that it is a good trail clearer if the branches aren't really thick. It doesn't have the penetration of the Siru, AK and WWII, but a 25" Kobra might be equivalent. I'd be willing to try it if I see one available.
 
Moving Target said:
Hello. Can someone please compare and contrast the Cold Steel Kukris and the Khukuris from Himilayan Imports?
Click to expand...

I own a Cold Steel San Mai III gurkha kukri and the Chiruwa Ang Khola from HI.

-i'll make it clear-

If you want a good quality KUK > take the Chiruwa Ang Khola

Why? it can chop everything and it's almost indestructible and can be a substitue to a prybar :eek:

Price : $175 -shipping include- (in the US)

The Cold Steel Gurkha Kukri (san mai III) is good.. razor blade cut.. but not worth $400.

The CS SK-5 Gurka kukri is the same price as the Chiruwa Ang Khola, so why not take the Chiruwa.

The only "problem" for the Chiruwa, is that it can rust, but a oil treatment fix it easily.

Some comparison 1) Chiruwa Ang Khola 2) Cold Steel Gurkha Kukri 3)4) KUK from india >>

kukrilesquatres.jpg

kukriepaisseur.jpg
 
The ones from HI are built like tanks and are almost impossible to break, I have 14 of them so I can speak about the high quality. :)
 
Bob,

that CS is pretty stout.. !!

I have the cheap CS Khukri, I've had it for a year, I've taken it hiking, clearing, chopping, batoning, its hit the dirt, rocks and everything between I spent $14 on this thing and its been probably the best $14 ever spent.. Period...

When I first used it out of the box it got a few nicks in the blade, I then put a convexed edge on it and its never chipped since..

I also own HI Khukri and you cannot beat them IMO period!!!

Great info in this thread, outstanding comments and comparisons.

For a hiking camp knife I'd personally just get a cheap CS Khukri (shaped) machete.. You can chop with it beat it to death and then some..

If you want a "real" Khukri get an HI, but if you're not used to them in the first place start with a cheap CS like I did then move your way up the ranks..:D

Happy Trails,
 
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