CS V Becker/Rinehart kukhri

Haven't had the BK, but have had the CS Gurkha for years. The CS is very nimble. It works well on green, flexible vegetation, but can stand up to the hardest seasoned log. It comes with an outstanding sheath as well. I've read the BK is more of a dedicated chopper due to a pronounced blade heavy balance. After using a lot of khukuri, I'll take well balanced, light and nimble any day. That's all I have!
 
Cold Steel has (or had - I don't follow their product line) several kukri models. About which are you inquiring?
 
This is probably one of the most confusing non-stories I've seen on the forum in a while. Being a big Ka-Bar/Becker fan I couldn't wait for the release of their kukri. I have a Blackjack/Reinhardt Combat kukri that is too valuable to use, so I was really looking forward to the Becker version to be released. The kukri fans on the forum were salivating and counting down the days. Then it was released, and it disappeared?!? Crickets ever since.

I have the SK5 CS Gurkha Kukri and like jdk1 stated, very happy with it. Even as I approach 10 years with it, I still love it like the first day I got it. I would be interested in hearing from some of the people that have the Becker.
 
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Cold Steel's "only" kukri is the Gurkha Kukri. It comes in the standard model or the plus that has a guard. They are currently available in A2 and O1.

All others are machetes that have a Kukri influence, but should not be confused with a Kukri.
 
See what I mean, I wish there was a cricket emoj....

Even when someone gives a passing comment about the Becker Kukri ^ there are no examples of characteristics, use, or positive qualities compared to the competition. And in this case, the competition (CS Gurkha Kukri) has more than a decade of 99% favorable reviews and more testing and use videos than can be watched.
 
shortwinger said:
See what I mean, I wish there was a cricket emoj....

Even when someone gives a passing comment about the Becker Kukri ^ there are no examples of characteristics, use, or positive qualities compared to the competition. And in this case, the competition (CS Gurkha Kukri) has more than a decade of 99% favorable reviews and more testing and use videos than can be watched.
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If the OP had posted this question in the Becker subforum he would have gotten a response. Numerous Beckerheads have stated they don't frequent the General very often. Restate the question in the right place, you will get answers. Otherwise, it's like walking into McDonald's and asking for a taco.
 
Yeah he would have got 674 Beckerheads recommend the Becker Kukri, even though only a handful of them have ever owned or handled one.

Real kukri people don't go to the individual forums, we just search for Kukri from the main page and get right to business... Plus if you were to be critical of any blade in their home forum the forum's gatekeeper will give you a quick trial, and then hang you. On the General Knife forum you can say the truth without all the fan-boy drama.
 
Though I don't have first hand experience, I think it's important to consider the construction of each blade when considering which is better suited for you.
The Cold Steel has a soft polymer/rubberized handle, which will likely be more comfortable in the long run of heavy chopping but there are records of it coming loose from the tang. This can happen with any similar soft covered handle but is more likely in heavy choppers. The handle of the Becker is just that, the handle of a Becker. It will be more durable, but doubtfully any more comfortable when chopping.

Also, the CS is thicker while the Becker is quite thin for a kukri. The Becker is almost like a beefed up kukri machete. Combine this with the added length of the Becker and it would be suited for different, if similar, jobs.

That's just my take though.
 
Houlahound said:
Anyone had both, opinions plz.
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I've never had either one of these although I've heard great things about the cold steel. Now I read a review between the Becker and a Fox Pathfinder kukri awhile back and the guy put them through chopping tests with the Becker doing not so well. He said it wasn't worth the price at all. Now on the other hand he said the Fox Pathfinder was amazing at practically everything and it's made from Nitro B steel which is excellent steel. I know this because that review convinced me to buy one and he was right, this kukri is amazing and looks great too. Fit and finish is excellent with a beautiful satin finish and it came razor sharp right outta the box. Handle is nice and grippy as well. I haven't done anything with it yet, but I can already tell this thing will not fail me. If you can budget around $175, I would definitely recommend the Fox Pathfinder.
 
shortwinger said:
This is probably one of the most confusing non-stories I've seen on the forum in a while. Being a big Ka-Bar/Becker fan I couldn't wait for the release of their kukri. I have a Blackjack/Reinhardt Combat kukri that is too valuable to use, so I was really looking forward to the Becker version to be released. The kukri fans on the forum were salivating and counting down the days. Then it was released, and it disappeared?!? Crickets ever since.

I have the SK5 CS Gurkha Kukri and like jdk1 stated, very happy with it. Even as I approach 10 years with it, I still love it like the first day I got it. I would be interested in hearing from some of the people that have the Becker.
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I bought a BK 21 when they first became available. The blade is heavy and I did not feel comfortable swinging it with the thin stock scales not because of the material but because my hands are to large to have had a nice relaxed grip on it. After having some thicker scales made for it i took out and I really enjoyed using it and still do . Bought one for my son and I must honestly say it came with a very poor uneven grind and was nothing like mine . After hours of edge work it now is just fine. Never tried the CS or a Fox so can't compare them . All I can say is if it fits your hand and the edge is even and sharp it gets what I need done :D
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I've never even handled the Becker , so I can't compare .

But , the Cold Steel Gurkha Kukri was really designed to be a weapon , especially the "Plus" model with the guard .

It is well balanced and can be used to thrust / stab as well as chop .

Not too bad a chopper for the woods , either . A good all around , medium weight kukri . :cool::thumbsup::thumbsup:
 
very different animals =o/

Its apples to oranges on this one, even though they are both kukri shaped objects....

The Becker is good, though, IMHO about 3 inches too long for its geometry

The Cold Steel is good, though about 2 inches too short for its geometry.... imho

The becker handles need to be replaced with the factory micarta slabs imho to be tested equally.... but once done, its one of the most comfortable handles in the knife world ....imho

The cold steel handle I'm less a fan of, shaped well enough to be comfortable to use, but that softer rubber will eventually wear you raw with prolonged use.... and I have had one start to loosen on me ....an older CarbonV model which is now in perma retirement ..... its always been a nagging concern that any of the newer ones could do the same.

I like them both, for different reasons, and different uses.... I would think which would be better for you would REALLY simply boil down to.....what are you specifically going to use it for, and where are you, what kind of vegetation etc.....

in MY area of north Texas.... I prefer the Becker, though with its additional length, its harder to transport and so gets carried less than I'd like to be honest....

my only advice is, buy both.... use them for a few weeks in your area, on tasks you do.... see which works best for you.... then resell or trade the other if its not worth keeping....but my bet is, they are both so different, and good at different things, that you'd never get rid of the other either.....

If you like Kuks.... you really do need both..... /shrug
 
I have both and like both. The CS seems more of a workhorse while the Becker seems more of a fighter. The Becker's handle is slightly more comfortable. Neither handle is bad, but I have yet to hold a khukuri with a comfortable handle.

Bill Seigle used to make one in 5160 I think, that looked very comfortable. I'm still kicking myself that I never got around to ordering one.
 
I have both of them. They are both good at what they are designed to do, chop.
They both require gloves for prolonged use.
 
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