Do we need a BUYER'S GUIDE to the khuks?

Walking Man

Walking Man

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As a semi-outsider (I know, there are no outsiders here, you folks are awesome at making everyone feel welcome) I'm kind of lost between the various Khuk models.
Maybe there should be a sticky thread that works as a buyers guide to new Khuk-meisters.
For example, you may have noticed I just bought the UBBB Gelbu Special (thanks, Uncle), which looks awesome, BUT to me it looks awfully similar to the chitlangi, and if anyone knows how they are different functionally, I'd appreciate it, and the same goes with most of the other models.
Also, I think such a thread should include a recommended length for size and height of buyer. Just another thought. I know that this list would be a bit subjective, but I think it's better than going in alone.
Maybe it should even be posted on the H.I. Website.
Thoughts?
 
Having owned a few GS's (15 and 21 inch) and a 21 inch Chit, I'd say the Chit is more accustomed to heavier stuff, but there are some heavy gelbus out there too. Chit also has some more neat cosmetic FX than the simpler fittings on the Gelbu.

In general, the lighter khuks can get up to speed faster than the WWII, AK< M-43, GRS, etc. So they sail thru smaller brush clearing tasks. In a pinch, It would make short work of saplings and even bigger wood, but I prefer the more Axe-like AK for the tough stuff. AK sux at brush clearing tho, unless its a dense tangled mess of stuff.

Keith
 
Naw...that's how we force the lurkers to come out of the woodwork and talk to us. ;)
 
Walking Man, you're going to love that GS, trust me. :) Mine is one of the oddball heavy ones, 1/2" at the spine. :eek: It has a very thin edge due to the fullers however. In cross section it's almost like an I-beam the fullers are so deep. I still love it.

Also, I think such a thread should include a recommended length for size and height of buyer.
Click to expand...

I think such a thread could be very misleading for a prospective first time buyer. I'm pretty short (5'7"), but I prefer the bigger khuks almost exclusively. The 18" AK is one of my favorites and I'm thinking of getting a 20 incher. It all comes down to personal preference.
 
Roadrunner, I get you, but when I say recommended, I mean for the unsure folks, something like this should also be included:
"Of course there are some big folks who prefer the smaller khuks, and smaller folks that prefer the bigger khuks, personal preferance often varies wildly"
 
Dan Koster did a wonderful comparison. Put this in your favorite links:

http://www.himalayan-imports.com/faq/physics/Khukuri_Dynamics.html

Then, stash the Frequently Asked Questions in there:

http://www.himalayan-imports.com/faq/

and, for a better take on the communication pathway from Reno to Nepal, save this thread:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=235310&page=1&pp=20&highlight=machete

Finally, go to the store website.

Now...if YOU wanted to compile some comprehensive data that would address the issues you brought up, well then.... it would serve as "extra credit on your report card. ;)


(But keep in mind, different folks of different ages and dimensions and, uh, exercise regimes can range up and down the weights and lengths and styles of khukuris.)



Kis
 
Welcome Walking Man!!

Look at any post made by UB and he'll have a link for the HI website there, Heck I'm being lazy.

HI faq

There is a great resource one of our more talent persons (cantina-ite? canitite? Cantinian?) Pendentive AKA Dan Koster, created called Khukhuri Dynamics availabe from that same page.

Good luck, and remember you dont' want a nasty old M-43, THat isn't your thing at all! You need a nice 15 inch ang khola to go with that one you just got (I'm glad you got it too, I was weakening...)
 
Last I heard, John Powell was continuing to wade through draft revisions of his definitive book on khuks.

Two major problems with your idea, which sounds great.

One is the kamis turn them out one at a time so they vary one to the other. For example a light 18" AK could turn out less a chopper than a heavy 18" WWII.

The other is that no two people are alike. Bill's #1 seller is the 15" AK, followed by the 15" BAS in #2 spot, and the 16.5" or 18" WWII in #3. Now when I pick up the average 15" AK it feels very nice, when I pick up the average 16.5" WWII it's nearly perfection, and the 18" WWII makes me want to scream cause it's a small but discernable bit unbalanced to be perfection for me. The 15" BAS usually doesn't talk to me at all. It's just blah to me. That's just my personal opinion on the above. Unless you are 5'4" tall your opinions will probably differ.

Finally, there's an untangible thing not often talked about off this forum. A lot of us will swear ( long as it doesn't get out ) that these hand forged blades have a spirit in them that talks to you when you pick the right one up. Or once you learn each other's language. Mysticism? Yeah, but it's real to us. Factor that into your formulae. :D :D :D
 
I guess what I'm facing is a desire to help people buy a better matched Khuk the first time. I've seen several times, "At first I bought this Khuk, but then I got that Khuk, and it was SO much better."
but then again, there are links to this forum and they can always ask what questions they have, so I guess my dilemna is solved.
Thanks all.
Have a good knife.
Philosophy session over.
:confused: :D :confused:
 
45-70 said:
Welcome Walking Man!!

Good luck, and remember you dont' want a nasty old M-43, THat isn't your thing at all!
Click to expand...

There ya go again...usin' mah name in vain! :o
 
Walking Man said:
"At first I bought this Khuk, but then I got that Khuk, and it was SO much better."
Click to expand...

WM, take a look at what they did with the old khuk after getting the "SO much better" one. Notice that a month later they get another and say the same thing. And the month after that, and the next month...

This is the HIKV ( Himalayan Imports Khukri Virus ) at work. The worse it gets, the less time between "fixes". It's like an addiction. :D :D :D
 
Walking Man said:
My Gelbu is 18" and 20oz
Is that on the heavy or light side?
Click to expand...

It's right for a GS! :D I have one myself (made by Sher), and Pala himself refers to it as the best all round khukuri. The AK is definitely a better chopper, and perhaps an 18" Chitlangi is a better fighter... The Chit's large protruding buttcap makes for a very secure grip, and it sure is pretty. :eek:

Think of what you need the khukuri for, and refer to the archives here, and look at H.I.'s site often. You'll soon find the right one (and ones) for you. ;)

Dan :)
 
Then there's the WWII...seems to be both a chopper *and* fighter, especially in a speed scabbard like a dear friend made for me! :)
 
Welcome, Walking Man! Nice to see you hear.


I had to go through a "few" myself before I started finding the ones that suited me best. It's not as easy as "pick it up and swing it". You gotta work with it to get the full effect.

Trading khukuris is not a big deal around here. There are always plenty of buyers. :D
 
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