Favorite HI Kami(s)

Bura is on the top list of my favorite kamis :thumbup:
And Sonu come second. Anyhow Sonu isn't with BirGorkha any longer!

mohd
 
Kumar..a blast from the past..but what the heck.
And I know he doesnt count..but Sgt. Kadka is the best IMO.
 
MVP kami discussion? Definitely needs a bump. If I'm going to start collecting HI kukris, I want the best!
 
There are a lot of reasons I am sorry that I am a late comer to this forum but foremost must be missing out on the chance to acquire pieces from these Kamis no longer with HI.

Especially Bura.
 
falar said:
There are a lot of reasons I am sorry that I am a late comer to this forum but foremost must be missing out on the chance to acquire pieces from these Kamis no longer with HI.

Especially Bura.
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You and me both, Falar. I wish the old man was still able to pound steel, but am grateful he is still able to pass on his expertise to the new generation when he's able.
 
Can somebody that knows more about these put together a numbered list that ranks all of the kamis that have produced blades for Himalayan Imports? It looks to me that Bura is probably going to be on the top of the list, but I don't know how the other MVP's will rank.
 
kookery said:
Can somebody that knows more about these put together a numbered list that ranks all of the kamis that have produced blades for Himalayan Imports? It looks to me that Bura is probably going to be on the top of the list, but I don't know how the other MVP's will rank.
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I think such a list would be highly subjective. What criteria would be used to rank the kamis? Each kami has their own style, even if only subtly apparent, and certain kamis are probably more likely to make a specific type of Khukuri which might incline fans of that particular type of Khukuri to suggest that the maker of said blade was best. From what little I've manage to read in the past threads it seems all of the former kamis are highly regarded for their art. As for current kamis, Tirtha and Rajkumar probably receive the most accolades but they also seem to produce most of the blades we see on the DOTDs. All of HI's kamis are highly capable artisans; I've seen very nice blades produced by each kami in turn. My advice would be to just buy what catches your eye and enjoy them for what they are.
 
Shaggy said:
I think such a list would be highly subjective. What criteria would be used to rank the kamis? Each kami has their own style, even if only subtly apparent, and certain kamis are probably more likely to make a specific type of Khukuri which might incline fans of that particular type of Khukuri to suggest that the maker of said blade was best. From what little I've manage to read in the past threads it seems all of the former kamis are highly regarded for their art. As for current kamis, Tirtha and Rajkumar probably receive the most accolades but they also seem to produce most of the blades we see on the DOTDs. All of HI's kamis are highly capable artisans; I've seen very nice blades produced by each kami in turn. My advice would be to just buy what catches your eye and enjoy them for what they are.
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Thank you for the good help, shaggy. I couldnt have said it any better.
It's one of the reasons why i always say to pick the khukuri that calls to you. It will be the one you will enjoy and likely to serve you well.
Some people believe that these khukuri have souls of their own. Borne of the hard sweat, labor and love given them in the forging and crafting.
You only know it after you've truly experienced it.
 
I think the premiss of the question is good but the answer for myself is hard. Here's why; what I have noticed when I bought two (2) standard 18" Sirupates from two different Kamis: very similar measurements, weight and balance. I thought to myself, if the wood wasn't different I would get them mixed up.
Same-species-different-colors.jpg
Above: Same-species-different-colors
The second thing I noticed is the exact same type Kukri from the same Kami have different balance, different measurements, etc. Then I said, did this Kami really make both of them...hummm.

So I can't answer who is my favorite but say I like them all anyway (the Kamis).
 
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kookery said:
Can somebody that knows more about these put together a numbered list that ranks all of the kamis that have produced blades for Himalayan Imports? It looks to me that Bura is probably going to be on the top of the list, but I don't know how the other MVP's will rank.
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I still recommend you get a Rajkumar like you said you wanted to do in another thread. I have 5 by him and all have a smaller, more rounded, and less aggressive middle ring on the handle which I think you would appreciate.
 
Most of my khukuri was made tirtha ex: deradune and sirupati
For now tirtha is my man
Although my next custom made 15' sirupati will be made by rajkumar
I've heard a lot of good reviews on his blades , so he's my number 2
Last (at the moiment) is sher. I hope he's available to make my gelbu special

Ps: kumusta Karda :)
 
I've only got one full size Khukuri, so my list is short: Tirtha. I've shown my Sirupate to some other blade enthusiasts and they are all like "WOW!". Not just the size, 18 inch, but the worksmanship involved. Yeah, I know, for some of you with more in your collection, 18 inch is average to small, but it is the right size for me. I'm also curious about the one Paper Cutter I have. There are no Kami markings, but that is also beautifully crafted. I use it as a letter and box opener at work and it never fails to get a few remarks.

Now, if I'm good through the next year, I may augment my collection with an M43. I'll have to wait and see though.
 
Most of mine are Rajkumar and I have to say over the last year his work seems to have really improved. On my recent 18" Gelbu, the seam on the ferrule is so miniscule I thought it was one piece. And the handle is the best shaped handle I've received. He's gotten the ovoid/egg shape downs pat.
 
Hello everyone,I was wondering how good kami Bura's work is,everything i've read in this thread sounds promising but could someone give me a little more information?
 
Ramil839 said:
Hello everyone,I was wondering how good kami Bura's work is,everything i've read in this thread sounds promising but could someone give me a little more information?
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He is "The Royal Kami". The last Kami to ever make Khukuri for The King.
He did so for many years until the Royal family was deposed and went into exile.
Lal Bahadur Bishwakarma is his given name. At Birghorka he is called "Bura"... Nepali for "old man."
He was our shop foreman and most loyal friend and kami until his third stroke made him unable to pound steel.
He no longer makes khukuri himself. Khukuri made by him are fine pieces and command a premium, as they likely will never be seen again, nor will there ever be another royal kami.
He now guides some of our Kamis and teaches them when he is well enough to come to the shop.
Our medical fund is one of the few things that support him, to get him the medications and care he needs to stay alive. It also helps to support he and his family in whatever is needed to keep them from being in dire straights.
 
Karda said:
He is "The Royal Kami". The last Kami to ever make Khukuri for The King.
He did so for many years until the Royal family was deposed and went into exile.
Lal Bahadur Bishwakarma is his given name. At Birghorka he is called "Bura"... Nepali for "old man."
He was our shop foreman and most loyal friend and kami until his third stroke made him unable to pound steel.
He no longer makes khukuri himself. Khukuri made by him are fine pieces and command a premium, as they likely will never be seen again, nor will there ever be another royal kami.
He now guides some of our Kamis and teaches them when he is well enough to come to the shop.
Our medical fund is one of the few things that support him, to get him the medications and care he needs to stay alive. It also helps to support he and his family in whatever is needed to keep them from being in dire straights.
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Woah...
 
What would be interesting is to see how the kamis look, i could find some pictures on the h.i website but none of the recent kamis!
 
Ang-Khola said:
What would be interesting is to see how the kamis look, i could find some pictures on the h.i website but none of the recent kamis!
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Look up Yangdu and Karda's posts in the Dashain threads.

THere were pictures of most of them I think. I know for sure Tirtha, Rajkumar, and Lacchu were there.
 
Thanks alot falar and karda :)!it is really interesting to see the kamis who are making those amazing kukris. They seem to be nice and happy people!i'm glad that they make such nice knives for us and we help them by buying them.
 
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