Favorite Khukuri and Why?

J

John Shields

Joined
Oct 11, 2009
Messages
142
I'm curious as I'm seeing a wide array of favorites. I'm wondering if there's a pattern at all with what people favor. So I want to see what people would list as their most favorite khukuri. Here's what we'll need:

Khukuri Type (CAK, M-43, WWII, etc)
Khukuri Size (Overall length)
Khukuri Weight (If you have it)

If you guys can, list some of the other khukuri's that you have. I'm really curious to see what everyone labels a favorite over other ones. I know this is a little unfair (as some are better for different tasks than the other)... but let's answer this as if the question was, "You could only take one of your collection, what would it be".

I'll start...

Khukuri Type: M-43
Khukuri Size: 19 1/2"
Khukuri Weight: 32.6oz

Others Owned:

Ultimate Fighter

As to why it's my favorite... so far the best balance of weight, width, strength, and maneuverability.
 
Super CAK!

SuperCAK4.jpg


Khukuri type: unique (hybrid of the CAK, M43, Bhojpur, Bonecutter, and Dui Chirra)
Khukuri size: 20.25" OAL, blade length is 14.25"
Khukuri weight: 34.45 oz

My favorite because:

- tremendous hitting power
- outstanding speed & agility, even considering it's size
- built like a tank
- exquisitely balanced
 
My first love:
100_0113.jpg


20" CAK.
14.25" blade.
Don't remember the weight, don't have a scale, not light.

Favorite because:
I special ordered it for the way I do things outside. One of the criteria is that it had to outchop my S&N Penobscot Bay kindling axe, and it does.
The handle fits my hand extremely well.
Although it's heavy, it swings well, and for some odd reason the balance doesn't make it such a chore to use for long periods.
Takes and holds a wicked edge, yet doesn't roll or chip easily.

My 18.5" M43 takes a close second
100_0123.jpg


Reasons it didn't make #1:
Although it chops well, the balance makes it more difficult to wield for long periods, despite being lighter then the CAK.
The non-traditional handle isn't as solid or secure in my hand. Funny since I originally thought I'd hate the traditional handle until I got my CAK.
Those are the only gripes I have with it, it is a great performer.
 
I own a lot of HI khuks (and swords), but the only one I've actually chopped with is a 16.5-inch CAK that I bought used. Since it was already used, I didn't mind putting scrapes and sap stains on the blade. It is sturdy enough to take as much punishment as I've been able to give, while being light enough to use for a sustained period (although when the hand begins to cramp, it's time to stop for a while).
 
My close #2:

21.5" Chitlangi by Kami Sher:

HPIM0895.jpg


Khukuri Type: Chitlangi, horn handle
Khukuri Size: 21.5" OAL, blade length 15"
Khukuri Weight: don't recall

More hitting power than a sirupati, more agile than an ang khola; it's halfway between weapon and tool, and very elegant too.
 
My very early, Sanu made YCS is still by far my favorite.
It is about 17 1/2 inches, 27 oz. It has incredable fullers! It chops and slices very well. It has aged nicely with the silver getting that mottled patina and the handle yellowing a little from all the BLO treatments when I got it. It is semi retired as it is not a replaceable khuk if it got trashed, but in its day it diced and sliced like no other! Back then I think the Karda were larger and more defined also.
 
My #3:

HPIM0930.jpg


Type: Sirupati by Master Kami Bura
Size: 20.25" OAL, blade length is just a hair under 14.5"
Weight: a mere 24 oz

This is my #1 pick as a pure fighter. It's the khukuri I carry for defense against wild dogs and such. This one has good reach, great balance, it's wicked fast and handles like a rapier.
 
Well right now I have only two, and two coming, so I will say that as of right now the WWII is my favorite it is 17.5 inches long and 30oz villager finish. Feels very nice in my hands, did some chopping today with it and I am very pleased overall.

DSC_0078.jpg
[/IMG]
 
I have 2

1. 20" oal Sirupati wood handle. The Sirupati fits my hand perfectly, is lightweight, has a longer blade that chops well and still managable for fighting/ martial arts use.

2. 18" oal Chiruwa AK wood handle. The Chiruwa AK fits my hand very well, built like a tank, very thick blade that chops very well and could be used as a emergency prybar.

Not sure about the weight of either Khukri.
 
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Everyone already knows.

18 1/2 inch
27 ounce
M-43 by Bura

It's my favorite due to exceptional cutting power and performance. And cause it has been through hell and back with me.

Someone mentioned above that they prefered the traditional handle. That is the one improvement I think could be made to the M-43. I would prefer a grip with the traditional ring like the Chiruwa Ang Kholas have. The ring helps to anchor the grip.
 
wildmike said:
Someone mentioned above that they prefered the traditional handle. That is the one improvement I think could be made to the M-43. I would prefer a grip with the traditional ring like the Chiruwa Ang Kholas have. The ring helps to anchor the grip.
Click to expand...

On the topic of M43 handles, my new one came in just this morning, and the handle on it is incredibly comfortable for a chiruwa pattern. Of course, I haven't put it to the test yet, so I might end up of the same opinion regarding the lack of centre ring.

My current favourite HI is the Bonecutter, since most of my khuk use is as an axe substitute. Weight forward, and a relatively acute bevel with a deep bite. Edit: it's about 19" OAL, and roughly 30-some ounces.
 
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Sorry, no pics.

#1: Kerambit!!! Which isn't technically a Khukri, but i love it all the same
#2: 15" BAS. The only Khukri I have, and it is so amazing I could not imagine why I *need* another one.... but i do *want* another...five.

If you're trying to get at which Khuk is the best, everyone has an opinion, each is different, and each is valid. It all depends on what you want. Personally, I like small-medium-sized khuks that are not too heavy, as I am a tall, thin guy built to run, not to swing big heavy things.
 
1. 25" Kobra by Kumar 29.5oz. purchased on 9/14/04
My favorite for many reasons,it's my first HI Kurkri, the first I purchased from Uncle Bill, because it fits me to perfection, and because it's a work of art.
 
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### I edit my post because I don't mean to promote another procuction knife, thank you for HARPERSGRACE, and b.c.molin for your post ..:) ###
 
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If I could have only one it would be my big WWII. It was made by Kumar circa 2002, comes in at 18.5" and tips the scales at 28oz. It's 7/16" at its thickest. I like the long satissal handle. I can choke up for more speed and control or I can slide my hand back for more power. Uncle said the WWII was probably the best combination of tool & weapon available. I, for one, think the man knew what he was talking about.

Frank
 
I like the big ones. But they're all great. Swinging a 20"+ khukuri with two hands is something everyone should do.
 
Must_Seagate said:
Hi........


my favorite khukuri is The Operation Iraqi Freedom series,

Blade Size: 11 Inches
Weight: 850 Grams

It's fit to my hand, the weight is fit to, and the sweetness thing is : the khukuri "theme" also match with my favorite knife to, it's a Marc Lee Glory knife from Benchmade ......

(soryy Im not good in English)
Click to expand...

This is a Himalayan Imports forum we tend not to advertise other companies products here
 
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Must_Seagate said:
Hi........

it's a Marc Lee Glory knife from Benchmade ......

(soryy Im not good in English)
Click to expand...

Hi Must_Seagate, and welcome to Himalayan Imports Manufacturers' Sub Forum.

There are many folks here from all around the globe and English is a funny language even for those that are born where it is their first and often only language.

The primary aim of this Forum is the discussion of products made by Himalayan Imports. But there is a general topics area here:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=796

where all Khukuri related posts are welcome and other makers products discussed.

As an aside I had not seen the Benchmade Marc Lee "Glory" Knife before your post but I sure can appreciate why you like it so much. ;)

Hope you get the chance to purchase some Himalayan Imports's Khukuri's so as you can see first hand why they are regarded as of best quality and strongest Khukuri's second to none!:thumbup:
 
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