I've been wanting a kukri for years but never prioritized it. I literally had no need for one. I've got plenty of machetes for my various chopping needs. And there's just no way I could ever see carrying this around on my belt.
But... well long story short I bought this on a half whim / half too much $$ in my paypal account. I might be wearing it as part of my outfit for a wedding party later this year.
This is a Khukuri Palace blade, the WWII model IIRC. Initially I only knew of the Himalayan Imports site (due to the vendor subforum here) but I didn't quite want to pay HI prices (though by all accounts they are worth it). There weren't many review mentions of the other kukri dealers so I will write down a few thoughts here.
The fit and finish exceeded my expectations. It's obviously a hand made item. You can make out some grinding and finish marks on the blade. The rosewood handle is very nicely carved but its slight imperfections stand out compared to the near-perfection of of modern manufactured knives. The sheath is equally well made.
The edge came quite sharp. It shaves hair but not very well. That would be faint praise on a high end folder, but for a relatively inexpensive and large fixed blade made for chopping I think that's an overachievement.
This is the only kukri I've ever used so I can't compare it to others. Kukris come in various sizes and weights. This one is short (~11" blade) and heavy (I forget, I think it was spec'd at 25 oz). I find it odd to use it as a chopper due to the short length and my experience with machetes which are generally long, thin, and very light. I have to say this works great on bamboo. Surprisingly well. I now wonder what the longer, thinner "villager" kukris are like for yardwork duty.
Anyway, I'm super happy with this knife and hope this helps other people in their kukri buying quest.
But... well long story short I bought this on a half whim / half too much $$ in my paypal account. I might be wearing it as part of my outfit for a wedding party later this year.
This is a Khukuri Palace blade, the WWII model IIRC. Initially I only knew of the Himalayan Imports site (due to the vendor subforum here) but I didn't quite want to pay HI prices (though by all accounts they are worth it). There weren't many review mentions of the other kukri dealers so I will write down a few thoughts here.
The fit and finish exceeded my expectations. It's obviously a hand made item. You can make out some grinding and finish marks on the blade. The rosewood handle is very nicely carved but its slight imperfections stand out compared to the near-perfection of of modern manufactured knives. The sheath is equally well made.
The edge came quite sharp. It shaves hair but not very well. That would be faint praise on a high end folder, but for a relatively inexpensive and large fixed blade made for chopping I think that's an overachievement.
This is the only kukri I've ever used so I can't compare it to others. Kukris come in various sizes and weights. This one is short (~11" blade) and heavy (I forget, I think it was spec'd at 25 oz). I find it odd to use it as a chopper due to the short length and my experience with machetes which are generally long, thin, and very light. I have to say this works great on bamboo. Surprisingly well. I now wonder what the longer, thinner "villager" kukris are like for yardwork duty.
Anyway, I'm super happy with this knife and hope this helps other people in their kukri buying quest.
