First HI Khukri- carved handles?

John G

John G

Joined
Jul 4, 2008
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Thanks to Karda, I had the opportunity to see and handle some HI khukris at this summer's WNY get-together. Well, I really like the carved handles. I'm not sure if I prefer horn or wood, but the carving looked great and gave a nice grippyness to the handle. Though I've borrowed a friend's khukri before, this will be the first one I've owned. I love the history and tradition of these knives. I use my blades mostly for woodcarving and camping-related chores, as well as some hobby level bushcrafting.

What model should I consider? Any advice would be appreciated! :)
 
Hey John, good to see you!
We don't have anything you'd be able to whittle with, but you could feasably carve a large item with one. :D
While the carved handles are nice, they really are more for ornamental sake. For a khukuri that you would use for bushcrafting and chopping they are impractical due to the severe stresses the strikes put on the handle. There is a possiblity that it would split.
The model you handled was an Ang Khola. There are many other options to look at. Rummage around in the link library at the top of the forum and you will see links to the picture thread and other material. Also check out our website. Get a feel for what you like the looks of. Consider what length would be practical for you. Then ask more questions. In the end pick the one that call you the most. It will likely be the one you were meant to have. Sometime the khukuri chooses us.
 
IIRC there is a long time HI customer that totes a Hanuman Special, along with the button scabbard on his regular nature walks. It's given him years of good service and he still uses it to this day.
 
The Mosel john was referring to is the Silver Mounted AK by bura. It has deep carvings. I wouldnt use it as a field khuk, although i'm quite sure the blade would do it's job well.
 
If that's the case, then I'd agree that there are better choices. The bone handles have a tendency to crack even without the added stresses of chopping.

I'd suggest that for a first khukuri the OP go with one of the old standbys like a 15" Ang Khola. If he really wants a knife with carved handles, he should also pick up a Kumar Karda. The KK would do well for woodcarving and other camping-related chores.

hikumarkarda.jpg
 
Thanks for the advice, guys! I've been looking around a bit, and I do like the Ang Khola. Looks like it could do some major chopping. I often use a big knife like the Becker BK2 for roughing out a blank for spoon carving, or for harvesting branches for walking sticks. I also like Kamagong's suggestion to get a second knife w/the carved handle.:cool:

Is the Kumar Karda flat ground? it looks like it from that photo.
 
Last edited:
John G said:
Is the Kumar Karda flat ground? it looks like it from that photo.
Click to expand...

That particular specimen is flat ground, but it was done as an aftermarket modification. The Kumar Karda comes with a scandi-grind.
 
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