First Khukri Recommendation

I

icekin

Joined
Sep 22, 2010
Messages
5
Hi forum members, I've read over a dozen threads about khukri recommendations. A bit about me: I am about 5' 5" and weigh about 125 lbs. I am looking for a khukri for camping and bushcraft. I looked at the field khukris and was initially considering the CAK, but reading wildmike's many posts has now convinced me to go for the M43 instead.

Which khukri would you all recommend for me based on my build? I would like to know widely which is recommended, not just between the M43 and the CAK. Also, which size should I go for? The camping tasks I am looking to do mainly involve batoning wood, chopping etc. I won't be working much with meat or skinning.

Thanks in advance.
 
You might also consider something a little smaller than the average M43... a 15" Ang Khola is still plenty useful, and more hike-friendly than the larger specimens.
 
I'm a little taller than you with a little more weight. I just picked up the YCS today from the post office and ran it through my forest of a yard. It's light to carry, it chops great and from the tests I ran the thing was built to last. Only time will tell of course but I'd recommend it as a camper/bushcraft. Mine was made by Kami Tirtha and the buzz about quality work from him I have to say first hand is true. I think that will be my primary use for it along side using it to chop down bush and trees on my steep hillside. It also comes with 2 kardas. You know.. because forks and spoons just weigh down the camp bag. :D I'm thinking about an M43 or a chi ak as well since my confidence is high.
 
Given your size and intended use, I would say get a 15" Ang Khola or British Army Service or at most a 16.5" WW II or Chiruwa Ang Khola. Anything bigger and heavier will take some getting used to unless you don't mind the exercise, and the hidden-tang (which are still full tangs) handles will more than suffice in strength.
 
mobileninja said:
I'm a little taller than you with a little more weight. I just picked up the YCS today from the post office and ran it through my forest of a yard. It's light to carry, it chops great and from the tests I ran the thing was built to last. Only time will tell of course but I'd recommend it as a camper/bushcraft. Mine was made by Kami Tirtha and the buzz about quality work from him I have to say first hand is true. I think that will be my primary use for it along side using it to chop down bush and trees on my steep hillside. It also comes with 2 kardas. You know.. because forks and spoons just weigh down the camp bag. :D I'm thinking about an M43 or a chi ak as well since my confidence is high.
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His YCS might work very well for you as the weight is very reasonable for the length. A lot of people say that there is a big jump in chopping efficiency when you get to 18"; but at your size I tend to think a 15" - 16.5" would be better.
 
heinlein said:
...I tend to think a 15" - 16.5" would be better.
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In this size range, I like the Ganga Ram Special (GRS), which is a remarkably good chopper for its weight.

Here's one that I have (the bottom one):
15" long, only 18 ounces!, yet bites deep (the bevel angle is more acute than most khuk models).
IMG_3131b_1_2_1.jpg


Here are a couple from previous Deals of the Day:

14.5 inch 20 ounce GRS
12-01-10%20003.jpg


14.5 inch 17 ounce GRS
12-03-10%20006.jpg


Recent threads:

M-43 or Ganga Ram?

I can use some help
 
12 or 15 inch AK is always a good choice for a first khukuri, regardless of size

relative to what most people pack into the woods, they are still huge knives, they are a lot of BANG for the buck, and while being relatively light they chop like champs
 
I am out of town working and have been for a couple of months.I have been wanting one of these for awhile and after a long time of reading posts .I decided on the M-43.I have one waiting on me at home in east Tennessee.I haven't had one in my hand yet so I can't speak on it very much.I liked the shape of the blade and the way it looked the best.I never had one of the others in my hand but I imagined that I wouldn't like the ring that is on the others.I originally thought I wanted a C.S. carbon v but changed my mind after spending a lot of time on this forum.I am quite a bit bigger than you (6'2" 240lb)so I am not making a recommendation but telling you what I went with.I have been looking at them for at least a year now and I can't wait to get mine in my hand.I don't think I will be disappointed.It looks like its going to be a couple more months though.Good luck and if you get one that don't fit you I don't think you will have any trouble recycling it.One thing that I have noticed is H.I. has a lot of loyal fans.
 
Welcome mct453!
Many people feel that they wouldnt like the handle ring when they see it. Once they feel its intended purpose (to help lock the khukuri in your grip), they change their view on it, even if their preference is for smooth handles. The trick is getting one that fits between your fingers properly and comfortably. Sometimes a slight modification is all it needs.
 
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Thanks to everyone who replied so far. I am quite impressed with so many replies in just a few hours. I feel the support here is fantastic. So far the recommendations are CAK, WWII, BAS, GRS, M43 and YCS. I am interested in something with a chiruwa handle. I know the M43 has a chiruwa handle. What is the lightest Chiruwa khuk of the list? Does the CAK come in anything under 16.5"?

Also, the YCS looking amazing, but I am afraid field abuse might damage the nice handle pattern! Also, there doesn't seem to be a price for the YCS on the online shop . Any idea how much it costs?
 
Karda said:
Welcome mct453!
Many people feel that they wouldnt like the handle ring when they see it. Once they feel its intended purpose (to help lock the khukuri in your grip), they change their view on it, even if their preference is for smooth handles. The trick is getting one that fits between your fingers properly and comfortably. Sometimes a slight modification is all it needs.
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Thank you for the welcome.I am easily influenced when it comes to purchasing sharpened tools.I have been on a golok kick recently.I started with the Condor,got a valiant,and am currently waiting on a dangerous curves by MR.David Farmer.My first khukuri was a Mcurdy and a good friend of mine had to have it, so now he does.I think i have been traveling the same road as many others and working my way to what seems to be the top.I have been lurking around here for awhile and it seems the best H.I. salesman are right here on this forum.I am grateful for all the great info and after I get home and see my new play pretty I may just be in the market for another.My wife says that I am obssesed....I reckon I am.She also says the same thing about duck hunting and turkey hunting.I think she realizes it could be alot worse than feathers and steel.She does'nt complain too much.I am sure she would be grateful to you for giving me some more ideas..::rolleyes:lol.
 
icekin said:
Thanks to everyone who replied so far. I am quite impressed with so many replies in just a few hours. I feel the support here is fantastic. So far the recommendations are CAK, WWII, BAS, GRS, M43 and YCS. I am interested in something with a chiruwa handle. I know the M43 has a chiruwa handle. What is the lightest Chiruwa khuk of the list? Does the CAK come in anything under 16.5"?

Also, the YCS looking amazing, but I am afraid field abuse might damage the nice handle pattern! Also, there doesn't seem to be a price for the YCS on the online shop . Any idea how much it costs?
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The lightest Chiruwa handled khukuri would probably be a 12" CAK.
The CAK comes in sizes ranging from 12" to 20" normally, although we have seen some special ones that come in biltong size of around 8"or 9".
For a great user camp knife i would recommend a 15" villager finish CAK. It is easily packable, rides great on a belt and is light enough for extended hiking.

Although they are built with the same care and toughness as any other H.I. khukuri, the YCS khukuri is not a field useage khukuri and the inlaid specimens really should not be used for chopping. In several recent DOTD's they have been selling for $200 even.

If one cannot find a particular model listed on the store website. It is best to make a post on the forum or inquire about it to Yangdu at HIMIMP@aol.com.


mct453 said:
Thank you for the welcome.I am easily influenced when it comes to purchasing sharpened tools.I have been on a golok kick recently.I started with the Condor,got a valiant,and am currently waiting on a dangerous curves by MR.David Farmer.My first khukuri was a Mcurdy and a good friend of mine had to have it, so now he does.I think i have been traveling the same road as many others and working my way to what seems to be the top.I have been lurking around here for awhile and it seems the best H.I. salesman are right here on this forum.I am grateful for all the great info and after I get home and see my new play pretty I may just be in the market for another.My wife says that I am obssesed....I reckon I am.She also says the same thing about duck hunting and turkey hunting.I think she realizes it could be alot worse than feathers and steel.She does'nt complain too much.I am sure she would be grateful to you for giving me some more ideas..::rolleyes:lol.
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My wife is the same way. She was a bit nervous with all the sharp steel i was getting.( my collection is small compared to some at roughly 20 pcs) They get used to it after awhile. Buy her a small khukuri for the kitchen or a khurmi for gardening and maybe she will become infected with the HIKV(H.I. khukuri Virus) too. :thumbup: :D
 
icekin, welcome aboard. My 16.5", 25 oz. WWII feels perfect for all day carrying and use. It doesn't chop as well as my M-43, but is not even noticed hanging on my belt. I'm quite a bit taller and heavier than you though. My 12.5", 16 oz. Murali made Ganga Ram Special/Bonecutter sounds like it would be ideal for you. Come to think of it, Auntie has sold some 14" Bonecutters in the past, I believe. I would email her and see what she thinks. The BCs are chiruwa and well loved by many here. She could easily have one, or a chiruwa Ganga Ram Special, made for you. Auntie does not charge a real premium on custom orders. Everything she sells is custom and made one at a time. A special order 14" chiruwa Ganga Ram Special/ or Bonecutter should be ideal for your needs, IMHO. Take care.
 
mct453 said:
Thank you for the welcome.I am easily influenced when it comes to purchasing sharpened tools.I have been on a golok kick recently.I started with the Condor,got a valiant,and am currently waiting on a dangerous curves by MR.David Farmer.My first khukuri was a Mcurdy and a good friend of mine had to have it, so now he does.I think i have been traveling the same road as many others and working my way to what seems to be the top.I have been lurking around here for awhile and it seems the best H.I. salesman are right here on this forum.I am grateful for all the great info and after I get home and see my new play pretty I may just be in the market for another.My wife says that I am obssesed....I reckon I am.She also says the same thing about duck hunting and turkey hunting.I think she realizes it could be alot worse than feathers and steel.She does'nt complain too much.I am sure she would be grateful to you for giving me some more ideas..::rolleyes:lol.
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Mine says the same thing! But my son thinks my big knives are cool;)! That's what matters to me.
 
icekin said:
Thanks to everyone who replied so far. I am quite impressed with so many replies in just a few hours. I feel the support here is fantastic. So far the recommendations are CAK, WWII, BAS, GRS, M43 and YCS. I am interested in something with a chiruwa handle. I know the M43 has a chiruwa handle. What is the lightest Chiruwa khuk of the list? Does the CAK come in anything under 16.5"?
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With the exception of the AK and CAK most can be obtained as either chiruwa or non chiruwa. Be advised that chiruwa vs. non-chiruwa is a highly debated thing with many preferring what they originally thought they wouldn't like. I think either would work for you.
icekin said:
Also, the YCS looking amazing, but I am afraid field abuse might damage the nice handle pattern! Also, there doesn't seem to be a price for the YCS on the online shop . Any idea how much it costs?
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They are not all so ornate like this: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=825357
Check this very nice but plainer version: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=833373
 
Icekin, welcome to the forums! :) I agree with most of the others, a 15" AK, B.A.S. or smaller WWII makes a great 1st Khukri. Make sure to get one thats around the average weight. They are easier to handle.

Regardless of what you choose to buy, please remember to post pictures of it. ;) We like pictures and reviews here. Also if your 1st doesn't work out, you can always trade or buy into something else. Learning which works for you is part of the fun.
 
although before rushing to order a custom, I would try out one of the existing khuk's
some of the designs are quite old, and theres good reason why they are made the way they are
 
First welcome to you both, icekin and mct453. Glad to have you with us.

icekin, the suggestions of 12-16.5" for you are good ones. It seems the deciding factor would be whether your arms are spindly, like mine, or packin' pythons. Spindly and I'd say start around the 12-15" size. Pythons, then take your pick. Have fun and be safe (that is read the Safety Sticky).

mct453, rings are good. Hope you enjoy your M43.
 
I just placed an order for a 15" CAK. With its unbreakable guarantee and so many people praising it, I thought I should give it a try. Now, I'll have to wait a month or two since Auntie said she has no stock, but has asked the Kamis to make one. Plus, I live in Australia and I think the international shipping is going to take a while. Can't wait to have a go at some of that dead trees in my garden. As wildmanh suggested, I will post photos once I get my hands on this. Many thanks to you all.
 
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