First Khukris

[euroross]

Im interested in getting a Khukris but dont know that much about these other than reading a few posts here and there and everyone seems to like them. So I may jump in and get one. My question is, I usually buy knives with a full tang, which one if any has a full tang and not a hidden one? I like the looks of the M43 and the chiruwa(dont know if thats a stlye or the name of one?). Any help would be great, thanks!

 

[Wolf_1989]

Chiruwa (or panawal) is what they refer to as a full tang (more correctly called a slab tang IMO).

I've seen virtually every model H.I. makes also produced in a Chiruwa version.

BUT these khukris are so well made the 'full tang' really isnt necessary. If you were to see one of their internal tangs, the tang is almost as wide as the blade at the bolster. I've been chopping away with an internal tang 20" Ang Khola for over 5 years now and it's held up just fine. The only advantage I see to the chiruwa tang is it helps balance out a longer and heavier blade because there's more steel in the handle.


But then again, I've never managed to break the tang on an internal tang knife. If an internal tang is done right, it's not an issue. I have a 20+ year old Camillus "KaBar" which has been through all sorts of heavy use, bordering on abuse, and it's just as strong as it was when I bought it.

 

[Cpl Punishment]

Basically, look at the handle, if it has pins through it, most likely it's a Chiruwa style handle.

If you mean the Chiruwa Ang Khola, that's a variation of the Ang Khola having the Chiruwa style handle.

M43:

Chiruwa Ang Khola (CAK):

 

[warty]

If a "full tang is what you MUST have then you can look for pins, which is the best way to know though isn't 100%. Another way to do this is to simply decide which khukuri you want, which type/shape or whatever is best suited to your needs and email Yangdu and ask for one to made in a "chiruwa" version. Then simply wait a month or two and when it is made to order for you, pay for it and there you go!

All of the khukuris made by HI have a far more substantial tang, even the "rat tail" versions, that I don't think you could break them unless you set out to do so on purpose. They simply have far more tang on them than you think is there. It isn't some scrawny little piece of metal that is less than a third of the width of the blade or more like a threaded "screw diameter" thing sticking through the handle. It is then is slathered in laha, the native glue that is like a rock, and then the handle is put on and shaped. As for the balance question, this is actually something that a good Kami can equal out even without a full tang. I have a hidden tang made by Tirtha that apparently he weighted by using a larger end cap and thereby evening out the weight...

In any case, get what you want for sure but I know from first hand experience and from owning some pretty old and well used khukuries of the non chiruwa type that personally it no longer matters either way. If it is a style I like, then I buy it and never worry if it is a fully or hidden tang, ever.

as an example, here is a picture of the tang of a regular, non-chiruwa AK

 

[DanSmithy]

I was (and still am) a fan of the Chiruwa (or full tang as it's known for other knifes)
However, with the khuks I've come to realize WHY.
You see, on a "normal" knife you would frequently grasp the handle tight and then put pressure on the blade...so if the tang is not "full" it may brake easier. Hence the need for full tang on lighter "normal" blades.
Kukris are anything but normal for western people, so we naturally look for the full tang.
With the khuks design and weight you don't ever put such pressure on the handle.
In the most frequent scenario the tang has to be strong enough to bare the weight of the blade. Imagine using a hatchet...more or less the same technique is used.
You pick up / lift the blade and let it drop fast, leaving gravity and weight do the job.
No pressing on the handle as such.

 

[PayetteRucker]

I have a thru-tang WWII and there's no way I will ever be able to break that thing under my own power. It's seriously impressive as to how beefy the handle is. I doubt you'll have much of an issue... especially considering the thickness of the stock. M43 is a great choice!