- Joined
- Jan 25, 2000
- Messages
- 4,492
Well, my first khukuri arrived just yesterday. A 25" sirupati. Not quite the beast I had expected. Strong and robust, yes. Heavy and awkward, no. The blade feels surprisingly light in the hand, especially for a blade so long and nearly 1/2" thick. Easily manageable with one-hand (although I wouldn't want to swing it all day), and amazing results were obtained once I found the sweet spot and became familiar with the blade length so that I was able to place it accurately. 3" saplings were felled with one swing and 1" limbs were barely noticeable. I expected the thick blade to perform quite well when chopping, but didn't really expect such a thick blade to cleave as well as it does. I also tackled some 8" pine logs and was happy to see that it performed more like a camp ax in this regard and I had no problem with the blade sticking.
I was pleasantly surprised at the level of finish on the knife. The engraving and inlay work is definitely not world class, but it is perfectly acceptable on this knife and looks really nice. I am not sure if it is necessary or not for the way the blade will be used, but I may just attempt to clean up the stray scratches and improve the finish of the handle and surrounding area.
One area that must be addressed is the handle. It has a wood handle that is properly sized for me and quite comfortable with the exception of the raised ring in the middle (forgive me as I don't know the proper term for this). This just feels awkward to me and being left handed, my wedding band compounds the problem. I think I will grind the ring off the handle and sand it smooth. Does anyone else have a similar problem with the handles?
All in all, I would have to say my first khukuri experience was a real joy. I stopped by a friend's house after I got the knife last night for a little fun. We chopped trees, cleared brush, limbed trees and just had a lot of fun with the sirupati. Giggling like kids with a new toy. Now he needs one as well. These things really seem to be as infectious as you all claim. I think that a 30" Kobra will be next on my list.
I was pleasantly surprised at the level of finish on the knife. The engraving and inlay work is definitely not world class, but it is perfectly acceptable on this knife and looks really nice. I am not sure if it is necessary or not for the way the blade will be used, but I may just attempt to clean up the stray scratches and improve the finish of the handle and surrounding area.
One area that must be addressed is the handle. It has a wood handle that is properly sized for me and quite comfortable with the exception of the raised ring in the middle (forgive me as I don't know the proper term for this). This just feels awkward to me and being left handed, my wedding band compounds the problem. I think I will grind the ring off the handle and sand it smooth. Does anyone else have a similar problem with the handles?
All in all, I would have to say my first khukuri experience was a real joy. I stopped by a friend's house after I got the knife last night for a little fun. We chopped trees, cleared brush, limbed trees and just had a lot of fun with the sirupati. Giggling like kids with a new toy. Now he needs one as well. These things really seem to be as infectious as you all claim. I think that a 30" Kobra will be next on my list.