First Khukuri (I know I know, newbs sorry)

seatownlion · Dec 9, 2011

I am ready to become a Khukuri geek, I feel I already have without even owning one!

Anyway, I want a USER camping tool for chopping wood, clearing brush/blackberries, starting fires, whittling. Seldom will I have to stab a bear. I will be hiking alot. I am of average build, but not the greatest grip strength even for a guitar player (probably practice too much). 5'10 180lbs.

If there was one HI design 'calling' me it's the 16.5" CAK

Followed by WWII and M43, as I can see they are lighter weight for the size. However, I like the idea of full tang if possible, and the 3 chirra is just plain sexy (in a highly disturbing yet beautiful way).

Now the hard part (don't all jump on me at once):

I have to say that I am attracted to the handle design of the "american eagle" type Khukuri's sold by other dealers. I feel this will be safer, more durable, and ergonomic than the traditional design. This leads me to the consideration of purchasing through the competition.

A) Khukuri House 'american eagle,' 3 chirra spl, or KHHI Max ~$125 thru knives by hand
B) Ex-Ghurka Khukuri House comparable version ~$100 through ebay (anyone done busines with these guys?)

One thing I have noticed is that EGKH lists alot of variation in weights for the same advertised product, either they are sloppy or just unique...

PS-Please stay on topic

bladeright · Dec 9, 2011

truthfully i bought my first 2 from egkh. the first was a jungle 15"oal and it wasnt that good, the handle material was cheaper and broke rather quickly. the heat treat on both karda and khukuri were not as good
the second 1 was alot better quality. i bought a 25" oal Panwal Bhojpure. this 1 had great heat treat and alot better quality sheath and workmanship, but the fit and finish was rather poor

the only reason i bought these was because i didnt realize HI prices were shipped. the other guys i paid 40 to ship, which brought the price up to HI cost

then i bought a 16.5" CAK, the handle materials are way better, the heat treat is better, the facilities and how they treat there workers is better. and best of all the CAK has the best warranty(HI has best overall warranty) it can be used to pry things(even though i wont, but its nice to know i can)

now im waiting for a custom and am having a hard time waiting

Karda · Dec 9, 2011

As this is a discussion about H.I. Vs. Others....i'm going to have to move this off the showroom floor where you can discuss at will.

Buttmunkey · Dec 9, 2011

Kukri house shipping is abusive. the wife bought 2 kukri from them as a gift, total $150. With shipping it was near $300. Never again.
Traditional grips work fine, if they didn't work the Nepalese wouldn't use them. These knives have been around hundreds of years now, refined through many generations of skillful artistry, do you think a tacky eagles head really helps this classic.
This question would be better asked on the general forum imho.
The fit and finish on HI kukris is better than the others, I have 6 total, 4 HI. HI have an awesome polish. the M43 is a stout kukri, beautiful in its curves but get a wood handle, its easier to keep in your hand.
Kukris are not for whittling unless you call chopping down small trees into firewood whittling.

JayGoliath · Dec 9, 2011

You can NEVER, NEVER go wrong with a WWII.
Get your feel right and the khukuri will find you.

The vault is a wonderful place for you to drench in. I locked myself inside for 2 months.

Steve Tall · Dec 9, 2011

seatownlion said:
...I have to say that I am attracted to the handle design of the "american eagle" type Khukuri's sold by other dealers. I feel this will be safer, more durable, and ergonomic than the traditional design....

I think that finger cut-outs in the grip would be good for stabbing and slicing, but I suspect that they would not be good for chopping. There's more movement of the handle in the hand when chopping, especially when using the wrist-snap technique, and bumps on the grip would probably get in the way. The bigger pommels of the traditional khuks also have advantages when chopping.

Hopefully, someone having actual experience

with these bumpy small-pommelled grips will comment on this.

seatownlion · Dec 9, 2011

Thanks everyone for the replies and help. I have read a few reviews from users that have either modified their handles (by sanding down handle/wrapping with paracord), or gone with a modern version with favorable results. Most reviews have said that the butt of the handle cuts into their palms, regardless of maker. I realize that fit (which is highly subjective to one's technique and hand size) and finish (which really doesn't matter to me) are important to some people, but not for me, I will beat the #$%^@$ out of this tool every weekend if I feel confident in it's performance (maybe a villager is right for me?). I also forgot to mention I may be needing to clean fish and game occasionally.

This will be an introduction to khuk world, and +/- $75 is a big difference to me at this time, so I guess the real question is should I wait and save up for the legendary HI quality, customer service, ethics, and warranty? The shame is that if I decide to modify the handle I will be destroying an otherwise perfectly traditional masterpiece. Whereas, if I get a cheapo version, I can test to see if khuk design really works best for what I am needing. I can always upgrade.

Another question I have is how can you test the heat temper? Also, can HI make a custom handle with a forward finger gaurd and wider rounded out pommel?

seatownlion · Dec 13, 2011

Well, it seems the choice was made for me. I received a Kabar Kukri (machete KLO) for my birthday. Though I find it is useful, the thin blade just simply does notspli wood very effectively an gets stuck in the wood when chopping. Cutting small branches is easier with a normal machete which is lighter and has more reach. The handle is OK, I wrapped it with paracord. The sheath is crap. I will be saving up for the real deal soon I am sure.

(Copied from another thread):

Compared to my Collins Legitimus Columbian Machete, it doesn't cut as deep. I find for the smaller stuff (less than 1 inch,the Collins cut faster (one swing), while the Kabar took a few extra swings. Chopping down onto thicker wood, the depth of the cuts was about equal, however the Kabar was more rigid and didn't get stuck in the wood as much, it faired slightly better at this task, but only marginally. I also found that using the Kabar Kukri put alot of strain on my wrist as the blade would constantly want to twist in the direction of the wood grain. I probably wouldn't baton any wood with the Collins, I would with the Kabar, but it's not the best for it because it is still relatively thin. I think that these kukri-like-objects are good for the money, however without the true thickness and weight of a traditional Kukri, the benefits of the curved design are rather negligible.