I am getting ready to by my first khukuri and had a few ?'s 1) What would be a good first khukuri? I am looking for something to take out in the field and put to use. 2) I see in some of the discriptions of the khukuris that they were built by "Royal Kami". What does this mean? I understand that the Kami is the builder but what/who is a "Royal Kami"? Thanks Tenbrook
Bura was the Royal Kami -- the Kami who made the kukri for the king of Nepal -- until they voted the king out and voted in Maoists.
Bura however is no longer able to make blades due to health issues. He is apprenticing a new Kami though and so far has been helping all the kamis learn and hone their trade. Best all around field use Khukuri or blade in general? There are answers to both questions in the offerings from HI in my opinion. I like these two: First I like the Tamang because it is light weight and is a thinner blade so you can use it for skinning and other around the camp needs. They also have a different scabbard that holds the blade on your belt in a more comfortable position. The scabbard also can be attached to the outside of a pack easier IMO. three different handle woods, top to bottom, Satisal-Neem & Dhar Another one I like for field use is the ASTK or Amar Singh Thapa Knife: (scale is in inches) This one comes in the traditional type of scabbard and what I like about it is the geometry lends itself to chopping and cutting plus the point will give you something to dig with when needed.
LOTS of Ang Khola lovers here. My first and only Khukri from HI is the WWII. It's a good blade, but looking at the profiles of some other khukris, like the M43, I think I would like them better. I do really like the size-18.5 inches and 26 ounces.
Tenbrook, the 15" Ang Khola is a good start although you might want to look at the 15" CAK or "Chiruwa" Ang Khola the full pinned tang is stronger and warrantied for harder use. Your not really giving up a whole lot of strength by not going with the Chiruwa. You'll also hear a lot of suggestions for the WWII and the M43 models. Around here we say the Khukuri picks you so go with the model that "calls" to you. If it doesn't "fit" you well they are easy enough to sell off or Yangdu may let you trade if for something that better suits you. These things are FUN and useful I chopped some firewood up last night at a birthday party and had my cousins drooling. Then I got to go play with some fresh still green dead fall trees. The Khukuri is good on dried wood and it is phenomenal on green wood Warning these things are like Lays potato chips "you can never have just one." Good luck.
Personally, if all you want to do is chop, then go with an Ang Khola. I find them useful but not nearly as multi-purpose as a lot of the other models. Another one folks here seem to love, though I haven't gotten one of yet (but will) is the M43. Just from the reviews I have read on them and by looking at the way they are made, they do seem like a viable all around, "field" khukuri.
My first was a 15.5 in BAS. Good all around blade. I don't think an AK would be a bad choice at all. The extra blade mass makes it an easier blade to chop with. The BAS is more of a fighter/ utility hybrid.
I'm a huge fan of the Chiruwa Ang Khola. Though for general use the Amar Singh Thapa has really caught my attention. The M43 is also a much loved design.
I ended up getting one of these http://yhst-7333098713883.stores.yahoo.net/15inchsirupati.html They had one for $75 with a cracked handle. Could not pass up on that deal. Also picked up a T-shirt. So how did I do is the 15" Sirupati a nice Kuhkuri?
+1 I like the Sirupatis in the 15" - 18" range assuming the weight is right; but depending on what you need there may be better choices. Whether the Sirupati is the perfect choice for you or not; I think you will like it for what it is.
Just saying that "something to take out in the field and put to use" means different things to different people. I don't know if his fields consist of jungle, brush, or heavy wooded areas.
OK, granted but in my mind field work is field work. If it will work well in the woods, it is likely to handle the jungle. Been in both and deserts and light brush as well. I guess I find myself saying the same thing for the same thing, no matter the "field" since in the end, General Field Use winds up covering a lot more than chopping. Not trying to be a smart ass here but I am sure it will be taken as such.
Tenbrook; some would not pick a Sirupati for field use; others find they handle it very well. Check this link. http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=769081 Warty; no problems my friend. I myself can be a smart ass and sometimes come off that way even when I don't mean to.
Thanks Heinlein, seems some here just can't manage the whole humor thing unless you really make it blatant. I use a Sirupati a lot, in fact it is my car khuk for emergencies and I live in a hilly, wooded, area. In the end, until he gets at least one, he isn't gonna know for sure what he wants so why not just tell him to buy something and hope for the best.
