First Khukuri, suggestions?

L

Law of Thirds

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Apr 20, 2011
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I'm looking to get my first khukuri from HI and I'm looking for suggestions as to what would be your choice.

I'm leaning towards an M-43, 15 or 18" Ang Khola (what's the difference between the regular AK and the CAK?), or perhaps a Chitlangi (that fuller work is beautiful). Light camp work is probably going to be the most common usage.

One thing I'm worried about is grip size. My hands are around 4 1/4 inches across the knuckles and 9 inches long and some of these khukuri's look like they have fairly small handles. Am I just worrying over nothing or should I look at the longer handled variants?
 
Most of the HI models have larger handles than you would find on many of the traditional Nepalese models. That being said, get the CAK. It is a great kukri, especially for those with big hands.
 
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Welcome to the H.I. forum, Law of Thirds!
If you have larger hands i would go with the larger models 18 " and above. H.I. khukuri are measured in Overall length.
The difference between an AK and a CAK is the handle. The AK is "rat tail" tang peened at the buttcap. The CAK is Chiruwa handle, which is full tang, visible all the way around with handle slabs affixed with pins.
 
The 18" WWII model is awesome for folks with large hands. They generally have a longer handle on them so your hand doesn't feel as cramped between the bolster and the bell.
 
The Tamang still puts a smile on my face. I've sold off a lot lately, but that stays with me!
 
you're right on track - for yor first one, I'd say a either the CAK [Chiruwa Ang Khola] or a 15" AK is best. THe CAK is a little longer and is heavier.
 
For hands that big, I agree with Karda, don't go below 18".

My order of preference would be:
CAK
M43
Amar Singh Thapa
 
I'd buy one of each, if I had the money...

Unless you have some extreme job where you need to pry, I wouldn't go with the CAK due to the full tang being a bit uncomfortable for some when chopping.

I like the M43 most, followed closesly by a 18" AK.
 
I'll go with Jake on this one, but differ slightly. A large handled khuk with relatively light weight, easy and portable length, and versatility in spades is the 16.5" WW II. I have a Tirtha version at about 25 ounces. The handle is plenty long for anyone and has a perfect feel and balance. Some have recently come out several ounces lighter than mine. You mention LIGHT camp work as your main use. I can think of no better khuk for that purpose. I think that is exactly what this khuk was designed for, with some nice weapon-like handling ability thrown in. It's not the best chopper, but it will chop aplenty! The CAK (have), M-43 (have), and ASTK (don't have) are heavy duty tools which will out last us all, but they have some extra weight, due to design and chiruwa handle. I've never handled a 15" AK or 18" WW II. If I had , I might be praising them above all else. I have a decent, small assortment of khuks, and were I in need of a light-duty camp tool, it would be my 16.5 WW II. I have carried it on a belt for hours on end and never knew it was even there intil I needed it. It's often said around here not to sweat the first khuk choice too much since first khuk is usually followed quickly by second and third khuk. Take care and good luck.
 
as long as this thread is here, i've got a related question. is it possible to get a wwii, but with a chiruwa (or other) handle? that'd be the best of all worlds for me.

figure i'll bug everyone here instead of yangdu, since she's prob working on the DOTD right now. which means the sharks are circling, so i'll get expert advice quickly :)

i recently sold my wwii, had to, tax time stuff. but i will be replacing it when money is right again. love the blade shape.

when i do, i've got big hands (i'm 6'4"), and personally like the larger width you get with a full-length visible tang and slabs attached to each side. just fits my large hand the best with my khuks.

so, can you get a wwii, but made with a full exposed tang handle (chiruwa, presumably, though i'm open to other options) to make it bigger/thicker, and a better fit for a large hands?

thanks for the help, gentlemen.
 
The M43!! When I got mine I sat there looking at it in total amazement! Anyone know of another Kukri that could improve on that wow factor because I am looking to get another HI in the future.
 
gentemanndvm said:
as long as this thread is here, i've got a related question. is it possible to get a wwii, but with a chiruwa (or other) handle? that'd be the best of all worlds for me.

figure i'll bug everyone here instead of yangdu, since she's prob working on the DOTD right now. which means the sharks are circling, so i'll get expert advice quickly :)

i recently sold my wwii, had to, tax time stuff. but i will be replacing it when money is right again. love the blade shape.

when i do, i've got big hands (i'm 6'4"), and personally like the larger width you get with a full-length visible tang and slabs attached to each side. just fits my large hand the best with my khuks.

so, can you get a wwii, but made with a full exposed tang handle (chiruwa, presumably, though i'm open to other options) to make it bigger/thicker, and a better fit for a large hands?

thanks for the help, gentlemen.
Click to expand...

Someone here has a chiruwa WW II. I just don't remember who. The kamis can do anything you want, but that would likely be a custom order. Don't worry though, customs here don't cost an arm and a leg. I think this is because every knife from HI is really a custom. Chiruwa doesn't always mean bigger though. My CAK has a relatively small, round grip, but it feels very good. My Tirtha WW II has a long and very oval grip, and also feels great. The biggest handle on any khuk I've had was my M-43. I worked it over to fit my hand. That model seems to come pretty much standard with a large handle. The beauty is that it makes custom fitting easy. Take care.
 
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