First Khukuri - What should I get?

philthygeezer

philthygeezer

Joined
Aug 6, 2002
Messages
746
Hello,

After looking at a CS Ghurka Khukuri (they spell it kukri - does that mean they don't know much about Khukuris?:D ), I am warming up to the idea of getting an HI Khuk. I like the CS kydex sheath but I am not sure how well the actual knife stacks up against HI.

The idea is to have a well-made knife for chopping duty/four legged pest control while hiking. A last resort if lost and in need of quick shelter/fire, or attacked by a pack of rabid wild beavers and coyotes.:eek:

From the HI website, their khukuris seem to be very well made by real people and I really enjoy that aspect. Having a knife with a real face behind it gives me sense of connection to the artisan across the planet who made it. I am thinking perhaps I would rather support them.

So the question is: which one to get? I have a CS Trail Master and am looking for something that will do a better job of chopping than that tool. Perusing at the market on andale; the 18" Ang Khola looks nice. I am looking at spending about $150.00 before collecting the August rebate, so about $120 all-up.

In the same price range are also the 16"-17" Chiruwa Ang Khola and the 18" Ganga Ram special. Any suggestions? This is going to be my first Khukuri and I want to do it right.

Thanks again for your time,
Phil
 
Welcome to the Cantina Geezer. The AK is most definatley a superior chopper. If you are going to pack it in the field though, it may get heavy. Same for Ganga Ram. A WWII will give you close chopping performance for less weight. A Gelbu special or sirupati will save a lot of weight and still be a good chopper, and better weapon if need be. I take a BAS backpacking and it has always proved more than adequate for any task called for.

The part about hand crafted beauty can only really be appreciated when you hold one. Also, there are several makers and every khuk is going to be unique. Even among the styles, even by the same maker. The same style, by the same maker can vary by several ounces. This is part of the charm for me and others. That is why you can't have just one.
 
Hi and welcome

Try pick up a Chiruwa PGA !!

They are a best buy>

Regards
Brendan
 
that having been said...

too bad you missed out on the "Pen Knife". IMHO it's the perfect backpacking khukuri. It's lighter (if 16 oz. can be called light) than the rest, yet has a heavy enough belly on the end to do light chopping.

there may be another run sometime, but not too soon it seems.
 
Originally posted by philthygeezer
....I like the CS kydex sheath but I am not sure how well the actual knife stacks up against HI.
Click to expand...

Phil - you could always get Terry from the Sarki Shop to do you a custom scabbard/sheath if you want something a bit different from the standard (nice, if bulky) HI scabbard.

--B.
 
If I had to buy a khukuri for someone new to bent blades, I'd think about either the 16.5" WWII or the BAS (British Army Service) models. Both seem to be great allround khuks.

But I must warn you that they are addictive and have personally experienced spiralling into debt :D I think it is something with the red rouge that tinge the handles...

Andrew Limsk
 
My opinion would be to get a BAS and come in under budget. Get a BAS blem and come in way under budget. It's about the same length as a trailmaster and chops much better. It just doesn't poke holes as well.

As a first khukuri I don't think you can choose better than a BAS. It's average size and weight compared to the other models.
 
Hmmm... Thoughts so far:

They all look SO nice. I guess one of the things that could narrow down my choice is that I don't want the HI and the CS trail master to fill the same niche. I would like the Khukuri to be a much better chopper. Does the BAS still fill the bill as being in a truly different class of performance than the trail master, or should I be looking into a larger 18" model? To my understanding these are overall lengths and not blade lengths, so the 15" AK or BAS would come in under the size of the 17.5" OA Cold Steel Gurkha Khukuri. Will the BAS outperform that knife as well?

Initially I thought an 18" would be the ideal compromise between weight and chopping power, though I have never actually held any of the HI khuks. It seems that some feel the extra extra weight of the 18" AK is too much to carry around.

Also I live in a relatively dry climate (Alberta). Am I better off with a wood or a horn handle? Does it matter?

What's a PGA?

Thanks to all who responded so far.
Phil
 
horn shrinks in the dry air...but since the khuk has already been through Reno, Nevada, there's probably not too much more shrinking left...:confused: ;)
 
Welcome to the Cantina Geezer,
IMHO the wood handle works best for me (and I understand Uncle says they outsell the horn by about 3:1)
I am a BIG fan of BIG Ang Khola's and would humbly suggest the 18" AK unless weight is a major concern (e.g. long backpacking trips etc.) small enough to carry and big enough to do all the chores you mention. Anything less might be too small / light.

Good luck in your choice, you can't do wrong in whatever blade you chose first; as most of us will tell you, you just don't buy one HI khuk:D
 
You might want to keep in mind that some of the folks advising you are 7 feet tall and weigh 275 lbs.

For those of us built on more aesthetically pleasing lines, anything from 14" to 16.5" is a marvelous combination of balance and weight distribution. The AK is the most popular seller, the BAS is second.

For what you describe...you are in the enviable position of being pleased with anything you choose...for all the choices will be excellent.

Enjoy.


Kis
:rolleyes:
 
looks like you missed out on a M43 as well...

they're beauties.
 
Welcome to the Cantina:)
Get the 18" AK to keep around camp for chopping firewood and such, then, when another round of Pen Knives comes up, try and get one to carry on the trail. The Pen Knife is light enough for backpacking(unless you're one of those guys who saws the handle off their toothbrush), but stout enough to chop saplings, while still retaining good cutting and slicing ability. I plan on giving mine a lot of such use this fall. It's an easy knife to carry and a pleasure to use. If you can't get your hands on a pen knife, try and get a 14-15" villager. They thrive on hard work, and would be my second choice for a good khuk to lug over hill and dale. Of course, if there be dragons where you walk, a 25" Kobra would be a worthy ally.:eek:

Sarge
 
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