- Joined
- Oct 29, 2008
- Messages
- 4,667
The recommendations for a first khuk are well documented by Karda with input from many knowledgeable HI veterans, but what about recommendations for a first sword?
-
The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
Price is$300$250 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/ - Order as many as you like, we have plenty.
First Sword?
- Thread starter Carolina River Rat
- Start date
MacHete
Hair Cropper & Chipmunk Wrangler
- Joined
- Apr 7, 2000
- Messages
- 2,559
Those recommendations are going to be harder to come by. Most of us have practical applications for our Khuks, and so can offer the benefits of our experiences. I'm guessing far fewer of us have practical applications for swords.
I agree with TWBryan that the longer Sirus, and also the longer Kumar Kobras, Chitlangis, Gelbus and maybe even my 25" Malla qualify as swords. I don't own an HI sword proper, though. The ones that I would like to own appeal to my tastes- they do not really fill any need or fit any purpose that I have other than a desire to own them.
- Joined
- May 9, 2002
- Messages
- 12,685
I have a kat and a manjushree...both of them are beloved
MagenDavid
Want some Kosher Salami?
- Joined
- Nov 2, 2008
- Messages
- 501
I think you need to ask yourself a few questions:
What do I want to use the sword for?
Do I prefer long or short swords?
Do I prefer one handed or two handed swords?
Do I prefer to slash or stab?
What do I want to use the sword for?
Do I prefer long or short swords?
Do I prefer one handed or two handed swords?
Do I prefer to slash or stab?
If you consider that the sword of the Roman Republic, the ensis, the Spartan Greek sword (disregard what you saw in 300, Spartan swords generally were very short; more like large daggers) and the mesopotamian sappara swords of antiquity were a bit on the short side, well under 25" overall length, you could consider any khukuri with an overall length of 20" or longer a sword.
That being said, all my personal H.I. khukuris fall into the sword category because I like 'em in the 20" - 26" length, 21"-23" being what I consider ideal for me.
Here's my longest ones:
Tarwar (master kami Bura)
Bairab (a massive 5 lb beast made by kami Vim)
Chitlangi (26" masterpiece made by master kami Bura)
Sirupati (25", my first long khukuri, made by kami Vim)
I've been using khukuris since 1987. If you're new to them, a really big one might be too much to start out with. I'm 6'5" and have no problem using a BIG khukuri.
As far as pure "swords" go though, you'd probably love a Tarwar. It's like a two-handed machete on steroids. It cuts strong, it cuts DEEP, and it is really easy to handle.
That being said, all my personal H.I. khukuris fall into the sword category because I like 'em in the 20" - 26" length, 21"-23" being what I consider ideal for me.
Here's my longest ones:
Tarwar (master kami Bura)
Bairab (a massive 5 lb beast made by kami Vim)
Chitlangi (26" masterpiece made by master kami Bura)
Sirupati (25", my first long khukuri, made by kami Vim)
I've been using khukuris since 1987. If you're new to them, a really big one might be too much to start out with. I'm 6'5" and have no problem using a BIG khukuri.
As far as pure "swords" go though, you'd probably love a Tarwar. It's like a two-handed machete on steroids. It cuts strong, it cuts DEEP, and it is really easy to handle.
Last edited:
- Joined
- Oct 29, 2008
- Messages
- 4,667
All good points (pun intended). I guess what it's come down to with me is do I want a Tarwar or a long Tibetan? Can't decide. And that Battle Chitlangi is awesome, Wolf. That thing in one hand and your newly fashioned club in the other, you'd be a force even if you had no idea what you were doing.
I don't have one of the Tibetan swords (yet) but by looking at the overall shape of the blade, it would probably do very well as a sword, but not so well as a backwoods brush tool.
The Tarwar on the other hand does very well as a backwoods brush tool and definitely has a good sword feel/balance to it. I'd reckon it's a distant cousin somehow to the dha/dharb type swords of southeast asia.
The Tarwar would be a better sword for cutting/chopping/hacking.
The Tibetan swords would be better for cut & thrust and parrying/warding moves.
The Tarwar is a tool which can be used as a weapon.
The Tibetan sword is a weapon which, as tough as H.I. makes their blades, could probably be used as a tool.
There's a trade-off either way.
I'd say if you want one purely for a weapon, get the Tibetan sword.
If you want something with more versatility, such as you'd need if you are expecting the imminent collapse of western civilization, get the Tarwar.
The Tarwar on the other hand does very well as a backwoods brush tool and definitely has a good sword feel/balance to it. I'd reckon it's a distant cousin somehow to the dha/dharb type swords of southeast asia.
The Tarwar would be a better sword for cutting/chopping/hacking.
The Tibetan swords would be better for cut & thrust and parrying/warding moves.
The Tarwar is a tool which can be used as a weapon.
The Tibetan sword is a weapon which, as tough as H.I. makes their blades, could probably be used as a tool.
There's a trade-off either way.
I'd say if you want one purely for a weapon, get the Tibetan sword.
If you want something with more versatility, such as you'd need if you are expecting the imminent collapse of western civilization, get the Tarwar.
- Joined
- Jun 13, 2006
- Messages
- 3,724
That's a tough bind to be in. I don't have a Tarwar of my own, but I've admired them in the past, and they're still pretty friggin' cool. I've got a long Tibetan, and it's something of a monster.
My advice would be to flip a coin, and if you find yourself going AGAINST what heads or tails decides for you, you'll know what you really want. 
That said, I think a Bhutan sword would be totally sweet. :thumbup:
- Joined
- Oct 29, 2008
- Messages
- 4,667
Thanks fellas. I thinks I'll get the Tarwar when next one pops up in a DOTD.
That's a tough bind to be in. I don't have a Tarwar of my own, but I've admired them in the past, and they're still pretty friggin' cool. I've got a long Tibetan, and it's something of a monster.
That said, I think a Bhutan sword would be totally sweet. :thumbup:
I'm down for an Uddha Sword when I see one of just the right shape; slightly recurved and pointy!
- Joined
- Nov 28, 2008
- Messages
- 2,165
I like the idea of choosing a sword that is 'native' to the Nepal/Tibet/Bhutan regions.
Therefore my top two choices are the Tarwar and the Uddha swords.
I have looked long and hard at the HI Japanese style swords but their non-traditional is something that I have trouble accepting and would need to cut with them before deciding to purchase one.
And I guess that is a major decision factor: for show or use? For me a blade is to be used or at least anticipated to be used one day.
All in all, its a pleasant position to be in having to choose which of the HI range will be your first sword.
Therefore my top two choices are the Tarwar and the Uddha swords.
I have looked long and hard at the HI Japanese style swords but their non-traditional is something that I have trouble accepting and would need to cut with them before deciding to purchase one.
And I guess that is a major decision factor: for show or use? For me a blade is to be used or at least anticipated to be used one day.
All in all, its a pleasant position to be in having to choose which of the HI range will be your first sword.
- Joined
- Oct 29, 2008
- Messages
- 4,667
Well put Bonkers.
I'd love to see the guys in Nepal make a turkish yataghan.
The Uddha is in the yataghan class; it's a sort-of salawar yataghan. A giant carving knife really. Lovely yet menacing.
But a true yataghan; a gently curved and slightly recurved graceful blade, quick and agile. Yes indeedy
I lick my chops at the thought of it.
Another one they make is the Movie Model. IIRC Bura got the idea from watching The Mummy Returns and created a Nepalese flavored interpretation of the yataghans seen in that film. What he actually created was a latter day Sappara. I like it. That's another one on my Buy List if I see just the right one.
The Uddha is in the yataghan class; it's a sort-of salawar yataghan. A giant carving knife really. Lovely yet menacing.
But a true yataghan; a gently curved and slightly recurved graceful blade, quick and agile. Yes indeedy
I lick my chops at the thought of it.
Another one they make is the Movie Model. IIRC Bura got the idea from watching The Mummy Returns and created a Nepalese flavored interpretation of the yataghans seen in that film. What he actually created was a latter day Sappara. I like it. That's another one on my Buy List if I see just the right one.
- Joined
- Nov 28, 2008
- Messages
- 2,165
Talking of Nepalese fusion, the Giant Chitlangi Bowie is a great example of a classic design meeting with a Kami and result is awesome sword sized meld of smooth flowing lines and polished metal 1/2inch thick that looks so good I grin every time I get mine out... oh, it feels like it could cut a mature Californian Redwood tree in half with one swing.