First Time Kukri Buyer: Gelbu Special vs Chitlange vs Sirupate vs Kobra?

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15slee

Joined
Jul 25, 2013
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Hello, this is my first post on this forum. I am looking to buy my first kukri. I have been looking around and doing my research on this forum. I am stuck between four kukris. I am looking for the best all around kukri, but mostly looking for a kukri with good self defense capabilities.Weight is not really to important for me because I am a pretty strong guy, but the faster iw ill be able to use the kukri, the better. I am mostly stuck between the Sirupate and Gelbu Special. The Chitlange is the next choice and Kobra is my last.
I just need help deciding on which one to buy. I will probably end up buy all of them sooner or later, but right now I only have enough money to buy one, and need one that will fit all my needs. I am also trying to decide if I should get the 18 inches or 20 inches.

-Thanks
 
15slee:

Since you can only afford one at this time, you should go for a DOTD instead of buying from the HI online store. Better bang for the buck.
If you want to save the most money, go for a blem, since handle cracks are pretty easy to fix.

If self-defense is your main priority, any of the above four models will do fine. However, you also say you want one that "will fit all my needs." The Kobra is more of a dedicated fighter, while the other three models tend to be more hefty and probably better for all-around use. None of them is a heavy chopper.

I'd say go for the first Gelbu/Sirupate/Chitlangi that catches your eye on a DOTD in the 18-20" length.

My personal view is that for self-defense lighter weight (speed) is more important than extra length. That extra couple of inches (from 18" to 20") can add up to a lot more weight, since the longer blades tend to be thicker and broader along their entire length. Also you might have to wait longer for a 20" blade. I'd recommend 18" length and not more than 24 oz if you can find it.

Actually I think even shorter and lighter (16" and 20 oz) is better for most self-defense scenarios, but you might not believe me. How many times do people actually get into sword fights these days, outside a movie studio? And for indoor use, a longer blade might catch on obstacles.

Skill is the most important factor of all. I'd take an expert with a short blade over a novice with a long blade any day.
 
If this is a first khuk for you, I would definately recommend a blade that is under 24oz. the balance and handling of these blades tend to be rather different from a conventional knife because of the forward weight design. I understand that blade weight is not really an issue from your physical description, but with a lighter blade, you will be able to utilize your strength more effeciently in the form of speed, precision, agility and stamina. If you are looking for a great all arounder I recommend the British Army Service model (BAS). I have just recently purchased one and it is my favorite and will likely get the most use. its length is 15in and its balance is in such a way that I can move it with startling speed and agility. My blade is a rather light 23 oz(as far as khuks are concerned) but this works to a tactical advantage as well, because I can utilize the wrist flick technique and propel the edge towards the target with the same speed you would see in a JKD inline straight punch. This model is also a great general tool and due to its size and weight you can perform more delicate tasks that would be difficult with blades of greater size/weight. Just because this blade is smaller/lighter than other models, that does not mean it is an ineffective chopper. The BAS is still a khukuri and can still effectively chop wood if you need. Portability is another advantage of this model, this size is a little easier to carry on your person/backpack and would draw less attention than say a 20in blade. At the end of the day however, as david mentioned, user skill is the most important factor of all. Practice with your khukuri often, and IT will teach you how it can be used best. Finally something to keep in mind from bruce lee. "I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times.” have fun and be safe.
 
I have the 15" sirupati model and its fantastic.

For kukri, its very light. Has no problems chopping either, very durable.
 
gotta say the sirupati is the best all round khukri but if you want a strictly fighting knife you should go with a gelbu special or a kobra, both are much lighter than a siru !( I say get one of each)
 
From all your experiences with HI, how long did it take for you to receive your kukri? And also I know there is a shipping fee on the DOTD, but do you have to pay for shipping from the site?

And from all the posts I think I'm gonna have to stay on here 24/7 to catch a DOTD, haha.
 
15slee said:
From all your experiences with HI, how long did it take for you to receive your kukri? And also I know there is a shipping fee on the DOTD, but do you have to pay for shipping from the site?

And from all the posts I think I'm gonna have to stay on here 24/7 to catch a DOTD, haha.
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I live in California. Shipping time from Yangdu has never been less than two days and never more than three. Most often two days. Yangdu seems to have some kind of magical relationship with the Postal Service. Others have made similar comments.

A benefit of catching a DOTD is that you get to see one or more clear photos of a knife before you decide, and Yangdu usually posts length, weight, spine thickness and type of handle material. Since these are handmade with traditional techniques, there can be quite a bit of variation from one blade to another, even if the model is the same. When you buy from the HI online store (which I have never done), I don't think you get that much information about the particular blade. And you don't get the same price breaks.

There are also models and variations not sold at the HI online store which appear here on the forum from time to time.

That makes it worthwhile to check the site frequently and try to be first on a DOTD.
 
I swear she has a stargate teleporter stashed stashed away somewhere, or perhaps is good friends with scotty on the enterprise. yeah, they will get to you freaky fast. Not every day will have a DOTD however. The biggest challenge you will have to face in a DOTD is making it past the SHARKS. (you know who you guys are lol!) I swear some blades will be snatched up so fast it would make your head spin lolz! good luck, and if you miss what you want, in time, another will come and the feeding frenzy will start again!
 
there are several good blems up right now if you look down a bit, a chitlange is one of the available along with a gelbu special ! super deals 15 ~!
 
Now if I do happen to get one of the blems how do I repair the crack in the wood? I know it involves epoxy, but does anyone have links to a tutorial?
 
Well I don't have a gelbu special or a kobra but I do have a 18 inch sirupate and it is awesome. If the gelbu special and the kobra is faster, if you want a strict weapon I say go for one of them however my sirupate is fast and yet it is also sturdy as any. I have no fears about it breaking. I will put it up against any for normal survival and defense task.
 
Gehazi said:
there are several good blems up right now if you look down a bit, a chitlange is one of the available along with a gelbu special ! super deals 15 ~!
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So am I correct to assume that the Gelbu and Chitlange are primarily designed as martial arts tools rather than field work tool?
 
Thanks guys, I ended up just buying a 18" Gelbu Special with Wood Handles directly from the website. I can't wait to handle my first kukri. I know H.I. won't let me down. From those who ordered directly from the website, how long did it take for you to receive the kukri in the mail? How long does it usually take for a kukri to be sent out?
 
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Generally it's wicked fast. If Auntie has one it usually goes out the same day you order or next day latest.
Priority mail, for me in Washington it's usually 2 to 3 days at most.
Many think she has special powers with the post office. I think so too sometimes.
 
As a proud owner of a new GS myself I think you made an excellent choice if you want versatility. Probably more on the fighter side more than chopping side but so far it has been an awesome blade. I have the 21 inch and it feels super light and very fast.
I am confused about the link above and the references to the Gelbu Special being heavier. Maybe i got my wires crossed? I have a 17.5 inch Chitlangi (21 oz) and a 21 inch GS (25 oz) and they are only 4oz apart. The 21 inch Chit weighs in about 32 oz. which is almost half pound more than the GS of the same length. My shorter 17.5" Chitlangi has a wider spine than my 21 inch GS. I have been using my GS for the last week or so almost daily on light brush and mostly green stuff and just cant put it down. Ive also delimbed a few cedars and done some light chopping and feels like it is more than capable of heavier chopping but I dont want to push it. It is a beautiful blade and bites hard! The belly hardness feels the 60 it is supposed to and the hammond or temper line is particularly visible on this blade. Cant wait to hear someone elses opinion of this blade. Congrats 15slee and let us see some pics when it comes in.
I already posted a few pics of mine at another link but if you want to check it out.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1086313-Pix-and-Six-Blems-for-7-8/page2
 
I guess the weight of each kukri depends on the Kami. I thought a 21" GS would weigh more than 25 ounces... if I knew it would be that light I would of gotten that. But, whatever... I think that when I go backpacking and etc, 21"+ on my belt or on my pack would just be too much. But this won't be my last from HI. I'm already thinking about buying my second and I still haven't received my first kukri yet. I'm thinking about buying a 15" Ang Khola, as a dedicated chopper. I can't wait to get my GS!
 
yeah 15slee, i have 3 gelbu specials , its a great knife and should be good for light brushwork on camping trips, remember your axe for harder jobs !(also im pretty sure if a bear saw that you have a big shiney tooth the size of a gelbu maybe he would avoid you?)---and you will love any model you get from HI, angkola is def way to go if you want a more general purpose tool.
 
15slee said:
I guess the weight of each kukri depends on the Kami. I thought a 21" GS would weigh more than 25 ounces... if I knew it would be that light I would of gotten that. But, whatever... I think that when I go backpacking and etc, 21"+ on my belt or on my pack would just be too much. But this won't be my last from HI. I'm already thinking about buying my second and I still haven't received my first kukri yet. I'm thinking about buying a 15" Ang Khola, as a dedicated chopper. I can't wait to get my GS!
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I personally think the 18 would pack well! 15" AK is excellent choice. It is a beast in its own class. I also have a 15" AK and it will pack just about anywhere...well anywhere that doesnt interfere with my licensed iron:D. If you plan a dedicated chopper then i bet you will be happy with the decision you have made. Enjoy! ...BTW sounds like your coming down with something? Careful there is no know cure but there is a support group right here! Dont forget pics:thumbup:
 
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