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

I have 2 gelbu specials a 19" 29oz and a 21" 30oz. The 19 blade is a chopper and the 21 more of a fighter. I also have a 20" 23oz sirupate that's all fighter.
 
^Wow, the weights of each model vary. I guess the use of the kukri depends on the weight of the model. If my GS is very light, I will probably not use it for chopping as much and more for brush work. But if I do get a heavier one, I'm sure I can chop with it plenty. I've been looking around and some people have been saying a GS is more for light work or general purpose, some say that is is a great chopper and just as good as a chopper as an Ang Khola. But I guess it all varies on who the Kami is, and how heavy it is.
 
ndoghouse's 21" Gelbu Special weighs 21 ounces, Dirtbikers 19" GS weighs 29 ounces and his 21" GS weighs 30 ounces. I hope I end up with a little bit more of a heavier one around 24 ounces. Once I receive the kukri I will make sure to post pics, the weight, and a first impression of the GS.
 
15slee said:
^Wow, the weights of each model vary. I guess the use of the kukri depends on the weight of the model. If my GS is very light, I will probably not use it for chopping as much and more for brush work. But if I do get a heavier one, I'm sure I can chop with it plenty. I've been looking around and some people have been saying a GS is more for light work or general purpose, some say that is is a great chopper and just as good as a chopper as an Ang Khola. But I guess it all varies on who the Kami is, and how heavy it is.
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There are really two factors. Some khukuris, such as the Ang Khola, are designed for heavy chopping. This is reflected in their shape, edge bevel, placement of fullers, and weight in relation to length. Others, such as the Gelbu Special, are designed as more all-around blades, suitable for fighting and moderate chopping.

The other factor is the weight and thickness of the individual khukuri, which can vary widely according to which kami made it, the piece of steel that he picked up, and maybe what he had for breakfast. That's why some Gelbu Specials might be good choppers and others mainly fighters.

Mostly the GS is a good all-around blade, but if you plan to build a log cabin in the woods, a big AK would be the blade of choice. Or a Ganga Ram, Bonecutter, maybe an M43 or other heavyweight.
 
I got an email from Yangdu saying she had horn handles but no wood at the moment, so I said I would take the Horn Handle. Horn handles seem awesome...haha. Imagine describing the kukri to someone and saying it has wood handles...that ok...but imagine saying its made of horn...now thats cool. She also weighed it at 23 ounces which I think is perfect and is made by Rajkumar Kami. I'm gonna soak the horn handle in mineral oil for a couple of days and really let the handle absorb it.

And don't worry I won't be doing heavy chopping with the GS, I will end up buying another one from H.I. thats more fit for heavy chopping in a month or two...haha.
 
15slee said:
ndoghouse's 21" Gelbu Special weighs 21 ounces, Dirtbikers 19" GS weighs 29 ounces and his 21" GS weighs 30 ounces. I hope I end up with a little bit more of a heavier one around 24 ounces. Once I receive the kukri I will make sure to post pics, the weight, and a first impression of the GS.
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my 21 inch GS (25 oz) which would put yours in the heaftier range for an 18". That is what you wanted! Id watch the mail tomorrow for some of Yandus Post office magic!
 
Yep, I'm really exited for that. I'm going out today to get some Mineral Oil and lanolin cream for the horn handles. Also I'm ordering either Renaissance Wax or Hooflex online, I'm still trying to figure out which one is best fit because they are the same price ordering online.
 
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