First time poster interested in buying a khukuri

O

Otaru

Joined
Apr 27, 2004
Messages
21
Hi my name is Otaru, I'm a miscellaneous white guy and I'm long winded.

For a while now I've been interested in getting my hands on one of the extremely fine knives sold by HI and... you probably saw this coming but I was hoping for some help deciding which one. I also had a few questions about HI I was hoping to get answered.

Let's see where to start... I'm a bit over 5' 10" and between 160-170 pounds (my weight varies by what I eat). I apparently have a large bone structure but I have no sense of size or dimension... for hand size reference I wear a "large" sized glove but an XL size weight lifting glove only seemed a bit too big on me. I have arthritis which is a pain (had it since I was 12... video games ruined me... heh...) but my grip strength is not bad at all and I actively work out (or at least try to) so I get stronger all the time. I'm confident in the strength of my forearms since I work out with a mallet and do a bit of kendo/iaido training with a suburi bokuto (about 45 inches long, 3 inches wide and 3 pounds... looks more like an oar than a katana).

Anyway, after long periods of bumming around I'm finally turning my life along the "right track" which includes getting back into martial arts training which was a great passion of mine.

Ah sorry I'm probably boring you there... now, as to why I want/need a knife. I simply like the "mandibuliciousness" of the khukuri but I wanted something to carry at my side while out training in the mountains, forests, deserts, plains and myriad combinations of locales which are found here in Colorado which would be able to do "anything". The HI Khukuris just seem to be what I'm looking for (I don't remember how the hell I came upon them but I'm glad I did).

So, my initial idea was to get a 20 inch Ang Khola since it seems like they're about the toughest things (which is important because my luck is horrible and I often get into "tough" situations or foresee myself doing so). Anyway that approximate length is really what I'm looking for but... that weight seems a bit heavy. I'm 100% confident in my arms but not so with my hands (yet... and maybe for a while).

And aside from that, even though I'm an empty-handed specialist I can't help but seeing such fine knives as weapons. And I'm not sure about the practicality of someone my size using a knife that heavy as a weapon. Realistically, I don't imagine that I'll ever fight for my life with a knife but I would be very interested in training to do so anyway. However the knives which seem to be more weapon specialized don't seem to be as tough which strays from my original purpose. I was considering the 20 inch Sirupati though as it strikes me as being fairly usable for both.

Now ideally I'd just buy two knives and live happily ever after but since I'm unemployed for the immediate future that's not a reality. I did manage to somehow scrape together enough money to buy the 20 inch AK though.

Yes so that was long and rambley (maybe not but if I'm not harsh on myself then I WILL become long and rambley). To summarize: I want a knife that can handle anything from chopping to potentially digging and definitely being abused by the mountains (in short something I can always count on) but I also want to have some confidence in it as a fighting knife. And so I'm hoping for input from the people here.

Any information and reccomendations will be very appreciated. In particular, I'm wondering if it would actually be better to get an "in-between" or if it's better to just go one or the other and which one. I don't actually care which HI knife I get either those were just the two I had my eye on (actually since it's still cheaper the 25 inch Sirupati is very attractive). Actually... I'm sure people here have experience with hiking and maybe some light climbing so how realistic is it to carry around a knife that big while doing that?

Anyway the questions I had... maybe this could have been another thread I don't know...

Well in the first place I wondered if the shopping site on yahoo was correct... By that I mean if it's the actual place to buy from. The main website seems like it hasn't been updated in a while so I just had to wonder.

Second I saw "chainpuri" mentioned a couple of times but couldn't find it on the site (I might have just missed it I guess, I'm a bit fatigued, been dealing with getting individual insurance lately which is NOT fun) so I was wondering what that was.

Third, I was what with the different makers and the variables in crafting I was wondering if it was possible to do something like get an AK slightly lighter and slimmer but still around 20 inches or maybe getting a Sirupati that was a bit bulkier... I was imagining that sometimes it would end out that way, but I wondered if it was possible to specifically request or choose.

Okay that's finally the end there. Any help will be very appreciated.

jia jian
 
You're in luck in that everything in the universe can be used as a weapon. I would believe that a small revolver chambered for .38 would be a lot better for weapons use than any edged tool. Get one of those, hammerless if you have a ccw permit. Actively seek situations where violence won't be used, but get a ccw license and a hammerless .38 revolver just in case. It's an autopilot response to imagine bad situations where only strong, archaic weapons and empty-hand killing strikes will save you, but it's nowhere near as realistic or life preserving as would be seeking to prevent such situations from occuring in the first place.

For a utility khukuri, they should all work, but Chiruwa Ang Khola should help alleviate any paranoia about the knife failing.
 
to a hunting pal that kept oggling it. Truth to say it was too heavy for me. I didn't tell him that though. He thinks he still owes me big for that. Physically I'm in the same size range as you, but with small hands. Yeah, all the gals I know kid me about it! It(the 20") chopped like an SOB. It just tuckered me the hell out. For a first knife I'd get the 15" Ang Khola. It will chop just about anything and won't weigh you down like the 20" version. A little lighter would be the 15" British Army Service. The 15" Sirupati goes a little lighter than that I think and was designed more as a weapon than general utility. I personally don't care for the Chiruwa style handles. They tend to blister my hands as the handle to tang fit isn't as close as I would like.
Watch out! You probably won't just end up with one. I've ended up giving away four as gifts at birthdays and X-mas parties and the recipients jaws always hit the floor when they open that odd little triangular package from HI.
Good luck,
PS- I forgot to welcome you to the Cantina. It's not just about Khukhuris! We'll chat about just about anything!
 
As a first time buyer myself I too was unsure and asked Uncle Bill and the forum and the advice they gave was very helpful. I am now the proud owner of a 16.5 WWII. It arrived yesterday and my first impressions are that the quality is excellent and the Kukri was a lot lighter in the hand than I imagined.

I am 5'8" and around 200lbs I too have studied martial arts (JKD mostly and some Kali) and the WWII looks like it will work with the Kali drills without any trouble.
 
IMHO - grab an 18" WW2 blem, or a 16.5" chiruwa AK blem.

The 15"AK would be too light. The 16.5" WW2 is the perfect balance of tool and weapon for smaller and older folks, the 18" WW2 is the same for bigger and younger guys. The 16.5" Chiruwa AK is about equal in ability to the 18" WW2, but tougher. The Chiruwa is heavy but short. The 18" WW2 is more lightly built than the Chiruwa but the longer blade uses velocity and reach.

The 16.5" Chiruwa AK is built like a like a main battle tank. The 18" WW2 is built like a Peterbilt. The 20" AK, I don't know, maybe a battleship? Or a couple or three locomotives hitched together? It is a dedicated chopper. It is too heavy to carry around. It is too awkward to use for general purposes. The 16.5" Chiruwa and the 18" WW2 can be carried on your belt and will give you the mixture of weapon and tool you appear to be looking for.

The 16.5" to 18" khuks fall into most people's range for favorites.

That's my opinion, and it's worth every penny you paid for it.
 
Rusty stole my answer...mind reading is just *one* of his many skills.
 
Get a 18" WW II or a 21" Gelbu special on ther heavier side (my 18-incher is from Sher - and it is thick...). Both are very versatile knives, weapon and chopper (the GS is still a good chopper) with the lengh you ask for.
You should take into account the thickness of the blade - a 20" AK is nothing to carry around in the mountains.

Andreas
 
Welcome to the Cantina, Otaru:)

I too side with the 18" WWII camp on this one. I'm right around your weight and size (but probably lighter bone structure), and my 18" Kumar WWII model fits me just right. I also had a 17" chiruwa AK and it just didnt feel right to me. The WWII has done everything I ask it to and then some. I measures in right around 1/2 an inch at the bolster, so i can't imagine that it would break or bend on me. If you still want a more "weapony" khuk, then I think a heavy Gelbu Special or asking Uncle Bill if he has any beefy 20" Sirus would suit your needs. Once you get a little cash scraped together I would highly suggest you check out the Kobra models. Not the monsters of chop like the AKs, Gangas, or even the WWIIs, but they are tougher than you think. I don't study martial arts, but i can appreciate what they would be capable of in the hands of a trailed professional. Happy hunting! you can't go wrong with any of them:)

~Jake
 
Another vote for the WWII, either size. I think a 20" Sirupati would work for you as well, especially if you request a sturdy one (Yangdu will hook you up). Relatively speaking, a Sirupati is nowhere near as tough as an Ang Khola, but that's like saying that a Mack dump truck is tougher than a 1 ton Chevy pickup. Obviously it's true, but either of them is tough enough to get most jobs done. Unless you actively set out to destroy it I doubt you'll test the structural limits of a Sirupati. And, as always, if the one you decide on isn't quite right you can trade back with no problems. Best of luck and be sure to let us know how you like your first one. :D
 
Welcome

An 18" AK is just belt-wearable in the original sheath
if you take some time experimenting.
Excellent chopper & useful for much finer work
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=225531
but not a knife-fight weapon.
Maybe for dispatching an elephant.

If you think about a 20" AK for carrying,
think about strapping an axe to your pack.

A 15" AK is an excellent choice,
as are many others in the 16"-20" range.

For a -first- khuk,
don't go over 20".
Even the lighter models.
My longest still tends to twist in my hand.

A BAS is nice, but a 15" AK is a -much- better chopper.

A 18" GelbuSpecial/Chitlangi/Chainpuri would please you.

Edited to add:
The M43 not to be ignored as a -strong- chopper / general purpose blade.
The M43 might be my recommendation today.
And consider the BGRS (18" ganga ram) as well.

Any khuk style at a given length may vary a few ounces
in weight from the usual/standard.
Depends on which kami & what they feel like making that day.
Prefer a heavier one if chopping is the main concern.

Sirupati & kobra are excellent blades,
but not as strong as others in a -survival- scenario.

Test any new blade for surprises
before testing its limits in use.

bottom line:
pick a size & weight range
then find one that you like the looks.
 
Wow I didn't expect so many replies! Thanks for that and the welcome guys. Let's see.

Thombrogan: if memory serves I thought you had to be 21 to get a CCW permit, at least here in Colorado but I could be wrong. Aside from that, as I said I don't really think I'll be in a situation where I fight with it (has anyone here ever been in one?) or honestly anything but I would like to be able to train with it if as nothing but a hobby. Thanks for the suggestion anyway.

Well anyway, after taking everyone's suggestions and my own thoughts into account I'm now torn between the 18 inch WWII, the M43 and the Gelbu special (I'm leaning twoards the 21" over the 18").

Any reccomendations between those? They seem to be similar in size weight and thickness but are there any advantages one way or the other between them due to the blade shape? To me it seems like the WWII is more a chopper, the M43 starts leaning more towards weapon and the GS is really more weapon like but is that correct?

Also, can anyone tell me how much of a difference the size makes between the 18 and 21 inch Gelbu Special? I'm attracted to the bigger one but based on what people have already said I'm thinking it might be better for me to go with the 18 unless there's a big performance difference.

Last question for now; what difference does the handle make? The horn is beautiful but I'd tend to think it'd be heavier and perhaps less durable, is that so?

Thanks in advance guys. I've got a bit more time to decide though as I have to leave my account alone until I get my insurance straightened out. As a side note, getting individual insurance when you have pre-existing medical conditions (I have allergies and asthma) is a real pain. I was actually approved, thought I was good to go, then I got declined!

later
 
Usually the handle material doesn't make much difference.
Horn -slightly- heavier.

But lately there have been some problems with horn cracks
likely due to difficulty getting properly cured horn.
But horn or wood cracks are usually only cosmetic,
and are easily repaired.

Everyone has their preference,
but it's hard to say one or the other is truly better.

Properly cured horn is argueably tougher than wood,
but that really don't make no nevermind.

RE M43:
the HI M43 is heavier than the original mil issue.
I was surprised at how good a chopper,
very similar to 18" AK in my limited use.
It's a real shark.

Try making a heavy cardboard cutout of each
of those three & see what you think then.
 
If you are going to do a lot a walking in the mountains, I'd stay within the 15in-16.5 in range. I like the 15 AKs, others (sometimes most others) seem to prefer larger blades.

I think the Sirupates are too light, but I do not have one. The BAS I had did not speak to me, although maybe I just wasn't listening.

If I remember correctly, Bill Martino thought the 16.5-18in WW II were the best all-around khukuri.

You might email himimp@aol.com and ask if there are any of the type you prefer available in "blem" condition. (Yangdu is handling the mail, so be patient, she has a lot going on these days.)

Be well and safe. Should you get an H.I. khukuri, you will be pleased.


Kis
 
What follows is just my opinion, nothing more, but it is based on owning about two dozen HI khukuris of various sizes and types. Your mileage - and khukuri - may vary. :D

A 20" AK is just too much of a good thing. Too big, too heavy unless you are clearning some serious underbrush or killing elephants with it.

For a first khukuri I recommend most highly and in no particular order:

18" Gelbu Special
15" BAS
16.5" WWII
18" Sirupati
18" Chitlangi
15" AK
18" Malla

These are all very handy and hit like a ton of bricks. To be honest, I think you'll find the grip on the 15" AK too small for you. I have smallish hands and I find it too small for me. The BAS is a much better fit in my opinion.

If you are insistant on stepping up to a meatier implement, let me suggest:

21" Gelbu
21" Chitlangi
20" Sirupati
18" AK
18" WWII

These four above are nothing short of "war swords" in my opinion, but, rather short war swords. :D :D

I think for most routine utilitarian use they are too big and too heavy. But they make hellaciously brutal fighting instruments. The smaller ones I mentioned earlier in my post are not to be taken lightly though. There is no doubt in my mind that they can sever hands or remove entire muscle groups with a single stroke. I split a 2x6x18 plank of wood, lengthwise along the grain with a very leisurely chop of my of 15" BAS and that is one of the lightest Khuks I own.

My personal favorites are the 18" Gelbu, 16.5" WWII, and 21" Chitlangi.

Don
 
Otaru said:
1- To me it seems like the WWII is more a chopper, the M43 starts leaning more towards weapon and the GS is really more weapon like but is that correct?

2- Also, can anyone tell me how much of a difference the size makes between the 18 and 21 inch Gelbu Special? I'm attracted to the bigger one but based on what people have already said I'm thinking it might be better for me to go with the 18 unless there's a big performance difference.

(I'm leaning twoards the 21" over the 18").
Click to expand...
Welcome aboard Otaru.:D

1- that's about right IMO.

2- Stay with the 18" whatever you get. The 21inchers are just too long and sometimes heavy to train well with just starting out. That is unless you're DIJ's size and strong.;)
 
IMHO a 21" khukuri is a short sword. I have a hard time seeing myself walking around with either my GS or my Kobra on my belt. :eek:
I'm leaning toward shorter blades, except for heavy - duty timber work, and then an axe seems called for. Or a chain saw. :D

I think a great first khuk would be a 15 - 16.5 BAS, WWII or AK.
Keep in mind, however - if you hang around this particular cantina, you will find yourself with more than one khukuri in short order. HIKV is very contagious. ;)
 
I will give another vote for the M-43. I think it is under rated as a chopper. I would rate it up there with the 18" WW2. I tend to like the feel of the M-43 a little more. I have chopped like a wildman with mine and it does real well as a chopper, plus it does also scream weapon also. M-43 goes with me most days since I got one as a blem some time back. It was love at first sight. :D
BTW, Welcome Aboard!! :cool:
 
I'm in you're position also, going mad without the blems going up as much.
Anyway, my first HI khukri's will be one of the following.

18" AK
M43
decent sized chainpuri/chitlangli.
18" Gelbu

If that helps out at all. Just a first time wish list.
 
Bruce of 1 said:
I'm in you're position also, going mad without the blems going up as much.
Anyway, my first HI khukri's will be one of the following.

18" AK
M43
decent sized chainpuri/chitlangli.
18" Gelbu

If that helps out at all. Just a first time wish list.
Click to expand...

heh same taste and same number of posts too.

Yvsa... you look so much like my paternal grandfather! :eek: If those glasses have tinted lenses then you are damn near the spitting image... although he was SKINNY, his nickname was bones.

*cough well anyway thanks for the further input guys. I have just a couple more questions and then I think I'll just have to flip a coin and look at my bank account or something.

On the WWII modell... does it actually have "world war two" marked on it in any shape or form? I know it's called that because it's a replica of the original design but I was just wondering.

And how do the WWII and the M43 compare? I'm thinking I'll go for one of those first and see how I do, then maybe get a 21 inch Gelbu if I think I can handle it. If not maybe I'll just get one of the lighter and smaller "fighting" models like the kobra or the sirupati to train with.

As a side note, I was infected with HIKV before ever posting. It's not a question of whether I'll buy more but when I'll have the funds to do so ;)

jia jian
 
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