Ganga ram 22inch

wroughndt

wroughndt

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Joined
Oct 31, 2011
Messages
1,688
Hello, I aquired a used CAK last spring (18" 32 ounces) and was very impressed with the performance. I would guess that 20-30 of the trees I cleared from trails this summer were cut with the CAK. Now I have been looking at the Ganga ram. I was wondering if any of you who have used the CAK and the Ganga ram 22" could tell me if there is a big enough step in performance to justify buying one. I understand the size difference but want to know how big the difference is in actual wood chopping. Any input would be appreciated.
Here is a picture of a tree I cut this summer, it is about average size of what I usually cut.

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I don't know about a 22", but I LOVE my 18" (31oz) Ganga Ram. I briefly got to us an AK once, and I much prefer the Ganga Ram. I admit that the AK doesn't call to me at all. It is a powerful Khukuri, but one that feals awkward to me. The Ganga Ram sings to me, and it is a very natural chopper.
The 22" Ganga Ram is more than double the weight of the 18". I think that would both increase chopping, and greatly decrease usability/carry ability.
I admit to being quite biased in favor of the Ganga Ram, and think everyone needs at least one.

Here is mine:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/980686-GANGA-RAM-and-BAS-Chopping!-(pic-heavy)?highlight=Ganga+ram

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/980686-GANGA-RAM-and-BAS-Chopping!-(pic-heavy)?highlight=Ganga+ram
 
People often don't realise how much difference a couple of inches makes in regards to these khukuri.
4 inches doesnt seem like alot, but it really is. The difference between an 18" and a 22" khukuri will really surprise you.

With that said, Shinook pretty much has it right (except for liking the GRS more 8>0). It will be much larger and heavier than what you have but will likely chop circles around it if you have the strength to weild it for very long. We have a few members here that love the big un's and swear by them. But these guys are pretty big guys themselves.
 
Thank you gentlemen both for your comments. I am always on my four wheeler while clearing trails so packing it isn't really an issue. I understand that it's going to take some getting used to the weight but I think with patience and practice I would get used to it. Im a bigger guy and had no problem getting used to the CAK but I can imagine 3.5 pounds of steel is a whole other animal.
 
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Karda said:
People often don't realise how much difference a couple of inches makes in regards to these khukuri.
4 inches doesnt seem like alot, but it really is. The difference between an 18" and a 22" khukuri will really surprise you.

With that said, Shinook pretty much has it right (except for liking the GRS more 8>0). It will be much larger and heavier than what you have but will likely chop circles around it if you have the strength to weild it for very long. We have a few members here that love the big un's and swear by them. But these guys are pretty big guys themselves.
Click to expand...

Even 2" can make a big difference.

My first CAK was made by Lacchu and measured about 17", don't have any idea of the weight. I would guess it is under 30oz though because of its similar heft to both of my ASTKs.

I received another CAK by Bhakta that measures 19" and has a more substantial spine and is just wider/thicker everywhere. It was advertised at 35oz in the DOTD ad.

Despite the "mere" 2" difference they feel incredibly different in the hand and when swinging them about. The 19" is a chopping beast though and when swung hard I can get through pine 4x4s (all I have laying around) in no time.
 
Sounds like its gonna be worth it then. I won't be able to pick one up right away but when I do, I will make sure to post my take on the size difference and chopping advantage of the 22" Ganga Ram. Thanks for the info guys.
 
Danboy357 picked one up a blem 22" Ganga Ram for an incredible price. He owes us some pictures and a review..:D

Maybe you can ask him how he likes his.
 
I know I do. I havn't figured out how to get pictures from my new phone to my computer and my camera sucks. Maybe I should just try the camera again. The 22 inch ganga I have is 65oz. I am only 5'8" but am about 200lbs, some of it is fat but not most and I would not want to use it to chop as it seems it would be to hard to control in that sort of swing unless held 2 handed which would be tough unless you had really small hands. In fact I can't think of much I would be comfortable swinging it at. Probably more dangerous than useful in my opinion. I do love holding it though. I'll get some pics of it next to some others to show the scale some time soon. I take 13 creds at school and work 2 jobs 1 full, 1 part time so I'm not sure when but eventually.
 
Nice. Your right I did get a stupid good deal on that, I forgot how cheap it was til you insiped me to check my records.
 
That sounds kinda scary Danboy357. I will still order one when I get a chance. Best case scenario, I chop like crazy, I get an awesome workout, trees fall at the mention of my name, towns people write folk songs about me. Worst case, I can't swing it and I have a sweet paper weight and conversation starter. Does anyone else have one of these that can chime in and comment?
 
I'd like to see a 64oz 22" Ganga Ram with a handle specifically sized and shaped for two-handed use. Maybe a handle like an M43, with no ring to get in the way of a two-handed grip, but longer.

Essentially it would be a very elegant axe, a great "conversation piece" and perfect for the occasional beheading.

Something to keep in mind about these massive blades: Even if you are unusually strong and can handle the weight, there is the danger that it will cut right through the target object in a swing and come back at you, or at someone else nearby. A longer handle and a two-handed grip would go a long way toward making these blades useful rather than just impressive.

Not that there's anything wrong with having the most impressive blade on the block.

-- Dave
 
I am with you on the long handle, I have a chopper with a long handle and I love it. A Ganga Ram with a long handle..... That may be my new grail. Thank you for the comments guys!
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A two handed swing with a 22" Ganga Ram!! That would put it full out ax territory, and would one hell of a zombie killer. (Just don't forget the danger of hitting ones own leg or foot...)
I think you idea is a very good one Dave. It would be like swinging a compact and forward bent claymore.
 
I adore my 22" GRS, but I rarely have the chance to use it. It's such a niche khuk, that it only comes out when serious tree work has to be done. It's an incredible chopper, but when you get tired, SET IT DOWN. This knife could cleave halfway through your shin with a glancing blow. It's a monster:D
 
Jay- I love the Grob, chops like crazy! That thinner grind buries deep. It was my first custom made just for me.

Steely- Thanks for the input, one thing I learned with the CAK was exactly as you stated.... When you get tired, set it down. When I first started with my Kukri I was determined to just get through the tree. Now I am determined to be safe first then eventually get through the tree. I have witnessed 2pounds of steel on a glancing blow due to fatigue and stubbornness, I can only imagine 4 pounds.
 
wroughndt said:
Jay- I love the Grob, chops like crazy! That thinner grind buries deep. It was my first custom made just for me.

Steely- Thanks for the input, one thing I learned with the CAK was exactly as you stated.... When you get tired, set it down. When I first started with my Kukri I was determined to just get through the tree. Now I am determined to be safe first then eventually get through the tree. I have witnessed 2pounds of steel on a glancing blow due to fatigue and stubbornness, I can only imagine 4 pounds.
Click to expand...

Excellent idea:) Our good friend Heber (Wildmanh) did a number on his wrist with a 15" AK when it glanced off target several years ago. The GRS might have taken his hand off :eek:
 
I really would not expect to get this as a user. It is just too front heavy to swing and recover effectively. It is definately a cool tool to own but not a practical tool. More power to you on buying it but don't depend on using it. Not trying to be a kill joy, I love blatent overkill as much as the next American but unless you literally have forearms like popeye (post spinach frenzy) you will not enjoy chopping with it. All that weight is too forward and too far from your hand at 22". Just my humble opinion. I know I talk as if I didn't buy one but, I would make sure you have all the users you need first.
 
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