Gelbu Special vs BAS vs WWII

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slee05

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Jun 3, 2015
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Been lurking a few months; first post here. Hi everyone!

I'd like to gather impressions comparing the BAS, Gelbu Special, and 16.5 inch WWII. I've read numerous past threads, but I haven't seen anything that really compares these three.

Auntie Yangdu told me that, considering my planned tasks (camping, packable for as I learn how to do multi-day trips, light to medium wood cutting, occasional kitchen duty at home) and size/weight, 5'5" 140 lbs, that a Gelbu Special in 18 inches would work really well for me, esp since they were out of stock of the other two while I was shopping.

I impatiently went for it and got one at 20 oz, similar dimensions and weight to my 13 inch blade CS kukri machete. The balance was definitely different, but not by too much. I took it on a car camping trip and found the CS to split wood and chop much more easily than the KLO so all in all, I'm happy with my purchase.

Of course, I'm now curious about the other two. From what I've read, my GS is weighted more like a weapon than a tool. I've also heard that the wwii's coming out now are heavier and/or clunkier than they used to be. Haven't really seen BAS/Gelbu comparisons, but they seem to all be around 20 oz.

Thoughts?

Thanks!
 
I recently used my backpacking khukuri (15" 22.3oz WWII) to chop up some seasoned hardwood, some fresh cedar, and springy maple while I was helping out friends on a small acreage.

The WWII is best uses for any situation that might call for a good tomahawk - but it wasn't the best at the young(think vine) like maple. It worked surprisingly well as a drawknife, even on seasoned hardwood.

I wouldn't use it for butchering or skinning or food processing - it's a chopping tool through and through. That's what the Karda is for.

But for any situation where you want a versatile and powerful chopper that can do draw cuts - the WWII excels.
 
The Gelbu - from what I've gathered, is like a perfect mid-point between the WWII and a Sirupati.

Haven't handled a BAS yet - but I Think they're like a thinner more slicey version of the WWII
 
I have both. The are extremely similar. It just depends on your preference. I personally prefer the BAS in it's shape, and it is a tad lighter, but is equally effective in multitasking, just like the WWII.
 
Welcome to the forum slee05!
Strangely enough the Gelbu Special is modeled after the Ang Khola and has the same edge profile but it is deeply hollow forged bevel to spine to take advantage of speed rather than mass like the Ang Khola. It is a really unique and nimble design I find very useful when you need to pack a lighter blade without loosing the robust edge of a good chopper. You must accept the added length in comparison to the AK but the added speed lets you tear up light brush as well. In my opinion this is an outstanding design and worthy of the highest praise!
The Sirupati has a bit more acute bevel and not suited for heavy chopping but is light and fast. The trade off is its performance on light to medium sized bush. With its thinner edge it slices through an inch or two thick pithy wood (especially green) like butter.
 
Last edited:
cul4u01 said:
I have both. The are extremely similar. It just depends on your preference. I personally prefer the BAS in it's shape, and it is a tad lighter, but is equally effective in multitasking, just like the WWII.
Click to expand...

What he said :D
 
Welcome, welcome:)

As the others have said, it's personal preference. For years and years, my go-to camping khuk was an 18" WWII. It was made circa 2002 or there abouts.
These days, I think my absolute favorite backpack thumper is a 15" M43. The scaled down design really fits my needs for a do-it-all heavy duty blade.
 
The specs on the khukuri rally depends on the kami, some build beefier blades than others, but it's all in the balancing. I've got a Purna duo Chirra hat weighs in at 32 or 34 oz, you feel the weight, but it's balanced so well it feels close to my 26 oz Mk. 1 style made by Thamar. Someone more experienced than I will probably have experience with both (maybe even all thee!) blades and give youlre info. My go-to bush khukuri is my KLVUK, 15.5" and 18 oz, followed by the Thamar mentioned above at 18" 26" Thamar. The 15.5" khuk makes a great pack knife as it fits right in.
 
Welcome to the HI and blade forum
 
Welcome to the Forums!

IMO the Gelbu Special, Sirupati and Chitlangi Khukri's are in the same class. The BAS, WWII and M43 are in a different class. There is some over lap in ability do to variations in manufacture, Kami preference/whim and so on.

My go to Camp Khukris are a 16.5" WWII that weights around 21 ounces, or a 20" Sirupati that weights about 24 ounces. I also have a ~28 ounce 18" WWII. I think it's 2.5 pounds with sheath. A Bit much for backpacking, unless I know that I really needed a Heavy duty tool.

For backpacking, I normally take a Sirupati, occasionally I'll bring the 16.5". Back in College, it was the GS or Sirupati. Actually these days, I normally go for the 20" Sirupati or a Machete. My trips don't normally call for lots of chopping and if there is some chopping, a light fast blade will do the trick because they bite deep with little effort.
 
Between the BAS and the WWII 16", I just like the feel of the BAS. I like the shorter length. I have a 15" M-43 on it's way. That may change my mind yet again. I tend to like 15-16" knives for carrying around. I have an 18" WWII that is approaching beast status. That one will be relegated to specific chores, and not much carrying. I also just received a 20" CAK. That one is an official T-Rex slayer.
 
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