GET TO THE CHOPPA!!! (Kukri)

Iboschi

Iboschi

Joined
Sep 17, 2009
Messages
2,692
I've been considering a super chopper for some time. One of those types of knives that you need to buy so you can let the obsessive interest wane. Originally I wanted an NMFBM but I don't think it will do the trick for me. I want a Kukri now. Something with a 12+ inch thick blade. I know many of you have one or seven Kukris and I am hoping to procure some advice on where to buy one. I understand Himalayan Imports and Kukri House are the two main distributors of the real deal. I'm looking for quality, and durability. I don't want one with embellishments but I do like a sharp fit and finish. Quality is important to me.

Second, I don't know which model to buy! There are so many different sizes and variations. I would appreciate it if some Kukri users would chime in with advice on that note. Thanks for the tips. I really need to get this chopper thing out of my system.
 
That's easy! Here's the place to start,

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=739

Watch for posts from Yangdu and click into a couple of different locations on the HI site from her links. After you get a feel for what's there and watch the almost daily sales posts the regulars on the forum or Yangdu can answer any questions that come to mind.

Oh, and be careful asking for a "thick blade"...I have a 15" Boomerang that is probably mid weight and the spine is a full 7/16" thick.
 
Get a Himalayn Imports M-43 model Kukri. Best all aroun d performer there is. I've used mine as my major camping and survival tool for years. Including the building of two trappers cabins and dozen of other shelters. The M-43 is 18 inches in overall length with a 12-13" long blade. They are lighter in weight than the Ang Kholas with improved chopping performance due to the way the blade is angled as well as the handle. Very fast aand lively in the hand.

Have fun and be safe.
 
Yeah, this is really an HI question. :p

18" M43 (roughly 12" of blade):
100_0123.jpg


20" CAK (roughly 15" of blade):
100_0112.jpg
 
Its also worth going through the vids on you tube, some rubbish on there, but aslo some good stuff, just type in kukri, khukuri, kukri drills etc, it will help you make up your mind.
 
Thanks for the responses thus far! I didn't even suspect that there was a manfacturing forum for Himalayan Imports! Even still, I would have liked to post it here. I plan to use this on backpacking trips, and would like how to use it as it was intended. Also, I would like some feedback on Kukri House in addition to what seems to be the standard: Himalayan Imports. What kind of quality comes out of Kukri house (they seem less expensive)? I don't think I need an INFI chopper of that magnitude just yet. I might wait for release of a CG Killa, but then "Who Knows".
 
The HI are better but I grabbed a gurkha house kukri a few years ago before I knew about HI. Price and shipping was very reasonable and it has performed well. 15 in/ 10 in blade.
 
I have been browsing the HI forum and I could really only ask this here, or I would a redundant answer over there: I really want to know the difference between the companies, HI and KH. I think I can narrow a Kukri choice on my own soon (maybe). More than that, I'd like to know if there is a marked difference between companies in quality, fit and finish, materials?
 
Iboschi said:
Thanks for the responses thus far! I didn't even suspect that there was a manfacturing forum for Himalayan Imports! Even still, I would have liked to post it here. I plan to use this on backpacking trips, and would like how to use it as it was intended. Also, I would like some feedback on Kukri House in addition to what seems to be the standard: Himalayan Imports. What kind of quality comes out of Kukri house (they seem less expensive)? I don't think I need an INFI chopper of that magnitude just yet. I might wait for release of a CG Killa, but then "Who Knows".
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Iboschi said:
I have been browsing the HI forum and I could really only ask this here, or I would a redundant answer over there: I really want to know the difference between the companies, HI and KH. I think I can narrow a Kukri choice on my own soon (maybe). More than that, I'd like to know if there is a marked difference between companies in quality, fit and finish, materials?
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I think i can help address some of these questions, if you don't mind. But i'd rather let you browse some threads and come to your own conclusions. Many H.I forumites are experienced khuk users and are good honest people. Come on over and ask questions if you have any more.

There is a marked difference between H.I. and KH in terms of fit, finish, quality control and customer service. H.I. is a small family run business, with it's own shop and craftsmen, most notably the Royal Kami. For Info on H.I. all one need do is browse the forum to see the many testimonials and reviews from old and new customers alike.
While prices of the KH khukuri may seem cheaper, one must remember that you get what you pay for and the fact that you have to add shipping on top of the listed price. Another fact is that KH does not offer a limited lifetime warrantee or have the world class customer service that Yangdu provides. I will add though that she has had to change policy and no longer offers free shipping in the CONUS, but you are still getting museum quality khukuri at bargain prices, so it all works out in the end.

These links might be of some help :

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=677083&highlight=khukuri+house

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=684371&highlight=Review:
 
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I think i can help address some of these questions, if you don't mind. But i'd rather let you browse some threads and come to your own conclusions. Many H.I forumites are experienced khuk users and are good honest people. Come on over and ask questions if you have any more.

There is a marked difference between H.I. and KH in terms of fit, finish, quality control and customer service. H.I. is a small family run business, with it's own shop and craftsmen, most notably the Royal Kami. For Info on H.I. all one need do is browse the forum to see the many testimonials and reviews from old and new customers alike.
While prices of the KH khukuri may seem cheaper, one must remember that you get what you pay for and the fact that you have to add shipping on top of the listed price. Another fact is that KH does not offer a limited lifetime warrantee or have the world class customer service that Yangdu provides. I will add though that she has had to change policy and no longer offers free shipping in the CONUS, but you are still getting museum quality khukuri at bargain prices, so it all works out in the end.

These links might be of some help :
Click to expand...

That helps out IMMENSELY! Congratulations on the moderator status Karda! I'll be going with a HI kukri for a number of reasons now. I asked an indirect question on a different forum, and you guys came to answer. Customer service usually coincides with quality in my experience, and this demonstration is a testament to both. I think that is pretty amazing. Also, I like warranties; just because you never know. Thanks for chiming in Karda, I'll come explore the HI forum and look for the answers to the rest of my questions. Thanks for all the help here folks!
 
Good thread. It helped me decide to email yangdu and ask about my first kukri too..
 
Iboschi said:
That helps out IMMENSELY! Congratulations on the moderator status Karda!!
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Glad i could help. I like to do as Uncle Bill used to do. point people in the right direction and let the khukuri's speak for themselves. They've more than proven themselves by repeat business.
Thanks for the Congrats, I'm just trying to help out and give something back to Lady, a company and forum/ites that have immeasureably touched my life in so many good ways i cannot count them.
 
Now this thread also has me thinking. I love playing with big choppers, but the handles on the traditional kukri's have always turned me off. It looks more ornamental then functional. Am I wrong? Or do people mod the handles? I guess I'm just used to Micarta...
 
SAKsRCool said:
There's something out there, and it ain't no man.
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Ummmm.....huh? :confused:


remmmm said:
Now this thread also has me thinking. I love playing with big choppers, but the handles on the traditional kukri's have always turned me off. It looks more ornamental then functional. Am I wrong? Or do people mod the handles? I guess I'm just used to Micarta...
Click to expand...
The handles on the traditional khukuri are both ornamental and functional. the handle rings have a religious significance that has unfortunately been lost to time, but they serve to help improve your grip while swinging, along with the bell shape at the end they give you a touch more control than the smooth handles. Yes people modify the handles to their liking and to each his own.

The best part about buying from H.I. is that you help to support some of the worlds poorest people, the fine craftsmen and their families. In Nepal they are untouchables and are the lowest caste in society. This support not only funds their wages and keeps H.I. running, but also pays into their medical fund and other charitable acts that Uncle Bill and Yangdu have provided out of simple kindness and human decency.
 
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Karda said:
The best part about buying from H.I. is that you help to support some of the worlds poorest people, the fine craftsmen and their families. In Nepal they are untouchables and are the lowest caste in society. This support not only funds their wages and keeps H.I. running, but also pays into their medical fund and other charitable acts that Uncle Bill and Yangdu have provided out of simple kindness and human decency.
Click to expand...

:thumbup: to that. You know it would be cool if they teamed up with a US maker and sold them a few batches without handles, then the US maker put them together with some sweet scales. Sort of like the Barkniven F1. I know I would be first in line...
 
Sorry, saw the title and figured we were doing lines from Predator.

Those HI Kukri seem wonderful. Never read a bad thing about them. My only chopper of the non-ax kind is a Woodsman's Pal.
 
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