Got my first Khukuri

S

Shiva11

Joined
Feb 20, 2007
Messages
20
I just received my first khukuri from Himalayan Imports. I got the 15" Ang Khola with the wood handle.

I instantly fell in love with the knife. I almost got the 18", but I kept hearing that the 15" was enough for the what I will be doing. I am surprised by how heavy and thick this is. The factory edge is very sharp, and I hope that it will stay this way.

The only thing I've had a chance to cut are some 2x4 remnants. They didn't stand a chance. I only had to use a half swing to split them.

The only problem that I have is that the handle seems a little awkward. It's oval shaped but it comes to a point on the front and back. The back point pushes into my hand when I swing. All I have to do is choke up at little bit and the problem is solved.

The customer service was the best I've ever had when buying a knife. I actually enjoyed talking on the phone.

Anyone who is hesitant on buying a khukuri should buy it in my opinion. I can't wait to take this camping.
 
Shiva?

Many, if not most, who use their khuks will file or grind down the top peak of the butt shape. You may also find that modifying the center ring can make the handle more comfortable.

Please read the safety thread.

Congratulations.



Kis
enjoy every sandwich
 
Shiva,
What Kis said. I've belt-sanded down a bunch that way. Almost necessary.

If this is your first khuk ever, remember that the ring/flare/etc takes a bit of getting used to. Your choking-up method solves a bunch of issues with handles that are a tad too short, or the flare too pointed, etc.

Enjoy, and don't be afraid to modify the handle in any way that seems comfortable. If you mess it up, you can always buy another one. That's certainly what I've done.

Welcome.
 
I don't own any of the small ones, and the handles are bigger with the larger kuks, but I also find it more comfortable with the center ridge between my ring and pinky finger, than between my ring and middle finger. That would move your hand forward, and might help the situation.
 
You have a khukuri now. Learn to mod and repair and maintain it. A good first project is rounding that back point.
 
I used a flat mill file to round the back point of the one khuk I modded like this (15" AK). It didn't take much shaping, and it was easy to shape the brass and horn with the file.

After that, I'd make edge maintenance a priority. Learn how to sharpen free hand, and life will be happier. It's not difficult, and you'll be able to keep the sharpness over the long haul. I find my khuks pretty easy to sharpen, compared with some of the super-hard stainless out there.

Thanks for the review, and welcome to the party!
 
Welcome to the forum, Shiva
 
I've posted this image before...

but...both AKs, the 15 and the 12 are handle-modified.

the SARGE is one of the best of the variants I've seen,

and

the karda was made from a file by Greg Sykes (Sylvrfcln).


(they escaped from the house and attacked an apple tree. Tried to rescue it, but arrived too late.)

I think of this image as "the work crew." :)

HIworkcrew.jpg
 
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