Got the Chiruwa 20" AK yesterday...

Daniel Koster

Daniel Koster

www.kosterknives.com
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
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Oct 18, 2001
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I got the Chiruwa AK in the mail yesterday at my office.

Here's a link to the thread:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=240214

And the photo:
(top in pic)

attachment.php


The thing is amazing...:eek:

I had spoken with Uncle about getting a big chopper and asked him whether I should get a 20" AK or a 22" GRS. He said "Go with the AK". So I did.

I've always liked my YCS and considered it my heavy-duty chopper. I've handled larger and longer khuks, but with mixed results, so I wasn't sure what to think about a 20" AK. I was kinda halfway worried that it would seem too big after having adjusted to the YCS.

Well, I think I've just found my sweet spot in khukuris...:D

I now wonder why I've been using anything less...:confused:

No offense to the YCS...In fact, it's place is now set as the all-around khukuri package and will still be my number-one choice for camping.

At least until I get the 20" Salyan model finished...:eek: :D

Having handled a large Chiruwa now even further solidifies my desire to get a Chiruwa Salyan.

I thought I had solved my chopper-hunger by getting the 18" BGRS...apparently not.


One problem with 20" AK, though...it already seems small in my hand. :confused:

I think I may be bugging Bill for a 22" GRS after all. :rolleyes:

Dan
 
Originally posted by Ankerson
30" AK...
Click to expand...
:eek:

Yeah...

I think I'll go up just one step at a time.

22" GRS is next...
Then maybe a 25" AK...
Then a 30" AK...

Then perhaps a 40" AK...

:D :eek: :eek: :D
 
The size thread plus this Ak thread, makes me wonder...The average Nepali is probably half mine or Pen's Mass, and is probably what-5ft to5'10" average? So what kinds of AKs do the Nepalis use? Perhaps big Khuks are a result of a khuk demand from big ol Westerners, considering that most villager khuks seem to be 12-15 inches in Length, 18' probably being the max.

Any thoughts?

Keith
 
Originally posted by Ferrous Wheel
..."Any thoughts?" by Keith
Click to expand...
Sorry to sidetract your question, but I have a handful of buddies who are named "Keith" and they all say about the same thing...

Any thoughts?
Your thought?
Thoughts?


I was just wonderin...is there some cosmic force out there I don't understand...?:confused: :rolleyes:


Oh, and your question...

I can't give an answer to the Nepali version, but I can relate it to my experience in Guatemala (amongst the vertically challenged locals... :rolleyes: ).

The Americans all bought (and used) 22"-32" machettes for work. I think the smaller ones would have worked ok, but the whole macho-manly thing overrides that kind of logic.

Typically the "villager" machette was 16"-18" in length, with a very skinny blade that was scary sharp. That's probably why they didn't want the bigger ones - too much sharp edge, too far out, and too hard to manage "all day" (which was precisely how long they used 'em).

Personally, I want a bigger chopper because I really am large enough to handle it. Now, I don't need it to provide for my family...that's a whole different issue. Even some of the bigger guys here would move down the size-line if they had to use it 60+ hours per week.


Now, we're talking about villagers, right? and not traditional military garb - because I think they have no problems with the beefy ones.

Of course, Sarge swears by his 18" AK, and I agree: I don't see why he would really need anything larger - it would just slow him down (and he's no mama's boy...:D ).

Hope this helps muddle things up a bit...
 
On the AK,well I do have the 18" AK and It's wonderful blade and very versitile.The other is the 20" 41oz.AK. I know myself,I coudln't swing that sucker all day long but other people can(I guess it's that macho thing again).I'm 6'3"270lbs. and the 18" is ok for me to work with and even for protection.Even then I would opt for the 15" BAS OR WWII.I must say though,that 20"AK is fun to handle.:D Oh well.....frank c....;)
 
Originally posted by pendentive
I got the Chiruwa AK in the mail yesterday at my office.

I think I may be bugging Bill for a 22" GRS after all. :rolleyes:

Dan
Click to expand...

Dan you sure won't ever be sorry!!!! I don't know how a 20" AK performs but I do know how my 18" performs. My 18" BGRS will out chop my 18 AK by a little, but the AK is better for splitting.
For straight chopping or felling nothing I have beats the standard GRS.:)
Back when I was in better shape my GRS would fell a 2"-2 1/2" sapling with one stroke.
Had I of been in the shape I was 8 years ago I suspect it would fell 3" to maybe 3 1/2" saplings with one blow.
The problem with the GRS is that you have to be extremely careful with it as once you get it started it's dayumed near impossible to stop even after slicing through a small sapling!!!!:eek: :D

Of course the 27" Royal Banspati may out perform even the GRS, but when I tested it I chopped only on seasoned firewood.
It's definitely a two handed khuk!!!!
I still hate the smell of the brass handles though.:barf:
 
quote from YVSA.
Click to expand...
Had I of been in the shape I was 8 years ago I suspect it would fell 3" to maybe 3 1/2" saplings with one blow.
I'm not in great shape either.:)but I've felled 3" too 4" saplings with my 18" AK WITH ONE SWIPE. ;)I guess that GR IS NEXT.
 
Originally posted by Yvsa
I think I may be bugging Bill for a 22" GRS after all.
Click to expand...
Well...I did get the 22" GRS and I like it so much I haven't been able to justify getting anything larger. However, this comment has me wondering:
Originally posted by Yvsa
...the 27" Royal Banspati may out perform even the GRS...
Click to expand...
Yvsa = pics? decscription? full review?
 
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