Grip comfort

G

Glenn Jones

Joined
Feb 26, 2002
Messages
618
I've just been out doing some clearing up of tree branches around the yard on branches usually about 5 cm's only and smaller in diameter - quite a few of them - in fact a lot of them. I haven't done a cleanup like this for about two years and there has been a lot of regrowth. I used two well known and expensive US brand knives, both about 15 inches long, and my 18 inch Gelbu Special. All three are within about 2 ounces of each other in weight.

I know the steel in the US knives is better than in my khukuri, and they are well made and practically indestructible knives. There are things I would do with them that I wouldn't try with my khukuri. And besides, anyone who owns a HI khukuri, especially a Gelbu Special, knows how beautiful they are and I don't want to lose that beauty. I am happy to chop wood with my Gelbu Special but not use it to pry things open, dig in ground etc.

I've got to tell you though that the grips on the US made knives I tried to use were light years behind the Gelbu Special for comfort and shock absorbancy when you have a chopping job to do. I find it quite amazing when I compare the simplicity of the shape of the wood khukuri handle to the more modern materials in the top of the line US knives. Needless to say, it didn't take me long to put the US made knives away - for this job they weren't in the competition.

I purposely haven't mentioned the brand name of the two US made knives because I have a lot of respect for the company that made both and for that company's owner. I also think those knives were made so that their number one priority was indestructibility, but I am astonished at how ergonomically poor their grips are - even allowing for the fact that handle size and shape is a very personal thing.
 
First, if you're worried about durability, you needn't be. HI's are nearly indestructable. Just see the lifetime break and bend-free guarantee. If you're really concerned, get a Chiruwa Ang Khola. Those *are* indestructable. Unless you want to take apart a tank, which I doubt you will need to do. If you break, bend one of those, you get two free! :) We dare ya! :D

Glad to hear another good opinion of the HI khuks, though! Thanks for input and see ya 'round!

Nam
 
The knife guys will weigh in, but I didn't think for the job and general useability of a HI khuk the metal could be improved upon much. I know there are many strong and exotic metals today. I wish Firkin would come back and tell us more.

Did you look at the HI web page and see the photo of the blade bent with its tip in a concrete crack with someone's weight upon it? (probably Bill's) I can see sparing a lovely lithe Gelbu, but not an AK, WWll, or Ganga Ram. I think to better these you would have to spend many times the money, if it were possible.




munk
 
I think I know the company you're talking about; I've handled their knives as well and was very surprised at how poor the handle comfort was. The khuks truly are amazing blades (and handles :D ) at any price.
 
Munk's right. GS is better-known as a fighter. Great for troop carry. Somebody in Nepal with HI said that if he could outfit his Gurhkas with any knife, it would be the GS. Great fighter/utility. But not as sturdy as some other models. GS is high on my list. Currently waiting for Christmas, when I open the 18-inch WWII under the tree per Munk's suggestion long ago. :) That will be my everything knife, I think. But a GS would be the knife for fighting methinks... Ask others for their GS opinions. There are many owners here! :D

:)

Nam
 
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