Gurkha Khurki as a woodsman's knife??

steve-in-kville

steve-in-kville

Joined
Dec 25, 2001
Messages
1,139
Been doing a lot of reading online as I ponder my choice for a general woodsman's knife and something to run my trapline. I purchased two inexpensive Khuki's on ebay figuring that if it doesn't work out I'm not out a lot of money.

Has anyone else tried these knives? Care to share your opinion?
 
I have one. Been using it over a year now. I like it. Great chopper. Will probably have to use it again after the ice storms. I sharpen mine with a file. When spliting wood it has some flex to it which is good. Fits well in the hand but has a wooden ring on the handle, I use gloves with it. I like it better than my short machete from Ontario as a worker. Can replace a small hatchet with it. Use it as a draw knife. I'm happy with it. Got to using it more after the head on my marbles double bit hatchet flew off. Worked better for me. You will be happy. You can always make a club with it to pound stakes in or use a rock.
 
By "Gurkha Khurki" do you mean the Cold Steel model?
Or one of these:
MUMU4.jpg


In general, a good kukri is an incredible woodsman's knife, as it can replace the BFK, machete and hatchet in one fell swoop. That and a smaller knife of your choice (even the karda -- small knife -- that comes with some kukris if it's to your liking) is all you'd need.

If it's one of the super cheap models and you turn out not to like it, then don't dismiss kukris right away, there are better out there. Even if you don't buy one from them, check out the stickys and links in the Himalayan Imports forum here, they give a lot of the history, sue and safety precautions on kukris.

Enjoy.
 
I've got one of the older Cold Steel models. I don't use a file on it but keep it touched up with a diamond rod. It gets used for everything from clearing brush around a camp sight to splitting firewood and has always performed well.
 
I have used a Kukri for years doing trail clearing work, as stated it can do the work of a big knife, a machete, and a hatchet (though a good machete is superior on light vegetation).

I find a real Kukri to be a bit heavy for backpacking.

The quality of heat treatment has been a bit hit and miss in the past, but some of the more reputable importers are improving on this.

If you find one with good steel and a handle that fits you well, you will find it a pleasure to use.



"If you're not living on the edge, …you're taking up too much space."

Big Mike
 
I have used an M43 Kukri from Himalayan Imports rather than an axe for years. During an extended stay in the woods I even used it to build two log cabins of the trapper type. The only area at which it didn't excel is in pounding as when driving set stakes.

My recomendation would be to visit the H.I. forum and website their Kuks are the best. I have used some of the cheapm ones and they do not in any way perform anywhere near a real kukri form H.I. In fact they didn't even perform well enough to give a reasonable idea of what these knives can do.
 
I've used one since 1994 did some simple mods to it, took down the wood ring,wrapped the handle with paracord, cold blued the blade. I've split seasoned Mesquite wood with it in one chop. IMHO it is an awesome field/camp blade. Check youtube for pathfinder knife intro.
 
i had both a kukri and a kukri style blade (made by cold steel). both performed pretty well, but i feel better with a hatchet because of chopping efficiency vs weight, and there is not a whole lot of brush that i need to tackle in my neck of the woods.

i also think a hatchet is easier to use for fine tasks, because all of the weight is in your hand vs stretched out along the length of a kukri blade.

but if you like the style, and can make it work for you, then they are good blades.

wildmike, do you have a link to a photo of a trapper cabin?
 
A khukri is a very good hatchet / knife hybrid. They've been used in the Himalayas as a tool and weapon for who knows how long. Most Nepali made khukris have a handle that is designed for small hands so you should try to put hands on before choosing a model. But you will get good use out of one for clearing and camp setup chores. A small companion knife is pretty much a must though.
 
I have 2 from Himilyan Imports and 1 ColdSTeel carbon steel. I really like the 3 of them..but, I do prefer the ColdSteel model. The handle is much better for me, and the overall size and weight is slightly more efficient. I do love my HI, but one is to big, and the other doesnt feel as if it could take the abuse of the ColdSteel.
I prefer a good Hatchet or Axe, but I do use my Kukris to take off limbs and such quite often. It is a fantastic "big knife" for bushcraft. Gene
 
I bought what I believe to be original imports. They were $16/each. I've heard these knives have a lot of potential. Look forward to getting them.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top