Gurkha Kukri For Survival?

J

JD Spydo

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Nov 20, 2004
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I have 2 great, older model, Carbon V, COLD STEEL Gurkha Kukri blades that I plan on using for survival should that day come.

One of the Gurkhas I have is an older model that CS deleted from it's inventory many moons ago was their 15 inch HTC Gurkha Kukri. The other is the standard Gurkha Kukri which is 5/16ths thick, Carbon V model.

Both of them have their original sheaths and both are in great condition. I have looked at many machetes now on the open market but I've yet to find any big utility blade that I like any more than I do these great old blades.

Or is there something I'm overlooking in the survival arena concerning big blades? I'm all ears if there is any thing else I should consider. I like the Gurkha Kukri blades because they just seem to feel right to me whether I'm chopping something or whether I'm wacking my way through the woods. But if there is anything that would better serve me please tell me

If anyone agrees with my choices for survival big blades then let's also talk about the good points of using the Gurkha Kukri blades.
 
I think you'll find many kukhri fans here. It's an awesome weapon/tool. I believe in carrying a big chopper (be it kukhri or axe, depending on the location) along with a little knife with a 3.5-5 inch blade for utility work.
 
Kuks are good .
I have only had a couple coldsteel knives and thought they were bad quality and generally sucked , moved them on .
But for a big blade a kuk is good , once you get the hang of using it :)
 
I have both also, they are great knives. Especially the Carbon V, that's one of CS's better steels. Good chopping ability thanks to geometry, good for SD, and a time tested shape that can perform a variety of tasks.
 
I think if you're going to use it for survival you should love the knife that you bring in. Personally I love kuks as well the only thing that comes close to it would be a good tomahawk/hatchet.
 
Actually the old CS Kukris look great - and still do. Personally I found a couple of "real world" issues:
1. The flat grind tends to wedge (get stuck) in certain woods. A traditional convex Nepalese kukri suffers far less = more efficient chopping, less energy wasted pulling the blade out.
2. The kraton handles need gloves for extended work, or you will be blister central.

Nice blades, handle well - but functionally prefer HI Kukris for performance.
 
Last weekend I was lucky enough to check out and handle several HI khukris. I have to say, the convex on these blades is excellent. A buddy has loaned me his KH khukri and it's a great knife too, if not as robust as those from Himalayan Imports. The design is great. It'll split wood or carve traps and tent pegs. The flared handle is designed for grip retention when chopping, while the absence of a guard on most models allows for a variety of grips for finer work. When I finally pick up my own, it'll be a traditional style blade from HI.
 
Those are very good survival tools. I have owned several, and they chopped very well. It has been mentioned here already, you should like the tool you carry and use. If they work for you, then its all good.
 
gunknifenut said:
Those are very good survival tools. I have owned several, and they chopped very well. It has been mentioned here already, you should like the tool you carry and use. If they work for you, then its all good.
Click to expand...

I guess one of the reasons I put up this thread was to see if conventional machetes might have any advantages over the Gurkha Kukri? Or vice versa? I'm also planning on having a hatchet, axe and even a maul depending on my situation. I do believe that edged striking tools are essential for survival.

Another reason I tend to lean toward these 2 Gurkha Kukri blades is because I have checked out many machetes on the open market and hardly none of them are made with any top notch quality. If there is also a good machete company that any of you would recommend I would love to check them out.

I have far better results wacking through vines and seedlings with my 2 Gurkha Kukris than I have with any standard machete I've tried to use. Hey I'm still at the learning stage and I'm all ears at this point. JD
 
Well, to be honest 1 is weight. My 14 inch bolo tramontina weighs a lot less, and both are about equal in chopping on cedar for example. One is more deserving of the "boat anchor" title while the other is quick. etc. A "unlubed" ghurka with the coating sticks more then an uncoated tram, and both "stick"...

282567_233876019977235_100000645178491_800567_6407139_n.jpg
 
I've heard ontario makes some good machetes, as well as condor, but it really depends on the scenario, also you should check out the woodman's pal, but stick with what works for you these are just suggestions.
 
Large knives are something of a guilty pleasure of mine, I don't really need them, but I keep buying new ones... I like both kukris and machetes and feel that each have their place. There is one thing that machetes have going for them though, the cost. I think kukris are great, but go ahead and spend $10 on a tramontina machete, sharpen it up then beat the heck out of it. If you don't love it put a coat of oil on it and toss it in your trunk, or give it away. The lesson is worth the cost.
 
An HI Khukri normally rides on my Backpack when ever I go hiking. IMO most khukris and even most Khukri like objects (Ontario, Kabar) are very versatil blades. Aside from being good at chopping or Brush clearing (depending on design) they also make great draw knives. Or the more simple answer; Yes, Khukris make good Survival/brush blades. :)
 
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