help a newbie in choosing the right khukri.

H

hannism

Joined
Jan 24, 2006
Messages
88
I've done some research, and everyone rates Himalayan Imports as having the best khukri's around.

There are so many models, while similiar, they are different.

Basically, I'm torn between whether to get the 15 inch Ang Khola, the British Army Service Model or the WW2 Service Model.

I need a versatile tool and weapon.

This is probably a dumb question, but if a Gurkha soldier was given his choice between the three models, which do you think he would choose?
 
Maybe not the answer you are looking for, but I don't think you can go wrong with any of those as a first khuk. Pick whichever one you like best. My first was a BAS, and I still use it quite a bit. Rusty, however, would be quick to recommend a 16.5" WWII, and it's also a great choice. You should get plenty of suggestions in this thread.
 
16.5" 23 oz. village chiruwa WWII with a horn handle...

It's my soulmate...you'll have to find your own more than likely...
 
Yes.


And it will be like the first time you fell in love, except it will last much longer.


A soldier might want more of a weapon, like the BAS and WWII; the AK is a remarkable chopping tool. But no matter which of the three you choose, you will not be going awry.


Welcome.
 
I vote for the WWII. I've handled all three, and it feels the most weapony of the three.
I have an 18" WWII that is wonderful. It took several years before I found a khuk that eclipsed it. However, every now and again the ol' WWII gets the nod and off we go. Marred and scarred and gray from use and with a crack in the handle they WWII just keeps on keepin' on. A special knife indeed.

Jake
 
Well well well, Welcome aboard! You sure got here one day too late, go check out yesterday's DOTD and see what I mean. Whatever model you get, make sure its a villager. They come sharper, and sharpening a khukuri is a learning experience (learn about the convex edge). Plus the blade isn't polished and that will encourage using the blade. I like the AK and the GRS in the 16-18" range. They are choppers and kinda heavy, but useful for just about any camping chore including prying. As far as a weapon goes I think if a person sees another person holding a khukuri they re-evaluate attacking that person. Or at least I hope so. I'd hate to see what a person looks like after you use your khukuri on them.

It doesn't matter because once you've got an HI blade in your hand you're hooked. You'll buy more. You'll need some for specific tasks. You'll want other because of the beauty and skill it takes to make them. You'll stop collecting other knives. You'll suddenly think of a knife with a 9" blade as LITTLE. You're wife will begin to think you've been assimilated into a cult. Welcome aboard!!
 
From one newb to another, welcome! I bought a villager BAS in December and am very pleased with it. I'm looking forward to buying my next. I'll second the nod for the villagers for the same reason that Andy gave. My advice would be to hang around your computer at 2:50 - 3:30 PM toady and see what Aunt Yangdu has to offer. I will if my schedule permits.
 
Another vote for the WWII. I've got a BAS, a 15" AK, a 16.5"" chiruwa AK (among many others) and the WWII in 18" length is the one that always gets used. The BAS and the 15" AK don't seem to work as well and the chiruwa, while impressive, bludgeons whatever I'm chopping. The WWII "cuts" what needs to be cut and "chops" what needs to be chopped.

You won't be going wrong, in any event.
 
The Ghurkas are small of stature, and they travel a long ways. I think that and the British arms regs keeps their blades of the BAS size. Just a guess.


I prefer the 18" WWll, but many here like the slightly smaller 16.5"


munk
 
Welcome aboard hann. My personal preference is for the larger blades (16" and up) so I would recommend the WWII. At 16.5" it is the largest of the three you mention, and at 1.5 lb it ties for heaviest with the 15" AK. I think you would find the extra length an asset for both tool and weapon applications. The Chiruwa AK is 16.5" and would also serve well, though some are not fond of the full tang construction; it would be the heaviest of the four options. Enjoy!
 

click Noobee
the "Knew Khuk Khonnoisseur's Kwick Khoncise Khompendium of Khommon Khuestions Khunsidered"

for lots of reference links


the bas i personally find both too small & too big
others find it the best for them
the ak of similar size is heavier enough to chop better
the wwii is longer/heavier for good chopping
& still short/light enough for easy carry

my favorite allround blade would be the ~18" chitlangi

<:)> THEY call me 'Dean' <>
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<:eek:> Caution: Not all ideas vented from this brain are entirely based on empirical data. JMO-M2C-fWiW-iIRC-YMMV-fYI-TiA-YW-GL
<:D> Noobee <> Tips <> Baha'i Prayers Links --A--T--H--D
 
Awwww, just go ahead & buy all of them, you will in the long run anyway. :D

it's too late now, this site is infectious & you have now caught HIKV and are doomed to a life of aquisition of sharp pointy bent knives...

(HIKV= Himalayan Imports Kukhri Virus)

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Dum sanctis patriae legibus obsequimur

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If they don't want me to eat animals - why do they make them out of MEAT?
 
Another vote for the 16.5" WWII. It was my first and it's still my favorite. But really, you can't go wrong with any of them...besides, you'll end up with more than one in the end, so don't worry too much about it.

-Tycho-
 
Welcome!

WWII or 15-16" villager (B)GRS would be my first suggestion for a male American newbie.

John, bought lots of kukuris, has only kept 16.5" WWII and 17" GRS.
 
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