Help me choose a light khukri

C

cat

Joined
Jul 22, 2006
Messages
107
hi all. I want a khukri. :D

I want a light one, 18". How do I choose between sirupati, chitlangi, and kobra? :confused:
Are there any tendencies to differences in blade tempering, fit-and-finish, anything, between them?
Handle shape and length?
 
No differences in fit/finish.

Hard to beat a sirupati for light medium usage.

The Chitlangi is in my opinion the most beautiful. It has a dome shaped butt, and the weight depends on the Kami.

I wouldn't chop a log with a Kobra. It's the lightest.

Hope this helps. Others will have more insight.

Steve
 
I agree with everything Steve said. I will add, I have a 18" Gelbu Special I was using the other day clearing out the Boston Ferns that took over the bushes. I could have used my BAS but the Gelbu was longer for about the same weight. My Kobra is in my travel suitcase for "duty" in the motels. :-)
 
What Steve said. I love the sirupatis--they're quite tough, though fairly thin and light. I've never held a chitlangi, so can't speak about them. Kobras are the only HI khukuri that I know of that doesn't have a "break it by prying and we'll replace it" warranty; they are much thinner than the others. I had a chainpuri bend more than I thought would be practical for a user, and, though I was able to bend it back, I arranged a trade; HI took it back in exchange for a more-robust knife that fits my hard-wood-chopping needs better. You might also consider a Gelbu special, as those are a little lighter than most, but still do good chopping. Have fun!
 
Thanks, Steve. I'm looking for photos of chitlangis at the moment. I'm not going to chop any wood. I have weak wrists, so I'm thinking the kobra. That's about all the rationality; I don't need a khukuri. I just want one. :D I'm also thinking that maybe.. buying them and holding them, selling them on... is the only way to do it if I can't go to a shop and do it. I see many guys here have more than a few, and I can see why. ;)
 
Kobra is more of a fighting khukuri. It's built for speed.

I have both a 21" Chitlangi and a 25" Sirupati. IMO the handle style of the Chitlangi has better ergonomics and the blade is just a little bit broader, but not as broad as an Ang Khola.

My 21" Chitlangi:

HPIM0531.jpg
 
I would go with a Gelbu Special. I have tried several Sirupatis but none of them did anything for me. Passed them on and stuck with my 18" GS.

Scot
 
I usually am more diplomatic, but I feel blunt tonight: buy the Chitlangi.

John
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top