Help selecting a Kukri

G

g123

Joined
Oct 25, 2009
Messages
329
Hi Guys,

I need your help selecting my first a Kukri.

I live in the San Francisco Bay Area where we have a lot for oak and other hardwoods. I also backpack in the Sierra's where there is a lot of Pine Trees.

Which Kukri would you suggest I get for building shelters and making fires? I want an effective tool, but not one that weighs too much for long backpacking trips.

What is the optimal weight?

Should I be worried about full tang vs non full tang models?

What model do you suggest?



Thanks,

Geoff
 
I'd wait for a KLVUK. It's a basic villager khuk. Usually just right for length weight geometry. A user knife.

Many of us here have several but we all seem to agree that the KLVUK is the go to knife for doing most stuff.

There are lots of options. Don't know when Auntie will get any more in but hopefully soon.

I'd browse around the forum and look things over.
 
I'm in the SF Bay Area, if you want to come by and take a look at the differant models, I have quite a few, differant types, sizes, etc... you might get a better feel for what you would actually want.
 
Optimal weight depends on your size, fitness level, and the severity of the terrain where you backpack. For most people, and for the uses that you mention, I suggest something in the 20-24oz weight range, or even a little lighter.

I agree with Bawanna that the KLVUK is your best bet, pound for pound, and dollar for dollar. Use the Bladeforums search facility, and you'll find many posting of KLVUKs, with pictures. You can email Yangdu and ask if she happens to have one in stock.

Unless you're planning to build a log cabin in the woods, a KLVUK should be more than strong enough.

I wouldn't worry about full tang versus non full tang. All the regular HI khukuri models (except a few fancy models with animals carved on the end of the handle) are full tang in the sense that the tang goes all the way through the handle, is glued in and peened over at the end. There is also the chiruwa-style, where the tang is the full width of the handle and the scales are held on with laha glue and rivets. Some people prefer the look of chiruwa handles, but they're not really any stronger and it can be argued that the non-chiruwa full tang handles might be more comfortable (especially in cold weather).

Even the traditional Nepalese partial tang handles are very durable, and Nepali farmers and soldiers put them to much harder use than most American backpackers. I have a vintage Longleaf khukuri originally from the Nepal royal armory that's about a hundred years old. The blade has obviously seen a lot of use, and the handle (very old, dense wood) is still tight and in good condition.
 
This being the H.I. forum, I'd recommend you stick with an H.I. khuk and don't bother with the other companies like KHHI or others who buy from them and resell.
 
Ang Khola comes to my mind since you have a lot of hardwoods. I do think the KLVUK would suit your needs but dried hardwood cutting can be brutal. I say this from personal experience using both blades. The edge geometry of my KLVUK and AK are slightly different. The AK is made for chopping period and is warranted for such use. The KLVUK is made for more general use to include chopping as well but has a slightly thinner or more acute edge whereas the AK has a thicker more obtuse edge for more structural support behind the edge. Some may dispute this but it is my real personal experience with the two blades. Id say 15" Ang Khola just because you stated the need to process hardwoods. Otherwise KLVUK is a great all around knife and when used properly it will have no problem with hardwoods either. Almost a tossup though! Good luck! Your in the right place!
 
Rostislav - This is the Himalayan Imports forum, please do not advertise or suggest products form other manufacturers here, please do so in the general main forum.

Much appreciated.
 
Funny, Rostislav has 1 total post since he has been a member of BFC, and he chooses to waste his time that way? One wonders why? shill? or just troll?

Anyways, G123, I am certain that my sigline says it all. Once you find the magic of these blades, you will be back for more. So don't think of this as the one Khuk to be everything because soon you will want another and another and... LOL.

Seriously though it sounds as if cul4u01's offer would be awesome if you have the opportunity to take advantage of that. Being able to handle a number of blades/styles like that would allow you to determine the proper one for you, As Davidf99 mentions there are a LOT of variables in deciding and the weight/length numbers are very dependant on the individual. The khuk my husband prefers for the tasks you mention is NOT the same one I would prefer as an extreme example of the strength and size variables.
 
ndoghouse said:
Ang Khola comes to my mind since you have a lot of hardwoods. I do think the KLVUK would suit your needs but dried hardwood cutting can be brutal. I say this from personal experience using both blades. The edge geometry of my KLVUK and AK are slightly different. The AK is made for chopping period and is warranted for such use. The KLVUK is made for more general use to include chopping as well but has a slightly thinner or more acute edge whereas the AK has a thicker more obtuse edge for more structural support behind the edge. Some may dispute this but it is my real personal experience with the two blades. Id say 15" Ang Khola just because you stated the need to process hardwoods. Otherwise KLVUK is a great all around knife and when used properly it will have no problem with hardwoods either. Almost a tossup though! Good luck! Your in the right place!
Click to expand...

ndoghouse you found the words to describe what I wanted to say exactly. I own both a 15" AK and a KLVUK. I found this to be true in use and inspection. IMO the balance will feel different also because of where the "meat" of the knife is located.
 
For heavy chopping with a packable blade I would agree with ndoghouse. A 15" AK or a light weight 16.5" CAK would be strong enough for anything you could throw at it, but still light and compact enough to take anywhere.
 
Hey Guys,

Thanks for the quick and many replies to my post. All great comments!

Cul4u01, I would like to drop by and check out the Kukri's you have. That's a very nice offer. I will PM you to get the information.

If you guys have more comments, keep the posts coming!

Thanks,

Geoff
 
I have been thinking about one for quite a while. I like the looks of their Cherokee Rose and their M43 Hybrid models.
 
Might be awhile for a Cherokee Rose. Auntie said there might be some M43's in the works when the shop and political issues in Nepal subside a bit. Things are kind of tough all around right now.
 
A Rose is so worth the wait. Incredible knife, and maybe my favorite fighter:)
 
Nice to meet you G123, and I hope that seeing and handling the various khukuris, and our discussions, were helpful in helping you to decide on what kind of khukuri you would like to own.

Good hunting, and no matter what you get, I am sure you, will be impressed, and satisfied.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top