HELP! Which one??

R

Rangerxanatos

Joined
Jul 17, 2006
Messages
33
Hey, guys. I need your help picking a khukuri!!

I've been looking at the HI khuks and I don't know exactly which one to get. I've been looking at the 16.5" WWII and the 15," 16.5," and the 18" AK. I'll be using it mainly for choping trees for shelter/fire, maybe a little digging if needed, and for self defense out in the woods if I ever need it. Basically, it's going to be my big woods knife/chopper with maybe a little added on to it.

Looking at the site, I saw that the 16.5" and tha 18" AK are the same price, so what's the difference between them other than size? It's doesn't exactly make sense to me if they are in fact the same. Also, which type of handle do you all think is better? I've heard that the wood has more of a grip, but the horn is harder, and in my opinion, more attractive.

Any help/opinions would be much appreciated.

Daniel
 
I'm the new guy around here, but I did just get my WWII with wood handle yesterday. Here is a pic.

PICT0103.jpg
 
Welcome:)

It totally depends on what you are wanting in a khuk. If you are going to be hiking with it, I personally wouldn't go with anything bigger than around 16.5". You'll get more performance out of an 18"+ khuk in the chopping department, but I don't like lugging them around unless I am camping out of my truck.

You really can't go wrong with a 16.5" WWII for a good chopper that can also double as a pretty nimble weapon. If you are looking for something a little more "bomb proof" check out the 16.5" Chiruwa AK. It chops really well, and it is nearly indestructible...although pretty much any HI khuk is going to outlast you;) Most people find that the 15" AK is just fine for a hiking khuk. It gives plenty of chopping power compared to regular knives of its size, yet packs very easily. If you want the length and weight of a 15" AK yet would like peace of mind from the chiruwa style, check out the new 15" Boomerang AK. It has a nice curve to the blade and handle so that it will really perform well regarding chopping, yet it is packable and still has the full slab tang.

Once again, welcome:)
 
Get the one on the right.
 
Welcome to both of you rangers. :)

Rangerx- I tend to accumulate the big khuks as a matter of taste, but I almost never hump them out into the bush. I think most would agree with me that a 15" WWII or AK -either one- will do a very respectable job as a chopper and general utility/camp knife. :thumbup:

We always say it: It kinda doesn't matter what you get first- it won't be your last. :D

H'ranger- Are we right? I bet you're already thinking about which one to get next, aren't you? ;)

BTW- I hope that isn't a split I see in your sheath in the pic above. That big belly on the WWII makes drawing and sheathing a little less forgiving. :eek:
 
No... no split... but I can see it splitting one day. Do they sell replacement sheaths?

I have the WWII. the Tin Chirra and Bilton should be here tomorrow maybe. Yesterdays Deal of the Day should be here by Friday.

I ummmm have 5 on order from another company as gifts because I just don't have the desire to hand out $125 khuks on a whim... but if they like what I give them, I'll refer them to HI for a true work of art. :D
 
15" BAS. Why does everyone forget the BAS? (British Army Service... is what it stands for... i think).

I've got one - it is fantastic. The BAS is a touch lighter than an AK of the same length, though has fairly similar chopping power. I agree with everyone else on everything - if you're taking it hiking don't go above 16.5". BAS is the lightest mentioned, followed by WWII i think, then AK, lastly the CAK (provided they were all the same length). CAK has the most chopping power, BAS the least. Don't get me wrong though - i've split fire logs with one swipe from the BAS. It is still a hell of a chopper.

You'll be happy with whatever you get - trust me. It comes down to a matter of weight, length and chopping power. The longer and heavier, usually the more chopping power. However, all four of the choices that have been tossed around here are good choppers - it's just a matter of balancing your other concerns.

As far as handles go - personal preference. There's a ton of threads on handle materials if you need more info.

Best of luck!
 
No... no split... but I can see it splitting one day.
Click to expand...
I've got an old kukri which has a steel strip between the wood and the leather down the cutting edge side (part of it is visible because the sheath is worn) .... Spiral said it's a safety idea, but he's not seen it often.
 
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