Help with first Kukri

jumpmonkey

jumpmonkey

Joined
Oct 16, 2006
Messages
970
I've been ogling Kuks for years now. I had pulled the trigger on one some time back, however the USPS for the first, and so far only, time in my life ate the package. HI took care of me (Thanks for being awesome) I got back my money, but alas for my lasting kukrilessness.

So, good deals aside, I'm still looking. What do y'all recommend for a first kuk?
I want something that I can clear a bit of brush with, but that can handle some chopping. Lots of hardwood around here and machetes turn to twisted steel when applied to it with any degree of regularity. The ability to do light limbing and splitting is a must. Is there any kuk that can meet these two tasks well enough without making me hate it when employed for either?


Thanks
 
My 18 inch M-43 is a powerhouse in the form of a khuk, I also recommend the Chiruwah Ang Khola. I have an ASTK as well which feels really light in hand and easily clears brush as well as processes wood.
 
I would recommend a CAK (Chiruwa Ang Khola), AK ( Ang Khola), M-43, WWII, or BAS (British Army Service). In 18", and with some heft to them (34oz - 42oz).
 
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I just got my first one a less than two weeks ago. It's the above mentioned Chiruwa Ang Khola, and I would recommend it to anyone!
 
I always say a villager utility model is a great place to start, very affordable and hard working blades
 
Splitting wood with a knife is brutal. As long as splitting is on the menu you should have a good strong edge profile like what the Ang Khola has especially for dried seasoned hardwood of any kind. Id personally recommend an 18" AK. I say this because you want to be able to clear brush so the added length will give you the speed you need so you arent just pushing brush aside like you would with a heavy short chopper.
 
Just my opinion: I guess, ask yourself what you'd be doing more often. AK is a monster, but then so are other beefier models. The 40+ ounces tip the scale as far as still being functional, I think for all day use you may go somewhat lighter. "Some chopping" and "splitting" could be done just fine with a somewhat less hardcore model (read: lighter). AK, M43, Bonecutter...whatever tickles your fancy.

*

(Anyway you'll be getting more. :D )

Oh, btw - do you plan to throw your knife, like a forumite that shall be remained unnamed here is...known to do? :D :D :D (He's old & rich, and is so tough on his knives that he doesn't care about warranty. I even heard a rumor he threw once a Curved Spine and that one comes back at ya like a boomerang, but he ain't skeered of nuthin'!

...and he has something against monkeys?? :foot:)
 
Oh and sorry for the USPS thing, they gave me a good scare with the very first kukri!
 
Moonw said:
AK is a monster, but then so are other beefier models. The 40+ ounces tip the scale as far as still being functional
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He needs it to be able to do some splitting/chopping, he is going to need the beefier edge, but also to clear some brush. If he decides on a 18", it may be a little difficult to find a 32oz or less khuk, a custom may be easier. Besides, if he is going to chop and split hardwood, the little extra weight, will give a little more control, and less of a chance of deflection off hardwood, not to mention letting the blade do most of the work, so that fatigue doesn't set in as quickly as using a lot of arm strength.
 
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I have a 18" m-43 and it's a beast. Makes me wonder how much more of a beast a Chiruwa AK would be. One day:)
 
AlinCT said:
I have a 18" m-43 and it's a beast. Makes me wonder how much more of a beast a Chiruwa AK would be. One day:)
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Mine is too. I actually find myself grabbing the M-43, before my CAK, even for "big" jobs, and my BAS as my pack blade.

BAS 15" and 17oz. M-43 is 18" and 33oz, CAK is 16" and 31oz.
 
Gelbu Special came to mind as well but it is pretty light. It does have an AK edge profile but fullered to be lighter so you can get AK jobs done less the weight. Downside is the lack of extra weight and would likely have you batoning to get through knots and such on hardwood. I dont have an M43:grumpy:
 
Bookie has the baddest M43 on the plannet! Might even be better than my Samsher? (...lets see if that works?):confused:
 
You either want a wood chopper OR a brush chopper. Anything that will be usable for both will sacrifice something in both areas. That is why there are many different styles of khukuri. Each one suited to different tasks.
Heavier, tough and dedicated wood choppers to lighter weapon style models suitable for brush clearing to models suited for butchering and kitchen usage.
 
cul4u01 said:
He needs it to be able to do some splitting/chopping, he is going to need the beefier edge, but also to clear some brush. If he decides on a 18", it may be a little difficult to find a 32oz or less khuk, a custom may be easier. Besides, if he is going to chop and split hardwood, the little extra weight, will give a little more control, and less of a chance of deflection off hardwood, not to mention letting the blade do most of the work, so that fatigue doesn't set in as quickly as using a lot of arm strength.
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I get ya. For my skinny city boy arms, 32 to 40 makes a difference :|.
 
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