HI models for Jungle and Travels

J

JungleCho

Joined
Sep 19, 2012
Messages
3
How goes it forumites?

I am new to the forum, and found this section after searching for a well made Jungle machete. I am new to knives as a whole, and my personality has me research things many times over before deciding on something. Although my impatience has almost had me purchase a deal of the day recently, I am glad I did not as I read after that the model I was almost ready to purchase was not particularly intended for field use.

This has led me to this posting, and I am curious and interested in opinions for which HI model or models would be best for heavy tropical dense rainforest locations? I travel and most of the areas are within tropical rainforests, but also this changes with altitude and terrain changes quickly.

Ideally I would want only one model that would accommodate all tasks, but such is life and this is a tall order to ask for. I am aware.

The model would be primarily used for clearing jungle as I travel, with considerable amounts of bamboo and tropical hard woods. In the event of protecting ones self, it would also be needed to protect against ferocious animals with quick reflexes.

I am tall but lightweight, though I can pull my own weight. I have never used a machete over a long period of time, and do not know what this fatigue could compare with.

I would like the model to support a variety of tasks, but also it would be nice to find this within the strongest blade and handle model available.

I have narrowed it down to a few models, and think these will be most suitable for my preferences. Please if anyone has advise, tips, or comments on these models or others please your comments are welcome.

Ang Khola
-Garud
-Chiruwa
-Hanuman

Ganga Ram
-18 Inch
-22 Inch

M43

I prefer a wood handle, without very much detail other than carving. I like the figures carved out of the handle, but do not require the extra decoration. Also I like the neem wood and some of the dark woods.

If needed I could save and get two models, but most likely that would be the most afforded. Not to mention carrying them while travelling could become cumbersome.

I like the models that have accompanying smaller models that from what I can only assume would help assist in smaller chores like boning and cleaning fish or game, and carving work.

The model would need to be able to tolerate abuse of the highest degree, while maintaining functionality and finesse.

There is not one task above another, as clearing the jungle keeps one alive, as does cleaning game and fish, as does fending off ferocious creatures.

Thank you for the look, and advise in advance.

If HI has package deals available, for example purchasing two or more models at once, I am open to this idea and could possibly find a friend or two that would also be interested in a HI model. Also I am sure the deal of the day is the place to be looking, so please advise on which models you think best for my applications and usage.

Tropical rainforest, with very high humidity, ferocious animals, a lot of bamboo and hardwood trees, coconuts that need opening, fibers that need lashing and made into rope, and all that goes along with surviving off of the land.

Thank you very much.
 
An 18" YCS right around 30 oz would fit that bill. Plus the tools that come with it are great.

Either that or buy an ang khola and a $20 machete.
 
We would need to know what stature you are to give a more accurate recommendation.
A 6'+, 200lb+ person will be more comfortable carrying more weight than a 6'-.150lb person.
How much weight do you feel is too much?

I am about 5' 8" and 160lbs, and i like to keep the weight of my khukuri at 30oz or less. i feel i would do alright with either a 18" Ang Khola or Chiruwa ang Khola. But it is my preferred choice of styles and size. I find them quite adequate and feel they would serve me well in the situation you describe. A larger more fit person could of course carry more weight and length.
While you say you will be in a high humidity area, a chiruwa model will require slightly more care than a hidden tang model just because of the exposure of the tang. The Chiruwa is slightly stronger but ease of care for you may find this tradeoff a necessity. If you can pack some mineral oil or something you may be able to care for an exposed tang in the wild.
As for handle material, you may find that horn will better suit the humidity, but if you care for and seal the wood properly wood should suffice.
 
Thank you both for the quick replies! I am unsure what the YCS stands for, but will search more for that.

I am over 6' under 180 pounds, and fluctuate weight. I am long limbs, so maintain adequate leverage.

I appreciate the advise with the handle options with respect to the humidity, can I assume the horn handles do not shrink or swell in the humidity or if so less than the wood?

I do not mind caring for the model in a harsh environment, but understand it is easier to accommodate this idea ahead of time.

Is it possible to have the horn handles sculpted with a figure or custom a jaguar? Also this same question with respect to wood handle.

Thank You.
 
JungleCho said:
Thank you both for the quick replies! I am unsure what the YCS stands for, but will search more for that.
Click to expand...

YCS stands for Yvsa Cherokee Special. It is not warranted for chopping wood, although from accounts of people that do use them for that purpose, they do perform well

JungleCho said:
I am over 6' under 180 pounds, and fluctuate weight. I am long limbs, so maintain adequate leverage.
Click to expand...
I normally don't recommend anything over 20" for larger people to be lugging around on a trek. There have been complaints by a few that our khukuri are too overbuilt and weighty. If used for chopping wood on a regular basis, they need to be overbuilt and weighty, Otherwise we would not be able to warrant them for breakage.
JungleCho said:
I appreciate the advise with the handle options with respect to the humidity, can I assume the horn handles do not shrink or swell in the humidity or if so less than the wood?
Click to expand...
Wood and horn both will shrink and swell with humidity fluctuations. Despite what you may hear, they are about the same with the horn possibly shrinking a little less than wood.


JungleCho said:
Is it possible to have the horn handles sculpted with a figure or custom a jaguar? Also this same question with respect to wood handle.
Click to expand...

A custom handle like that would require a custom order and you would need to contact Auntie Yangdu at himimp@aol.com to inquire about your idea. She would be able to let you know wether or not it's feasable, give you an approximate timeframe and pricing.
 
For what is intended, I would recommend a folding saw, fillet knife and a 15" sirupati. The folding saw and fillet knife weigh almost nothing. The siru is about one pound and would be used for brush clearing and self defense. The siru would not be used for chopping wood or bamboo as those are tasks for the saw.
 
I appreciate both of the recent replies, thank you.

Browning A Bolt, you make a great suggestion and one I will think about. Thank you.

Karda, thank you for the speedy reply and generous amount of information. I am sure I could have found those things out with enough searching the forums, but I do appreciate you taking a moment to quickly help me find an appropriate HI model.

Take care, and I will most likely use that link when I have more funds permitted.
 
I also make regular jungle camp and trek, and I have tried some khuks from HI range.

As for HI range, for your weight and height, I recommend the 18" - 20" Gelbu Special. Why?
- Light enough not to pull your pants down, or not to deplete your energy in long trek.
- Long enough to whack springy
- Heavy enough to chop trees or bamboo upto 4" diameter.

In the jungle, you wont need a large chopper to fell down large trees. The most often task is to whack springy, chop dried branches for firewood, or clearing space for the tent, digging drainage canals, cutting bamboo to make some snare traps or fishing rod, hammering the poles to the ground,...

I don't recommend the Chiruwa style handle. Yes, it is stronger but peened stick tang can save you some weight, also free you from the care of rust in the exposed tang. In the jungle, the knife is there to care for us, not us to care for the knife. Stick tang is not always a problem as long as you know the chopping technique and also know the limit of your knife.

Have fun!
 
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