Himalayan Imports khukuris. Which is best for backpacking?

I like to backpack and I want to get a khukuri to bring along in my pack. HI apears to make the best ones but they have so many models to choose from. Which would any of you recommend? I am looking for the best chopping/cutting power for weight ratio. I currently use a machete and I don't like the tendency for it to stick in wood and I feel more comfortable with a knife than a hatchet. Any help appreciated.
 
S

storyville

Joined
Aug 11, 1999
Messages
1,111
I've taken a 15" Sirupati along for a couple day hikes and it was more than plenty. If you like/need a big blade for bpking, the Sirupati is probably the way to go. Someone who posts at the HI forum hits the trails with one fairly often, I believe.

You can get GREAT deals on blem models from time to time, too. Contact Uncle Bill, tell him it'll be your "first," and he'll do you right.

Keep in mind, however, that a khukuri is *much* thicker than a machete. You won't have a significant problem with binding, but you need to be willing to pack the extra weight/size.

Glen
 
rkenny,

Any of the shorter models work well for backpacking type chores. The real questions are how important is weight to you, and what uses do you anticipate for the knife.

Bill Martino's forte is matching a user with a knife that works for him. I advise hopping over to the HI forum and asking Bill. Don't think of the knives as coming in models. Each knife is different, and the specs will vary within even a particular model. Bill will find what you need, even if you didn't know that's what you needed.

Weight is important to me when backpacking. If I take a khukuri I take a 17", 14 oz Udhaipur villager I got from HI. Unfortunately this was an unusual model purchased from a village smith, and is not in the regular HI lineup. The HI kami's have recently been experimenting with thinner blades, and you may want to consider something thinner than normal (for HI) for backpacking purposes. Perhaps a thin 15-18" Sirupati?



[This message has been edited by Howard Wallace (edited 07-28-2000).]
 
I've had great luck with both a 15" WWII model and the Kumar Kobra 18.5". The WWII has more wieght but the Kobra is faster.

They are right, Uncle Bill WILL find the right khukuri for you!

Good Luck!!

Vince

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Stay sharp and be Safe!
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That which does not kill us only makes us stronger.
F.W. Nietzche
 
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