Hooked on HI/recommendations

S

SingleGrind

Joined
Jun 15, 2015
Messages
894
Hi all, after browsing around for the past week or so, it is now time for my first post on this forum. I've long been interested in khukuri style blades due to their awesome power, utility, and beauty and heard about HI a while back. I've had a Kabar Kukri Machete for a while, and have nothing bad to say about it. It's actually a pretty good balance between a real khukuri and a machete, great for light brush clearing and little chopping jobs, comfy handle, and half-decent sheath. I really did, and still do like that blade. However, I needed a real, proper khukuri.

So after perusing the forum for a few days, I struck gold on a blems thread and picked up an awesome 20oz BAS by Bhakta and a 9.5" 10oz baby villager Chiruwa AK. All I can say is I'm in love. The BAS is so much beefier than I expected, and blows the Kabar out of the water when it comes to chopping, obviously. I'm even more impressed by the little one though. The blade length is about the same as my ESEE-4, which was my general outdoor knife, but it has instantly been replaced by the baby villager. It can chop better than some of my 7" blades, and slices about as well as the Spydie Para2. This is by far my new favorite knife in my collection, even though I've barely used it for more than some test cutting and chopping, and some food prep :) I've been carrying it on my belt at home and around the yard for the past week and I think it's gonna become attached at my hip, just need a kydex sheath with belt clip. I would post a pic but I can't figure it out on my phone.

Now I know that most people on here recommend oiling blades after each use and regularly. For the last few years however, I have used a different product on all of my knifes, whether stainless, high carbon, or tool steel, and it's a dry lubricant called tuf-glide, and it also happens to be a great cleaner and minor rust remover. I swear by it for everything else, because of it's overall performance and also because dust and lint doesn't stick to a dry blade, a major benefit with my folders. I was wondering if any of you use this on your khuks? The first thing I did when mine came in was to wipe off the oil with a paper towel, and then apply a couple coats of the tuf-glide.

Also, seeing as I am now thoroughly hooked on Himalayan Imports, I need to figure out what to get next. I'm not a big guy, 5'8" 125lbs, and I know my limits; sadly a 30" Siru would be a bit much to handle :( I know I want more small knives and one for EDC, and I sent an email to Yangdu about the letter opener and the Bilton. The only thing is, I also want something mean and designed for self defense, like a really light 18-20" Kobra. I can't see myself carrying anything too much heavier than my new BAS, with the exception of a Foxy Folly. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

There's one more thing that's been on my mind since I got my first 2 HI blades, and that's the overall quality and craftsmanship of these knife. The care that is put into making each blade is simply amazing to me, and I think each and every blade produced is perfect, even if it is labeled a blem. Perfection is impossible, and it is the imperfections which give both beauty and character to the blade. I now want HI everything, from an EDC knife to kitchen knives to an axe.

I am simply in awe at the community I have discovered here. I have yet to read a disrespectful post or comment and doubt I ever will, and just about everything I've seen is helpful in one way or another. I've never posted to any forum before, so the length of this alone should speak to how impressed I am. I'm glad I discovered this foforum and can't wait to be part of such an active and friendly bunch.

-SG
 
SingleGrind said:
.... I need to figure out what to get next. I'm not a big guy, 5'8" 125lbs, and I know my limits; sadly a 30" Siru would be a bit much to handle .... I also want something mean and designed for self defense, like a really light 18-20" Kobra. I can't see myself carrying anything too much heavier than my new BAS, with the exception of a Foxy Folly. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated! .... -SG
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SG:

Welcome to the forum. This question arises often here, and you'll probably get a variety of recommendations, not all of which will be suitable for someone of your size.

1. What you can carry for self defense depends on the local laws where you live, or wherever you go. In some localities the knife carry laws are so strict that you might be better off carrying a wrench (and a bag of bolts to make it seem more of a tool and less a weapon).

2. However, if you want something that looks mean, is fast and light, and would be effective defense against anything smaller than a gorilla, I would recommend a sirupati or chitlangi about 16" overall length weighing about 16 oz. Here's a picture of a chitlangi that is 15" OAL and 16 oz.

View attachment 555063

3. The longer blades tend to be significantly heavier and probably more unwieldy, though that depends on the strength, fitness and expertise of the person using the blade. Also, the longer the blade the more chance that you will get into legal trouble for using it, or even for carrying it.
 
Welcome Singlegrind. Sorry about your new addiction, your wallet will be in pain for some time, since it seems you have caught a slightly severe case of HIKV...no worries, buying a khuk will always make the symptoms abate for a little while. The secret is to space your purchases, like 1 a week...lol.

Small knives, the Bilton is cool for sure, there is also the Kumar Karda, and the the famous IBBB.

Self defense, I love the Suga, the Trisul, or a (ahem) UBE. I also keep my bashpati in my nightstand for "bump in the night" duty (as Steely would say.) There is also the Cherokee Rose!

Alas, I do not have a KK or Bilton, but the other blades are below:

IBBB





Suga



Trisul



Uncle Bill Especial (UBE)



Bashpati



Cherokee Rose!

 
Honestly, you'll probably be happy with pretty much anything you buy, and if you can afford it, you'll end up with one of everything. A word of warning, though - you mentioned that you aren't particularly large, and I've found that some of the bigger kukris have quite thick handles. I'm an average sized guy, and my dad is fairly big, but we both find the Cherokee Rose handle a bit too thick.
 
Thank you all, to clear up any legal questionability, the self defense khuk would be more for the bedside armory, not to be carried really.

Davidf99: I'm leaning towards a Kobra due to the length to weight ratio, being light and long, for good reach without sacrificing control.

Cul4u01: I'd never seen the IBBB, just heard of it, and oh my Lanta I need one! Love at first sight and not even my usual "style" but I could totally see myself EDCing that blade (might even leave the Emerson at home!) That Sugar is gorgeous too though, but having small hands makes me wary of finger grooves, cuz my fingers never line up :) I already emailed Yangdu about a Bilton, and a Kumar Karda is in my near future, so thanks for reaffirming those choices, and for the beautiful pictures. The IBBB has definitely made it's to the top of my wishlist.

FinnSetanta: Thanks for the heads up. The Rose isn't exactly my type of blade, but it's good to know the handles aren't always as thin as they seem. I was actually a bit concerned about the width of the handle on just the BAS or any traditional style handle, but I've found it more manageable than I thought.

You all have beautiful knives, thank you for sharing them as well as your options!
 
SingleGrind said:
Thank you all, to clear up any legal questionability, the self defense khuk would be more for the bedside armory, not to be carried really.
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I have 15" and 18" Sirus, Kobras, Chitlangis, and Chainpures. If I had to use it for nightstand duty, I would prefer the 15" length for more control closer to the bolster, I'd take in order, firstly, Siru, Chainpuri, Chitlangi, and then the Kobra, that is just my preference. If you want them neutral in hand, and fast, remember the magic ratio of 1oz per 1", so a 15" Siru, weighing in at 15oz or near, would be a grail. My Lok BAS is 15", and 17 oz, but my Rajkumar Bashpati is 18" and 24oz, but it feels more neutral in hand than even my BAS, which is also really special to me.

Some kamis just have this magical touch, where you would see a certain model, in a certain length and weight, and say to yourself, "that's going to feel a little heavy", and then when you get it, you are amazed at how balanced it feels, and you can't believe the length to weight ratio feeling so light. Vice Versa, a khukuri you think is light, due to its size, and weight, may feel "heavier" in hand than you expect.

Each blade is very individualistic, with characteristics imbued by its maker.
 
Oh, you should absolutely pick up a KLVUK - they're versatile, fun, and stupidly affordable. Might not be exactly what you think you want, but you'll fall in love with it.
 
The Kumar Karda is one darn handy all purpose knife. A bit thick for fine kitchen slicing, but it does everything you will need for a personal field/camp knife.
I have bought four, three went to friends and family.
 
No recommendation on knife...you are already covered....will only mention blade protection. As i have mentioned now too many times here, i use a mix of mineral oil, petrolatum/vaseline, and beeswax melted/mixed in micowave...main reason is zero toxicity...can rub whatever on hands into skin, even, and do...most folk use stuff which would need be stored in a hazmat locker at a worksite, and then use it on food....not very clever.....if the knife will be used on food, use something/anything which can be consumed by the spoonful....
 
cul4u01 said:
Each blade is very individualistic, with characteristics imbued by its maker.
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I couldn't have said it better myself. And one of the main reasons I fell in love with HI. There was a thread I read (an Uncle Bill post in the link library?) that talked about how each knife has prayers enscribed on it that vary depending on the kami. I am not really a religious person, but the knowing that we are in their prayers is still an honor.

mtngunr: that is a phenomenal point you make about the edible blade protectants. I have never been too concerned with the tuff glide since it hardens into a microfilm that fills all the little pits and protects the steel, but I suppose even that will wear off to some extent. I'm gonna try whipping up a batch of mineral oil, Vaseline, and beeswax today or tomorrow, thank you.

Dino in Reno: I'm definitely getting a Kumar Karda in the next couple weeks, just trying to pace myself :b

FinnSetanta: a KLVUK is also on my list, but not quite so near to the top.

My wish list in order is now as follows: Bilton, 18" Kobra, Kagas Katne, custom Baby Villager Chiruwa AK (I want one with a finger guard on the front of the blade, so I can make a good EDC kydex sheath for it), a Suga, and a KLVUK. In case anyone is wondering why the IBBB/Micro Mini Bowie isn't on that list, well, it's because I just emailed Auntie and she had one with satisal wood handle! It's shipping today, so I just have to try to contain my excitement :D
 
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Good for you buddy. I thought they were all long gone. Hopefully another batch when things get back to normal over in Nepal.
I got mine with me all the time. Brought it for show and tell and aunties approval.
 
Another vote for the KK, but I like its little brother the JKM-1 in the kitchen. The blade is about 3" but very thick. That sounds like a "worst of both worlds" scenario, but it's actually super handy cutting hard things like cheeses. You can put your thumb on the spine and really push
 
Bawanna: After reading an older thread about the IBBB, I was sure they were gone or special order only. I asked Yangdu "what the deal is" with them and she said she had one!! I have a feeling it'll spend a lot of time on my belt.

blue lander: Thanks for the info on the JKM-1. I've been looking at that one too but was having a hard time grasping the overall size/dimensions, so that's very helpful. Most likely will get one at the same time as a KK. I've been keeping my eye out for a little villager knife like the one sold as a DOTD last week, that looked perfect.
 
Welcome SG! Then you could always step up a size if you like the Chitlangi:D

94f8e151d3d674cdd0c7f908dbf7bdcf


Uhhh...EMS all that stuff cul posted:thumbup:
 
gurkha berserka said:
Leave it to Ndog to pull out the big dogs. I never get tired of seeing those masterpieces!
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One of them is on the other side of the Mississippi now for beaver control. Me and Pugs got a pact to keep them suckers under control. Iffen they violate our treaty they get a chunk of their tail up against some cold steel. Its just better that way:D
 
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