how much are they and are they better than cold steel?

Price ranges from $100 up.

I don't own a Cold Steel model so I'll have to ask forumites who do to answer that part of the question.

And, thanks for stopping by.

Uncle Bill
 
I originally got a CS thick blade model and sent it back after comparing it. I did not test it, but it looked of good quality. I felt the grip to be a little to abrassive for continued work, unlike the HI's. But this is all just impressions. Of course it is no were near as hefty as the HI's.
 
I like the H.I.'s better than my CS.

Your question depends a lot on what you are using it for. Just don't get the LTC. I have the LTC and Gurkha kukuri. My LTC was extremely poor but it appears they have since changed the design.

The CS Gurkha (640 g) is a good knife and in the same weight class as the H.I. 17.5" WWII ( about 680 g) and H.I. Ang Khola (635 g). The CS sticks gets stuck when it is being used for chopping due to its flat ground blade and can be sometimes difficult to unjam. The H.I. models do not do this. For bush clearing were you can cut through with one swipe it is not a problem. If the sticking problem is ignored the chopping ability of the Ang Khola and CS are quite similar, the 17.5" WWII model is definitely better.

The CS handle does not seem to be as durable as the H.I. Mine has shown a bit of damage from impacting wood, the H.I. handle is protected by its brass bolster. The natural material of the H.I. will develop hairline cracks initially. The CS handle can be used as an eraser though.

Edge retention is better on the CS. However the edge on H.I. can be maintained in the field very easily with the accompanying chakma.

Personally, I would go with the 17.5" WWII model. Otherwise, you will find the H.I. khukuri's (except for the larger models) to be small every time you see a CS and feel it would be better. However, size does not always mean performance and the 15" Ang Khola will have no problems matching the CS.

Also, H.I.'s are guarenteed for life, CS is guarenteed for 5 years. It would be unlikely you will require either.

I think both H.I. khukuri's and CS Gurkha kukuri are so similar in price that it is not an issue.

Stay away from the lighter CS kukuri's though, they are cheaper. I am sure the LTC is not worth its price and suspect its the same with the CS Gurkha- Light.

Will



[This message has been edited by Will Kwan (edited 28 April 1999).]
 
I would say the CS models would have better penetration due to the flat grinds. The same aspect makes the edge more fragile, makes them stick in soft woods and significantly lowers blade strength. The CS edge is harder which increases its edge retention on soft materials and I would bet makes it much lower than the HI khukuris on hard materials. And of course it would be harder to maintain as Will pointed out.


-Cliff
 
And I know I'm inviting a blast of rotten tomatoes here
smile.gif
but I would not ignore the Gurkha House (my house) Bhojpure or WWII (for extreme use) or the Service Number One for slightly lighter use. All come with lifetime guarantees (unconditional), and start at $59.00.

Craig
 
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