I Ain't Got No Stinkin' HIKV

D

Don Nelson

Joined
Aug 4, 2003
Messages
302
Just ordered two BAS's courtesy of Uncle Bill's two for one sale. I'm tickled to death!

I have narrowed down my second Khukuri to one of the following three models:

18" Sirupati
18" Chitlangi
18" Gelbu Special #1

Whoops. I'm wrong. FOUR models:

19" Mala

The primary purpose of this acquisition is to be a self-defense weapon for semi-close quarters, ie, inside the home. I know the BAS would probably serve adequately in that role, but was wondering if something else might be a bit better suited for that role. Not interesting in chopping any limbs containing cellulose, just something that can cut soft tissue and bone while being able to move quickly and easily. Plus, I don't want such a deeply angled blade that thrusting with it is too unnatural.

Although I like the shape of the Mala, I notice that it's heavier than the Siru or Chit.

Anybody know what the weight of the Gelbu is?

I've read every review, both formal and informal I could locate and the Gelbu seems to be the most admired in this role (the Siru and Chit are highly thought of as well). No doubt the deep fullering of the Gelbu allows a closer point of balance, thus making it fairly agile and fast. Also, it seems to cut quite well too, better than its weight and length would suggest.

Any new thoughts that weren't posted on the previous threads or reviews? I know some folks swear by a given tool and then a month or two later they find something else they like better, but for whatever reason, their assessments don't get picked up.

Thanks.

Don
 
There's not a lot of activity on the Malla. I have one and really like it, but it's much more a weapon than the others, though it chops pretty well. Not in the sirupati class in that respect. The siru (mine is 20-some-odd") is a real demon chopper.

I keep a GS under the bed. You never know.

Oh, BTW, so glad you weren't stricken by the horrible bug.
 
Originally posted by Don Nelson
Just ordered two BAS's courtesy of Uncle Bill's two for one sale. I'm tickled to death!

Don
Click to expand...

ummm... Don...ummm.....2 at the same time......HIKV......:D ;)

BTW Welcome to the cantina or the psycho ward:cool:
 
You may want to look at the Uncle Bill Especial (UBE) with the upswept tip if thrusting is important--the tip is more in line with the grip. This model always seems to come with a pretty large diameter handle, which some don't like. As far as I know, this kind of style is unique to HI.

Do a search for the "movie model" on the forum too. That's pure weapon-a recent thing Bura came up with, and makes occasionally, so it's not really stocked--sold as soon as Uncle puts them up on the forum.

But remember, no guard!! One really needs to apply force to the pommel with the palm of the second hand to thrust stongly.

Also remember that a sharply angled khuk like the Malla means that a chop will be part thrust upon impact. Extreme case would be a war-hammer.

So there's more than one way to get the job done.

Weights vary a lot-but Uncle will tell you what he's got so you get the best match-- Narrow 18-inchers go from 18 oz to maybe 24...middle range more common. Lately, it seems that 21" Gelbu and Chit are running way up at about two lbs--As I recall, they used to run a little lighter than that. Kinda depends on how how well the Kami makes the fullers and how big a billet he starts with.

One last thing, outside of special circumstances at BirGhorka, you can special order--but sometimes communication isn't perfect and people get a "surprise".

There, that should make it harder to decide...:p
 
Originally posted by mamav
ummm... Don...ummm.....2 at the same time......HIKV......:D ;)

BTW Welcome to the cantina or the psycho ward:cool:
Click to expand...

Well, two for the price of one. How could I resist? Thanks for the welcome.

Don

PS: I'm reminded of a story.

Smith hears a knock on his door and opens it to find his friend Johnson standing there.

Smith: Johnson! Why come in, come in. What brings you to my home?

Johnson: I came to see if you wanted to buy an elephant?

S: An elephant? Are you crazy? What would I do with an elephant?

J: But it's only $2,000!

S: I don't care. I live in a small apartment. I have a small income. What would I feed it, even?

J: But, it's only $2,000. How can you resist?

S: No.

J: Suppose I drop the price to $1750?

S: No.

J: Look, I have two elephants. How about $3,000 for the two of them?

S: NOW you're talking!
 
Hey ya, Firkin;

You wrote, "You may want to look at the Uncle Bill Especial (UBE) with the upswept tip if thrusting is important--the tip is more in line with the grip. This model always seems to come with a pretty large diameter handle, which some don't like. As far as I know, this kind of style is unique to HI."

Me: I'll check it out. Thanks.

You: "Do a search for the "movie model" on the forum too. That's pure weapon-a recent thing Bura came up with, and makes occasionally, so it's not really stocked--sold as soon as Uncle puts them up on the forum."

Me: I'll check that one too.

You: "But remember, no guard!! One really needs to apply force to the pommel with the palm of the second hand to thrust stongly."

Me: I don't reckon I (or my daughter) will be looking for a strong thrust. The thrust would be more for when the situation doesn't allow a severing or opening cut, but allows a thrust instead.

Given a "cut & thrust" type of fighting style, when the weapon is capable of severing limbs I definitely prefer the cut over the thrust. I just like to make sure that when a thrust is needed that it can be done without having to make a conscious effort to move the hand or hold the wrist in way that might seem unnatural.

You: "Also remember that a sharply angled khuk like the Malla means that a chop will be part thrust upon impact. Extreme case would be a war-hammer."

Me: True.

You: "One last thing, outside of special circumstances at BirGhorka, you can special order--but sometimes communication isn't perfect and people get a "surprise"."

Me: Yup. Been there done that with a certain swordsmith. To be honest, when I first saw the sword I was horrified because it looked NOTHING like the picture. But all's well that ends well. It's become a favorite of mine. It's a helluva cutter/chopper (grin).

By the way, I saw reference to the Blemish Box. How does one locate this place?

Thanks.

Don
 
Heck I'll be really unhelpful--

Don, search for "Chainpuri" and "Reti ", and read the posts by Uncle Bill too.

A few of these have been through lately. If you prepay Bill, you can reserve the next one that shows up, instead of swimming with the sharks. 'Course regular price is needed on the prepay, so check with Bill.

Ain't I a stinker?;)
 
Blems are posted regularily at first come, first served basis usually somewhere around lunch time Central time:D

Good luck;)
 
The Blem Box is the famous repository in Reno where slightly cosmetically challenged (light rust, small hairline handle cracks, etc) khuks temporarily reside before being put up for sale as ridiculously-priced specials by Uncle.

I think it's stocked and looked after by Bill's wife Yangdu, so it might be for the best that he continue to serve as the middle-man. Rumor is, one doesn't want to mess with Yangdu.;)


editors note: author can't type for squat.
 
used by a lot of folks. Generally, one does not want to be that close to a home invader when defending one's home.

Small dogs, phones, inexpensive alarm systems if it is a potential threat...safer for you.

and there is always this fast-burning powder in a cartridge I've heard about.

But TWO elephants? Now you're talking.
 
I second Firkin on the Reti -- they don't show up often (kinda like the ghopte balances) but ... wow!:eek: Light, fast, yet with decent length. Roof blocks are easy with it.:)

I've never held a Kobra, but I would imagine it would be similar if you wanted something before the Retis were available again.
 
Welcome to the Psycho Ward, otherwise known as the Cantina Don!!!!:D

The reason for the GSs' popularity, besides being a good khukuri, is that it's been around longer and people have had more experience with it as well as the Sirupatis.
IMO the Chitlangi is an excellent home defense blade because of its swiftness.
I don't have an 18" Chit, mine's a 21+" model and to me it's faster than my 18" GS.
After you get the BASes you ordered and another you will have a better idea of what the other khuks will be like.
Personally a huge favorite of mine is the Baby GRS or 18" GRS. It chops like a much heavier khuk and is pretty quick besides.
Methinks you will find any khuk you get to be multi-taskers.:D
 
Originally posted by Don Nelson ....... I Ain't Got No Stinkin' HIKV
I have narrowed down ..... the following three .....Whoops. I'm wrong. FOUR models:
Click to expand...
Sniff. Wipe eye.

You know, it's sad when HIKV first comes on.

The denial. The rationalization.

HaHaHaHaHaHaHa HeHeHeHeHeHeHeHe

:(

Sad.
 
Originally posted by Don Nelson ..... I just like to make sure that when a thrust is needed that it can be done without having to make a conscious effort to move the hand or hold the wrist in way that might seem unnatural.
Click to expand...
Condider.
Most saws work with a pistol-grip type handle.
Gives the easiest thrust power.
Straight grip blades require the hand to be twisted.
It's just that the straight grip has been around so long.
 
I unlike some have accepted the fact that I have HIKV. After the first one mind you. This whole 2 for 1 special is killing me. I want the BAS...no wait 2 for 1 15in AK!!!!!!!! Hold on I want that 25" AK that everyone has been killing me with by showing pictures and posting links. And what about later? Are there going to be anymore specials? I think that I am going to go and play in the corner for a bit, before I try to get one of each special.


As far as which one for close quarter, I think that something could be said for each stlye khukuri depending on who was using it. Not that this helps in any way. :)
 
I highly recommend the Gelbu special (I have a 21") and the UBE. The UBE is very light in the hand and is a great combo tool/weapon; so is the Gelbu. The 18" Chitlangi is an excellent weapon blade. It snaps like a cobra, very lithe. It compares to the Mad Dog Panther and the Busse Mr. MoFo, two much more expensive fighter blades.
The Chit's flared buttcap and checkered grip give excellent retention.
Don't forget the Kobras if you want a fast khukuri. :)
 
AHHH!! AT LAST A BELIEVER!!YEESSSSSS! HEE!Now "WE" need to discuss a very helpful......ahhh,organization!!It's a FELLOWSHIP,where K'S are donated & distributed to the needy!!D Just think!! Joining TWO wonderful organizations at the same time!! the cantina & the fellowship!!
the saint! :cool:
 
Originally posted by Don Nelson .....By the way, I saw reference to the Blemish Box. How does one locate this place?
Click to expand...
For an idea of how it goes,

A...List all posts for about the last 100 days
(option is at the bottom of the HI forum thread listing,
---Select the time period, then you Must click GO)

B...Then click on the Thread Starter column label to re-sort the thread listing.

C...Then Page down to the B's to find Bill Martino.

Most of the threads he starts are sale offers.
Browse those posts to get a good idea of the blems and specials.

Blems are 99% appearance, and sometimes virtually un-noticable.
Even if not they aren't either, it's usually fixable by anyone.
A tiny spot of rust or divot or potential handle crack or small or larger handle crack.
And if worse than that you'll know the deal and can choose to avoid it.
The best deals around any way you take it.

And you get to actually see what you're buying.
 
Sounds like you want chopping power + thrusting power too. Methinks a Sirupati is what you want, or preferably a Kobra of the same length. Don't need the mass that a chitlangi or GS has in order to cut through bone. If a bowie or a wakizashi can lop off a limb, a Sirupati or Kobra can do the same, only better.
 
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