I am so confused. Which Blade should I buy?

I

iqcomp

Joined
Jan 21, 2002
Messages
22
Hi all,

Just discovered HI the other day and I am blown away with what I have read. This is a company so unlike any other in this megacorporation dominated world. I read every page of the faq, website and hundreds of messages. If I had the money I would buy one of each. But alas I don't. I need to narrow it to one.

This is what I am looking for. Large blade more sword than knife (no swords). Although it will never be used for this a blade that one would be comfortable using in a duel. I have no practical use for this blade just want something I can hold in my hand and feel the power and craftmanship of the kami. Blades that interest me are Ganga Ram Special 22", 25" Kumar Kobra, 30" Sirupati. I am 5' 7" but very strong. (IMHO of course)

Chris I.
 
I WOULD GO FOR THE KUMAR KOBRA 25INCH
cos you asked for length + swordlike

This great khukuri was rated the best all round khukuri in the world by British knife expert and author, Tom Holt.
if you only want one blade????.

WHAT MORE CAN YOU SAY:) :) :) :) regards ghorka

I MUST SAY THOUGH I BOUGHT A 21INCH CHITLANGI:D :D
 
Welcome to the Cantina:) I've got a feeling you're about to get all kind of good feedback from folks far wiser than me, but my vote would go to the Kobra.

Sarge
 
Greetings and well-met.....

you are about to embark on a voyage which may change your life. If you have some guiding spirit, check to see that your character is strong...for there are many temptations about. Bring a talisman or some object which can pull you back to your reality....for the distractions to the spirit are many...and great.

And, honest-to-gawd, you just CAN'T BELIEVE some of the tangents of these threads. !!!!! I'll bet you can find opinions on bird-dog training, to existential angst; from the definitions of "thought" to how to stick a knife blade in wet mud to temper it; from movie criticism to the morality of health-care.

Welcome to what is an eclectic and marvelous bunch of different people with far-ranging back- and fore-grounds...and a generosity of spirit which is constantly amazing.

(you DO know, that just ONE khuk will be lonely...and begin to whisper to you in your dreams, don't you?)

Enjoy the ride. You must be this tall to enter.


Kis
:rolleyes:
 
Problem is with them being handmade one at a time by several kamis, is there is an overlap from one model to another. Sometimes of several ounces. Even when made by the same kami ( smith ), making substantial difference in the feel from one to the next of the same model.

The good part is that somehow, the khukuris seem to find their rightful owner. It's not plausible, but true. You can research and choose what you think you want, grab a deal nothing like you thought you wanted, and end up being deleriously happy.

Sorry to tell you this, but last I heard something over 80% of Uncle Bill's trade was with repeat customers.

Like choosing between blonde, brunette, redhead, and raven tressed beauties. Except khuks like the company of their own kind. Polygamy is fine with them.

Wecome to the Cantina. And the insanity.
 
Welcome friend !!

HIKV will be biting soon, I agree that these knives find their rightful owners. Ask Uncle for advice as he has a knack of making people happy and finding them their right khuks. Problem is you wont just want one !

Good luck and welcome to the cantina !!;)
 
Get a Chitalangi....you definately will not be disapointed....when you mentioned "duel" I imediately thought of that one.....I would call it the best over all fighting "tool" of the khuks I currently own. Just remember ...you will not be able to stop at just one!..Have fun and welcome!:)
 
Originally posted by iqcomp
Hi all,

This is what I am looking for.
Large blade more sword than knife (no swords).

Although it will never be used for this a blade that one would be comfortable using in a duel.

I have no practical use for this blade just want something I can hold in my hand and feel the power and craftmanship of the kami.

Blades that interest me are Ganga Ram Special 22", 25" Kumar Kobra, 30" Sirupati. I am 5' 7" but very strong. (IMHO of course)

Chris I.
Click to expand...
First of all welcome to the Cantina.:)

I'm a little confused with you putting the Ganga Ram in the mix along with a 30" Sirupati.
Neither of those are are in the least bit sword like but you would sure enough feel the power and craftsmanship of the kamis.
The GRS is an excellent felling khuk and some people like the 30" Sirupati for brush clearing but also say it's to heavy for long term use because of its weight.
In keeping in line and comparrison with the 25" Kobra the 21"+ Chitlangi and the lighter weight 21"+ Gelbu Specials would be more swordlike and more suitable for dueling purposes.
I've got to handle a couple of Kobras and haven't been overly impressed by them although I know several of the guys here love them so I figure they're seeing and feeling something I'm not.
It's too bad that HI doesn't offer a Chainpuri as a full line khuk as I think it would be a most sword like khuk but until then I personally like the 21"+ Chitlangi.
To me it fulfills the best of rwo worlds.
 
A 30" Sirupati is heavy, awkward, and clumsy for me. I keep mine only for use to pull my back into place and avoid seeing a chiropractor. That is how heavy it is, and the weight is out front.

The Ganga Ram is like Yvsa said, a FELLING khuk. For use on trees or logs when you don't want to use an axe or chainsaw.

Look for the medium 16-20 inch khuks that come closest to 1 inch = 1 ounce, or getting to the longer ones 1 inch = 1&1/4 to 1&1/2 ounce. I have two 17" village Chainpuris: One is a nice 20 ounce light but adequate tool. The other is a thin 17 ounce mongoose with an attitude. A fighter. Don't discount the little 12 or 15 inch sirupatis either. My little 12" Sirupati looks teeny tiny next to the larger khuks. Put it side by side with my 8"+ blade Bauchop Alleycat fighter and it just doesn't seem right that the Sirupati's got a longer blade.
 
Welcome to the Cantina, Chris! Of the three listed, I'd probably go with the Kobra. I don't own any of the real long Khuks, so my opinion is just that: my opinion. As far as the most wicked "weapon" Khukuri I own, the 18" 18 oz. Gelbu Special is the winner. I can only infer that the 21" GS would fill the bill nicely as a dueling piece. The Chitlangi is quite wonderful. The balance of weight, reach and pure asthetics, is hard to beat.

And as to HI products go, don't kid yourself. They are the most addictive substance on the planet. They've been likened to Lay's potato chips: Betcha can't buy just one! I had no aspirations of buying more than a couple at best. Wrong! 15 and counting. The HIKV hits the bloodstream as soon as you open the triangular box and pull the Khuk out of the scabbard.

You will never deal with a better man than Uncle Bill Martino, either. His way of doing business, especially in this day and age, only makes the whole HI line that more irresistable.

BTW, Please feel free to ask any questions that you have. We don't tire of showing new folks around the Cantina! There is a wealth of knowledge here that can't be beat. I enjoy learning from those who "Been there and done that" with khuks and life in general.

Pull up a stool and sit a spell.

-Craig
 
The 25"-ers aren't very maneuverable, IMO. A 25" Kobra is a wonderful thing - great reach, lots of power, but slow. Also, any blow you strike with it is going to carry through, no matter what you do. A 25" Sirupati is going to be heavier.

Based on your stated desires, my rec would be a 20-22" Kobra. The same beauty as the 25", not quite the same power or reach, but much quicker and easy to control.

My first alternate would be a 20" Sirupati. Fantastic blade, as the Siru-fans hereabouts can attest.

Another option might be the Chitlangi/Chainpuri. I haven't handled a 21"-er, but the 18 and 19"-ers I've handled are astoundingly quick.

I'm not a big fan of the GS, though it has its supporters. Thin edges seem to be part of this design. (Though I bet I'd like a 21" GS with a nice convex edge.)

Again, these are based on your preference for "swordlike".

Have fun,

S.
 
Try not to think of it as "Only one".

Think of it as "Which one first?"

...cuz you'll be coming back for more. :eek:
 
My first H.I to have snatch up is the 25" Sirupati and the next one was the 21" Chitlangi. I bought the 25" Sirupati to augment my sword collection with something of size but not swordlike if this makes sense? The 25" Sirupati I have is impressive and cutting ability considering I am used to swords very fine but much different then any of the swords I have. I forgot what the weight of my 25" is, I posted it up someplace here on this H.I forum along with some quick scans. Also, the 21" Chitlangi is another impressive H.I product this one made by Komar a very fine, fast and deadly weapon that you cant go wrong with...I have only cut the box it came in and that was boring...( dont have anything to cut anymore till later) also quick scanned pics are here too someplace. As for the others that you mention cant comment on those yet, dont have them. So for me my choice by far would be the 21" Chitlangi by Komar if you can get one, you'll be very happy and that is what matters
 
Thanks for all the ideas. Checked out some pics of 21" Chitlangis and must say that looks like the blade for me. A nice light one hopefully. But they aren't available right. Have to watch for Uncle Bill to post one for sale.

Chris I.
 
Based on what you want, I would recommend a 22" Kobra. Why? Because I have one, and believe me this thing is more sword than knife. It is light, very agile, very strong, cuts very well and is just plain cool. I have no doubt that it ranks near the top when it comes to fighting khukuris.

See it here
 
I have the 25" Sirupati, great blade, but a little slow for my tastes, so the Kobra gets my vote.
Whatever one you pick though, you'll love. Anyone who sees you coming with a HI Khuk is going to sweat and s**t themselves no matter how big it is.
Everyone here will attest to the reactions people have when you show them a HI khuk. They have a presence no other blade has got.
 
Sounds like when I show people a straight razor I shave with.
It's like they are afraid that by looking at it, they will get cut.
Straight Razors I also think are an amazing application of steel. I have one that is 150yrs old and gives the best shave.
The hairs fly off.

Chris I.
 
I would expand a little and go with the Tarwar, Uncle knows me for buying the long reach out and touch someone types of blades I have a 25" Kobra, 25" Sirupati, Katana and a Tarwar (with a Bas in the mail) What I can tell you is the the best balance is in the Katana and Tarwar although I have practiced my forms with all the blades I like the Tarwar the best. It just feels right in my hands and is neutral, the katana whispers of death and is very fast it literally cuts the air. The Kobra also is very nice, quick and deadly but doesn't have the power of the Tarwar. The Sirupati will work but if it ever slips out of your hand something or someone will be very sorry. Remember your blade whichever one you choose will only be as good as the one who wields it. Good luck in your choice.
Rick
 
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