I can use some help

[Spectre]

Howdy, and welcome.

The CAK is awfully heavy for a first kukuri. My suggestions would be:

o 15-17" BDC
o 16.5-18" WWII
o 16-17.5" (B)GRS
o 16-17" AK

I also prefer wooden handles for grip and strength. Good luck, and have fun.

John

 

[Steely_Gunz]

Another vote for wood. I like horn OK. I really don't mind it on chiruwa style handles, but if given the choice I will pick wood 10 times out of 10.

I find that in addition to holding up to climate changes a little better (for me anyway), it is also far less slippery when left with a "nice" finish. Horn can have quite a bit of purchase, but you have to hit it with some sandpaper to get it to grip a bit better. There goes your shiny "exotic" look

Also, the wood out of the region just seems to teem with an unnatural glow. You sometimes get handles with swirls and burls and all kinds of character that will not only be a tough functional handle but will really just POP with a few coats of oil.

 

[Nicholas]

I can put the edge of my palm against the bell, and get a lot of leverage. It’s hard to stop that swing! Or I could choke up all the way to the cho if need be, acting like it’s a choil, with gloves of course, and it behaves like a much shorter and quicker knife. For a tool, I feel this adds much to the overall versatility.

I've inadvertently found myself doing this, too, such as when sharpening the blade, or in the kitchen. I was trying to wean myself of the habit, but I never considered it as (with proper safety equipment) part of deliberate, regular practice.

 

[Tohatchi NM]

Given your list, I'd start with the 16.5" chiruwa ang khola. The proportions and weight are all just right. The shorter length makes it a bit handier for general camp chores, and it will still handle big chopping tasks. Wood handle is probably a better choice for use with gloves, but horn is fine too. Test the handle out a few times, then consider modifying the grip if it's too slippery. Grip tape and tape used for tennis racquets or bike handle bars work well.

That said, my go-to model is a horn handled, 18" WWII. And the Baby Ganga Ram is a favorite as well. Canonical length for the "baby" is 16-17", with some variation like all HI products.

 

[bgz101]

I have a 17.5 inch 34 ounce Chiruwa Ang Khola and its PERFECT.

It's not too heavy, yet has a couple inches more length that seem to really make it chop like crazy. I kid you not - I can bury it in a log almost as deep as my light Gransfor axe. It will shave the hair off my arm with ease too . . . .