I guess I'm HI-curious

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GingivitisKahn

Joined
Jun 8, 2010
Messages
3,723
Up front I'm not sure I want or need one - I have a Ka-Bar khukri machete that I rarely use or carry but it works fine when I do...

-BUT-

Every thing I read about this style blade leads me right here - to HI. I'm thinking about it. So, given my size - 6'4" and 250# with large hands and given my tastes - I like bomb-proof knives (like the BK-2) that aren't going to break on me and I do use my knives outside a fair bit - where should I start looking? Is the CAK the one or something else?

Also - I've looked through the FAQ and get the impression that the sheath may require a bit of fussing - is that accurate? I like my tools to just work - anything else to look out for?
 
you aren't going to be breaking ANY of these knives unless you set out to do so...
No fussing with the scabbard, just don't put your fingers where they don't belong.


HI knives are BOMB PROOF! and the Bomb! :D
 
If you prefer the idea of a full-width tang then the CAK or M43 or Bonecutter might suit you. I'd recommend you go with one measuring 18" overall.
The standard tang blades are plenty strong. It's a full-length tang, just not full-width. If you decide to go for one of those look at the WWII.
There's no issue with the scabbards. They are handmade like the blades so the fit can vary a bit from very snug to a little loose. Sometimes a less than ideal sheath fit is the reason a blade will be sold as a blem on the daily specials.
Just get one!
 
Hi Gingivitis Kahn (What a special name)

Welcome to HI!

I like bomb-proof knives (like the BK-2) that aren't going to break on me and I do use my knives outside a fair bit
Click to expand...

You would be spoiled by many choices here IF you practice safety and use them accordingly to their intentions;
CAK, ASTK, M-43, BoneCutter, BAS, WWII....and plenty of eye poppers each day by Auntie Yangdu and the BirkGorkhas.

The chums are ready almost every day. Are you ready to dive in?
Remember, there's no cure for HIKV (unlike Gingivitis). Once you are in it's only gonna get deeper.

:D
 
GingivitisKahn said:
So, given my size - 6'4" and 250# with large hands and given my tastes - I like bomb-proof knives (like the BK-2) that aren't going to break on me and I do use my knives outside a fair bit - where should I start looking? Is the CAK the one or something else?
Click to expand...

The M43 will have a handle that is more similar to western designs. But then, the ring in the handle of most models, IMO, is a real benefit.

IMO Look at the CAK (the most bombproof of the line), with the M43 and Bonecutter being the 2nd and third choices.

At your size, I'd say 18" is as small as you'd want to go, 20" would be better.

20" CAK:

100_0187.jpg


18" M43:
100_0123.jpg
 
I got my 16.5 inch WWII this week and it's more than half an inch thick. It tapers down to a very nice effective slicing convex grind. Even with the thickness the short blade and forward balance make it extremely lively in the hand. I learned khukri chopping on a Condor, which is shaped more like the M-43 than my WWII, and I think I like that profile better. That said, the WWII is a classic and one heck of a performer. I think I'd be looking at an Ang Kola or a M43.
 
I would say 18" is a minimum for your size. I have had a 16" CAK and it is fine, but I always felt it was a bit too small. I just received an 18" M43 and it is much better in feel and length. Both have a 1/2" spine. I may get an 18" CAK and see if I like it better. I am only 5'9" 170lbs.

I should add that I prefer a 24oz framing hammer to anything lighter. I like the weight of the tool to do the work.
 
Cpl Punishment said:
IMO Look at the CAK (the most bombproof of the line), with the M43 and Bonecutter being the 2nd and third choices.

At your size, I'd say 18" is as small as you'd want to go, 20" would be better.

20" CAK:

100_0187.jpg


On the site, I see the CAK. The description says "Between 16 and 17 inches overal." So was that 20" one a custom thing or am I missing something?
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Welcome to the Forum. I'd say look for something in the 18" size and then deside if you want to go smaller or larger from there. Or you could just start with something big like Godzilla: A 25" Long 5lb Ang Khola. He makes me smile and laugh every time I hold him. :D

Heber
 

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JayGoliath said:
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.......:eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:
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Jay, I'm glad you like the comparision shot.

PayetteRucker said:
And I thought my WWII felt primal with it's massive handle...
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Sometimes I think Godzilla spawned the saying "Go Big or Go home. But I know it spawned this one, "If you can't cut it, get Godzilla"

By the way, I forgot to mention; the spine on Godzilla is 3/4 of an inch thick.

To the OP, Seriously, if you like Large stought, strong blades, Consider an HI AK around or above 20".
 
Funny - I own both a kabar kukri-machete and a BK-2 like you mentioned. They were my original camping duo... the BK-2 being my all purpose knife and the kukri-machete supposedly filling in the role of my machete/ax.

However, the kukri machete just didn't fit the bill. The hollow grind made it get stuck in everything I chopped and the thin spine on it made it an unsuitable replacement for a camp ax/hatchet. I eventually went with the real deal and am quite glad I did. A true kukri with a 3/8" - 1/2" thick spine can easily fill the role of both a machete and hatchet. My BK-2 is still my go-to knife with a good HI kukri being it's complimentary big chopper/splitter :thumbup:

Here's a shot I post a good bit as well. It's an 18" Vojpure's spine compared to that on a kabar kukri-machete.
P1020014.jpg
 
Here's my rendition of the 25" CAK "kukzilla"
100_0069.jpg


With friends:
100_0085.jpg

Top to bottom:
Falcata (26"?)
Bhairab 24"
Kukzilla 25"
Giant Chitlangi Bowie 24.5"
CAK 20"
Busse CGFBM Battle Mistress (and people say these are big?)
 
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