I have a decision to make.

Joined
Feb 10, 2001
Messages
147
Tomorrow I'm going to buy a khukuri. Yea me! I'm down to two candidates. The Himalayan Imports 21" Gelbu Special, and the GH Cheetlang. I hear really good things about the GS but the Cheetlang's curves just beckon me. Thanks for your help.

Bob
 
Bob,

You won't regret either one. My all time belt companion and user is a 20 inch GH Sirupati. I also have a very nice 18 inch GH Ang Khola. If your leanings are toward this, Brent Van Zanen had a 20 inch GH Ang Khola for sale in the Knife Exchange for not much money.

Since you know me from the HI forum, you know that I like aspects of both Khukuris and both Khukuris houses. As has been told you, each Khukuri has its application and you will often buy more than one to find that perfect (in your eyes) one. Believe me, there isn't one.

Take it slow and don't get caught up in the frenzy. As you indicated before, money can get to be a problem in your circumstances.

Lt.Dan, I think you can give a very good appraisal of the Cheetlang for this young lad.

(Check your email.)
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Watakushi Wa Shinajin Desu
DeathDancer

[This message has been edited by DeathDancer (edited 02-21-2001).]
 
Bob, I like your taste in blades! I haven't seen or handled a HI GS, so I'm half ignorant here. Looking at the lit that Bill sent me, there are some similarities in the blades, like the basic shape, cho, and beautiful deep fuller.

Some differences you might consider are: the Cheetlang is 2oz lighter, 1" shorter, and the handle styles. It's super nimble and I can stop a stroke on a dime. The butt shape gives great leverage for lateral movement that's noticeably better than other handle styles, and I almost have to try to release it before it can leave my hand. It's also remarkably comfortable. The wide spine gives it extra strength even though it's so light, as if mixing a sirupati and AK. All my khukuris are different, and this has become my favorite. It's been called "the great one" for good reason, and everybody who checks out all mine pick it out of the lineup every time (even my non-knife wife). For all its strikingly good looks, it handles every bit as well.

Even though similar, perhaps the primary factor is weight. Upon first getting into khukuris, I was very surprised to verify that a few ounces really change the handling characteristics so much. This isn't a bad thing, and boils down to taste. I keep hearing big guys say they like their khukuris bigger and heavier, and the converse seems to be true as well...but there are exceptions. (I'm an average 6' and 180#)

They've both earned great reputations, and I doubt you'll be displeased with either choice. And to let it all hang out, right here in front of God and everybody, I would have the very same dilemma if buying #1.

Maybe somebody who has both will speak up. But I hope this isn't taken negatively, as I certainly don't mean that to be in any way. At best, this is only half of what you're looking for. As usual, I only see and know in part....Dan
 
Tough call. I have one of eac sitting here next to me and I am hard pressed to pick one over the other. Their blade profiles are very similar. My HI GS is a 20" model so it is a good bit heavier than the Cheetlang.The "fuller" on the GS is deeper and takes up ore of the width of the blade. The handle on the GS is the "regular" kind whereas the handle of the Cheetlang is of the Chainpuri type. AAAARRRRGGGGG!!!!!!! There is a fresh crack in the handle of my Cheetlang!!!!! Sorry about that.
I think I like the Cheetlang's handle better. It's more comfortable. My Cheetlang is prettier than the GS. Lots of inlays an file work. The GS "sings" when I hone it. It takes and holds a very fine edge and tells me that it would like to see battle. It just feels like it was made for fighting. Due to its extra size it isn't nearly as nimble as the Cheetlang. The Cheetlang feels very "alive" in my hand. It is very nimble and quick.
Well, I have been no help at all. I still can't decide. I love them both. Buy one of each.
 
Yeah, one of each, which leads to maybe a third, then definitely a forth....

Which is why I managed to buy 15 Khukuris from December through January!! Not to mention a couple of swords and tactical folders!!
eek.gif


Thanks a bunch, though, Jaeger--good comparison between the two. Like I told Bob, you can spend a lot of time and money seaching for that perfect Khukuri...and maybe have a lot of fun in the meantime!!

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Watakushi Wa Shinajin Desu
DeathDancer
 
Bob: I don't know what the specific HI model is, but I do know the Cheetlang is a VERY popular model, especially with the full tang chakmak and karda. Also, the wide buttcap and the fullered blade is a plus. It's one of the "favorites" among our customers. Whatever you decide, welcome to the khukuri hobby!

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Craig Gottlieb
Gurkha House
Blade Forums Sponsor
 
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