I need the perfect HI Khukuri for my brother

[R.J.Jones]

I want/need to purchase a Khukuri for my brother, he is 28 years old, 5' 8", and 180 Lbs strong, with abnormally large hands. He is a die hard martial artist, not sure exactly which form of Karate he has a black belt in, but he is currently working on earning the next degree. He is also a very skilled Jujitsu fighter, and has "lightly" studied in the art of ninjutsu. He always says that the mind is the most important weapon to master, no exceptions. He has always wanted a hand to hand weapon he could train with, as well as use as a survival tool/daily tool. I have searched for him a long, long, time before finding the Khukuri, and I must know which one to give to him. He will use it as a daily chopping tool I am positive of that, also he will want to learn everything about it including how to properly use it as a weapon. He is a very passionate "Survivalist" and always encourages me to come up to his cabin (which he built by hand) and spend a week roughing it, the way man was intended live. He is my little brother, and I must make sure I am getting him the proper Khukuri. I know for a fact that he will enjoy an 18"+ Khukuri, anything shorter and I am afraid he might not see it as the survival all-in-one weapon/tool he has always wanted. I would really appreciate your helping hands with my purchase. Also, money is of no issue, I would go to the ends of the earth for my brother. So buying him a quality hand made Khukuri that he will positively use for the rest of his life is my main concern. I am set on purchasing from Himalayan Imports

Thank You
R.J.

 

[wildmike]

Can't go wrong with H.I.

My favorite from them is my M-43. It was my main survival tool over a several year long survival stint. I used it to cut wood, build shelters, make traps, even to build 2 trappers cabins. So I can't praise it near enough.

That being said since your brothers interest may be martial use. I would reccomend either the Sirupate 18" or the Gelbu special 18". Both are light, fast, highly active and maneuverable.

BUt if he is a woodsman then go with the M-43.

 

[R.J.Jones]

I'm glad you suggested the M43, I thought it sounded right for him. My main concern is the Tang... how durable is it?? How much weaker is it compared to a full on Chiruwa? And finally, should I even worry about that?

 

[Andrew Colglazier]

I'm glad you suggested the M43, I thought it sounded right for him. My main concern is the Tang... how durable is it?? How much weaker is it compared to a full on Chiruwa? And finally, should I even worry about that?

All the M43s I have owned have been full tang/Chiruwa.

Andy

 

[shortwinger]

RJ,

Don't worry about the tangs, the smallest stick (rat tailed) tangs are still stronger than virtually any other knife you will get. Only very recently do you see so many full tang kukris and it is only because the full tang is the "new black" and all the rage! But it is nonesense.

There is also another aspect to the full tang. When planned for and figured into the equation, the full tang kukri can still be balanced, although usually heavier. But when a model that has a stick tang or partial tang is just changed over to a full tang for the sake of a trend, it usually (always) turns into an unbalanced heavy clunky monster. I like to call them sharpened lawn mower blades.

One of the more popular full tang blades is the already mentioned M43. The M43 is a design that is over a hundred years old, time and battle tested and it is done right. To compensate for the weight of the full tang, the blade is a long 13 inches. This is important because as you bring the balance and weight back into the handle you increase vibration dramatically, decrease chopping power and the blade is no longer nimble in the hand. All bad!

The longer blade of the M43, medium sized handle with tapered tang, thin mid-section, and big belly bring the weight back out to the belly which makes the blade come alive in your hand and chop like a chain saw. It would make a very nice gift!

All that being said, to answer your question properly, you may need to get him two blades. For martial arts a nice Sirupate or similar blade is the ticket. They have long slim blades and almost always have a stick or partial tang making them light and nimble. But this thin blade is not what you would call a typical survival or camp kukri. They are too long and lack the heavier chopping power of the dedicated "working" kukris such as the Ganga Ram, Bonecutter, Ang Kholas and even the M43. I'm not saying the Sirupate cannot do the work, just that they don't do the work as well as a kukri designed for the chopping/camp tasks.

Unless he plans to take a class that will specifically use a kukri, you would probably be better to get him something like an M43 that is half combat blade and half utility blade. I highly doubt you can find a person that is unhappy with an M43, for any task!

Good Luck,
Bill
Virginia