Great job Karda! I did a little reorganizing and editing, throwing it up here if you guys want to use it :thumbup: I left things in italics that I thought we could add. There should be enough room because i dropped it down from 2,323 words and 13,664 characters (w/o spaces) to 2,002 words and 9,782 characters. I think I broke the formatting transferring back from Word,so I can come back and fix those later.
Namaste!! Hello and thank you for your interest in Himalayan Imports (H.I.) Khukuris!!
Welcome Friends!!!
For over 15 years we have manufactured and sold, to both US and world markets, the finest khukuris coming out of Nepal. As the owners of
Himalayan Imports (
Shop Link) we (Kami Sherpa, a Gorkha Veteran, and His Daughter Yangdu Martino, wife of the Late Uncle Bill Martino) welcome you to BladeForums and the Himalayan Imports Sub-Forum!
Khukuris, like people, come in many different shapes and sizes; please remember that the selection of a khukuri is greatly dependent on the task for which it will be used, and specific needs of the user. For instance, while some people prefer a Chiruwa handle (full tang, slab handles, indicated by rivets thru the handle) for its strength, others prefer hidden tang handles (rat tail tang, solid handles without rivets) for added shock absorption. The choice of handle material and is also subjective: while buffalo horn and satisal wood handles are the standard materials used, H.I. offers other options such as different types of wood, horn, and more exotic materials like antler, and bone. In general, there is a slight preference for wood handles for khukuris that are intended to be workers. Weight and spine thickness of the blade are also user and task dependent. For example, khukuri owners generally employ heavier or thick-spined khukuris for heavy duty chopping work, but use thinner, lighter, ones for backpacking, hiking and light chopping work that require agility more than momentum. In general, H.I. khukuris with an overall length below 15” compromise chopping efficiency in exchange for portability and utility in smaller tasks including, but not limited to, food preparation and EDC; however, even models below 15” chop amazingly well for their size!
The list below is a brief introduction to our more popular models and is intended as a basic guide for potential customers. For a complete listing of all we have to offer and information on Gurkha history, please visit the retail site. You may find that other models might better fit your needs, and we encourage you to email Yangdu with inquiries or talk with the knowledgeable khukuri users here in this sub-forum. Being courteous will aid in getting you not only a khukuri (or ten!) that will last you a lifetime, but perhaps a few friends in the H.I. family as well!
"LIGHT UTILITY MODELS"
Kagas Katne -Kagas Katne means "paper cutter" in Nepali, and the term is accurate. It's a 6” khukuri style letter opener but forged, hardened, and built just like all the H.I. khukuris; a great gift!
Bilton/Biltong- Named for the South African type of dried meat this Khukuri was imported to cut. This is the smallest full fledged khukuri we make. Does numerous small tasks quite well. It is also forged, hardened and built like all other H.I. khukuris.
Kumar Karda and JKM-1 -
brief description here.
"BASIC MODELS"
Ang Khola (AK)- #1 best-seller: The H.I. Ang Khola is a beast of a chopper. “Ang Khola” means “back-valley” or "back-hollow", referring to the forged depression on the posterior blade spine that provides for forward weight distribution and fearsome chopping ability. This knife is considered by many experts to be the toughest knife in the world; it has chopped up steel drums and junk cars with no damage to the knife. In lateral strength tests that destroyed other knives, the Ang Khola would not budge. The HI Ang Khola has been recommended in articles in every major knife magazine in the US. While the larger versions (up to 20”
are used primarily in heavy chopping tasks, the 15” model strikes a good balance between portability and chopping prowess. Chiruwa style Ang Khola’s are also available for those interested.
British Army Service (BAS)- #2 best-seller: A jack-of-all-trades in a packable length, this khukuri is very easy to throw on a belt or lash to a pack. It chops well, pries well, and will do most camp chores with relative ease. Although lighter than larger khuks, it doesn’t sacrifice much in chopping power for a weight more manageable during extended trekking. This is the same size and style khukuri (but considerably better quality) that is carried by present day Gurkhas serving in the British Army. Battle tested and proven.
World War II (WWII) - #3 best-seller: Uncle Bill favored the WWII model as an all-round khukuri. The workhorse of the Gurkas during WWII, this model saw service in both Europe and Pacific theaters. This is probably the best combination of weapon and tool in a khukuri that can be had and is favored by many Bando practitioners. The WWII will chop, split wood, balance, and maneuver well; its relatively longer handle also facilitates different grips. This model hits above its weight class, is faster, and is less tiring than other heavier models. The WWII is also easily packable.
Sirupati (Siru): The traditional khukuri of the Rai and Limbu people of Eastern Nepal, being a thinner bladed style, is quick and agile and therefore a favourite of martial artists. While excellently balanced and light, it is still strong enough to do a heavy day's work. Scrollwork and brass inlay along back of blade add to the beauty of this already magnificent blade. This is a model for those that desire quickness and agility.
Chitlangi: This model is named for its place of origin. Amongst other features, this khukuri is characterized by beautiful double fullers, a closed cho, and a bell shaped handle; it is reknown for both its beauty and comfort in hand. Many users feel the Chitlangi is the perfect blend of chopping power and agility, falling somewhere between the Ang Khola and Sirupati.
"SPECIALTY MODELS"
Pen Knife (PK): This model is named for, and designed by, fellow forumite and Knifemaker Dan Koster. This model ranges from 12-15” in length and sports a deeply bellied blade, relaxed bend angle, and deep recurve. It is great for light chopping and brush clearing and other medium duty tasks. It is also a great camping/backpacking knife. It out-chops other khukris of similar size and weight due to its forward weight and deep belly.
M-43: Based on the WWII khukuri, the M-43 was designed as an update of the Mk II (which was basically a WWI design). The new knife has a stronger grip attachment system, a wider pommel, and better bolster design at the blade. The balance is slightly more forward and the blade is arguably considered to be stronger. A long and lean chopping machine, it will take any medium to large task you can throw at it. In addition to being a forum favorite, one member even praises this model for having saved his life.
Ganga Ram Special (GRS): This model was inspired by an 80 year old village kami named Ganga Ram Bishwakarma. It is a heavy duty chopper similar to the Ang Khola but gently curved in shape, suitable for any task you can throw at it; 18” and 22” sizes provide serious blades for serious work.
A Few Details
In addition to the online HI Retail Site, you may acquire khukuris here through a DOTD (Deal of the Day). All DOTD items are sold "As Is" on a " First Come, First Served” basis, meaning that you must be the first to e-mail Yangdu (
HIMIMP@Aol.com) with your complete information. We only accept Paypal and Visa or Mastercard. Please see this sticky for more information on proper ordering:
Ordering Information . The Forum software is notorious for losing e-mails, so to expedite matters, please use your personal e-mail client and account when ordering.
DOTDs often offer discounted items or “blems” that have some slight but easily remedied defect. Blems are entirely serviceable khukuris, they just haven’t passed strict inspection by the kamis or Yangdu; they are well worth the extra bit of elbow grease on your part!
Prices and warranties are at the discretion of the HI owners. All sale proceeds help keep HI up and running and aid the good people of Nepal.
Other HI models you see offered here in the DOTDs or on the HI shop page such as the Bonecutter, Yvsa Cherokee Special, Seax, Uncle Bill Especiale, Movie Model, Salyan Special, Foxy Folly, AK Bowie, Bolo, Swords, Katanas, Hasiyas, and Kerambits etc. were all at one time or another "specialty" models or new offerings. Because our Forumites and Customers love them as much as the basic models and the Kami’s love crafting them, they have steadily increased in popularity. Any of these models will perform well in any task you throw at it, you just have to choose the one you want!
Himalayan Imports strives to provide the best customer service in the industry to friends and collectors the world over; we conduct our business in honorable Gurkha fashion. All our Khukuris are guaranteed for life to the original owner against defects in workmanship. Intentional misuse or abuse, however, does not fall under the warranty. We are sure you will be pleased with your purchase, but should you be dissatisfied with your khukuri in any way, please contact Yangdu Martino at
HIMIMP@Aol.com and your concerns will be addressed in a timely fashion, as business permits. Likewise if you LOVE your purchase, as we are sure you will, please feel free to let her know!
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As a side note to our friends: All of this information is available either here at the Forums or on our Retail site; we have gathered it here in this sticky simply for quick and easy reference. All information provided here originated with the Founders of
Himalayan Imports or contributing Forum Members. For further information, please follow the links from this and other stickies in the H.I. forum.
For your viewing pleasure, check out our
Picture Thread !!
For a rough guide to the Kami marks and The significance of the Devangari Script marking on your blade please check out the
Kami Mark Guide. This list is not a complete guide due to Kami turnover, if you are unable to find posted information on markings that appear on your blade, please post a topic and Yangdu or H.I. formuites will assist you.
For an excellent guide to Khukri construction and termiology please look here:
Khukri Construction and Terminology. Terms such as Karda, Chakma, Chirra, and Cho amongst others are explained there. A quick note regarding the Cho: It does not affect the performance of any khukuri in any way, shape or form. In all honesty, it isn’t a "real" khukuri without one. While you may request a khukuri without the cho, it is there for religious reasons, since all of H.I. products are blessed by Bishwakarma Puja before shipment. For more details on that, Visit the Himalayan Imports Retail site.
For an in-depth and superb report on khukuri shapes and dynamics, please take a look at this page by Daniel Koster:
Khukri Shapes and Dynamics. Thank you, Mr.Koster for that valuable analysis!!
You can learn to properly sharpen your quality Himalayan Imports product the traditional way or by modern methods by visiting the FAQ section at the Himalayan Imports retail Site, or by reviewing this vast index of past HI threads compiled by forumite ddean:
Tips Tricks and Useful Finds
Thank you, Mr. ddean for that valuable compendium!!
Himalayan Imports Khukuri FAQ:
Himalayan Imports Faqs
As Always...
Please Read the Safety Sticky!!!! We value your safety!!!!
The Latest and Greatest Safety Thread
This collection of information is the result of hundreds of years of knifemaking by the Kami caste, the many years Himalayan Imports has been in business, and the efforts of many great forumites; credit should be given, but not limited to:
the Kamis and people of Nepal?, Uncle Bill, Yangdu, Rusty Slate, Yvsa, Steely Gunz, Tedwca, Dan Koster, ddean and others who've taken time to lend a helping hand.
Dhanyabaad and Namaste!!
Ayo Gorkhali!
