Hi everyone , I have been reading and reading about khukuris for the last month , but that's not like being able to actually hold the khukuri in your hand , so here I am asking for more information from the real experts. The more I read the more I find there is to know. I am looking for something in the 18 to 21 inch range so my question is what do you guys think is my best bet for a first khukuri and what are the pros and cons between the ww2, the gelbu special and the sirupati ? To me the GS and the sirupati look much the same but the web site says that the GS is a hollow ground blade so is that a better type of edge ? I also read a thread that said that the GS and the ww2 are practically interchangeable with the ww2 being just a bit heavier. Wish I could buy them all but I need to start somewhere so what do you guys think ?
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Input please
- Thread starter Onlyvoid
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Hi Karda, being that I am not a young man any longer I think lighter is the way to go I am hoping to start a collection, but this first purchase will most likely be by the nightstand for self defense as my better half doesn't like me keeping my pistol out in plain site.
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I would go with a nice 15"-16" Chiruwa Ang Khola.. heavier then you think and a very thick spine for serious self-defense or chopping. Plus IMHO the perfect first HI blade....
it really doesn't matter though because once you have your first HI blade the thought of the second and third are going to stack up on you overnight, and just like that you've caught it...HIKV... and around here it's highly contagious.
it really doesn't matter though because once you have your first HI blade the thought of the second and third are going to stack up on you overnight, and just like that you've caught it...HIKV... and around here it's highly contagious.
Bawanna
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In my tiny opinion for your described night stand situation (I'd keep the gun myself) it's all about light. I'd go with a Siru, or a Kobra or even a KLVUK. Not to long and light. 16-18". There's a ton of choices that would work for the night stand purpose, even a Pen Knife or larger Bashpati would do the trick for that purpose.
It only painful in that it takes so long to get every single thing HI ever made and that's only cause my ship hasn't come in yet.
It only painful in that it takes so long to get every single thing HI ever made and that's only cause my ship hasn't come in yet.
ov:
The Gelbu Special is hollow-forged, not hollow-ground. The hollow is not at the edge; it's a long fuller that runs the length of the blade from just below the spine. Much stronger than hollow-ground. The actual edge is convex, like all HI blades.
The CAK or AK is designed as a heavy chopper. Even the shorter versions are "chunkier" than you would need for self-defense. Some people swear by them, and that's what makes horseracing, but I think the CAK/AK is heavier (which means slower) than you would want for self-defense, unless it's self-defense against a rhinoceros.
I would go with a Gelbu Special, Sirupati or Chitlangi in the 16"-18" range for a first khukuri. WWII would also be a good choice.
I would not look for a 21" length for a "nightstand" self-defense blade. It takes up more space and would be marginally harder to swing in an indoor situation. If you do get an intruder, you don't want the tip of your blade to get caught up in a lamp or the wall. Also the longer blades can be significantly heavier, and the center of gravity is farther forward, which puts more stress on your hand and wrist.
I have accumulated a nice collection, but for indoor self-defense my first choice would be a beautifully made 15" villager (satin finish) Chitlangi that weighs 16 oz. It's very fast, and the 10" blade is more than adequate for most situations. Here's a picture of it:
View attachment 463119
The Gelbu Special is hollow-forged, not hollow-ground. The hollow is not at the edge; it's a long fuller that runs the length of the blade from just below the spine. Much stronger than hollow-ground. The actual edge is convex, like all HI blades.
The CAK or AK is designed as a heavy chopper. Even the shorter versions are "chunkier" than you would need for self-defense. Some people swear by them, and that's what makes horseracing, but I think the CAK/AK is heavier (which means slower) than you would want for self-defense, unless it's self-defense against a rhinoceros.
I would go with a Gelbu Special, Sirupati or Chitlangi in the 16"-18" range for a first khukuri. WWII would also be a good choice.
I would not look for a 21" length for a "nightstand" self-defense blade. It takes up more space and would be marginally harder to swing in an indoor situation. If you do get an intruder, you don't want the tip of your blade to get caught up in a lamp or the wall. Also the longer blades can be significantly heavier, and the center of gravity is farther forward, which puts more stress on your hand and wrist.
I have accumulated a nice collection, but for indoor self-defense my first choice would be a beautifully made 15" villager (satin finish) Chitlangi that weighs 16 oz. It's very fast, and the 10" blade is more than adequate for most situations. Here's a picture of it:
View attachment 463119
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My thoughts run to a gelbu or a sirupati as well. It's important to remember that these are all very individual knives, and weights depend not only on model but maker.(I have two gelbus-an 18" Rajkumar that weighs almost 30 oz., and a Tirtha 20.5" that weighs 23 or so) If you see one you like in a weight range you can work with, (find a hammer the weight of the potential knife-swing it around for an hour) go for it. And TRAIN. I don't mean train like it's Ragnarok coming, but get some training in using something in the size you choose. Good luck-you'll be hooked whatever you choose.
(Btw the KLVUK would not be a bad rig for this job, and not so much $$$)
(Btw the KLVUK would not be a bad rig for this job, and not so much $$$)
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Yep, the others suggested, I'd go lighter.
I keep a model called a bashpati in my nightstand drawer. It's a lot like a siru. It's about 15" long and 15oz. Super fast, super nimble. If I don't have 4 seconds to thumb open my safe for my pistol, the bashpati gets the go ahead.
I keep a model called a bashpati in my nightstand drawer. It's a lot like a siru. It's about 15" long and 15oz. Super fast, super nimble. If I don't have 4 seconds to thumb open my safe for my pistol, the bashpati gets the go ahead.
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I also will suggest lighter blades.
Like Steely I also have a bashpati beside my bed.
The key thing is speed in these situations, as any khukuri will be more than adequate to the task - it's just a matter of becoming comfortable with it.
As another member suggested. Whichever khukuri you go with - practice with it and become familiar with it. You will always work best in emergencies with a tool you know well.
Like Steely I also have a bashpati beside my bed.
The key thing is speed in these situations, as any khukuri will be more than adequate to the task - it's just a matter of becoming comfortable with it.
As another member suggested. Whichever khukuri you go with - practice with it and become familiar with it. You will always work best in emergencies with a tool you know well.