Is the WW2 really the best-all-around?

I don't think I've made any secret of my fondness for the Cheetlang (AKA "the Great One"), but the truth of the matter is that, if I have something that absolutely, positively has to be chopped and chopped NOW, and well and thoroughly chopped, my brass-handled WWII is still the one I go to. Based on long experience I'm convinced that there is not any organic material it can't convert into smaller pieces.
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Berk, it's always an honor when you reply to a thread I start, and your points are respected and appreciated. When I cooked up this crazed notion, little did it occur to me that the voice of reason would descend from Texas to take care of business! So much for my stirring the pot!

There's a need for some testing to be done ASAP. It should make for a good comparison and both khukuris have rosewood handles (my favorite). Well, since it's gone this far, I might as well go on and step into it with both feet. Who (else) knows? Maybe we're in for some surprises?!

It could take a lotta rootin' for this blind hog to scare up an acorn on this one....Dan
 
Believe it or not, the only khukuri I use is a WWII blem that I fished out of the pile about two years ago. I've cut my finger on it twice, so I'm kind of partial to it. You see, we're kin now that we share some blood
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Seriously, my khukuri continues to be the WWII with a wood handle, but that's because I don't do a lot of chopping - only fire wood gathering while on camping trips.

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Craig Gottlieb
Gurkha House
Blade Forums Sponsor
 
My favorite continues to be my first love, my SN-1. I use it for everything from camping to yard work to defending the neighborhood from the invading barbarian hordes. There hasn't been a sucessful barbarian invasion since I got it, so I guess you can't argue with sucess
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Now if I could just find the right Khukuri to defeat these stinking Fire Ants!!
 
Lt. Dan is purposely stirring the pot here and waiting for opinions. In Afrikaans we say: "Gooi 'n klip in die bos en kyk wat spring uit!" "Throw a rock into the bush and see what jumps out." Well, concerning the best all-rounder, I reckon there's no such thing - my humble opinion, no one need fret about it. In my minute collection of khuks, when I want to chop wood and I'm feeling like taking exercise, I grab the 18" AK and cause havoc among the branches and logs. If the unwashed hordes clamour at my doorstep, my first thought goes to the Cheetlang. When I receive a letter and need to open the envelope, I reach for my trusty kagas katne. When my neighbour wants to decapitate the pet chicken for evening supper, I lend her my SN1 as she doesn't have a hatchet. When my friends ask me what a Gurkha knife should NOT look like, I show them my lion head khukuri. So there.

I tried out one of my kardas the other day to cut an apple. It didn't work well because the blade wedge is too pronounced. Seems to work best at skinning. So you see, every knife has its special function it can perform better than any other. (You don't have to agree.)
 
Well, the WW2 and Cheetlang gave me a little exercise in the oak pile today. I was very surprised to find out how much alike they chopped. Although the Cheetlang is my favorite in looks and handling, I was secretely thinking it might take a lickin' next to the venerable WW2.

Maybe I ought not be too surprised at the similarities. They are within an ounce of each other, but the WW2 blade is obviously beefier and shorter. They penetrated and sliced so much alike that I attributed the slight difference to the user.

While the performance was close, the feel really wasn't. The Cheetlang felt faster, but the WW2 seemed steadier with heavy chopping. I suspect that these properties will give the Cheetlang the edge when the sumac and other lush growth comes out this summer.

The comparison shows me that Berkley understands these blades very well indeed. Maybe to choose only one for chores first and varmints second, I might go with the the WW2. And for the opposite situation, "the Great One" gets the nod. It's all good, isn't it, Berk?
 
I've got an "old" HI 15" AK blem, with plenty of expoxy in the horn handle & the handle "point" ground down, that handles most yard chores. Never had a problem & a little burnishing usually brings the blade back for the next chore.

After reading the above I may try the WW II blem I recently got from Craig this spring for a comparison.

 
Jon: Good idea, and it'd be great if you'd post your findings. I don't have a small AK, and am curious to know how yours compare.
 
You know, I happen to have a couple of those khukuris. LT Dan: If you want to spend your "credit" give me a call. I'll surprise you!

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Craig Gottlieb
Gurkha House
Blade Forums Sponsor
 
Craig, are you once again dangling the khukuri -- uh, carrot?! I've been waiting to see what you've got when the next shipment comes in.
 
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