Ka-bar vs. Cold steel kukri

shotgunner11

shotgunner11

Joined
Dec 17, 2005
Messages
7,809
Hello everyone, I am looking to get a new workhorse and I'm stuck on these two brands. Is either one alot better than the other? How is the cheap cold steel, you know, the $20.00 one. Is it worth the extra money to get the LTC?
Has anyone ever had a problem with the factory seconds?

My other question is a dumb one, how do you pronounce Kukri, I say it like
"cook-re" but I dont know if thats right. Thanks.
 
khukri is generally pronounced KooK-e-ree, although you can kind of slide right over the "e" with the emphasis on the first syllable.

Depending on what you are looking for and looking to spend, I recommend that you visit over in the Himalayan Imports forums. I do not have either a KaBar or Cold Steel khukri, and I don't know what they cost, but I do have a dozen of the HI khuks. They range from pretty heavy duty (sirupati) to HOLY COW almost indestructible (Ang Khola). Even if you're not interested in an HI, the forum has great information about what type of khuk will work best for your particular situation.
 
I have the Cold Steel LTC (factory second) and was impressed with it, used it to chop small limbs and a patch of bamboo I had in the back yard, all day without sharpening it, later got the Ka-Bar and did not like it. The sweet spot on the blade of ka-bar is too close to my hand, while the LTC is just right for me. Is it worth the extra money? Too me it was, I do not care for the 20.00 kukuri machete from Cold Steel or the Ka-Bar kukuri, just my opinion. I use gloves with my LTC, the handle can get rough on the hands after a while. I have no experience with the Hi Kukuris, but read that they are hard to beat. Bob
 
I would feel weird beating the tar out of one of those authentic Khukri from HI, I would end up keeping it perfect and never using it.

I have a really cheap Kukri that I like alot but the thing must not be hardened because it just bends when hit on a slight angle. I just hammer it back to shape and sharpen it often and it still takes a beating.

What dident you like about the cheap CS Billy bob? Was it the ergos or was it crappy steel.
 
shotgunner11 said:
I would feel weird beating the tar out of one of those authentic Khukri from HI, I would end up keeping it perfect and never using it.
Click to expand...
HI Khukris are users. You can get a better quality Khukri from HI than spending the same amount for the Cold Steel version of the same.

Skip on over to the HI forum here and ask around.
 
Shotgunner: HI's just BEG you to beat on them, then LAUGH at you! Seriously, though, they do have some beautiful stuff that is almost too pretty to use, but it can be used and hard, without a problem.

I would like you to check out some of the deals of the day over there and look at a "villager" model, which is just less highly finished than the regular one. For 50-75 dollars you can get a really nice user khuk that will hold up better than any other khukri shaped objects.
 
shotgunner11, It is the steel on the CS kukuri machete that does not appeal too me. The carbon V in the LTC is good stuff, holds an edge well. Bob
 
Thanks for all the info guys, I think I'll keep an eye on the HI stuff and see if anything catches my eye.
 
The cheap CS model is not a kukri... it is simply a "kukri" shaped machete. Soft steel, like most machetes, and not designed for heavy duty chopping.

The LTC is a great knife. I have one that I use regularly and a back up model should this one ever give up the ghost.

The regular CS kukri is also a great workhorse and better for more heavy duty work than tha LTC. The LTC is a more versatile tool but the larger kukri is thicker and for more general heavy duty work. A lot of people do not like the CS handles (too rough).

As for the HI stuff, you can't beat the quality or the price and they are inexpensive enough that you can get two... one to beat the tar out of and one to look at. But I guarantee you will end up buying more than two.... ;)
Although I am not a big fan of the HI handles, either... (too small and not very fond of the traditional shape).

Peace-
Cam
 
This is my first time posting so here goes. I have never used the CS LTC but I have used the CS GURKHA KUKRI and have been very pleased with it. I've used it to cut fire wood and butcher big game and have never had a problem with it. However it doesn't look as good as the HI stuff. There is a discusion about the CS Kukris vs the HI Kukris on the HI forum.
 
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