- Joined
- Feb 26, 2002
- Messages
- 618
I have bought 10 khukuries since I received a rather healthy dose of HIKV. I've given four to family (18 inch WWII, 15 inch Sirupati, 15 inch AK, and 17 inch BGRS), kept three, and have a BAS and two villagers somewhere in the mail on their way to me. The three that I have kept are a 19 inch Chitlangi (by Kesar), a 17 inch BGRS (by Bura), and a 16 1/2 inch Chiruwa AK (by Kesar). The weights of the three in the order above are 21 ounces, 23 ounces (as measured by Bill) and the AK is heavier (but its weight is not known - I don't have any kitchen scales). All three have wood handles. Their lengths of wood in the handles are 5 inches, 4 5/8 inches and 4 1/4 inches in the order above. The main reason I kept these three is that they fit my requirement of being as big as they can be to travel all day comfortably on a webbing belt.
Prior to doing any work with these three, the BGRS and Chitlangi were my favourites. All three look spectacular but these two are just so light and quick to swing. Their handles were also bigger and felt more comfortable. Also, the handle on the AK was a tight fit for my hand size and the sharp end of the butt appeared to dig into my palm. I have to admit though that I prefer the look of the Chiruwa handle to the other two. It appears chunkier and the contrast between the light and brown streaks in the wood grain is more pronounced and I just like the look of a Chiruwa handle. One paradox for me is that my daughter has a 15 inch Chiruwa AK that is basically the same size as the 16 1/2 inch when in the scabbard. I am not sure what happens to that extra 1 1/2 inches in the scabbard.
My favourites changed order when I spent about 2 hours chopping. I am fortunate in having a couple of Cadagi trees in my backyard. The lower branches are about 4 inches in diameter. I spent my time today alternately using the three khukuries to cut some of these lower branches into 12 inch lengths (but kept quite a few branches on the trees for future khukuries). There was no real comparison in their effectiveness. The Chiruwa AK was by far the better chopper. The other two were good on branches less than 4 inches (as was the AK) but were significantly less effective with 4 inch ones. It could be simply the heavier weight, but whatever it was, the AK cut at times as if it were slicing butter. The problem with the handle disappeared when used. In fact, the tight fit seemed to lock my hand in and the problem I had anticipated with the butt end cutting into my hand did not eventuate. The AK also had a property that Yvsa once mentioned with some of his khukuries, wherever I aimed with the AK was where it hit. The other two were not as consistent. I felt no jarring with the Chiruwa handle that has been reported by other members of the Cantina. In fact, my initial impression is that there was less jarring (I know that doesn't sound possible but I think it is because each cut with the AK went in deep and the other two stopped faster because they didn't cut in as far - terrible explanation I know).
All three finished the session in perfect condition. All three blades are wonderful. But guess which one is now my favourite. I am now trying to think of what to buy next, M43, 21 inch GS, YCS? I'll wait till the BAS and two villagers arrive before making a decision, but after this experience, I am seriously thinking of another 16 1/2 inch Chiruwa AK, but this time with a horn handle and embossed (worked, engraved, I am not sure what you call it) scabbard. My daughter's 15 inch Chiruwa AK is horn with an embossed scabbard and it is just so beautiful to look at. The only problem is that even two khukuries of the same size and type can have different performance. I think I have struck a gem with my Chiruwa AK.
Prior to doing any work with these three, the BGRS and Chitlangi were my favourites. All three look spectacular but these two are just so light and quick to swing. Their handles were also bigger and felt more comfortable. Also, the handle on the AK was a tight fit for my hand size and the sharp end of the butt appeared to dig into my palm. I have to admit though that I prefer the look of the Chiruwa handle to the other two. It appears chunkier and the contrast between the light and brown streaks in the wood grain is more pronounced and I just like the look of a Chiruwa handle. One paradox for me is that my daughter has a 15 inch Chiruwa AK that is basically the same size as the 16 1/2 inch when in the scabbard. I am not sure what happens to that extra 1 1/2 inches in the scabbard.
My favourites changed order when I spent about 2 hours chopping. I am fortunate in having a couple of Cadagi trees in my backyard. The lower branches are about 4 inches in diameter. I spent my time today alternately using the three khukuries to cut some of these lower branches into 12 inch lengths (but kept quite a few branches on the trees for future khukuries). There was no real comparison in their effectiveness. The Chiruwa AK was by far the better chopper. The other two were good on branches less than 4 inches (as was the AK) but were significantly less effective with 4 inch ones. It could be simply the heavier weight, but whatever it was, the AK cut at times as if it were slicing butter. The problem with the handle disappeared when used. In fact, the tight fit seemed to lock my hand in and the problem I had anticipated with the butt end cutting into my hand did not eventuate. The AK also had a property that Yvsa once mentioned with some of his khukuries, wherever I aimed with the AK was where it hit. The other two were not as consistent. I felt no jarring with the Chiruwa handle that has been reported by other members of the Cantina. In fact, my initial impression is that there was less jarring (I know that doesn't sound possible but I think it is because each cut with the AK went in deep and the other two stopped faster because they didn't cut in as far - terrible explanation I know).
All three finished the session in perfect condition. All three blades are wonderful. But guess which one is now my favourite. I am now trying to think of what to buy next, M43, 21 inch GS, YCS? I'll wait till the BAS and two villagers arrive before making a decision, but after this experience, I am seriously thinking of another 16 1/2 inch Chiruwa AK, but this time with a horn handle and embossed (worked, engraved, I am not sure what you call it) scabbard. My daughter's 15 inch Chiruwa AK is horn with an embossed scabbard and it is just so beautiful to look at. The only problem is that even two khukuries of the same size and type can have different performance. I think I have struck a gem with my Chiruwa AK.
Well, That one certainly found a home, didn't it, Ollie? 
