Khukuri House Handcrafted Industry Opinions.......

I feel that the deal spotting edit may have removed useful info. I understand the purpose, and I feel it works well for most production lines (everyone can find a specific Spyderco or CRK at numerous dealers, thus you can talk about them without referring to dealers). However, the kukris are so specialized that the makers often are the dealers, thus I have no idea which makers or models shortwinger was referring to. Is there a way to get that info out with compromising the rules?
 
xylum said:
I feel that the deal spotting edit may have removed useful info. I understand the purpose, and I feel it works well for most production lines (everyone can find a specific Spyderco or CRK at numerous dealers, thus you can talk about them without referring to dealers). However, the kukris are so specialized that the makers often are the dealers, thus I have no idea which makers or models shortwinger was referring to. Is there a way to get that info out with compromising the rules?
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It may be best to PM him for that info!

Whatever you buy and whoever you buy it from, it is best to test the blade ASAP to make sure it will hold up when you need it: I've read of khuks from all of the providers failing in the field. Forging and heat treating spring steel the traditional way is an imprecise process, but when everything's lined up right, you get something truly amazing. After swinging my favorite on dry, well-aged and borax-treated giant bamboo last night, I have no doubt it'll hold up when I need it!

HI's warranty is a major plus for sure: the khukuri houses will make you wait until your next order or make you cough up shipping for a replacement.
 
xylum said:
I feel that the deal spotting edit may have removed useful info. I understand the purpose, and I feel it works well for most production lines (everyone can find a specific Spyderco or CRK at numerous dealers, thus you can talk about them without referring to dealers). However, the kukris are so specialized that the makers often are the dealers, thus I have no idea which makers or models shortwinger was referring to. Is there a way to get that info out with compromising the rules?
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You do have a good point there. I find this to a big negative about this site :( Someone can post HI sites all they want to because they are a paid subscriber to this site but yet when someone is exchanging info about other's and helping they delete them and send me a warning?? I thought this is supposed to be a knife form not a Biased form over people that are not able to pay or choose just to gather information. Anyways I have the sites saved that was deleted. Ill pm them to you.
 
I have two HI's a 12" chitlange and a 12" Sirupate. I also own two KHHI a army model and the 10" special hunter. Out of all of them I like the looks of the Sirupate by HI the best but for actual use and practicality the 10" special hunter and army model by KHHI have been better for me. The HI's are built like tanks and I trust them to hold up to anything but in actual working they feel a little too heavy IMHO. The KHHI models at least the ones I have have sufficient weight and thickness to accomplish the jobs without tiring you out as fast. With that said Yangdu is a wonderful woman who is very pleasant to deal with and will go out of her way to make sure HI's customers are satisfied. So overall for what you get I think HI is the better buy, because you will be dealing locally meaning faster receipt times I actually received my Khukuris the second day after I ordered. If something does go wrong you will be dealing with someone here in the states that can and will help you. Not saying that KHHI wont but if you have to send something back and then wait for another in return it could be 2-4 weeks. For my next purchase from HI I will be ordering a Tarwar and a 12" siru. The best thing I can tell you to do is start off with one of KHHI lower cost models like the army version and contact yangdu for a villager model or check the forums for the DOTD and order one from both. That way you yourself will be able to get a sample of what both companies have to offer and can make the decision for yourself. Use one as a user and keep the other as a safe queen. Both companies have their positive points, but HI is wonderful to deal with as you can actually speak to someone vs. just emailing. I am just big on customer service, to me that is just as important as the product itself and on that note HI wins.
 
LostChance said:
You do have a good point there. I find this to a big negative about this site :( Someone can post HI sites all they want to because they are a paid subscriber to this site but yet when someone is exchanging info about other's and helping they delete them and send me a warning?? I thought this is supposed to be a knife form not a Biased form over people that are not able to pay or choose just to gather information. Anyways I have the sites saved that was deleted. Ill pm them to you.
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I understand your point of view. But someone has to pay to maintain this very expensive website. For years, that was Spark, out of his own pocket. Once he came up with the paid membership system with benefits for those members, it did logically shut out other dealers or knifemakers who remained outside the system.

Allowing them the same privileges as the paid members takes some of the incentive out of paying to support Bladeforums.
 
As for the traditional handle, you may be suprised. I recently received an HI ASTK and was spending some time testing the edge (TEST,TEST,TEST very early as has been said). A khuk buddy and I decided to chop a little with a CS Gurkha since we were chopping already. We were both amazed how the CS actually hurt our hands and arms while chopping hard seasoned live oak and the ASTK did not at all. I love my CS kukri and used an old LTC regulary and roughly, but for extended use the handle is not the best. The traditional khukuri handle, if properly executed and sized, is a thing of beauty. The slickest, most polished horn will provide a perfectly secure hold if shaped right. Khuks are used with a chop/flick action which sends the blade sailing into the material, but not forced or muscled into it. I can't do this as well with the CS rubber, but it works astoundingly well with horn and wood. The velocity you can build with the correct technique is eye opening. Often, the traditional handle may require a little de-horning of the sharp edges, but this is easy and fun customization.

As to the OP's original question, I've never had any of the KHHI family khuks. I have quite a few HI and a couple cold steel, in addition to several vintage khuks. I like the CS models a lot and they seem very well suited to trail clearing where you are not constantly chopping hard wood. Both of mine actually work well enough as chopper and machete to offer a lot of versitility. But, I find myself reaching for an HI when I need to cut something with a big blade. They make me happy and fit me well. A particular HI 16.5" (OAL) WWII sees the most use. It's handy and quick, but can take tons of hard use. The above mentioned ASTK is a little heavy for every day use at 29 oz., but is great for a heavy duty come-what-may blade. I hate to bring up the often used end of the world scenario, but this is the khuk for it! I would suggest you do as I did. Watch the HI forum for a Deal of the Day and try to get something in the 15"-17" range with a weight no more than 26 or so ounces. I think that is a great way to get into khuks. Good luck.
 
A HI WWII is a great first blade, I was way shocked how well my 16" 24 WWII blew through a log.
 
Esav Benyamin said:
I understand your point of view. But someone has to pay to maintain this very expensive website. For years, that was Spark, out of his own pocket. Once he came up with the paid membership system with benefits for those members, it did logically shut out other dealers or knifemakers who remained outside the system.

Allowing them the same privileges as the paid members takes some of the incentive out of paying to support Bladeforums.
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And i understand yours and LostChance, maybe instead of deleting the info and the whole deal-spotting thing you could just have ads that i assume the paid subscriptions get rid of for everyone?

FWIW one of the reasons i dont have a paid subscription is because of the deal-spotting deletes everywhere, if that wasnt around anymore i dont mind paying the 10 bucks a year.
 
Before Spark set up the paid memberships he asked if people would rather pay for memberships or see ads. Overwhelming reaction was for memberships. Showing ads for non-paying members came much later.
 
theAntihero said:
And i understand yours and LostChance, maybe instead of deleting the info and the whole deal-spotting thing you could just have ads that i assume the paid subscriptions get rid of for everyone?

FWIW one of the reasons i dont have a paid subscription is because of the deal-spotting deletes everywhere, if that wasnt around anymore i dont mind paying the 10 bucks a year.
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The only info deleted was the links to the sites. shortwinger made the decision to edit his post and remove the previously posted information. If anyone wishes to pass along information or "deal spot," you always have the option of email. This happens frequently all over this site without issue. The traditional forum is one example. Someone asks where to find a particular knife and you'll responses like "PM sent" or "email sent."
 
All,

Sorry for my post, I am one of the people that didnt take the time to read all the rules and didnt realize what I was doing. I sent the info privately and will pay more attention from now on.
 
Lost, I will have to stand by Jay on this one.
My experience with Auntie is absolutely great! But it's Auntie's "sidekick" Karda that soured the whole HI experience for me. There is absolutely nothing wrong with many of the Kami (knife makers) (except Tirtha Kami which I strongly suggest you avoid http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...-Tiny-Bowie-A-Tirtha-Bowie-Review-image-heavy). The problem lies in how Karda overshadows the over all HI experiences and often shepherds Aunties around in a very subtle quiet way but still weird to see it happen. Conversing with Auntie on the other hand via email is a great but alas simple experience for some reason.

One thing to note is that DoTD or any sale announcements with HI on this forum is not a full disclosure approach so I will strongly suggest you be careful on what you buy from the HI forum. However, I've heard great things about HI custom making as that comes directly from the Kami themselves according to your instructions and you can even choose which Kami you want as far as I can tell.

Here's an example of my rough experience with HI other than the Tirtha Bowie Review which will increasingly illustrate Jayinhk's various points about HI:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/940844-A-Shuga-and-CAK-Khukuri-review

Just keep in mind that it's not the Kami's fault for HI's conducts and their khakuri creations are often superb. It's the managements that people has issues with (a few of the former HI fans has emailed me sharing stories about them but requested to keep their identities private due to being well known on here). Then there's the HI fanboys that will blindly defend HI without due process.

Overall, it's been an interesting experience but I have 2 very nice HI knives and a lovely time with Auntie on email.
 
OldeWolf said:
Lost, I will have to stand by Jay on this one.
My experience with Auntie is absolutely great! But it's Auntie's "sidekick" Karda that soured the whole HI experience for me. There is absolutely nothing wrong with many of the Kami (knife makers) (except Tirtha Kami which I strongly suggest you avoid http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...-Tiny-Bowie-A-Tirtha-Bowie-Review-image-heavy). The problem lies in how Karda overshadows the over all HI experiences and often shepherds Aunties around in a very subtle quiet way but still weird to see it happen. Conversing with Auntie on the other hand via email is a great but alas simple experience for some reason.
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As a moderator it is my job to watch over the forum to make sure that it conforms to BFc rules and the few simple conduct rules we have on the H.I. forum and also to guide and help our forumites/customers. Unfortunately, It is also my job speak to those people whom break those rules or otherwise disrupt our forum. Everyone knows to be on their best behavior and to be friendly on the H.I. forum, out of respect to Auntie and Uncles memory. Unfortunate that i had to speak to you and jay both about your behavior.

What OldeWolf fails to understand is that the Tirtha Bowie was a Villager.....which he bought at a generous discount.
He fails to understand that villager models do not have the fit and finish of the regular fine offerings. These are made as if the kami was making it for someone in the village, who would not care if it was polished or highly fitted.

What is really weird is that you and jay both have been offered refunds/replacement by Auntie and have been made whole to your satisfaction, as far as Auntie Yangdu knows.... Yet here you are doing your best to hurt her business.

OldeWolf said:
One thing to note is that DoTD or any sale announcements with HI on this forum is not a full disclosure approach so I will strongly suggest you be careful on what you buy from the HI forum. However, I've heard great things about HI custom making as that comes directly from the Kami themselves according to your instructions and you can even choose which Kami you want as far as I can tell.

Here's an example of my rough experience with HI other than the Tirtha Bowie Review which will increasingly illustrate Jayinhk's various points about HI:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/940844-A-Shuga-and-CAK-Khukuri-review
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Auntie describes the blem problems and provides clear pics (most days). She is always available to ask questions before purchase. We try to be sure that all our customers understand what they are buying beforehand, but we are not responsible for others lack of knowledge or understanding of the product. We try to ask, though, that people hang around and take time to understand our product, procedures and policies before purchasing and definately before speculating to others about them.

H.I. Custom orders are sent thru Auntie to the H.I. Shop manager (an employee) kami's, whom make the order the same way as they make any other H.I. product. It does not "come directly from the kami themselves". The orders are sent to H.I. as a company and our employees (the kami's) make them as a company. Customers may request which kami makes their khukuri, and if he's available to do so, Auntie will be more than happy to have him complete the project.

OldeWolf said:
Just keep in mind that it's not the Kami's fault for HI's conducts and their khakuri creations are often superb. It's the managements that people has issues with (a few of the former HI fans has emailed me sharing stories about them but requested to keep their identities private due to being well known on here). Then there's the HI fanboys that will blindly defend HI without due process.

Overall, it's been an interesting experience but I have 2 very nice HI knives and a lovely time with Auntie on email.
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As i've previously told you, i am not employed by H.I.....none of the moderators are.
I've also gotten a few emails from H.I. forumites and reports as a mod about your conduct......
Anyone whom has a complaint is more than welcome to address it with Auntie or Spark.
 
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