Knife newbie, question time!

J

Jesper123

Joined
Sep 4, 2015
Messages
3
Hey H.I. Forum!

I'm quite new to the wonderful world of knives and recently my eye fell on the juicy vein that is khukuri.
The last couple of days I've been scavenging the Internet for documentation and recommendations.

I stumbled upon this nice community yesterday evening and liked the vibe here a lot. So I would like to ask a question about my first khuk. Any reaction is wildly appreciated!

I'm 176cm (5,7 foot) tall, weigh about 65kg (143lbs). My hands are of average size. My question is; What size and weight would you recommend to me for a survival/combat khuk?

I've been switching around my choice a lot, but it's been these three which I've had trouble choosing between ;

M43: found some documentation about the style and exact angles of a particular model, but no specifications on the site. I don't know for sure but I think I'm looking for a blade with a heavy drop and heavy angles.

CAK: 3/8+ thick would seem a good thickness for me. 16/17 inch would seem a good size for a man of my posture (at least to me, after I did research). 1.75 pounds even sounds heavy to me, but I understand they go to 3+ so what do I know.

GRS: seems very heavy, which may be a good and a bad thing. I'm no expert but every person I see on YouTube chopping with a khuk uses it like it's a machete. I've never used one but it seems to me you use circular movements and the weight of the blade to apply force, instead of swinging it as hard as you can. This blade would be very good at that acceleration it seems to me.

Sorry for the long first post, I've been reading up a lot the last days, gotta get some out, you know. Really, any suggestion is appreciated a lot. I'm also here to have some good conversations and give my input, not to just use this as a info source.

I'm so looking forward to having it in my hands, whichever one it will be. Thanks for reading this, and I'll be waiting for replies!

Jesper
 
You "throw" the edge at what you are chopping same as you "throw" an axe, sledge, or maul....you allow blade to do the work.

I carried a 15" Ang Khola on belt and pack, generally belt, daily in Army for quite a spell...and my weight was similar...

Quite frankly, Ang Khola, WWII, British Army Service, M43 all fine for what you mention.

You will never know which is best for you without sampling several, and you will enjoy doing so, even if poor as a church mouse and the knives few and far between...or you could live forever and be happy with any of those.
 
mtngunr said:
You "throw" the edge at what you are chopping same as you "throw" an axe, sledge, or maul....you allow blade to do the work.

I carried a 15" Ang Khola on belt and pack, generally belt, daily in Army for quite a spell...and my weight was similar...

Quite frankly, Ang Khola, WWII, British Army Service, M43 all fine for what you mention.

You will never know which is best for you without sampling several, and you will enjoy doing so, even if poor as a church mouse and the knives few and far between...or you could live forever and be happy with any of those.
Click to expand...

Yeah, circular was not the right word. I do understand what you mean by "throwing" it. As I've been scavenging the forums I know to trust your word, so I think I'll give myself some time to decide between the AK and M43.
Thanks for your input, it's appreciated!
 
If you look at page 2 of the DOTD 9/4 you will see photos and commentary of what lives inside a standard khukuri handle from THIS company, but if you want more total weight and likely more back in hand and toughest possible, the M43 full width tang a winner as well....
 
I like the the BAS, M43, and AK, in that order, for chopping. The CAK is good too, but I find it overkill, that is just my personal opinion, also, that CAK can give me a workout...lol

That M43 is seriously a beast!
 
Given your size and desired usage, I suggest an M43 in the 15" overall length, which is one of the two most common sizes for an HI M43. The M43 is a little more multi-purpose than the AK, CAK or GRS, which are heavy choppers and tend to run a bit heavy for other uses. The other common length for the M43 is 18", but that would be a lot heavier and perhaps too much for you.

Another good choice would be the WWII model, which tends to run a little lighter than the other models mentioned.

Any of the models mentioned in this thread would do just fine, but if you're new to HI khukuris, be aware that these are much thicker and heavier than most knives of similar length, so weight is a real consideration relative to your own size and fitness level. Now if you happen to have a job where you swing a sledge hammer all day long, then one of the heavier blades might suit you.
 
I suggest something in the 15" range. The AK is a good choice. Don't get too caught up on the full tang thing, the M43 and CAK are great but I agree with cul that it is probably overkill.
 
I agree with the recommendation to keep to about 15". A 16.5" WWII or 15" AK or M43 seem like good options, or a BAS. If you're looking for heavy drop, the WWII, M43 or a Yek Chirra would do, though the Yeks tend to be around 18". I personally like mine to be around 18", but I've got 40-50 pounds on you and three inches of height, so those predispose me to something a little bigger. Yet for a while my favorite was a 15" 16 oz Chainpuri, but that's more of a pure weapon kukri. I ought to get that one out and practice with it a little.
 
Thanks guys these comments have been very helpful!
I think a 15" M43 sounds best to me, cause I still really think the drop will do it for me.
Will be looking out for some blems so I can taste one early, too excited.
 
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