Knife newbie seeks recommendations

N

nihilanthic

Joined
Jul 17, 2008
Messages
4
I literally stumbled on kukuris after some google searching to just find out information after I impulsively bought a cheap machete because, well, I always wanted one... and now I wish I had saved my cash and my effort! But then again what compares to these knives?

The cheap tramontina machete I got, that doesn't even have a properly sharpened tip to it, (the flat and some of the curve at the tip I can keep sharp, at least) did well enough to help me clear out the jungle that felt like infesting the fence in my back yard, though seeing as its literally a swamp behind me I'll probably be doing this on a regular basis. So, I'd be clearing brush, small trees, and random human detritus left just trying to keep it cleaned up.

I have large (8" from tip of ring finger to heel of my palm) hands and I'm about 6'2" but slender, with long limbs - my height is in my legs. So, I'm thinking if I wanted something to clear grass and light things with I'd need something light but with reach, and something dedicated to chop with that's a bit more substantial. And I'd just like a good knife to keep on me for work, etc that isn't just a folder, too, so... well, what would you guys suggest?

I'm thinking just a 15-18" Ang Khola for chopping and to offset that machete I have before I ever replace it, if I even need to, and just to keep in my pocket or on my belt one of those Biltons.

But, as someone who doesn't know much about caring for a real knife except what I asked the guy at the store I got it from, and no family to teach me, is there anything anyone here could recommend to me? I know to clean and oil them, and I've already lurked these forums a little to see that if I get a real khukuri I should clean, wax and oil them, but the lack of having someone to actually lend experience and time is a bit of a pain.

And if anyone here is anywhere near Atlantic Beach, Florida, well, that would be nice too. lol.

Thanks for reading my Verbose post!
 
Well,I keep one of those silicone gun cloths to wipe the blades down. To scrub stuff off after using it I use fine steel wool. For sharpening you need to build a mousepad backed strop and go too autozone for fine wet/dry sandpaper. Takes a bit of getting used to it to sharpen a convex edge.
As for selection,I started with chainpuri,then a chiruwa ang khola,followed by a kobra and the sirupatis. I've decided the sirupate suits me best. I guess it depends on the stuff you'll be chopping.

HTH
 
Even the thin ones can chop? Hum. So its more preference to the weight and width I want than a real thing? I was thinking the Sirupatis and Kobras would be more of a machete like blade, but thats why I asked :)

As far as a general utility/work knife, would a Bilton be a good idea? And would the weirdness be a good conversation starter, or a boss-worrier? And do you think I could pull off carrying it around day to day or should I keep the folder in my pocket for that.
 
Stick to the folder for pocket carry,never let a boss see any knife.

Yup, even the 'thin' ones are very strongly built. I've used my sirupate(20.5 inch) to chop through 5 inch thick oak,tough shrubbery,palmettos etc. The other day I used the back of the khukuri to break up old drywall so it could be bagged for the trash. HI has a good warranty and builds good stuff.
 
Wow. Did you chop it down with it or was it already, uh, felled? Like was this alive or seasoned? What did your buddies think of that? lol.

I also meant to ask could a 8" Bilton be just day to day or would that require a CCW here in Florida? I plan on getting one anyway, and as nice as a revolver is it can't cut anything very well, so I figured I'd keep something nice on me. And for about $15 less than the damn Columbia River folder I keep in my pocket I'd be dumb NOT to get it...

I'm still just in awe of these knives.
 
It was live and pressing a fence down which is why it was cut up.

As far as concealed carry of a knife I think the blade length limit is 3". Maybe you should consider a Spyderco Delica instead?

The HI khukuris can be pretty awesome blades :).
 
Hi Nihilanthic,

Since you're my size, I'l point out that the smaller khukuris won't fit you. I bought a beautiful ang khola and passed it on because I was holding the blade when I tried to swing it. The handle on a 15" AK is too small for someone with big hands. The bilton is even smaller.

Check out this page at the HI website to get an idea of the size of the blades and handles. You're going to need one that has a 4.5-5" handle, and I personally wouldn't buy anything shorter than a 16.5" WWII for myself.

As for which one to get? I started with a sirupate, got a ganga ram (see the Baby Ganga posts) and a WWII. I'm not sure which one I like the best, but the ganga is a good chopper on wood, and the sirupate is better on smaller brush. Still, if you're willing to sweat, a sirupate can take apart an oak. A ganga can take out a seedling, too, but you have to control it.

My 0.00002,

F
 
Well, for "So, I'd be clearing brush, small trees, and random human detritus left just trying to keep it cleaned up.", the chitlanghi or sirupate look promising. I'd prefer a long one for both the larger handle size and greater tip speed on light vegetation. I probably wouldn't go with the Kobra, because IIRC, they are NOT warrantied for heavy duty use like the other HI kukris are.

If you want a dedicated chopper, the Ang Khola is the way to go, probably 18" or larger for your size hands.
 
First of all, WELCOME:):thumbup:

I might suggest an 18" WWII for your first khuk. The 16.5" version is perfectly fine, but the 18"ers don't come in much heavier and offer a greater handle to blade ratio than most other khuks. In other words, an 18"er is going to offer you more grip without adding much weight over all.
My 18" WWII was my third khuk, and it still sees a lot of use.

As far as machete work goes, I would probably just keep the Tram that you have and read up on how to put a good edge on it. Trams, while cheap, are some of the best (and most economical) machetes that you can get. Also, as much as I love my khuk....and I LOVE my khuks, you're not going to get the same performance out of even the thinnest khuk compared to a machete when it comes to the viney stuff.

I think that an 18" WWII would give you plenty of chop, plenty of grip, and enough leverage to get some speed going to slice through fairly light stuff with ease. Then just save the Tram for the lightest of stuff.

Also, I fully agree on the Bilton. Very nice knives:D:thumbup:

Keep an eye out on the forum as you can. Yangdu sometimes puts up some of her blemished khuks and knives at a fraction of retail cost. Fully functional and fully warrantied. Some just have a little rust spot or a ding in the sheath. No worse for wear than they will get in one good day of work.

Once again, WELCOME:):D
 
Thanks everyone!

Stuff like this is rare these days. A good community and something actually good, spread by word of mouth or people who stumble on it. Oh, and sharing knowledge... if only everyone listened!

But yeah, I think I'll get a 18" GRS or WWII. I'm glad I mentioned how big my hands are.
 
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