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kobra question?
- Thread starter nagod
- Start date
Yot may want to take a look at Steely_Gunz post in this thread: Request for comments: Kobra vs Sirupati
I ended up buying a 25-inch Sirupati, in large part because the Kobras are not covered by the unlimited lifetime guarantee. The comments I received indicated that Kobras are capable, but you must be more thoughtful when using them because they simply aren't as sturdy. The longer (and lighter) your blade, the faster it will be moving at the point of impact, and force is proportional to the square of impact speed, so a longer, lighter blade has to cope with MUCH more force in a chop. Also, if your hit isn't quite square, you'll generate torque that a flat blade is inherently less able to handle, and material failure becomes much more likely.
Bottom line is that the physics of a Kobra make it better for soft flesh-covered targets than hard bark-covered ones, but if you're mindful of it's limitations, it should hold up fine.
I ended up buying a 25-inch Sirupati, in large part because the Kobras are not covered by the unlimited lifetime guarantee. The comments I received indicated that Kobras are capable, but you must be more thoughtful when using them because they simply aren't as sturdy. The longer (and lighter) your blade, the faster it will be moving at the point of impact, and force is proportional to the square of impact speed, so a longer, lighter blade has to cope with MUCH more force in a chop. Also, if your hit isn't quite square, you'll generate torque that a flat blade is inherently less able to handle, and material failure becomes much more likely.
Bottom line is that the physics of a Kobra make it better for soft flesh-covered targets than hard bark-covered ones, but if you're mindful of it's limitations, it should hold up fine.
Have not heard of a king kobra for a long time. If I recall correctly they have more heft to them then a normal kobra. It would probably be fine on lighter stuff, but as far as I know all kobra (kings included) warranty is voided if used to chop wood.
If possible could you post a photo of it, I would love to see it.
If possible could you post a photo of it, I would love to see it.
I have a 30" Kobra and like it very much. I use it to practice swinging through light bushes but you MUST STOP when you are getting tired and worn out. The blade is longer than you realize and requires utmost control and concentration. I never had a problem going through one inch limbs. It is in the garage by the door. I'v previously mentioned I went outside 3 am when I saw 2 "people" crawling in the bushes along the side of my house. They ran like H*ll when they saw me with that thing in my hand. 
I want to mention it is lighter and quicker than my 25" Sirupati.
I want to mention it is lighter and quicker than my 25" Sirupati.
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From what I understand, the king kobra simply was a 30" kobra. I don't believe that many were made due to the fact that it was a sword that looked like a khuk, and people treated it as such.
In all speculating honesty, I don't believe that a kobra is more prone to breakage as much as it is to bending. Unless you just really go after a full grown or seasoned oak, I don't think that you will get gross failure with the knife itself.
HOWEVER, a blade that thin and narrow may very well bend side to side or have its edge roll and wave from the stress. IMHO, a 30" kobra should be treated as a sword only. It'll cut pool noodles and mats and (God forbid) people just fine. Anything beyond that and you're asking for trouble. The 30" kobras (what few I remember being made) were typically not beefed up like today's longer kobras. You're going to be generating a lot of force and torque that could very well twist or bend the blade.
I am a fan of the kobra as a using blade, but I do so at my own risk and expense. The kobra is not designed for heavy chopping, but I have a 20.5" 20.5 oz kobra that is my machete for all practical purposes. It was forged with a slightly fatter edge that what most kobras get. It'll take out vines and saplings no sweat. It'll take down 1-2" soft wood with ease. If I bend it or break it, then it's on my head. HI owes me nothing.
I have a brute of a 25" Kobra that I don't think that I could bend if I wanted to. It's every bit as thick and heavy as a siru of similar size. Really, a kobra in name only. Honestly, it's pretty and fearsome, but a fast blade this is not. No where near as fast as my 20.5" version. What I really want some day is a kobra around 21" and under 21 oz. Just as a toy, mind you, but man that would be fun to swing
In all speculating honesty, I don't believe that a kobra is more prone to breakage as much as it is to bending. Unless you just really go after a full grown or seasoned oak, I don't think that you will get gross failure with the knife itself.
HOWEVER, a blade that thin and narrow may very well bend side to side or have its edge roll and wave from the stress. IMHO, a 30" kobra should be treated as a sword only. It'll cut pool noodles and mats and (God forbid) people just fine. Anything beyond that and you're asking for trouble. The 30" kobras (what few I remember being made) were typically not beefed up like today's longer kobras. You're going to be generating a lot of force and torque that could very well twist or bend the blade.
I am a fan of the kobra as a using blade, but I do so at my own risk and expense. The kobra is not designed for heavy chopping, but I have a 20.5" 20.5 oz kobra that is my machete for all practical purposes. It was forged with a slightly fatter edge that what most kobras get. It'll take out vines and saplings no sweat. It'll take down 1-2" soft wood with ease. If I bend it or break it, then it's on my head. HI owes me nothing.
I have a brute of a 25" Kobra that I don't think that I could bend if I wanted to. It's every bit as thick and heavy as a siru of similar size. Really, a kobra in name only. Honestly, it's pretty and fearsome, but a fast blade this is not. No where near as fast as my 20.5" version. What I really want some day is a kobra around 21" and under 21 oz. Just as a toy, mind you, but man that would be fun to swing