Kuhkuri for camping and maybe hiking?

R

Rangerxanatos

Joined
Jul 17, 2006
Messages
33
Hi guys! This is my first post, so take it easy on me.

First, a little about myself:
I'm Daniel. I'm 22 and live in Northeast, Georgia. I'm a college student and I also work as a tutor at the college I attend, so my time is limited to what I can do outdoors related. I have been interested in the outdoors ever since I could remember (though I really haven't done much, but there's still time). I've been looking through these forums for a while now, for about a year and a half actually. And I've really enjoyed what all the members have had to say, especially in this forum since it's so informative. So I'm sure that all of you will be a big help in my quest to learn.

Now, to the question:
I've been think about buying a HI kuhkuri for taking camping and if I ever do any hiking that may last a couple of days, if I can ever find the time. What do you think of this? I know many people consider the weight when they take a kuhkuri out, but I've been wondering if the kuhkuri would take the place of a chopper and a fixed blade in a trio, and actually weigh less than them combined? When I go camping, I won't keep it on me all the time, just like I wouldn't keep a chopper on me all the time, just when I needed it. Oh, and if it makes any difference, I've been looking at the 15" and up AK and the WWII model kuhkuris.

Thanks for all of your time and there will be many more questions, but for another day.

Daniel
 
Daniel,

Welcome aboard. I would say a Kuhkuri would do a good job of replacing a axe/chopper. Many people feel that they cut more efficiently than an axe and HI makes top of the line stuff. I am not quite sure on the weight issue as I don't have one around to weigh. I would suggest you still take along a fixed blade or possibly a folder in addition for some of the smaller tasks that require fine work. For example, it would probably be much easier to cut an apple with a knife than with a kuhkuri. It really depends on what type of camping/hiking you plan on doing. Another benefit to carry an additional knife would be that you could always have it on your person. You say you plan to not carry the Kuhkuri around unless you need it. You could be caught without it in a situation where you need a blade.


Make sure to check out the HI forum and see if you can get a good deal on one.
 
I use a 16.5" HI WWII kuk and I love it. For a smaller rig I would recommend a 15" Baby Ganga Ram. The kuks come with a small knife or "karda", but in my opinion they are worthless unless you take the time to thin/reprofile the main bevel. YMMV.

I have sirupatis and cobras as well, but I personally feel that they are not as good of all around blades.

And I would still carry a small folder or very light sheath knife like a cheap Mora for doing small tasks or fine work.

I'm sure that you will get lots of replies on this.
 
Thanks for the advice. When I go camping and the chopper isn't with me, I still have some kind of blade on me, usually a folder, but a few times a multi-tool. But if I wonder off somewhere, I would definately take it along, just in case.
 
A Kuk would serve you just fine fine bro, however you do know that once you buy one you will change your thinking once again and feel you need a different set up.....that's just the way this crazy forum gets your mind thinking !!!!

By the way when I read the start of your post I thought you had the wrong forum and had figured this was a dating agency.......

First, a little about myself:
I'm Daniel. I'm 22 and live in Northeast, Georgia. I'm a college student and I also work as a tutor, my statistics are etc, etc !!!! Sorry bro just messin with ya !!!!!
 
Bear in mind that Himalayan Imports khukuris (and most others) come with a small (about 2-inch blade) "karda", for the smaller cutting tasks. These may be a little more unwieldy than a comparably-sized neck knife, say, but if you need to cut an apple, open a package, or whatever, that might be your go-to tool.

If you find that the karda that comes with your khukuri doesn't do it for you, you might order a very small Mora knife from www.ragweedforge.com, and, if you feel the need, shorten the handle. It'll end up looking very much like a Nepali karda, but maybe with better steel.
 
welcome o the forum, daniel. i've made the argument several times in the past that a 12" khuk is a great compromise for a do-all woods knife. i used to say hi pen knife, but now i say the ang khola. the fuller near the spine is like a second grip for you to do close-in cutting chores and it's got power on the chop.
 
Welcome to the Forums! :) I use a 16.5" WWII model while camping. It weighs in at 24 onces and I don't really notice it on my Webbed belt. It's just there when I need it.

I've used a Khukuri of one style or another for so long now I have a hard time chopping with Hatchets and Bowie knives. Not sure if the technique is different or if I'm just used to the Khukuris now instead of the others.

My setup is a folder, Multi tool, 4 to 6 inch fixed blade and a Khukuri. A Khuk and SOG Revolver makes a great combo. The last few years I have not had much time for camping, but lots of time to think of what I'll carry and how. I can't imagine trail clearing or bush wacking and camping with out my Khuks. :)

Hope you can find time to camp. It's a great hobbie and good for the soul. I tend to come back revitaliazed from a trip.

Heber
 
Rangerxanatos said:
Now, to the question:
I've been think about buying a HI kuhkuri for taking camping and if I ever do any hiking that may last a couple of days, if I can ever find the time. What do you think of this?
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Great idea.
Rangerxanatos said:
I know many people consider the weight when they take a kuhkuri out, but I've been wondering if the kuhkuri would take the place of a chopper and a fixed blade in a trio, and actually weigh less than them combined?
Click to expand...
Yes it will take their place, weigth depends on what kukri you get and what you're trying to replace. I carry a 20" Ang Khola, and it weighs about the same as the Penobscot Bay kindling axe it replaces (a very large hatchet), but chops better. I still carry a large knife, so I figure I have a more effective tool for the same weight.
Rangerxanatos said:
When I go camping, I won't keep it on me all the time, just like I wouldn't keep a chopper on me all the time, just when I needed it. Oh, and if it makes any difference, I've been looking at the 15" and up AK and the WWII model kuhkuris.
Click to expand...
Well, the 15" AK is one of the most popular for a reason, it's a very good all-round kukri.
IMO a 16.5" CAK or an 18" WWII would be the best first kukris. They will do everything well, and give you a good feel on where you want to go next (and there will be a next).
 
Thanks for the help guys. I'll definately be getting a HI khuk when I get some more money comming in, just got some knives that I ordered in today but it should be soon. :D And I'm sure the members in the HI forum would love to help me pick out the best one for me.

Pitdog, loved the comment. Without some fun, these forums would get boring... Who am I kidding, it's a KNIFE FORUM, what's more fun? :)

Return, I am aware that they come with a smaller blade and a piece that you can 'sharpen' the khuk with. I also have gotten a couple of the moras and I love them. But thanks for your imput.

Wildmanh, I feel the same way about camping. It's a great way to escape and to enjoy oneself!

Infidel, I probably will get more khuks in the future. I've seen several members' collections and they all love them. I'll probably be bit by "the bug" as well.
 
Rangerxanatos said:
Hi guys! This is my first post, so take it easy on me.

First, a little about myself:
I'm Daniel. I'm 22 and live in Northeast, Georgia. I'm a college student and I also work as a tutor at the college I attend, so my time is limited to what I can do outdoors related. I have been interested in the outdoors ever since I could remember (though I really haven't done much, but there's still time). I've been looking through these forums for a while now, for about a year and a half actually. And I've really enjoyed what all the members have had to say, especially in this forum since it's so informative. So I'm sure that all of you will be a big help in my quest to learn.

Now, to the question:
I've been think about buying a HI kuhkuri for taking camping and if I ever do any hiking that may last a couple of days, if I can ever find the time. What do you think of this? I know many people consider the weight when they take a kuhkuri out, but I've been wondering if the kuhkuri would take the place of a chopper and a fixed blade in a trio, and actually weigh less than them combined? When I go camping, I won't keep it on me all the time, just like I wouldn't keep a chopper on me all the time, just when I needed it. Oh, and if it makes any difference, I've been looking at the 15" and up AK and the WWII model kuhkuris.

Thanks for all of your time and there will be many more questions, but for another day.

Daniel
Click to expand...

Daniel, now THAT's the way to introduce yourself! I wish more people had your smarts and class, and welcome to the forum!
 
stevomiller said:
I For a smaller rig I would recommend a 15" Baby Ganga Ram.
Click to expand...

If you can find one a 15" BGRS is a great blade. I just got one myself.

The Pen knife is a good choice. Better suited for lighter duty usage and camp kitchen duty. I have a 12" and 18". The 12" can chop smaller stuff easily, batons well and doesn't weigh much.

Can't go wrong with a WW2 or an Ang Khola either. 18" is a good chopping size while the 15" seems to be the best compromise IMHO.

A little 12" AK will chop very well despite its size. Go for a villager model if you don't care about finish and want a sharper blade off the bat.
 
Welcome Daniel, if you are where I think you are, I spent a lot of time as a kid hiking around there & still have family around.

I would recommend the WWII HI Kuhkris. The AKs are nice, but a bit heavier than I like to lug around. The WWIIs should handle any type of wood in NE Ga. you might need to chop.
 
Welcome Daniel,
You have gotten some great advice from guys that know their stuff.
I use khukuri almost singularly as my large woods blade. Having collected an assortment of more khukuris than I care to admit to in public. HeHe:o
I find the khuk to be a great woods tool. I tend to like khuks in the 17"-20" range mainly. I also prefer khuks with two or three fullers. This lightens and strengthens the blade. The HI 17" Foxy Folly weighing in at 24-28 oz is a great tool. . It carries light and chops like a larger blade, plus it is darn beautiful example of a khukuri.I love the 21 1/2" 28 oz. Foxy Folly that I lucked into (very rare). It chops like a demon and seems effortless to use
The khuk is a wonderful way to experience the blade of a different culture that still relys on a good blade for day to day life. Fun stuff.:D
 
Thanks guys! All of you have been a great help! I wouldn't believe I would use the khuk for camp kitchen duties. I'd have something smaller and better fit for the task. I would mainly use it for chopping down trees for fire/shelter, digging, and God-forbid for self-defense. I've gotten so excited, I want to buy more than one already. I guess I should ask my friend's and bro's if they would like one as well because I know once I get one, they'll be jealous! :D

I would also like to thank all of you for the warm welcome. It makes me feel like I belong here.

Daniel
 
Hi Daniel. From another GA boy, I think the Khukkity would work just fine. I personally don't dig on 'em that much, but that's just me. I still like to have a hawk with me. The reason for this is so I can use it for whacking stuff I don't intend to cut as well, like driving stakes for a shelter, chipping rocks, things that a hammer will do. I'm sure there are several people here who would say that you can do all of that with a khuk or just get a whackin stick, but for me personally, I don't want to spend the extra minute to find a good stick that can take the impact without denting or try to hit something with the blunt area of a khuk. The upside of the khuk is that it certainly will chop just as good if not better than any hawk. If I were you, I'd get one of each of the things you want to choose between and try them both. Different things work better for different people. Once you figure out which one works best for you, you can sell the other or just hang onto it just in case. I went through a few different tools before i decided on the hawk. It's just the one that worked best for me for now. Where in NE GA or you? There's a lot of good hiking and camping spots up there. Just make sure to pack some DFWM tools along with your camping and hiking stuff.
 
I'm in Elberton, GA. A small county with about 20,000 people, but I spend a lot of time in Hartwell, and in Lavonia in my free time. All of which are small. I don't think I'd have to do much digging, but why carry a shovel if I probably won't use it? So the khuk would be fine for me there I suppose. As for hawks, I already have a CS Rifleman's Hawk. It did alright, but I don't completely trust it. I found that the metal is soft. My friends decided to shoot it with a low powered BB gun and it but dings in it! A friend of mine got one along with me, and while he was using it to chop, the hammer poll fell off!! Sure, mine is still funtional, but I'm not sure for how long if I keep using it. My bro has the trail hawk and it seems to do just fine, but he only uses it to scrape the sides of bows that he makes, and I just don't think it would be as good of a chopper for me.
 
Rangerxanatos said:
I'm in Elberton, GA. A small county with about 20,000 people, but I spend a lot of time in Hartwell, and in Lavonia in my free time. All of which are small. I don't think I'd have to do much digging, but why carry a shovel if I probably won't use it? So the khuk would be fine for me there I suppose. As for hawks, I already have a CS Rifleman's Hawk. It did alright, but I don't completely trust it. I found that the metal is soft. My friends decided to shoot it with a low powered BB gun and it but dings in it! A friend of mine got one along with me, and while he was using it to chop, the hammer poll fell off!! Sure, mine is still funtional, but I'm not sure for how long if I keep using it. My bro has the trail hawk and it seems to do just fine, but he only uses it to scrape the sides of bows that he makes, and I just don't think it would be as good of a chopper for me.
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I know those areas well. I spent about 4 years in Royston, right next to Vony (Lavonia) and Hartwell. My grandmother still lives in Vony. I go visit her every once in a while. That khuk will make quick work of most of the stuff out there. One of the great things about that area is the amount of kudzu, which a long khuk or machete will work best on. You can make hella good shelters out of that stuff that you can actually leave standing forever and the kudzu will naturally grow around it and make it stronger and more hidden. Just go in every once in a while and clean it out and check for snakes. I used to have shleters made of kudzu and rubber trees all over the place. In fact, I bet some of them are still there.
 
Alright, so I'm not the only person that knows where those towns are. And I know exactly what you mean about kudzu. It is everwhere, and I've seen where it will make a roof over small trees that are grouped together. It makes a nice place for larger animals, such as deer to rest. But not only do you have to watch out for snakes, but bats and ants as well since it likes to attract insects and hold moisture. I have also eaten kudzu. Just cook like you would any other greens, but try to stick with the younger leaves as the older ones are tougher to eat.
 
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