Kukri help....

B

Brooks Brown

Joined
Feb 12, 2003
Messages
13
08/20/07

Greetings all. I am finally going to make my first Kukri purchase! The only question is which company and which model? Can anyone please give me the similarities/differences between Himalayan Imports and Kukri House? As far as I know they are both genuinely made in Nepal and that is a requirement here.
But what about issues like steel and handle quality? This baby's gonna be a user not a wall hanger. Any and all feedback will be appreciated. Oh, by the way, it's coming with me to Iraq....soon.....Don't want to carry a sword all day there either. Probably looking at 15" or less for blade length. Are the 8-9" blades effective small cutters or not? Let me know your opinions and feel free to post pictures too.
 
Let's just say that the Himalayan Imports price tag is not because it's a ripoff.
The blades were locked in a stump at two different places and subjected to heavy prying... halfway on the blade... three to four inches of tip. The Ang Khola ignored both efforts. The TUSK and the Service #1 khukuri both took a permanent bend when the tips were heavily loaded.
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If you can afford HI, then there isn't much competition. Gurka House / Kurkri House is not really competing in the same class.

EDIT: Wait, for IRAQ? You sure you're going to be able to carry a 15" fixed blade to Iraq? You must have some rather special connections...
 
The 15" BAS from HI is probably what you're looking for.
It has a hidden tang, and isn't as thick as other models, making it pretty light, but it is plenty strong and very comfortable.

Look around the for sale boards for one, or email Yangdu of HI when she gets back from vacation.

And good luck over there!

Edit: I have many kukri's, and my 15" BAS is the one I keep going back to.
FANTASTIC knife!

Also, I'd suggest you get some sanding sponges to take with you. They are the easiest/fastest way to sharpen a Kukri.
 
If you don't mind me asking what the difference between a Kukri, and a Khukuri?
 
Strobengh said:
The 15" BAS from HI is probably what you're looking for.
Click to expand...

I second that.

To quote the website:
This is the same size and style khukuri (but considerably better quality) that is carried by present day Gurkhas serving in the British Army.
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I have one. I had a kydex sheath made for it by Dan Koster (member of the forum here) and I just love it.

Here is a crappy pic, sorry about the quality.
DSC01183.jpg
 
I have tested the N.K.H. blades and found them to be solid, functional pieces in the model #1 format. Both examples of mine are dated 2002 and sport buffalo handles which have held up amazingly well to all manner of chopping hardwoods and the like.

The HI models of similar length tend to be a bit harder and may have had the benefit of a different heat treatment, but it is hard for me to tell too much difference between both makers. Three of my friends have used the NKH knives and have had nothing but good things to say about them.
 
Thanks for your service, Brooks:thumbup:

Both Khukuri House and HI will offer up fine do-it-all choppers. However, if you are stateside, then HI's pricing might actually be less than KH's. HI is managed over here by Yangdu Martino out of Reno, NV. She gets frequent bulk shipments in from the shop in Nepal. Therefore, you aren't paying for one khuk to be shipped from Nepal to your house. You are actually paying for the knife and not the flight, so to speak;)

There have been several members that frequent the HI forum that also served (and are serving) in the services. Some of the more popular models have been the 12" and 15" AK, the 15" Siru, and a slew of the "smaller" knives (blade lengths between 3" and 8"). Keep in mind that HI sells their knives with the TOTAL length noted. A 15" AK will have roughly 10" of blade and 5" of handle. Also, as I'm sure you have, check with your higher ups to make sure that a 15" monster knife is permissible.

I would suggest that you check the HI forum periodically. Yangdu often puts up "deals of the day" a couple times a week. Generally, these knives are blems that have superficial surface rust, small cracks in the handle, small tears in the scabbard. They in no way will impede the function or warranty of the knife, but you'll save between 20 and 50% off regular price:eek:

Good luck!
 
08/24/07

Thanks for all the responses. They are all appreciated. No. I'm not a "special soldier", my platoon daddy is just way cool. Always need a tactical breeching tool right? And no it likely won't be a 15" monster either. I have things like weight and size to consider. However other lengths are not out of the question.
I'll let you all know what I decide on. Again, thanks for all the input and God Bless.
 
znode said:
Let's just say that the Himalayan Imports price tag is not because it's a ripoff.

If you can afford HI, then there isn't much competition. Gurka House / Kurkri House is not really competing in the same class.

EDIT: Wait, for IRAQ? You sure you're going to be able to carry a 15" fixed blade to Iraq? You must have some rather special connections...
Click to expand...
I carried a cold steel Kuhkri in Iraq for a little while. It scared the locals a little since they thought it was ment for lobbing off heads.:D
 
If your regular knife is a Khukuri it will just get in your way on a real mission .Youdon't need the extra size and weight . I would go for an all around CHEEP knife like a 3\4 Kabar serated .From my experience in the military (25 + years) very nice private equipment tends to get "lost" in the field. Why have somthing else to worry about,worry about your mission and getting home safe ......Good Luck.
 
By the way no woods or jungle in Iraq some marshes I've heard down south near Basra(British)
 
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