Kukri newbe

F

FoxRiver

Joined
Jun 22, 2011
Messages
17
Hi to all HI fans. I'm looking for a heavy duty chopper but have absolutely no Khukri experience. I have used Bowies, Goloks and similar large knives for chopping and would like to try a Khukri. From reading various posts, I'm leaning in the AK direction. The question is which size would be good to get me started. I really like the Chiruwa model, but that's kinda like jumping into the deep end of the pool since I am a Khukri newbe. Also, is horn more durable and less likely to create hot spots during extended use? Thanks in advance for your comments.
 
Welcome Welcome:)

The CAK is a great khuk:) It MIGHT leave a few more hotspots due to the exposed tang, but those can be corrected with a little filing. Personally, I like the 15" AK with a peened grip. I just prefer the non-chiruwa grip if the khuk has a ring. Besides, a 15" AK is likely to outchop any bowie you've used before:)

The good news...you really can't go wrong:)
Once again, welcome:)
 
My Chiruwa AK BLASTS through wood. I highly suggest it. And I have a thing for full tang blades so it was a good fit.
 
Jumping into the deep end would probably be more like getting an M43 or ASTK. An AK or CAK would be a fine place to start, just start smallish or mid-sized, 15"-16.5" in khuk terms. I also love the 16.5" WWII. Not a "heavy chopper" among khuks, but just about any khuk is probably considered a heavy chopper compared to most knives. I think you'll be happy with most any mid-sized khuk. And more will follow:)
 
How big are you? What kind of things do you anticipate chopping? How do you want to carry the knife and how important are weight and size to you?
 
Answering Howard Wallace questions will probably save you time and expense so think about those.

My opinion is that most people starting out with a Kukri should buy a British Army Service kukri - BAS (also called the British Service Issue - BSI).
Gurkhas_exercise_ by LANCE CPL. C.D. CLARK Pub Dom.jpg
The BAS Kukri -- is the second best seller of Himalayan Imports and is the companies version of the current Kukri issued to Gurkhas today.
This Kukri is smaller and lighter than past issued models. It is designed more for camping/utility tasks than for use in combat.
british troops kukri.jpg
Also important, if you can get an antique Kukri made before, during, or just after WWI/WWII that will go a long way to educating you as to what a Khukuri really is.
 
Howard Wallace said:
How big are you? What kind of things do you anticipate chopping? How do you want to carry the knife and how important are weight and size to you?
Click to expand...

5' 9", approx 190 lbs, medium size hand. I do not plan to carry this knife on me. I'm primarily looking for a robust chopper to process firewood during family camping trips. My Goloks can deliver but it gets a bit tiring, especially on hardwoods larger than 4" in diameter. Based on what was said thus far, it appears that a smaller AK is the tool for the job. I once read that a khukri picks its master. It sounds like the CAK is calling me. Thanks everyone.
 
FoxRiver said:
5' 9", approx 190 lbs, medium size hand. I do not plan to carry this knife on me. I'm primarily looking for a robust chopper to process firewood during family camping trips. My Goloks can deliver but it gets a bit tiring, especially on hardwoods larger than 4" in diameter. Based on what was said thus far, it appears that a smaller AK is the tool for the job. I once read that a khukri picks its master. It sounds like the CAK is calling me. Thanks everyone.
Click to expand...

My reccomendation for you is a 16" to 18" CAK, AK or M-43. We usually recommend this size for camping chores and trekking. The 15" are nice but the extra inch gives you a bit more chopping power. The 20" are a bit more than is needed IMHO, although there are larger people that they work great for. For me they are a bit too fatigueing. Many people don't realise how much larger a 20" khukuri is compared to a 16" one. The difference is quite astonishing both in size, length and overall feel.
 
The M43 is an excellent chopper, but relatively uncommon right now. I would add the ASTK to this list. Mine chops wonderfully. It, like the M43, throws nice chunks of wood with every chop. Just follow Karda's advice about size, especially figuring weight. A buddy picked up a monster Bonecutter. It is an incredible chopper, but the weight is just too tiring. My new ASTK is 29 oz. and works very well with enough weight to build real momentum, but not enough to wear you down quickly. Two more models to keep in mind are the Bonecutter and Ganga Ram. They both seem to be king when it comes to chopping. The problem is BCs seem to come in too thick and heavy for my taste, and Gangas don't come around hardly at all. Keep your eyes peeled during the DOTD for any CAK/AK/M43/ASTK and you will probably not be disappointed. I bet the 18" WWII would also be very capable at processing firewood.

To get the most benefit from a khukuri, the proper technique is needed. I'm still getting the hang of it myself, so I'm sure someone else could explain it better. It's sort of chopping with the arm from the shoulder and flicking the wrist down before impact. It's efficient and effective. Just be sure body parts are out of the blade's path:) It builds surprising speed and momentum. Good luck and let us know what you end up getting.
 
jdk1 said:
To get the most benefit from a khukuri, the proper technique is needed. I'm still getting the hang of it myself, so I'm sure someone else could explain it better. It's sort of chopping with the arm from the shoulder and flicking the wrist down before impact. It's efficient and effective.
Click to expand...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4wb32tkS6c
The above video shows how to grip and chop with a machete. But it is the same for the Kukri and other Southeast Asian cutting tools.
 
Welcome to the HI and forum
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top