Kukri Recommendation

S

sn75

Joined
Sep 28, 2007
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12
Greetings all, I'm new to the forum. I've searched and read a bunch of posts on this, but wanted to get folks current information/reviews.

What's your opinion on a quality (quality fit/finish, steel type, sheath, etc) kukri (sub $175)? Looking for a travel/backpacking one (blade preferably longer than 11"). Honest opinions and suggestions will be greatly appreciated (for those that have used the ones they recommend). Thanks again.
 
I’ll check that place out (Himalayan Import).

As for the 12 years, lol, I forgot how long ago I got this membership. What can I say, I read threads more so than post (can’t mistake me for a “post whore”, LOL!). Thanks for the recommendation.

Oh, I’m built for carrying gear, like an Ox (kukri isn’t a bad carry, at least for me) ;)
 
Just out of pure curiosity, are you after a traditional khukuri or any Kukri type knife.
I will hazard a guess that this would be for light use only (for any recommendations given) or is the "good all-rounder" option required.
Pic of the winner when acquired is compulsory!
Happy hunting
 
Pretty much all around use is preferred (from chopping wood to other general tasks one would encounter when out and about in woods/trails/general outdoor adventures). Good question on kukri type or traditional. After reviewing HI's website, a traditional would suite my purposes just fine. That darn 18" one is a gem (very nice!), although a bit on the long/heavier side. The British Army Services model (15", 1.25 lbs) or the regular 15" model (1.5 lbs) appear better choices. Dammit, decisions, decisions :confused:
 
aleforme said:

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Dang it, more choices that will make me go broke. LOL, the wife will never know, I promise (unless she accepts the delivery, doh!).

Edit: Leaning toward the Kailash Pensioner. I'll definitely post up gratuitous shots of whatever I end up getting :)
 
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HI makes a very good kukri if you are interested in a traditional one. With an 11 inch blade you are looking at a 17-18 inch overall blade, and with an HI kukri that size will mean a pretty heavy backpacking blade. Maybe ask for a light 18" M43 with a maximum weight of 750 grams.

If you are looking for a modern kukri, get a CS Gurkha Kukri and you will never be disappointed. It comes in at about 22 oz. so it won't weigh you down and is one of the best made kukri you will find anywhere.
 
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Got a great deal from HI on a very lightly used 18” WWII model. Can’t wait to get it. Should get to me by this weekend (don’t have to wait months). I’m sure I’ll be buying more (and more and.......) :rolleyes:
 
grogimus said:
Why just one kukri? Just curious.
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Fixed it for you:D

To the OP, depending on your needs, I know that Yangdu Martino of HI will have something to fit your needs.

Personally, for light hiking, i learned long ago that monster size khuks are unneeded weight (for me, of course). I favor 11-14" overall length for hiking. A 12" Ang Khola is the bees knees for this guy.

If you want a thinner, longer, all arounder, do a search on the KLVUK by HI. Great beater blade that cuts super deep. Plus they usually come in under 100 bucks.

Truth be told, I have dozens and dozens of khuks. If i were busting out the door for parts unknown I'd go with a KLVUK.
 
If you're taking a Kukri into the field, I'm curious what your sharpening/touch up setup is with the recurve blade. Honing rod or specialty rounded stone? Or do you just take a regular small stone and skip the recurve section til you get home?
 
mb> said:
If you're taking a Kukri into the field, I'm curious what your sharpening/touch up setup is with the recurve blade. Honing rod or specialty rounded stone? Or do you just take a regular small stone and skip the recurve section til you get home?
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The late great Uncle Bill used to talk about using the chakma that generally comes with the khuk. Its a small burnishing tool meant for pushing out the dings. He said they generally work well enough until you can get back home to take care of the edge properly. Despite all the fuss we make about recurves, khuks in Nepal are generally maintained with files.

Now I usually find the chakma a tad soft. I have a few hard enough to do the job or even throw a spark, but my maintenance kit is composed of a small ceramic rod and a small loaded strop. I've nevered needed more than that. If I did, the file on my multi tool would work just fine in a pinch.
 
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I like kukri’s (great all around knifes). That’s not to say I don’t like other style fixed blade knives (because I like quite a few). I’ve swung a few kukri’s in the past and enjoyed them very much.

As somebody else mentioned, why just one, l’ll be getting a few. A KA-BAR will also be one I get in the future (in addition to others).
 
If you do get a few, also have a look at the Cold Steel Kukri machete.
Made by Lasher Tools in South-Africa from very well heat-treated & extremely tough 1055 steel.
You will probably have to sharpen it yourself (i recommend a shallow convex @ ~30 degrees), but if you do that you will have a great lightweight chopper with a price to quality ratio i haven't seen matched by any other brand.

Some reading material:

https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/optimizing-3-cold-steel-kukri-machetes.1561064/#post-17968792
 
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