Kukri

F

foomonk

Joined
Apr 7, 2004
Messages
43
Hey guys. I had a question out of curiousity. I've been familiarising myself with knife steels in folders/small fixed blades the past couple of weeks, but I was looking at kukris out of boredom today. I was wondering.. which steel would be best in a kukri? Ka-Bar's 1085? Cold Steel's version? Or Smith & Wesson's Bush Hog with 440C? All have some type of black coating on them.

I'd be interested to know. Thanks.

P.S. -- Are there any quality folders with kukri blades?
 
I know it's not a folding knife, but the Graham Brothers' Pocket Kukri is really cool looking.


I've used a buddy's Cold Steel Gurkha kukri, it was nice enough. I would probably get one from Himalayan Imports before I bought Cold Steel's. I wasn't too impressed with the CS version, especially at the price.



B.
 
Khukuris are heavy high impact knives, and should be made from zoned hardened high carbon (not stainless) steel. 5160 - usually works best, check out the Himalayan Imports Forum on this site for examples.

As for the folder; there are some custom versions from time to time, and even a few production ones such as this one from Blackjack Knives.

BlackjackFoldingKhukuri.jpg


n2s
 
Between those three models though: the Ka-Bar 1249 Kukri (1085), the Cold Steel Gurkha or LTC Kukri (Carbon V?), and the Smith & Wesson Bush Hog (440C), which would be optimal?

I wish I was a walking bank like Donald Trump, alas.. those three models (though not so much the Cold Steel) are in a casual buyer price range for me, heh.
 
for the same amount as any of the cold steels you can get a himalayan imports easily, and the quality will be incomparably higher, if you're really scrounging funds-wise just email yangdu about village specials
 
Cold Steel also has a cheap alternative in their Machete line Kukri. Made out of 1055. I remember people having good experiences with it, though there are quality control issues. But at that price, I don't think the retailers would be too sore to give a replacement if the edge ripples with the first chop.
 
Wow. Now I really don't know what to get. Heh.

Cold Steel Kukri Machete? Ka-Bar Kukri? Smith & Wesson Bush Hog?

I really like the shape of the Smith & Wesson; it seems a more classic kukri shape. The other two have deeper bellies, I find. But it's 440C, and as I read it, that's not optimal for blades of these sizes & usage.

The other two are 1055 and 1085.

Any other variables between them, such as handle material, sheath, etc?
 
I can not commen on the edge holding of the S&W Bush hog at this time. However I can say that the grind is none to nice. The edge is extremely thick, so unless you have a belt grinder to reprofile it, I wouldn't even bother. It barely made a knick in the phonebook test where the CS bit clean through. I haven't handled any others though.
-KC

As for the folder, check out a CRKT M-21
 
I have one of cold steel's khukuri's in carbon v and that thing is tough as nails, it will cut through any type of wood and I can take a 1 1/2 inch branch in one swing. I have cut through all types of woods, it works better than any hatchet I have ever owned. Not sure which model it is though, 1/8 inch spine.
 
Himalayan Imports is the way to go. They are the real deal regarding khuks. Go to their message board here on Blade Forums. Read up on how to order Blemish Items. Check the boards regularly for daily specials. When you see a good deal jump on it. You need to act fast. I got 2 khuks through the daily specials and am very pleased with their products and service.
 
Blemish items? Is there something wrong with them?

Also, what would the Bilton be like? Not in place of a full-size kukri, mind you, but on its own merits as a knife. Would this make a decent EDC for utility, etc?
 
Blemished items have cosmetic flaws such as scratches or surface rust. They will not sell you a knife that is unsafe or unfit for use. Most that have picked up blems or daily specials have found it difficult to find anything wrong with their knife despite the discounted price.

I can tell you about the Bilton in a few days. I ordered one last Friday and it should arrive just before my camping trip. I have a 12" Villager AK and a 12" Sirupati as well. The 12" AK is a great camp knife.
 
Knifeclerk said:
I can not commen on the edge holding of the S&W Bush hog at this time. However I can say that the grind is none to nice. The edge is extremely thick, so unless you have a belt grinder to reprofile it, I wouldn't even bother. It barely made a knick in the phonebook test where the CS bit clean through. I haven't handled any others though.
-KC

As for the folder, check out a CRKT M-21
Click to expand...

Theres a striking similarity between the Kukri and the M21 blades.
By chance or other i wonder.

WR
 
We are all certainly entitled to our opinions. I have never handled a tora khukuri. I have been very happy with my HI's.
 
My first Hi khuk was a blem, and I honestly have no idea what was wrong with it. Uncle Bill told me he thought there might be a chance a crack would form in the horn handle, not structural, just a surface crack near the base plate, and that a crazy glue fill would set it right if it formed. Never coulod see what he was talking about, and 2 years later its still solid.

I think a couple guys did head to heads with the HI vs Tora cubed and the Tora's seemed to come up short, iirc, but your mileage may vary. Can't go wrong with an HI though, between the deal of the day prices, the knowledge base here on BF, the exceptional customer service and responsivness, and the unparraleled business ethics, you get value far beyond the insanely high quality hand made knife you buy for a fraction of what a more traditional hand made would run you.
 
I have a CS kukri (Special Projects) 35ATCBB2 with a cordura sheath. I haven't used it, I keep it in my bug-out-bag. I was looking at HI Imports before I got the CS, and for me cost was a factor. I got the CS in like new condition for half the original cost so I had to get it. You might check CS website, they have factory seconds at lower prices. Beware though, there are folks out here that just don't like CS or it's owner and bad mouth them every chance they get, whether they've even owned CS products or not. I haven't had any problems with the CS knives I've owned and feel they were worth what I paid. But if I got a lemon, I'd be a bit agitated, so all valid points of view are welcome. I believe folks can agree to disagree. There are a few reviews and comparisons online, here's a couple links:

http://www.physics.mun.ca/~sstamp/knives/HI_CS.html

http://outdoors-magazine.com/s_article.php?id_article=2

http://www.coldsteel.com/seconds.html

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2605311#post2605311

http://www.himalayan-imports.com/faq/Styles.htm
 
Yet another voice siding with Himalayan Imports.

As for the Bilton, it works quite well as a knife. The handle is not the most ergonomic and is more of a three finger handle, at least for me. The scabbard is also big and a little clumsy, but that can be resolved with a simple email to one of the many sheathmakers that reside on this forum. It gets as sharp as any other knife and will hold its edge very well. The recurve is also very nice for kitchen use, as it allows you to elevate your fingers from the cutting board and still cut things with ease. The Bilton is a great knife and a superb choice for the price... Heck, you can even find them for under $20 if you pay attention to the deals on the Himalayan Imports forum.

Just be careful with Himalayan Imports khukuris. They tend to bring friends.

Travis
 
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