Kukris from Nepal

[VanDro]

Are all Nepalese khukuris considered to be exported by Himalayan Imports, but made privately, and thus of comparable, consistent quality to ensure profit and positive reputation for private ethnic businesses? Or are there just as many knock offs of domestic products there as there are here, made by unskilled and uncaring workers with inferior materials with a penchant for despicable quality?
(i.e. are the khukuris consistently Spyderco or the flea-market-knife-company?)

 

[moblues]

HI has it's own factory and Kamis in its stable. I'm yet to see a Khuk maker that has a warranty that they do, or tougher blades. Suggest you post this on the HI board.

Best regards.

 

[Steely_Gunz]

Vandro, first of all WELCOME to BFC

As Moblues stated, HI has some of the finest craftsmen in Nepal working for them. They have one of the best if not THE best warranty that you can get on a heavy use knife generally costing under $200.00. Yangdu Martino is a pleasure to work with. Since she lives stateside, those of us in the CONUS have access to some of the best khuks in the world without having to jump through hoops regarding shipping and language barrier. Others from around the world get the same great service...they just have to wait a bit longer for packages to make it across the ocean, etc

HI, unlike many other khuk manufacturers (like you find at the flea markets), takes pride in everything they do. Furthermore, the kamis are treated like family. They are given medical benefits and are supported when they or their family is sick. The kamis of HI tend to actually make better wages than some teachers in Nepal. This is unheard of since they are of the "untouchable" cast. This respect shows in the pride of their work.:thumbup:

The late great Bill Martino along with his wife Yangdu and her father Pala have done something remarkable by connecting some of the world's greatest craftsmen to the American knife buyer so that both can benefit from each other. Then you mix the community of BFC into the bunch, and you end up with the Cantina and have one of the warmest places on the net to hang out, learn about khuks, and enjoy an earnest friendship with some of the nicest people you could ever hope to know

You should stop by the HI forum and poke around a bit. We would love to answer any questions that you might have. The regulars over there a mighty friendly

Once again, welcome

 

[coaldigger]

Welcome to the forum ! I ordered a Khukuri from KhukuriHouseOnline.com which is also in Nepal & is hand made by some of the best around. Their prices are a little cheaper than HI ** BUT ** It has been about 20 days now & still no Khuk It is supposed to ship this week so they tell me
My next khuk if I like'em when it arrives will be from HI !!!!!
I say H.I. is the way to go for an awsome Khuk !:thumbup:

 

[gcs]

The HI kuks are excellent, with the best guarantee, The KH knives are very good ,blade wise, (the ones I've see), some with wooden handles have some finish issues, but very usable.
KH kuks are very reasonably priced, but shipping is high, as you would expect, so the end result is real close to HI's prices, and if there IS a problem, HI is in the states and will take care of you quick, fast and in a hurry.

If you just want a user to beat on and willing to forgo dealing with a guarantee half way around the world, wait till just before Christmas, KH has a 1/2 price shipping deal that sweetens the deal considerably.