Kukuri Questions

R

Ranger288

Joined
Mar 2, 2003
Messages
150
Need to know. How long is the handle of most of the Kukuri knives-such as military issue, Ang Khola, Sirputi, etc.. The HI web page states overall length 18", 15" etc... Want to know what handle length is so I can figure how long the blade is. Thanks.

ALso, what are your personal reccomendations in terms of model,style and length for a general purpose Kukuri that could be used in all real world environments (survival, tactical, hunting, etc...) Thanks Again.

I have used and carried several Kukuri before when I was trekking in Nepal several times. But those are now on display on my mantle for sentimental reasons-I purchased them in Nepal. Looking now for one or two Kukuris from HI to be users.
 
But, I can tell you what I have found with my own knives. My 12" AK has a 8" blade. The 15" knives I have, have 10" blades the 18's Have always had 12" blades. My 20" knives have 14" bladres. My 16.5" WWII has a 11.5" blade. Beyond this I have had no experience with. I have had no need for a knife longer than 20". Hope this helps a little.:)
 
Look for the part where they are drawn against a grid background. Each line is 1 inch.

From my experience the handles on the smaller khuks start around 4" and go up to 5.5" on the larger ones.

However, it seems the diameter and the way it is made make much more of a difference than the length. :eek:

Dan
 
Oh...and, don't forget to give use your hand measurements to see where you stack up... :eek: :D
 
Ranger,

Depending on what you want it for I like the 18” for a deuce/LBE size and 15” for riggers belt underneath. The 20” or so go with an AK strapped to your pack.

The three 18” size would be the Gelbu Special, WWII, or UBE depending on where you want to put the emphasis. A 18” AK I think would be just past the limit on the cartridge belt unless you put semi cross draw at the small of your back between the belt and butt pack, letting a medium ALICE (or equivalent) ride on top.

The UBE would be the best as a short machete on softer vines, being thinnest. The best chopper would be WWII. The GS is in the middle. Both the UBE and WWII blades are wide enough to get a grip and use as an impromptu draw knife, the GS would work but I’m clumsy and out of practice.

Tactical training I’d go GS or UBE as they’re both lighter and quicker with some reach. The 20” Sirupate and GS don’t feel as precise and accurate in either slash or stabs. Both the 15” and 18” lengths feel precise and accurate.

Hand size, etc. varies even among same size and model. I’ve had 60-70 through here over the last few months and I would set aside the extremes, heaviest and lightest of a model and let people see the difference.

S/F (or RLTW), Mike
 
but here are my observations. On one end I have a 12" siru (yes, it's a real khuk). Good little knife. Handle's a bit short but I have medium hands and my thumb rests very comfortably on the bolster. On the other end I have a pair of 25" sirus. Not lightning quick but the chopping power on these things is horrifying. The horn 25" is the only one to have a name. The Black Eel is not a friendly blade. She is my talisman that keeps bad things in the night at bay. And in the middle is my 18" WWII. Far and away the best all around do anything blade I own. If I had to grab one and head for the hills, it would be the WWII (which was also my first). Unless you have huge hands and get one of the 12 inchers the handle should be just fine. Enjoy the first of many.

Frank
 
By the bye, if your working out inches of handle don't forget to give some allowance for the flare near the butt cap on some (most?) models. The flare is great for grip but you can't hold it right up to the butt cap or else it digs into your palm.

Hope this helps. Good luck!
 
Very slightly rounding out the top of the handle flare often makes a handle a lot more comforatable.
 
"HIKV must go faster and be more severe in the tropics!!!"

Just like the SARS plague (cough, cough . . .)

Firkin thanks for the suggestion. Maybe that would make my BAS more usable. Only problem is that I already screwed up the edge of a Kagnas Katne trying to follow the FAQ on convex edge sharpening. So I figure I would probably screw up sanding a handle, too. Once (if) I ever get the sharpening right, maybe the handle's next!
 
Originally posted by Tohatchi NM
:eek: :eek: :eek:

HIKV must go faster and be more severe in the tropics!!!

:D
Click to expand...
They literally were transients, being passed on to new owners. I would like to have kept many more but...

S/F, Mike
 
Originally posted by firkin
Very slightly rounding out the top of the handle flare often makes a handle a lot more comforatable.
Click to expand...

I think I am going to try this on my 12" AK. It would add one more comfortable position to the handle. Any tricks to rounding out the brass without causing undue destruction to the horn?
 
I just (very slowly and carefully) used a straight file on the brass edge, testing the result very often. It really wasn't difficult. Then I smoothed what little rough-edged surface there was. If I can do it, anyone can. I had very little effect on the horn. This was on the Bura 15 in AK. I didn't need it on the Whizzkid 12incher. I don't chop as much with it.
 
Thanks!

Originally posted by Kismet
I just (very slowly and carefully) used a straight file on the brass edge, testing the result very often. It really wasn't difficult. Then I smoothed what little rough-edged surface there was. If I can do it, anyone can. I had very little effect on the horn. This was on the Bura 15 in AK. I didn't need it on the Whizzkid 12incher. I don't chop as much with it.
Click to expand...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top