Leuku or khukuri?

F

Flanker

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Oct 28, 2007
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Many might see this as a stupid question coming from a Norwegian, but I'm torn when it comes to choosing a large chopper. I can drop by my local XXL (like REI) store and pick up a ca. 10" leuku from Helle or Stromseng for the equivalent of $150. They're excellent knives, tried and tested over centuries and adapted for use in cold climate. I've used various models before and have always been happy with them. I'd just have to figure out if I want a fingergurd or not.

But the khukuri sure looks nice! And a khukuri house has a lot to choose from that'll end up costing me about the same as a leuku. The "Enduring Freedom" model looks particularly nice, as it comes with a slightly bigger/better accesory knife than other khuks. But how does a khukuri compare to a leuku? I have no way of getting my hands on one before I buy, so I need your help on this. What are the pros and cons of both designs, what can I expect quality wise compared to Helle or Stromseng? Any input you have on the matter will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
 
I own a bunch of Helle's with no guards and find that if a knife is used as intended, there is no need for a guard. How well is Helle brand regarded over there in Scandinavia? Just curious...
 
Helle is considered very highly here in Norway, especially the models with laminated steel. They are probably the most sold knives here together with Brusletto. Most seem to think Helle is the better brand of the two. When it comes to Leuku's I think Stromseng is the bestseller. They have many models to choose from, Helle only has one. How these two compare quality wise I really don't know.
 
Leuku's and Khukris are really very different style blades, Leuku's obviously being quite thin and relatively light (acting like a very small machete) whereas Khukris are generally thick and strong, relatively heavy and very powerful choppers. If you're hiking and weight is a serious issue, then the Leuku will be a better option. If weight isn't such an issue or you need to do a lot of chopping, a khukri or an axe will be much more efficient.
 
Difference is that they are simply not in the same class.

"Leukus" are significantly lighter than khukri. Heavier leukus are about 500g, that's about the lightest Khukris.
Khukris are more like light hatchets in terms of use.

The "Iraqi freedom" khukri is heavier than a GB small forest axe!

As for Khukris, I'm not so sure about Khukri House being the best bargain around.
The "Enduring freedom" design is a bit dubious too: not sure full tang is good for a Khukri (vibration wise). I'd probably stick with a proven more traditionnal design. "Mushroom" handle design also helps in chopping just like with the Leuku.

Btw:
I read somewhere that Stromeng blades are made by Brusletto (but craftmanship is still made by Stromeng), not sure if it's true.

Edit: maybe have a look at this:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=410560
 
Go with the kukri.I've used my HI model M-43 in every environment imaginable ( even below zero) with no problems . even built a trappers cabin with it. Vibration was never a problem and it works great at peeling logs. holds an edge very well and is touchupable with the supplied chakma. Nothing else even comes close.
 
How about a Kumar Karda from Himalayan Imports?

It's basically a Leuku made by guys that make khukuris. The best of both worlds.

f41f55d8.jpg
 
The leuku and kukri really are different classes of tools entirely. It's like asking "should I get a puukko or an axe?"
In general, a kukri will far outchop a leuku, and a leuku will be a much better slicer than a kukri. Your descision should be based on what you really intend to do with it. If what you want to do is something that would normally be done with a hatchet or axe, the kukri is the one you want. If it's something that a large knife would normally do, then the leuku is a good choice.

The aforementioned Kumar Karda is a good middle ground. I think mine is considerably larger than ilbruche shows (mine has an 11" blade). I was surprised how well it chops and I have mine shaving sharp, so it's a great slicer as well.
 
I have carried one of the bush knives I make for over a decade now. at 786 grams (1 lb 11 oz) including case, it's relatively massive. I have chopped firewood, cut pulpwood sized trees and hacked bush with it for hours at a time. I can't imagine how I ever went into the wood without it before - how did I ever get along? I must admit I don't hike long distances (canoeing is more my game), but I never minded the weight.

It's a different design, though, straight blade with a branch cutter on the back, never worked with a Leuku or Khukuri, but I suspect I'd like the Khukuri better, forget the weight, you get used to it>
In case anybody's curious what my knife looks like, check http://mywebpage.netscape.com/clurrie/Knives/KnifePictures/NouveauCoureurDesBoisPage.html
where I have a photo...

Clurrie
 
What is your planned primary use?

I think that the leuku is a "cutter" while the khukri is a "chopper". Both do their functions well but are not the same.
 
I don't think you can beat a good khukuri so long as it has a descent karda, they are such a versitile tool, this khukuri comes with a karda that has a 4" blade
Sherpaoutofscabbard.jpg

sherpathroughlimb.jpg

sherpabetweentrees.jpg
 
If you just want to chop wood and bash stuff, get a kuhkuri.

If you want a less specific use large knife, better suited for a variety of tasks, the leuku.

I like a kuhkuri or axe because my swiss army knife or Spyderco is enough to handle all my pure cutting needs. I never really cut through heavy vegetation or butcher large game, so large, thin blades don't do much for me. I usually do one of tree things with my edged tools. Break up wood for fire or shelter, food prep, tinder prep. The first is best suited to some sort of chopper, the latter two smaller knives.
 
Gah... This is going to be another one of those "get both" things, I'm afraid of. Thanks for all your input so far. I'm looking for a decent chopper that at the same time is versatile. I know a leuku is just that, but it's kinda boring as "everyone" has one. Then again there probably is a very good reason for this.

I carry either a SAK or Spyderco folder with me in most cases (or both), and personally prefer a folding saw to an axe. It's not like I can't get by with what I have, but I guess I'm always looking for that ONE knife that can handle any anything and has perfect ergos. I also like trying designs that are unknown to me, hence my affection for the khukuri.

Yoshi: Where did you get that khuk with the 4" karda?

I'm also looking at the various "tracker" knives - They might be a decent compromise, but we'll see... And BRKT is coming out with a larger version of the Bravo-1 soon, that might also do the trick. I'm very happy with the performance and ergonomics of my Northstar.

Ahhhhhh... This is going to be an expensive year, I think :(
 
Comparing a khukuri with a leuku is like comparing a pickup truck with a FREIGHTLINER. A well made and well sharpened khukuri is one mean chopping machine!
I have leuku's and I have quite a few khukuris from Himalayan Imports. The leuku's that I have are very sharp with 8.5" inch blades but the various khukuri models are in a totally different class concerning their chopping ability.
I suggest you read this post:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showpost.php?p=5108182&postcount=15
and then read read this post. I believe you will find them useful.
 
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