I've used Himalayan Imports, Tora, Cold Steel, and Ontario. They all have their benefits. If I could only have one, it would be my China doll CS Gurkha in SK5. It works on everything from weeds to mesquite logs. It handles like a dream and is tough as nails. It's not cheap, but a lightly used Carbon V version sold on the 'bay recently for $62 + shipping. It was a steal and I've seen them on the exchange here used for $100. My old CS LTC (1/8") works like a dream on most vegetation as well, but is long discontinued. The Ontario khukuri is kind of a budget version of the CS Gurkha IMHO. The handle is not as nice, but the steel is good. Mine came razor sharp and held it's edge well. It can be had for $50 on the Big River site. I like it a lot. It's got a nice, traditional shape and feel. The khukuri machetes can work very well, though my experience is limited to the CS LTC.
The traditional khuks are nice and there's a lot of variety. Just be careful and tailor your choice to your use. I see people sometimes suggesting thick and heavy khukuri for general use, but I believe anything above the low to mid-20 oz. range begins to lose versatility and become a dedicated wood chopper/small axe substitute. I prefer something around 22 oz. I have a Tora Battalion Issue which is 17" OAL and weighs 19 oz. It will handle everything I need it to very nicely. My HI khuks were on the heavy side and I sold all but one. It's nice at 25 oz. and HI puts out some lighter models these days. If you want traditional, I suggest an HI deal of the day and watch the weight very closely. What I noticed when researching khukuri is people recommending companies or models, but it's not obvious if they've really used them. A lot of traditional khuks are bought, fondled, and hung on a wall. Some may take a few chops at a log and decide it's the best blade ever made. So, be careful in your research. Also, if you ever decide to buy a traditional khuk, test it thoroughly. I've received my share of lemons as nothing about their manufacture is scientific. It's all art and kamis make mistakes, even the good kamis. You can count on HI taking care of any issue. Tora may... My favorite traditional is my Tora World War Battalion/Regimental Issue model (as described above). It chops seasoned mesquite (which is nasty hard) without issue, but also handles light vegetation. It handles like a dream.
The choice of traditional vs. modern is yours to make. I like both. In my experience, the CS Gurkha compares quite well with the best traditional khuks I've tried and beats most hands down for my use. If your only desire is to chop logs, the heavy and thick traditional models can work well. For general use the lighter and thinner traditionals and the CS Gurkha are very hard to beat. My Tora Battalion is the closest traditional I've found, but I trust the CS more. The steel and heat treat are superb. I also prefer a hardened tip, for light vegetation, and most traditionals have softer tips by design. That's fine, but not ideal for me. Plus, the CS Gurkha comes with one of the best factory sheaths I've seen. If being dropped into the unknown, that's the blade I'm taking.
If money is tight, you have two options either direction. If you want modern, go with the OKC Spec Plus. It has great handling and solid 1095 steel. The handle is not perfect, but it works. It could be sanded a little and improved, but I haven't tried. For $50, it'll let you try khuks and likely give a lifetime of service. This one, as well as the CS Gurkha, have thick, full-length tangs. If traditional is what you want, watch the HI forum for the Deal of the Day. Look for something around 16-17" and less than 25 oz. Maybe snag a blemished model and you could pay less than $100 shipped. If you can, get both. Don't get hung up on full-sized tangs. The full-length tangs on modern and traditional khuks are plenty strong for any use. I've learned this over time. Good luck.
