Looking for a good kukri

Hate to admit this but I may or may not have gotten scammed by some Pakistani dipwad selling "Damascus" steel kukri supposedly made by Louis Martin.
 
Yeah it happens. I thought khukris were garbage for nearly 10 years based on my run in with tourist flea market junk.

That all changed when I found HI about 18 years ago. My very biased opinion, you really can't do better, especially if you're stateside.

Whatcha looking for in a khuk? I'm sure someone on these boards can help point you in the right direction.
 
I dont need anything real fancy technically, I just want something with fairly good edge retention and decent hardness. Kinda one and the same I guess...
 
HI - great product, great service, honest and dedicated. The makers give it their best and Auntie, aka, Yangdu, here in the states makes certain of it.

Ray
 
I have a few Himalayan Imports kukris, and I am happy with them. You can buy direct from their website, or you can check out their subforum--it's listed under the Manufacturer's Forum heading on the main page. Yangdu will regularly offer specials on recently-arrived kukris and other blades made by the Kamis. If you are patient, every couple of weeks there is a post of "blems and bargains" for knives got a ding or spot of rust in transit or she won't sell at regular price for cosmetic reasons. It's a great way to dip your toe, but you have to email Yangdu directly, you can't claim in thread. The directions are in a sticky at the top of the forum. Good luck!
 
Welcome to the forums!

It would help if you gave a price range for your kukri.

Cold Steel has some under $30 I know.
 
Hey thanks B BitingSarcasm I'll have to check that out.

Ya probably below $60 if possible but I'd be willing to pay a little more to get a good one...

Also, I like the authentic ones but I'm not dead set on that.
 
equila02 said:
Hey thanks B BitingSarcasm I'll have to check that out.

Ya probably below $60 if possible but I'd be willing to pay a little more to get a good one...

Also, I like the authentic ones but I'm not dead set on that.
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Keep an eye out for a Villager Utility Knife (VUK), they tend to run in the $45-60 range when available. The cheaper Cold Steel kukris are machetes, and they don't act or hit quite like a knife-built kukri. Knifecenter is running a special on this https://www.knifecenter.com/item/CS...-sk-5-blade-aluminum-handles-secure-ex-sheath right now, and this would be a better choice than the machetes. That silly D guard is a aluminum and you could take it off in a heartbeat with an angle grinder. Even a dremel, hacksaw, or a good file would take care of it, and there would be no waiting like for HI. Their work is worth it though.
 
kvaughn said:
HI VUK!--KV
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I wholeheartedly recomend this.
My suggestion would be to email Ms. Yangdu Martino at HI and enquire about an KLVUK. himimp@aol.com

It should be just a bit north of your price, but it's the real deal. Honestly, I have a literal trunk full of khuks. However, if I were to be dropped in the wilds the KLVUK would be the khuk I would choose to nb carry. Thin, light, easy to maintain.
 
Sounds good... I was looking on her last thread on their sub-forum and there was a 15" VUK that didnt say sold but I will definitely give it some thought!
 
When in doubt, email Yangdu at the address I posted. Many times she has more than one of something. She is also happy to pick through her stock to find you something that fits your needs.

Honest to goodness truth, I modeled my own business' customer service on how she and her late husband Uncle Bill do things. Top notch. Shoot her an email:)
 
If you are a fan of Dan Tope, he is dropping some midtech kukris in 3v at DLT Trading on the 14th. Expensive (I think they are around $400)... but he makes quality stuff. I know a lot of the options mentioned above were a lot more affordable, so might not be what you are looking for, but thought it couldn't hurt to throw out there :thumbsup:

Good luck on your search!
 
equila02 said:
Ya for now I think I'll stick with one of the cheaper options. I have a feeling that this is not going to be the last khuk I buy... lol
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It's really great to hear you haven't let a negative experience with a pakistani maker ruin your whole relationship with khukuris.
At under $60 you're going to limit the amount of nepalese knives available, but there's been some great suggestions made in that ballpark and saving another $20 or so would be a great move in the long run.
If you're looking for something a bit faster in hand and with a different look to the KLVUK, we do a few nice smaller knives like this 7" mini here.
Shipping from Nepal is a bit of a killer, but being able to choose your materials and finish and have forging progress photos sent out is pretty cool.

IMG_20181207_170909_546-500x375.jpeg
 
TFW makes a Kukri, and several other traditional designs that look interesting. I've never seen one IRL and I don't see them discussed here very often. Does anyone have experience with them?

EDIT: I missed the intended price range!
 
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