looking for a HI Ang Khola

A

andrew7978

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Mar 19, 2007
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I have done my research and would like to get my dad an Ang Khola. Now I just need to determine the size. Which model do you think would work best as a chopper to replace an axe. I feel the largest sizes may be too heavy, but I want something that will impress him with its chopping ability. Lately, I have seen the 9 inch model advertised a lot, but not ure if this is big enough. Sorry if this is a noob question.
 
The nine-incher is definitely not what you're lookin for. The lengths refer to the overall length, not blade length. I've never held an AK, but I would imagine the 18 inch is what you're lookin for.
 
Those in the 'know' recommend looking at the weight of the Khukuri as much as at the overall length.

Many would suggest looking at whatever model pleases your eye at around 28ounces weight.
 
I LOVE the 15in AK.

Others prefer 16in-18in.


15in AK, 12in AK villager, Sarge, and Greg Sikes karda.
workcrew.jpg
 
Welcome to the H.I. Forums!
Any AK 15 inch or larger would be what your looking for.
Any smaller and you lose chopping power,but they'll still chop.
Any larger than 18 inches and theyre a helluva lot to carry around,but chop like crazy.

Rule of thumb: If youre hiking with it or Swinging it alot to chop, keep it 15-20 inches.
If youre gonna be close to home with your work,you can go larger, but it still takes more effort to wield it.
 
I echo others that have said 15" to 18" makes a good chopper. Though I don't exactly feel the same way about the bigger Blades. I used to have an Ang Khola Named Godzilla, He weighed in at 5 pounds, was 25" Long and had a 3/4" Thick spine. Sure it was hard to swing a lot but if the branch was 4" or less you only needed one swing. I bet it could have handled a 5" branch with one chop. No way you would carry a 5 pound blade on your belt but if you could handle swinging it a little, it worked well. Again something that big only needs a chop or two so you actually got done faster with it and with fewer swings. At least thats how it was for me. Though I was 6'3" tall and weighed around 170 pounds, lived on a farm and slit and chopped wood for fun and for warmth.

Heber
 
Welcome Welcome:)

If you are looking to replace a standard hatchet, then the 15" AK is a great all around hiking blade.

If you are looking to replace a camp axe, then the 18" AK is a nice one to use. It's light enough to be lashed to any pack. However, it might be a little much for general hiking use where weight is an issue...just my opinion.

Anything 20+" is probably going to be overkill. Sure they chop like crazy:D However, of the several that I have in this length they are considered specialty blades that either ride in my truck or are packed for a specific job at a specific site.

Depending on what kind of cutting you are wanting to do, you might look into the 18" Ganga Ram Special. This is a big bellied blade that will really bite into green wood....once again, just based on my own personal mileage:)

The great thing about HI khuks is that you really can't go wrong with whatever you go with:thumbup:

Once again, welcome:)
 
andrew7978 said:
I have done my research and would like to get my dad an Ang Khola. Now I just need to determine the size. Which model do you think would work best as a chopper to replace an axe.
Click to expand...
None will replace a full-size axe.
I have to say that my 20" CAK, is really my favorite. Chops like crazy (as good as, if not better than my 18" hatchet), still slices well. If you are competing with even a large hatchet, IMO anything under 18" will disappoint. I picked the 20" specifically because I wanted to keep up with or outdo my 18" hatchet. An 18" would be just under that performance, the 20" is just over it.
 
Thanks for all the useful advice guys. I think my plan is going to be just looking at the deal of the day posts and get something in the 15-18 inch range.
 
Hi Andrew,
I do like the serious chopping power of my 18" Chirua,(full tang) Ang Khola, yet if I am woodsloafing any serious distance I usually bring my Chirua 17 1/4" WWII OR my 18" hidden tang WWII and find that they chop everything I throw at them and are considerably lighter than my CAK.

Have a fun time watching the DOTD and I'd suggest wearing gloves and check out the safety thread. I have had the blade travel along the wood I'm cutting differently than an ax or hatchet:)

Mark
 
You also might wanna consider this one also. I know you said you wanted a WWII but i just thought i'd point it out to ya.

It's from the christmas DOTD 12/1:

15 inch 25 ounce villager fit and finish baby Ganga Ram by Vim Bhadur Kami. Neem wood handle. Yours for $75.

One helluva chopper at a bargain. It's still there as i post this, 8th pic down from top.
It's a baby like it sez,compared to what they usually are. and the neem wood handles usually have a nice smell to them. Get what your eye and heart tell you to ,though.... That usually means that khukuri has picked you to be it's owner.
 
I'll second the recommendation on the safety thread. Make sure any glove doesn't interfere with your gripping power. I've stayed glove free after an eye opening experience with gloves and my 20" CAK. Thanks to the safety thread it wasn't a wound opening experience!
AL
 
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