Looking for a solid Kukri

M

MDspaniard

Joined
Nov 3, 2013
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Hi everyone I am new to the site, but I have been looking into purchasing a kukri for several weeks now.

I am starting to do more camping, hiking, and general outdoor work than I used to and was looking into a fixed blade knife initially, but started realizing that I may need a little more. I have been reading quite a bit about them and it seems that they are very versatile and proficient large knives (if you can technically call them knives).

I currently only own a SOG Trident for a folder and small jobs utility knife. I am looking for something that can fill the gap in work from where my Trident is no longer efficient.The Kukri I am looking for needs to primarily be strong and reliable. I need it to be good at chopping smaller trees(much like a hatchet); for small shelter construction and possible defense should the need arise in the wild. I am however not looking for a combat kukri. I have read some about variations in design and shape, but since I am still new and honestly a bit overwhelmed at the options and choices available.

I am unsure as to the size that I need since I would like to be able to put it on my backpack on my excursions. I live in the North East and there is not a whole lot of brush type foliage that I need to get out of the way ( I can get a machete for that).

Im 5'11'' and about 156 ish lbs. Athletic so fairly strong (no lumberjack though)

Any guidance and thoughts to help point me in the right direction would be greatly appreciated.
 
Sounds like you're looking for a chopper-oriented khuk. I would suggest an Ang Khola, Chiruwa Ang Khola, or Ganga Ram, 15-18" range (this is the overall length, not blade length).
 
15" Ang Khola or KLVUK sounds right down your alley! Strong light enough to pack versatile and no problem taking down a coyote! KLVUK is what is refered to as villager finish which means the knife was built tough like all the other knives HI makes but has not been polished and refined as some of the others. "Raw" you might say but wont cost as much as the finely finished ones. Ang Khola is a beautiful knife and ready for heavy use. Comes with Karda (small utility knife) and Chakmac (burnishing tool to touch up edge in field). Check them out on their website. KVLUK does not come with extra tools or scabbard but scabbard is available for $20 extra i believe.
 
2nd on what ndoghouse said.
I was more focussed on "shelter construction" but if you need to carry it then 15" Ang Khola or Chiruwa (full tang) Ang Khola are best. The 18" Amar Singh Thapar would be overkill. The KLVUK is lighter which means its easier to carry but not as good when you are attacking serious logs. I also like the raw look of it so much that if I ever get a custom knife made I will request the same raw look.
 
So the villager version is just a less finished version of their respective models?
Is there a difference in rust resistance with the raw vs. polished finish?
Also which type of handle would be more durable? (also how maintenance intensive)
 
wood handles are more durable, or perhaps I should say, less likely to have issues with moisture and/or crack.

Angh khola or KLVUK is more vote for you too.
 
MDspaniard said:
So the villager version is just a less finished version of their respective models?
Is there a difference in rust resistance with the raw vs. polished finish?
Also which type of handle would be more durable? (also how maintenance intensive)
Click to expand...

Villager less refined-yes. I don't really think there is much difference in rust resistance, arguments go both ways, some say a polished finish is less susceptible to rust, others say a villager finish holds oil better. I don't consider any of them maintenance intensive, use them, wipe them down, clean as necessary, throw a little oil on it and move on. I'd be more concerned with non users stuck under the bed or someplace where moisture can get to them and go unnoticed.

Horn versus wood handles is an ongoing discussion too. I prefer wood but many argue that horn is just as sturdy and worthy. Horn certainly looks nice, especially when it's carved which also improves the grip in my personal opinion. We seem to see nearly as many wood handles with small cracks etc as we do horn so I'm thinking that might be listed under personal preference.
 
MDspaniard said:
So the villager version is just a less finished version of their respective models?
Is there a difference in rust resistance with the raw vs. polished finish?
Also which type of handle would be more durable? (also how maintenance intensive)
Click to expand...

The "villagers" are not less finished. The blades have a satin finish rather than polished. The prices are about the same.

Some people prefer the look of satin. Also a highly polished blade tends to lose its looks after use and is more work to repolish, compared with a satin finish.

People differ on the question of rust resistance. Some say that a polished blade is better at shedding moisture, thus will rust less. Others say that a satin finish is better at retaining mineral oil or whatever protective coat you use, thus will rust less. If there is a consensus it is that you should keep either type of blade well-oiled, because both will rust. 5160 high carbon steel can tarnish and eventually rust even from moisture in the air if you don't keep it oiled.

The KLVUK model mentioned above (which I agree would be an excellent choice for camping) is not what HI calls "villager." You could call it a "true villager" because it is closer to what a Nepali farmer is likely to use. They are less expensive than other models because less time goes into the finish. The forging scales are left on, giving the blade a rough, black look that many find quite appealing for a knife that is intended for hard use. You don't have to worry about ruining the finish, since there is none. Yet they are solid, quite comfortable and well-balanced.

As for handle materials, wood and horn are both durable, but if you're more familiar with how to maintain wood that might dictate your choice. Either material can develop cracks if they are shipped from a damp climate to a dry climate. The good news is that most handle cracks are easy to fix with epoxy (for larger cracks) or superglue (for hairline cracks).
 
Looks like Bawanna and I cross-posted, hence the duplication. I added my plug for the KLVUK, so my post wasn't a total waste.
 
Horn vs Wood
I like both so far but I'm wondering which one will fare better when getting wet like during an extended hike in the rain where I can't just let it dry. I could just keep it in a plastic film or backpack but the less to worry about the better.
What's best in moist weather?
Thank you.
 
Does anyone have any photo's of the 15'' Ang Kola or KLVUK in the satin (unpolished) version so I can see what some of the differences in shape and look may be. I do not see pictures of them on the site unless I am not looking in the right place.
 
"Villager" term used rather loosely can be satin can be forging scales remaining but nonetheless is not mirror polished yes there is less time involved therefore lower cost. At least thats my speculation.
Villager Farm Knife below (with forging scales):
6-11-13002_zpsa2c3ddea.jpg

Villager Giant Chitlangi Bowie below (satin finish):
10-31-13004_zps38521f88.jpg

KLVUK below (also forging scales remaining) named after Kami Keshar Lal. Hence Keshar Lal Villager Utility Khukri.
10-17-13003_zpsb0bf5273.jpg.html

And of course: One completely finished and polished out 15" Ang Khola. This one is mine and I love it!
5c9e8a95070487a39effa84ab2713169


KLVUK usually goes for 65$ from the last several DOTD i Have seen. Ang Khola is listed on the HI website for 150$ for the 15" model which I think would fit your needs as you describe.
http://yhst-7333098713883.stores.yahoo.net/15inchangkhola.html
Basically if your not sure that the Khukri is your kind of blade you may want to go with the KLVUK. If you want to see what the Kamis have to offer in one knife and dont mind paying the extra price then I would recommend the Ang Khola. As far as wood vs horn I like both. Just my personal lack of preference.
 
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I am pretty sure I will end up going with a KLVUK. How do I go about ordering this one? Do I have to specify specs and what sheath if any?
 
Just send an email to Aunty himimp@aol.com She might even have one in stock and can send it to you right away from Nevada. If there isn't any then there will be a bit of wait for it to arrive from Nepal.
There aren't really any customizations/options with the KVLUK. They all are pretty much the same. The sheath is standard too and a bit bigger than the kvluk this is good in case you want to use the scabbard later for another bigger Kukri.
 
Jens Schuetz said:
Just send an email to Aunty himimp@aol.com She might even have one in stock and can send it to you right away from Nevada. If there isn't any then there will be a bit of wait for it to arrive from Nepal.
There aren't really any customizations/options with the KVLUK. They all are pretty much the same. The sheath is standard too and a bit bigger than the kvluk this is good in case you want to use the scabbard later for another bigger Kukri.
Click to expand...

Thank you, I might end up getting a nice polished one also down the road as they are gorgeous.
 
MDspaniard said:
I am pretty sure I will end up going with a KLVUK. How do I go about ordering this one? Do I have to specify specs and what sheath if any?
Click to expand...
----Good choice! Get one of the $20 sheaths and plan on really soaking that wood grip with some type of oil before sealing with tung oil. I used an orange oil/beeswax furniture polish that worked well.-Enjoy!--KV
 
Just want to emphasize that the KLVUK does not come with a sheath. Order one of the Kami relief fund sheaths which are really nice for 20 bucks and you'll get a nice sheath and help them out some too.
Auntie will know just what to send you. Easy peasy. Should be some coming up on the Deal of the Day I would think, they come along once in awhile and it's been a while so might get lucky.
 
I sent auntie an email. I forgot to mention where do you guys usually purchase these oils (for handle and blade)?
 
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