Looking to buy my first khukuri

D

Dar

Joined
Jul 27, 2014
Messages
2
Hi guys! I've decided to go with HI to buy my first khukuri. I figured that it would save Bill and Yangdu time if I asked you guys for advice first. I was thinking of one of these two models.

1) 18" Chiruwa Ang Khola with wood handle
I love the fact that it's also prybar rated. The website says they are usually 16-17". Do you know if asking for an 18" would be the same price? If not, how much more might I expect to pay?

OR

2) M43 for a more balanced blade

Do you have any advice for which one would be better if I was only going to buy one khukuri? Also if I was going to only have one khukuri is 18" a good size or should I get a smaller/larger one?

Thanks guys!
 
first ask what they have in stock, there has been so much demand lately that not everything is ready to be shipped now-- otherwise an ang khola is always a good start, simple and effective.
 
Dar:

I can't speak to the price, but be aware that the weight of an HI blade usually rises rapidly with length. That's because the longer blades tend to also be wider and thicker, especially for models designed for heavy chopping. The kamis try to keep length, width and thickness in proportion. A 20" Ang Khola might be too heavy for most people, and the handle girth might be too much for someone with average sized hands.

In order to get useful advice, you should answer two questions:

1. How big, strong and fit are you? The heavier khukuris can be physically demanding. Also, a longer blade tends to have the center of gravity farther out, thus requiring a stronger hand and wrist.

2. What kind of use do you anticipate for your khukuri? If you're going to be carrying it on long hikes, or using it for extended chopping, weight becomes more of a factor. All other factors being equal, a heavier blade will chop better, but it might be harder to handle and more tiring.

As for Ang Khola versus M43:

Either model would be good for a first (or only) khukuri. The M43 model tends to run a little lighter in weight, and is perhaps a bit more of an all-around blade, but there is a good deal of variation from one blade to another, as these are hand made with traditional tools. Even a kami like Sher, who is known for very robust blades, will sometimes make a marvellously slim version. It's a combination of artistry and craftsmanship.

Only Yangdu knows what is actually available at any given time. I suggest you email her, making sure to answer the above two questions, and rest assured she will give you good advice.

By the way, Uncle Bill is no longer with us. He passed away in 2005, and since then all (or most) HI blades carry his initials engraved on the right side of the blade near the handle.
 
Thanks for the replies guys! I've emailed Yangdu about availability. Hopefully they have either in stock!

Thanks for the heads up about Uncle Bill. I wasn't sure exactly since they don't explicitly say that on the website (unless I missed it). He seems like he was a great guy.
 
I didn't get a chance to interact with Uncle either, my loss for sure. None better. Never heard a bad word spoken about him.
Wish I'd been here long before I was guided here.
 
Bawanna said:
I didn't get a chance to interact with Uncle either, my loss for sure. None better. Never heard a bad word spoken about him.
Wish I'd been here long before I was guided here.
Click to expand...

Well said Bawanna and same here. I was truly sad when I read about his passing on this forum when I was getting hooked on HI products.
 
He did leave a lot behind! I enjoy going back reading his threads and getting to know him in that way. Likewise brothers:thumbup: I wish I knew him then.
 
I'm in the camp that thinks the CAK is a much more balanced, versatile blade than the M43. The M43's forward weightedness due to its extreme curvature and narrow waist, IMO, makes it the more dedicated chopper of the two. The CAK, even though generally more stout in construction, feels more neutral and better balanced in the hand due to its less curvaceous profile.
 
don't have much experience with kukris as I just received mine on Thursday... 18" Deradune 35oz. I think its great so far. got it nice and sharp and it feels great in hand. got to test it out a bit but nothing extended beyone 10-20 minutes chopping. So no thoughts of fatigue. either way I don't think you can go wrong with HI. I'm already looking for a bilton as a companion.
 
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