looking to get a medium heavy kukri for using in NC. prefer villager models

U

uluapark

Joined
Aug 10, 2013
Messages
482
any recommendations on a medium heavy kukri for use in North Carolina?
I am partial to unpolished models, that have full tangs. Altho i have heard with the correct model a rat tail "shouldn't" be a issue.
this kukri will be used for batoning, not chopping.

does himalayan imports still make villager models? i went on there website and looked under villager, and it only showed previous models.

thanks for any info.
 
Yes they do as I have a couple myself. Id recommend the WWII model in either 16.5 or 18" total length. Id also think that the bullnose point on this model would be better for batoning.
 
Last edited:
PS dont worry about the tang, full chiruwa tangs are overrated. I prefer the balance and shock absorbing qualities of the standard full length tang.
 
My hands meat my bones and joints absorb wayyyyyy more energy than the tiny wiggle a rat tang can ever do. Therefore I don't mind full chiruwa tangs.
 
18" Ang Khola or even M43 sounds like it may fit the bill but they are polished. You could always scotch brite them down to villager status. I batoned a pile of firewood yesterday with my KLVUK. That went surprisingly well for the size. Wouldnt a 22" KLVUK be cool?
Dirtbiker said:
Yes they do as I have a couple myself. Id recommend the WWII model in either 16.5 or 18" total length. Id also think that the bullnose point on this model would be better for batoning.
Click to expand...
Theres a WWII up for grabs on 11/6 DOTD. Dont see that dreaded red tag on it yet?
 
Last edited:
YOU MEAN, your wife let you use her KLVUK to baton a bunch of firewood yesterday.
 
Dirtbiker said:
Yes they do as I have a couple myself. Id recommend the WWII model in either 16.5 or 18" total length. Id also think that the bullnose point on this model would be better for batoning.
Click to expand...

My thoughts exactly.
 
She was the one that wanted me to build a fire! I thanked her after the job was done and put it back down by her side as she gave me "the eye":thumbup:!
Bawanna said:
YOU MEAN, your wife let you use her KLVUK to baton a bunch of firewood yesterday.
Click to expand...
 
thank you for your insight. If you dont mind me asking,

how much did you pay for your villager model(s)?
 
uluapark said:
what is a KVLUK?
Click to expand...

In HI terminology, "villager" usually means a khukuri with a satin finish, pretty much the same price and overall quality as the polished blades. The KLVUK is a fairly new model (hence not available from the HI web site) that is closer to what Nepali farmers actually use. The forging scales are left on and cosmetic considerations are secondary. Since less labor goes into the cosmetics, these knives have been selling for around $65 each, here on the forum. Yangdu has posted quite a few of them in recent months, but you have to be quick to get one, since they go fast.

They are just as robust, functional and comfortable as their more expensive cousins, and you can certainly baton with one. You can find more info (and photos) about KLVUKs by entering "KLVUK" in the search field above. Be sure to spell it right or you'll only get links to other postings that misspelled the name.

If cost is less of an issue and you want something more upscale, I agree with those who recommend the WWII model in 16.5-18" length. It's a little lighter weight than the very heavy choppers, but has a thick spine, especially good for batoning.
 
I bought mine as a blem for $80 plus 15 shipping. It had a minor crack in the handle which I filled and it has gone nowhere.
 
Does the Bonecutter qualify as "medium heavy"? If so, I always recommend one. I know that i would be lost without mine.
16 inches and 36oz is medium right?
 
I'd put the bonecutter in the heavy heavy class. I don't have one but held a couple at Aunties and it is a beast. I'll have one someday for sure. It was definitely one of the ones that made me go whoa! when she handed it to me.
 
Bawanna said:
I'd put the bonecutter in the heavy heavy class. I don't have one but held a couple at Aunties and it is a beast. I'll have one someday for sure. It was definitely one of the ones that made me go whoa! when she handed it to me.
Click to expand...

I'm sure you're right but the cool factor makes it feel much lighter when you're swinging it.
 
protourist said:
Does the Bonecutter qualify as "medium heavy"? If so, I always recommend one. I know that i would be lost without mine. 16 inches and 36oz is medium right?
Click to expand...

The Bonecutter is one of the ten models that HI warrantees for "field use," and it's edge-beveled for heavy chopping.

Also, 36oz is pretty heavy for a knife. By comparison, one of the older 16.5" CAKs -- considered a heavy chopper -- typically weighed in around 32 oz, though some of the more recent CAKs have been a lot lighter weight.

One thing I've found is that a 16" 36 oz knife will feel a lot lighter than an 18" knife of the same weight and model, because the center of gravity is closer to your hand. Especially if it has a chiruwa-style handle like your Bonecutter, since that puts more of the weight in your hand.
 
uluapark said:
what is a KVLUK?
Click to expand...

Keshar Lal Villager Utility Khukuri. I paid $40 for my Blem. Wasnt much of a Blem tho. It had a tiny fold or indentation on the spine. They are very nicely balanced and good for fine work like whittling, carving, diggin up worms etc. and plenty strong enough to process firewood.

a13ca25b33b244e8c34b5dc8bd8277c6
 
protourist said:
I'm sure you're right but the cool factor makes it feel much lighter when you're swinging it.
Click to expand...

They are definitely top of the heap in the cool factor category. And actually neatly balanced for such a heavy beastly blade.

I'll have one some day. I want to be cool too, ya know?
 
All the previous posts are spot on, alot of knowledge here. If I was looking for a worker blade, I would be looking at the KLVUK, the length to weight ratio is perfect, the fit and finish begs it to be used, also look at the AK Bowie, very impressive blade that your not going to hurt. Imho I prefer lighter blades for working as I can swing them for longer periods of time. I once was using my 18" BC prolly 34 to 38 oz to work on some small trees and limbs all about 2 to 3 inches in diameter. The first few swings were really good, but after working a bit, the weight started to work on my arm pretty good compromising my swing form which could have injured me. Don't get me wrong I love all khuks but I find it harder to use my nice shiny ones to work with as I dont want to mess the finish up, its weird but that just me. I have been using my KLVUK for a while now and it does everything I need and batoning works just fine, your not going to hurt these blades. Whichever you pick it will be a winner.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top