Looking to get my first Kukuri. What should I get?

H

HoosierQ

Joined
Feb 9, 2010
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I really want to add a Kukuri to my collection. I will use it for more or less its intented purpose. I will not chop excessively with it, I have an axe. Currently, I am only considering HI given their reputation on this board.

I am looking for a pretty basic model...not really a "fancy" knife person. My favorite brand of knives right now is ESEE.

I am considering the following:

Ang Khola. 15" 16.5" or 18" model.

WWII Model. probably 16.5" model.

I assume the length is overall and not the blade.

So what do you guys recommend as an "entry level" kukuri for a guy who cares about knives but is new the the nepalese tradition?
 
Welcome HoosierQ !

Yes, H.I. khukuri are measured in overall length.
The ones you listed would be great entry level khukuri.
You are going to get alot of opinions for different models here, My best recommendation is to pick the one that calls to you the most. This will be the one you are most satisfied with.

Make sure you read the safety sticky at the top of the forum, and also the Link Library has many links with plenty of useful info contained within. My other suggestion is do plenty of reading before your purchase.
 
I am also liking the Chiruwa Ang Khola. That one really seems to call me do to the full tang.
 
Either of those will probably make you happy, but as Karda says, definitely pick one that you like the looks of, and browse through some of the DOTD threads, because they don't have everything they make up on the shop page.

My first Khuk was an 18" WWII model (and that's definitely the length for me). It's very popular and to be honest, it's a very handy blade, but I didn't like the tip profile, so I ended up going for a full tang Amar Singh Thapa, which still wasn't quite perfect because it's so thick and hefty. Then I got an Ultimate Fighter from Karda, and that's pretty much perfect, although with the sharpened back swedge, I'm not doing much batoning (not that I would anyways, but hey). It's been a process for me to find the perfect one for sure, and that's because I settled for one that wasn't my favorite for my first khuk (and then I got hooked, of course).

The WWII is a really great camp and general utility and survival knife, and if that's what you're looking for, and you like the looks of it, I definitely can vouch for the blade. But that would be true of any of the khuks they make. That dui chirra is still calling me though; love the double fuller look.
 
I would recommend a 15"-16.5" CAK, Bonecutter or WW2. All three make great choppers, especially the CAK and Bonecutter, and staying within this size range ensures a wieldy, neutral feel.
 
HoosierQ said:
I am also liking the Chiruwa Ang Khola. That one really seems to call me do to the full tang.
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The CAK is also a good entry level khukuri. It is our best selling model. But be aware that it is also the heaviest. The Chiruwa handle makes it less forward weighted than it's non chiruwa brethren and some report more hand shock than the non-chiruwa model. Others say they feel no hand shock.
 
cfoster2003 said:
Is the Chiiruwa the only one that is full tang?
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Chiruwa means full tang.
No, there are plenty of other models with this feature.
Bonecutter, Ganga Ram, Amar Singh Thapa, Farm Knife, Farmcata....etc....heck, even some of the swords are full exposed tang.
 
HoosierQ:

First off, welcome to HI land.

Second, Karda is right, if one is calling to you over the others, get that one.

Pretty much any of the kukri HI makes will do a lot of work. Keep in mind that most knife makers view a 1/4" thick blade as huge, with HI, it's hard to find one that small. Even my "light use" sirupate and tamang have 3/8" spines.

If the CAK really calls to you, the basic 16.5" would be an excellent choice -- big enough to do some serious work, light enough for just about anyone to carry around. 18" would be better if you are a big guy. I personally find the CAK to work best for me, I prefer the balance of the Chiruwa handle, and the profile of the CAK's blade -- both pointy and beefy. BTW there's a 16" one for sale right now on the main page "Camping Special". Also, if you don't need a shiny one, sometimes you can get a deal on a "villager" model, where the metal and wood aren't polished.

Kukri are a very personal thing, and something I love may be horrible for the next person, which is why you need to go with your gut and get the one that calls to you.
 
My first was an 18.5"/28oz WWII. It is still my go to blade. But it sees the most use car camping and in the yard. If I had to pack it in the field I would go for something in the 15" or 16.5" range. Either the AK or WWII will serve you well. I wouldn't stress over the strength of the hidden tang. They're plenty tough. Get the one that calls out to you. Either will be fine. Oh, and welcome.

Frank
 
I would recommend a 17" to 18" Chiruwah Ang Khola for a perfect starter khuk. Built like a tank with a full lifetime replacement warranty it is even usable as a prybar. I like them so much I own 2 in that size.
 
Well this response is great. I am a knife guy but knew to Kukuris. Obviously I've been missing out. I am kinda of a "every man needs at least one <insert something here>". I am seeking that goal now. Other items in this list, revolver, .45, SAK, .22 rifle, centerfile rifle, many things.

I was thinking "big knife" was on this list. Now I am thinking that Kukuri should be it's own line item on that list. Just seems like the kind of thing that would be handy in just about any situation outdoors.
 
HoosierQ said:
Well this response is great. I am a knife guy but knew to Kukuris. Obviously I've been missing out. I am kinda of a "every man needs at least one <insert something here>". I am seeking that goal now. Other items in this list, revolver, .45, SAK, .22 rifle, centerfile rifle, many things.

I was thinking "big knife" was on this list. Now I am thinking that Kukuri should be it's own line item on that list. Just seems like the kind of thing that would be handy in just about any situation outdoors.
Click to expand...

A stern warning, if you are thinking about "just one" then forget buying an HI Khuk. Many a brave soul started with the same idea. Now we are looking for places to store and display our ever growing HI collections. The feeling when you open the triangle box and hold a real hammer forged, full tang HI Khuk is almost indescribable, sheer joy and amazement. good luck with the "just one". hahaha

I thought the same thing when I bought my first M1 Garand and my first Colt 1911, just need one of these.... lol
 
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I have been fair warned sir. This is where I say "I'm not afraid"...and you say..."you will be".
 
You will be........

If any of you need to make room for more stuff, you can forward any khukuri or firearms to my address and i will happily "hold" the hell out of them for you. :D ;) :thumbup:
 
A 16.5" WWII was one of my first two kukuris. It's still my favorite kuk, my favorite fighting knife, and one of my favorite knives in general. The 15" AK is very well balanced, and useful. If it fits your hand, it may be perfect for you. If you could find a 14-16" BDC, that would also be a great starting kuk. (And if you didn't want it, I would buy it from you!) In general, should you choose a lighter-bladed kuk like a sirupati or Chitlangi, you'll have to go a little longer for the same chopping power. A 19" Chitlangi worked well for me from light brush up to small trees.

John
 
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