machete/kurkri

[eyeeatingfish]

I was thinking about getting a more serious machete/kukri.
Cold steel seems to have two types, a cheap thin bladed and a thincker heavy duty one.
Right now i have a conventional shaped machete from the hardware store for 20 bucks, thiner blade, does ok when its sharp.
Im thinking something a little bit better. Something i could take on hikes to keep trails clear, take down small trees and make shelters in a survival situation, something that is resistant to moisture.
Im not sure if the thin bladed ones are better or the thicker bladed ones are better. Also not sure if the kukri curved blade really makes a difference over a conventional mechete style edge.
I got a tomahawk which serves a little bit different purpose i guess? Maybe i dont need a kukri/machete?

Anyone recomend a brand or style? Soemthing not much more than a hundred, also anyone with answers on the benefits of a thiner or thicker blade and edge style?
Thanks

 

[Cutshaw]

If you're serious about a khukri, go spend some time on the Himalayan Imports forum on this site. There is a world of information!

Most reviews say the CS Khuk is more of a khuk-shaped machete and not a khuk in the traditional sense. What do I know, though! I'm still in the shopping phase for a khukri.

Go check out the forum though... :thumbup:

Best of luck!

 

[Preacher Man]

CS Kukri machetes are good for the money, and yes, the shape does improve the machete's penetration and cutting power. The difference between CS's thin bladed kukri (machete) and the thick bladed ones (Ghurka Kukri and LTC Kukri) is not only the thickness of the blade, but the steel used. The machete uses 1055 steel, while the kukris use Carbon V. Carbon V is much more stronger, tougher, and holds an edge much better than 1055. This is one of the reasons for the difference in price.

The thinner blade makes for less resistance and easier cuts. The reduce resistance allows it to cut grass and thin bush easily without crushing it. it also allows it to easily double as a thin knife.

The thicker blade makes the kukri stronger and resistant to greater lateral stress. This means that the blade can performe tasks ussually associated with a hatchet. The thicker blade also gives the kukri greater weight, which makes for greater momentum and translates into deeper, more penetrating chops.

From your comments it seams that you are looking for something stronger than a CS kukri machete, but still would like it to easily clear trails.

If you really want a machete, consider the Ka-Bar Kukri machete. It is thicker, stronger, and made of better steel (1085) than CS's version (1055). it is more like a real Kukri, but still thin enough to be efective as a machete.

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=113362

But if you would like to go for the real thing, then Paddling man is right on the money. Cold Steel's Kukris are good, but the concensus is that nothing beats a Himalayan Imports Kukri.

My 2 cents.

 

[eyeeatingfish]

what about a tops? Got one called the armageddon

 

[mete]

Kukris are very efficient cutting tools and the shape of the blade does make a difference. There are many jungle knives in the world and choice would depend on what you want to cut .Even within one design the heavier the blade the bigger the things you can cut. I have a 24 oz kukri which can cut very substantial things .I also have a agrussell kukri which is 18 oz .That one is nice , the handle in my opinion is much better shaped and it's stainless steel.

 

[CUTS LIKE A KRIS]

If you are carrying a tomohawk to use as a chopper then the thinner machete/kukri is what I would choose for slicing cuts- grass, reeds, thin branches and so on. If you were only to carry one large blade then I would go with the more expensive Kukri. My brother and I each carry a Kukri for bush duties- mine is a Nepalese with finger grooved bone handles and his is a Cold Steel LTC- we love to abuse them in the most appropriate manner!

 

[Cliff Stamp]

Im not sure if the thin bladed ones are better or the thicker bladed ones are better.

The thin bladed ones are more for brush and the thicker ones for wood. The thicker blade gives more power on the swing and keeps the blade from binding in the woods.

Also not sure if the kukri curved blade really makes a difference over a conventional mechete style edge.

It makes a large difference, but how you use the blade comes into play as well, there are a lot of people who prefer blades of both types and there are many blade curvatures, some inbetween a khukuri and a machete like upswept goloks.

I got a tomahawk which serves a little bit different purpose i guess? Maybe i dont need a kukri/machete?

Tomahawks in general as a type of axe, work well on thick woods, meaning several inches thick and above, the long blades like machetes and khukuris are much more efficient at clearing brush.

-Cliff

 

[eyeeatingfish]

You know that kabar seems like a good choice as of now.
I cheked out the himalayan but $150 for a kukri... im sure they are good but eh. Any other brands below $100?

 

[Hondo.3]

Himalayan Imports sells their 18" Kobra, 15" Sirupati, 12" Ang Khola, Pen Knife and their British Service Model for $100. They also sell "villagers" at very reasonable prices. Watch the forum for the "deal of the day". They've got lots of steel in your price range. I don't know where you can get more for less.

 

[eyeeatingfish]

Hmm ill definately check that out!

 

[Rat Finkenstein]

With HI, you definitely get what you paid for.:thumbup:

 

[SilverFoxKnows]

not scientific by any stretch of the imagination, but these are my layman impressions of some long blades.

1. Tramontina bolo machete, 14" blade. Paid $6 for it. Thin stock, about 1/16". Weight? about 14oz? Wood handle riveted to a not-quite-full tang, decent fit and finish where the wood meets steel. Didn't have the most even grind in the world but, hey, it was $6. Easy enough to fix. The steel will take a sharp edge, got a scar on my knuckle for proof. The edge will roll and chip if you hit a chunk of cement on a brisk swing. Would still be a good value at $12.

2. Martindale, forget the model number, kinda looks like a panga/bolo mix, 18" blade. Paid $25 for it. Thicker stock, close to 1/8" at the base tapering to 1/16" at the tip. Heavier than the Tram, maybe 18oz? Again, didn't come with the best grind, wood to metal fit on par with the Tram. Feels like it would take more of a beating than the Tram but I've never really beat on it. I don't know if it's four time the knife the Tram is.

3. Reflections of Asia batangas bolo, 15" blade, paid $20. Thicker stock, 1/8" tapering toward the pointy tip. Some hammer marks from forging, handle a little crude but comfy. Villager, or user, grade. Pretty good convex grind. Feels lively in the hand, maybe 16(?)oz. Hands down, the fav of my machete class blades. Had I paid $40 for it I still would have been happy with it. But $20 for a hand forged blade, awesome.

4. HI khukuri, 15" AK (10" blade, 3/8" thick), about 20oz. I traded a big sirupati for it. Too short for machete work. Good for hatchet work, great camp knife. Very tough. I'm rather fond of it.

5. HI khuk, 18" WWII (12" blade, 1/2" thick), pushing 30oz. Paid $95 because it was a blem, great deal. This thing is a beast. Very tough but will still take a keen edge. Too heavy for machete work but to outchop it I think you'd have to have a good axe (not a hardware store axe).

If I could have only two long blades it would be the big HI and the batangas bolo. Hope that helps.

Frank

 

[eyeeatingfish]

Anyone had any experience with the kershaw outcast?

 

[inspira]

A khuk might be too bulky to carry :3 And you might want more cutting power
So a Parang is also a good compromise. (and golok, like cliff mentioned) =)

Would you always go walking with a big fixed blade though? I would bring instead a folding saw and perhaps a decent folder to build shelter. Anyway, ymmv. Hope you find what you need =)

Stay sharp,

Ins.