Modern (CS) or traditional (HI) Khukuri?

After some consideration I think I'm going with the CS. Mainly because of weight, If I could find a HI with the the same weight and better chopping power I would go with that. Are there any?

P.S. the reason weight is important is because I'm going to to be packing this and I don't really want to be carrying 1.75lbs on my back for miles. The 22oz of the CS is more manageable, But so would anything <1.5lbs.
 
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I don't think you'll regret the CS purchase. I wouldn't be without mine. Finding an HI or a Tora with the same weight and length wouldn't be hard at all. The catch is to watch the specs of the exact khukuri you will buy very closely. The weight and dimensions of Nepali made khukuri can vary widely, even in the same model and length. They're hand made and by different kami. But, even if the weight and length are the same it doesn't mean it'll handle and work the same as the CS Gurkha. You have to look at the spine, taper (or lack of), belly shape and depth, bevel, handle size and shape, balance, etc. "Chopping power" is on you and very dependent on technique. They'll all chop, but some khukuri are designed for chopping and some aren't, same with machetes. A blade heavy beastie (with the right edge geometry) will chop very well. But if light/medium duty chores are your need, then a hand axe may not be what you're looking for. I personally don't worry about getting the maximum power/penetration from each chop. I'd rather put less stress on my arms and shoulders, and 100% avoid the khuk tasing any of my body parts:D I would read up on khukuri use and see what technique people use. The HI forum safety sticky should be the first stop. Little things like a wrist flick can do great things to the blade's effectivenes. If you slip that flick into the chop on a sapling and aren't prepared, bad things can happen. I've been surprised a few times when the khuk suddenly became a light saber and was glad I wasn't in its way!

Get the CS Gurkha and play with it. A used one if you can. It'll do everything you want and be a breeze to carry with that great sheath. If you find khukuri to be something you like, then give the traditional version a try. You'll have a better idea at that point what features you'd like to stick with or change, and what you need it to do. Good luck and let us know how it goes.
 
I really hate to bounce back between things but now I have accidentally and finally decided on the HI 16.5 WWII. The reason being I was e-mailing one of the HI employees (and found out by my self how great there customer service really is) and ACCIDENTALLY asked them to set me aside a bone handle 16.5 WWII. Well looks like the search is over.
 
Hey congrats DandyLion. It was probably Yangdu you dealt with, she is just wonderful. Now you can see what all the fuss is about! You should get the CS, too, and compare for yourself.
 
philllll said:
Hey congrats DandyLion. It was probably Yangdu you dealt with, she is just wonderful. Now you can see what all the fuss is about! You should get the CS, too, and compare for yourself.
Click to expand...

Now that I think about I think it was Yangdu who I was conversing with. I might buy a CS in the future but as my financial situation goes it being the holiday season and all that may be impractical for the next few months.
 
That's a fine choice. That model was my first Nepali khuk and I think it's the best model HI sells. Even Uncle Bill said it was the best all-arounder. Mine is about 26 oz. IIRC, which is a bit heavier than I now prefer, but it works very well. I think you'll enjoy it and it should handle any chores you have. Please do a review after you give it a workout.

This is a pic of My WWII after some yard work. I'll add that those palm fronds are tough customers, especially the dead, brown ones! They're dangerous too. Even though I don't like using gloves with this khuk, I don't have a choice when cleaning up this palm tree. Take care.
WWIIPalmTree006.jpg
 
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