- Joined
- Jun 9, 2003
- Messages
- 476
Thanks to fellow forum member Roadrunner, i had the opportunity to participate in a pass-around.
For those who have'nt heard, this is where a particular specimen goes on a world tour, and all involved get a chance to try her out.
This was actually my first experience with a khuk, and here are my thoughts...
About the sample:
This was a 16.5" 1.5 pound WWII by Kumar, with matching karda and chakma. Pic courtesy of Uncle Bill:
This kit was a "blem" because of some grainlines in the handle. This really did not detract from the knife in any way, as far as i'm concerned. I'd even say it added a bit of character. Uncle Bill sells these blems regularly in the H.I. forum (Cantina) but in order to catch one you must be quick. Everyone that has ever purchased a "blem" from Uncle Bill knows these are the best knife deals going.
Upon arrival:
When the WW2 arrived, i was pretty excited to open it up... but also very carefull. Having read over the Safety FAQ, i knew what to watch for. Once out of it's wrappings i realized this was not an ordinary knife. Hanging around the Cantina i had already known of the mystique around khukuris, yet i was still surprised to realize it first hand.
Also, a big thanks to fellow forumite TOB9595, who was so kind as to include a "La Gloria Cubana" ... which provided pure smoking pleasure, as i got to fondle and oogle the khuk. First time, on two counts! First time holding of the Khuk, and first time i've enjoyed a "real" cigar. Twas a very nice afternoon!
Overall impressions:
There is nothing much i could say that has not been said by all the other Khukaholics at the Cantina, probably better than i could say it as well, but i'll give it a shot.
Fit and finish are amazing, and it's almost hard to believe this piece is handmade from recycled steel... which is, if ya did'nt know, a Mercedes leaf spring! The Kamis (those who make these) are truly skilled in this art, there is no question about it. Even the smaller karda, designed for utility, was beautiful in it's simplicity and functionality. I found the chakma, used to steel the edge of the khuk, to seem very small yet work very well for it's intended use.
The sheath, made from wood and wrapped in leather, was also very nicely done. Again showing off excellent craftsmanship. I thought it's design was very interesting, in that there are two pockets behind the khuk intended for the two smaller knives.
I found the WW2 model a bit smaller than i expected. Personally i enjoy larger blades, especially considering this khuk as either a chopping tool, or as a weapon... However, the WW2's handle was a pretty perfect fit for me. This is without question, a one-handed chopper, and considering that, i'd say it's proportioned very well. Khuks come in several sizes and styles, so i suggest trying a few to find yourself the "perfect tool" for you. I don't believe you'll find a better value in any other style of knife that's worth collecting... especially if you consider the fact that these are handmade.
Actual use:
As if fate stepped in, a few days after recieving this pass-around, i recieved a call. My assistance was needed to clear out some trees and brush... and said growth was indeed abundant! Equipped with the trusty khukuri, i set out on the mission.
The khuk took a beating. It was also handed to a few others so they could give it a whirl. There were, of course, general safe use guidelines discussed before i passed the khuk over. As a result, nobody got hurt. Using a khuk is rather dangerous if you don't expect gravity. The spine of a khuk is quite heavy, and seeing as the blade has such an angle to it, on the downswing gravity will take over and the blade will head towards your shins. One must always be aware of this! I'd believe you'd not only slice yourself considerably, but if you were oblivious to what you're doing, you might cause a serious fracture.
Anyways, the khuk proved that nothing is much of a match for it, and it held it's edge admirably. We hauled out (so far) twelve large trailer-loads of bush/tree/vine/etc... and the WW2 model (since i had to send it on) was responsible for about half of that.
I had a sore hand from the chopping, but i believe that's just me getting used to it like anything else. The handle felt better than any machete i've ever used, being that you have a nice, tight, round grip. I really don't have any desire to own machetes any longer as the khuk wins, hands down, as a superior tool. We can also eliminate hatchets from the list.
Despite the "blem", i believe the beating i gave this khuk proves it's more than a first rate tool.
Conclusion:
I have nothing negative to say about this khuk, it would be very hard to say that regarding any other knife i own or have seen.
This khukuri is a work of art, a helluva workhorse, and a convincing weapon. All in all, i believe this model is a fine representation of Himalayan Imports and the quality you can expect. No way could you be let down.
Further reviews can be found in the pass-around thread, and here's Roadrunner's review which is a *must-read*... as well as his Himalayan Imports 18" Ang Khola Extreme Testing review! Yeah, that guy is nuts, but hey, he beats them so you don't have to.
In addition:
I have purchased a 20" Kobra, it's made by either Amtrack or Shanker, i'm just not sure. Here's a picture to illustrate the style of a Kobra: (pic from http://www.himalayan-imports.com)
I wanted a weapon-only kind of khuk. This model has a longer and thinner blade. It's lighter, and almost more of a sword. However, it still has that curve in the blade, making damn sure you remember it's a khuk!
A few thoughts on the Kobra:
Same great quality, which reaffirms my thoughts on Himalayan Imports. You cannot be disappointed! This one has a wooden handle, i think that for beauty i like horn handles, but for actual "using" i would prefer wooden. This Kobra is really a display piece for me, so i have'nt beaten down any trees yet, but i would personally prefer a thick and heavy khuk for actual work. The weight of a heavier khuk aids in chopping, whereas the words thick and heavy are not very good descriptors for a weapon.
Again, there are so many choices with H.I. Khukuris, all you need to do is try 2-3 variations, and you'll know whats perfect for you. Whether you're looking for a tool, or a weapon, or a nice balance of each... they've got it! One is not nearly enough anyhow.
See ya round the Cantina,
Gonzo~
For those who have'nt heard, this is where a particular specimen goes on a world tour, and all involved get a chance to try her out.
This was actually my first experience with a khuk, and here are my thoughts...
About the sample:
This was a 16.5" 1.5 pound WWII by Kumar, with matching karda and chakma. Pic courtesy of Uncle Bill:
This kit was a "blem" because of some grainlines in the handle. This really did not detract from the knife in any way, as far as i'm concerned. I'd even say it added a bit of character. Uncle Bill sells these blems regularly in the H.I. forum (Cantina) but in order to catch one you must be quick. Everyone that has ever purchased a "blem" from Uncle Bill knows these are the best knife deals going.
Upon arrival:
When the WW2 arrived, i was pretty excited to open it up... but also very carefull. Having read over the Safety FAQ, i knew what to watch for. Once out of it's wrappings i realized this was not an ordinary knife. Hanging around the Cantina i had already known of the mystique around khukuris, yet i was still surprised to realize it first hand.
Also, a big thanks to fellow forumite TOB9595, who was so kind as to include a "La Gloria Cubana" ... which provided pure smoking pleasure, as i got to fondle and oogle the khuk. First time, on two counts! First time holding of the Khuk, and first time i've enjoyed a "real" cigar. Twas a very nice afternoon!
Overall impressions:
There is nothing much i could say that has not been said by all the other Khukaholics at the Cantina, probably better than i could say it as well, but i'll give it a shot.
Fit and finish are amazing, and it's almost hard to believe this piece is handmade from recycled steel... which is, if ya did'nt know, a Mercedes leaf spring! The Kamis (those who make these) are truly skilled in this art, there is no question about it. Even the smaller karda, designed for utility, was beautiful in it's simplicity and functionality. I found the chakma, used to steel the edge of the khuk, to seem very small yet work very well for it's intended use.
The sheath, made from wood and wrapped in leather, was also very nicely done. Again showing off excellent craftsmanship. I thought it's design was very interesting, in that there are two pockets behind the khuk intended for the two smaller knives.
I found the WW2 model a bit smaller than i expected. Personally i enjoy larger blades, especially considering this khuk as either a chopping tool, or as a weapon... However, the WW2's handle was a pretty perfect fit for me. This is without question, a one-handed chopper, and considering that, i'd say it's proportioned very well. Khuks come in several sizes and styles, so i suggest trying a few to find yourself the "perfect tool" for you. I don't believe you'll find a better value in any other style of knife that's worth collecting... especially if you consider the fact that these are handmade.
Actual use:
As if fate stepped in, a few days after recieving this pass-around, i recieved a call. My assistance was needed to clear out some trees and brush... and said growth was indeed abundant! Equipped with the trusty khukuri, i set out on the mission.
The khuk took a beating. It was also handed to a few others so they could give it a whirl. There were, of course, general safe use guidelines discussed before i passed the khuk over. As a result, nobody got hurt. Using a khuk is rather dangerous if you don't expect gravity. The spine of a khuk is quite heavy, and seeing as the blade has such an angle to it, on the downswing gravity will take over and the blade will head towards your shins. One must always be aware of this! I'd believe you'd not only slice yourself considerably, but if you were oblivious to what you're doing, you might cause a serious fracture.
Anyways, the khuk proved that nothing is much of a match for it, and it held it's edge admirably. We hauled out (so far) twelve large trailer-loads of bush/tree/vine/etc... and the WW2 model (since i had to send it on) was responsible for about half of that.
I had a sore hand from the chopping, but i believe that's just me getting used to it like anything else. The handle felt better than any machete i've ever used, being that you have a nice, tight, round grip. I really don't have any desire to own machetes any longer as the khuk wins, hands down, as a superior tool. We can also eliminate hatchets from the list.
Despite the "blem", i believe the beating i gave this khuk proves it's more than a first rate tool.
Conclusion:
I have nothing negative to say about this khuk, it would be very hard to say that regarding any other knife i own or have seen.
This khukuri is a work of art, a helluva workhorse, and a convincing weapon. All in all, i believe this model is a fine representation of Himalayan Imports and the quality you can expect. No way could you be let down.
Further reviews can be found in the pass-around thread, and here's Roadrunner's review which is a *must-read*... as well as his Himalayan Imports 18" Ang Khola Extreme Testing review! Yeah, that guy is nuts, but hey, he beats them so you don't have to.
In addition:
I have purchased a 20" Kobra, it's made by either Amtrack or Shanker, i'm just not sure. Here's a picture to illustrate the style of a Kobra: (pic from http://www.himalayan-imports.com)
I wanted a weapon-only kind of khuk. This model has a longer and thinner blade. It's lighter, and almost more of a sword. However, it still has that curve in the blade, making damn sure you remember it's a khuk!
A few thoughts on the Kobra:
Same great quality, which reaffirms my thoughts on Himalayan Imports. You cannot be disappointed! This one has a wooden handle, i think that for beauty i like horn handles, but for actual "using" i would prefer wooden. This Kobra is really a display piece for me, so i have'nt beaten down any trees yet, but i would personally prefer a thick and heavy khuk for actual work. The weight of a heavier khuk aids in chopping, whereas the words thick and heavy are not very good descriptors for a weapon.
Again, there are so many choices with H.I. Khukuris, all you need to do is try 2-3 variations, and you'll know whats perfect for you. Whether you're looking for a tool, or a weapon, or a nice balance of each... they've got it! One is not nearly enough anyhow.
See ya round the Cantina,
Gonzo~
