My First HI!!!!!!

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Aug 27, 2009
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I got my first HI today a MINI BOWIE BY BHAKTA KAMI!! This is one well made knife. It'll be perfect for fishing, working around the shop and taking my youngest in the woods. If I had to describe it in one word it would be outstanding. The only problem is now I want another HI. I'm thinking about getting a Khukuri and that will be a 12" Ang Khola. Would this be a good choice as my next HI?
 
Budabump, another one bites the dust!

Personal opinion forthcoming. I'd go a bit longer on an AK. 15 or 16 would be about right for an average normal size guy. I'm on the scrawny side myself so getting much longer probably isn't productive although I do like the long ones.
The AK is a chopper so that little extra length lets you take advantage of that and work more efficiently.

12" is more Pen Knife or even a short Sirupati size.

The thought did strike me though just now (I get thought strikes from time to time) that a 12" AK might make a pretty decent camp/packing knife. Compact but more than up to just about anything you'd throw at it or vice versa.
 
I say go bigger! At least 15". The AK is an excellent choice. Ganga Ram, BAS & WWII are a little bit less flashy but equally as excellent.
 
The 12" length would more or less duplicate the functionality of the mini-bowie, if you can even get an Ang Khola in that length. Mostly they run larger. As others have said, 15" might be a good weight for you and wouldn't sacrifice too much chopping ability.

If you can say more about the intended use, you'll probably get better advice. Otherwise, people will just tell you what they personally prefer, and their uses (not to mention physical size and fitness level) might not be anything like yours.

Basically, HI models run a spectrum from mostly fighters to mostly choppers, though any blade can serve either purpose in a pinch. The Ang Kholas are pretty much at the heavy chopping end of the spectrum along with a few other models like the Ganga Ram and Bonecutter. There are some very strong models such as the M43, ASTK and WWII that can also be considered heavy choppers but are a little more multi-purpose. Then there are models like the Gelbu Special, Sirupati and Chitlangi that are lighter weight, still good for most camping and hiking purposes, but more toward the combat end of the spectrum, and easier to carry.

These are some of the reasons that many people end up with more than one HI blade, and that's even for those who don't accumulate blades for a collection.
 
hehe, Congrats on having caught HIKV that dreaded but not fatal desease and nice mini bowie there. Hope your is as perfect as I think mine is. Having just walked away from a 15" BAS in the act of being noble I am feeling like a 15" AK would be a perfect choice for pretty much any camp type chores including major heavy duty ones. A 12" would make a good all around backpack knife/wood processor, but not be heavier than you want to carry but I would be looking for medium-lsmall sized logs not great big ones with a 12 inch AK still more than enough blade to handle the majority of activities I would think.
 
The 12" length would more or less duplicate the functionality of the mini-bowie, if you can even get an Ang Khola in that length. Mostly they run larger. As others have said, 15" might be a good weight for you and wouldn't sacrifice too much chopping ability.

If you can say more about the intended use, you'll probably get better advice. Otherwise, people will just tell you what they personally prefer, and their uses (not to mention physical size and fitness level) might not be anything like yours.

Basically, HI models run a spectrum from mostly fighters to mostly choppers, though any blade can serve either purpose in a pinch. The Ang Kholas are pretty much at the heavy chopping end of the spectrum along with a few other models like the Ganga Ram and Bonecutter. There are some very strong models such as the M43, ASTK and WWII that can also be considered heavy choppers but are a little more multi-purpose. Then there are models like the Gelbu Special, Sirupati and Chitlangi that are lighter weight, still good for most camping and hiking purposes, but more toward the combat end of the spectrum, and easier to carry.

These are some of the reasons that many people end up with more than one HI blade, and that's even for those who don't accumulate blades for a collection.

I just fell in love with the 15" Sirupati, this is my next quest. Do the two little knives come with it?
 
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My 16" AK is the perfect size for me. It's so perfect that I haven't been able to justify the purchase of any blade since.
 
I just fell in love with the 15" Sirupati, this my next quest. Do the two little knives come with it?

Yes usually. Once in awhile auntie might get one with the karda and chakmak gone walk about but usually they come together.
 
AWesome, Sirupati is a beautiful blade. More on what I consider the weapon side of the family, but not completely lacking when it comes to modest camping/hunting tasks but don't use it to build a wood pile. Hope you find a perfect one for what you need.
 
You might try 15"AK. For chopping and general camping is a great beastly little blade! A little lighter bush knife would be KLVUK. It has nice balance. Lighter. Leaner edge and just a bit faster making it a great bush knife. Still a good chopper as well!
 
Well double post I guess? SInce im here. Sirus are great knifes for light to med brush because you can keep the weight down and have the extra reach. I use a 25" for thick thumb size brush or even up to an inch or so at the base. The reach of the 25 allows me to whack at the base of a bush without bending over all day and has enough weight to it to finish the cut. Not something you want to carry too far at 3 plus pounds. I also have a few shorter ones that are great for light brush but they are a bit light for getting any chopping done and they really arent made for that anyway.
 
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WVDAVE - In exploration of what your longer blade tastes are I also suggest the KLVUK. There are high quality work horses, inexpensive and will fit the 14-16 inch recommendations from the above forumites. Try one, see if you find it small, perfect or too big for your taste.

The only thing you need to be aware about the KLVUK is they are high carbon steel and rust prone if not (waxed, oiled, coated or other protection of your choice).
 
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