My first Himalayan Import?

Thanks, moogoogaidan. It's one hell of a chopper. I was a little worried at how it'd fare, but after the first few clean single cuts through 1-2" branches, it was obviously a user.

I have a couple orders waiting to arrive here, hoping it'll give the tarwar a run for its money ;)
 
moogoogaidan said:
Ho ho! I love foreboding mentions of big Himalayan steel. Be sure to post pics when you get your new secret weapons!
Click to expand...

Auntie said sometime this month, and I email her with a billion questions and requests all the time that I won't bother her unless it's a DOTD email... but I'm really hoping one special order gets to me by the 22nd. My buddy has a whole lot more to take out, and for some strange reason wants me and my steel around ;)
 
I sent you the pix of 21 inch Gelbu special and 20'' Sirupati, Welcome to the HI and Forum
 
Thank you for the welcome Yangdu! Sorry if this is a dumb question but I'm new on here and am not sure where to find the pics you sent. Where did you send them too?
 
I sent the pix to your eamil address, thank you
 
Bonecutter - For when it absolutely positively has to be destroyed right away!
M-43 - Just to let you know there is a God!
ASTK - Get this one just to make Jay happy!
Click to expand...

Bill,

I'm super happy with the ASTK. How are you?
You just have to squeeze a M-43 in there!

BoneCutter's really growing on me. M-43 is a different league; I'm still thinking about your Pilot's version!
 
Hey Jay,

I was just finishing up some sheaths for a show this weekend and as we loaded 4 boxes of kukri and other various knives my son-inlaw saw my Bonecutter on the bench. I had just cleaned it off after some chopping and put a nice coat of oil on it and we both agreed that it is one of the best handling kukri either one of us have. It is my favorite HI by far. I love my M43 but the Bonecutter is really an incredible kukri. I guess one of these days I will have to get an ASTK.
 
Bill,

I did a testing on 18" ASTK with a 12" BoneCutter. Believed it or not, the small dude outchop Mr.Singh with great ease. The bevel height, enlarged belly with a stick tang makes chopping hardwood a Lionel Richie affair~ All night long! I was comparing the Ghopte model with BC and Auntie told me to her BC reigns supreme.

ASTK to me is like a Siru went steroid. It has that savage look. I recommend that you get a curved handle instead of straight, 3/8 spine at max and less than 26Oz.
For backyard cleaning it's amazing.
Once again let me share with you our first sight in love:
CopyofIMG_4649.jpg
 
Khukuri are kind of funny. When I received my first khuk, a 16.5" WWII, I was immediately surprised at how short it seemed. A little handling and use, and I was amazed how handy and capable it really was. Don't get caught up in inches when judging a khuk. they're not like other knives. For trail use a 16.5" WWII, or like model, will give you plenty of packable and powerful khuk. I would start off with one of the top sellers (they're best sellers for a reason!) like the WWII, BAS, or AK in a packable size and take it from there. It's fun to get different models later and see what fits you best. Welcome aboard!
 
Funny how things go in cycles. Remember not long ago there were lots of ASTK's showing up on the daily deals but I haven't seen one in a while. But I would have to wait for a runt of the littler to show up for me to take on one of those beasts.

I really wish one of those recent M43's would have shown up at a lean fighting weight of 25 or 26 ounces! It would have teken a pretty fast shark to get that one off my line!
 
I used to be a devotee of the ASTK. Then I heard everyone's praise about the M43, so I ordered one of those. Along the way I happened to pick up a Bonecutter. In my mind, I rank them:

3. M43: It performs above its weight, like a Roy Jones Jr. of khuks. But I think it's a bit too forward weighted for me. Too point-and-clicky, like a whip. You can't change your target mid-swing because it sinks into target before you know it.

2. ASTK: This one has more of a utilitarian, balanced feel to it. It's pretty neutral, despite its aggressive curve. It chops like a demon, despite its svelte profile. It's incredibly beefy, despite feeling slim in the hand. It's like a Toyota Camry with a V6. (Expecting another pugilist analogy? Uh....I got nothing.)

1. Bonecutter: This khuk feels like it belongs in my hand -- like it's an extension of my arm. It's obviously a purpose-built chopper, but with its big, wide pommel it pulls back and corrects itself easier. While it has a nice forward curved edge, it's more from the belly width than the spine curve.
 
That's why I like you Cpl -- you're a CAK man through and through! I know where you stand at all times. I had a 20" CAK like yours but didn't feel comfortable with it, so I sold it.

I'm waiting on a 15" CAK that is a little more my size. Like I said, I thought I liked the bigger khuks before but I'm trending smaller now. I absolutely love my 18" Bonecutter, but depending on how I like the more compact 15" CAK (which i have a feeling I will like very, very much), I might be looking to trade the 18" BC for a 15"-16" BC.
 
After 3 days of deliberation and 5 or 6 times changing my mind I just ordered my first khukuri. And it will be a 21 inch Chitlangi. Thank you all for your suggestions and advice. It was all taken into consideration and helped a ton to make up my mind. Blessings and khuk luck to you all!
 
moogoogaidan said:
That's why I like you Cpl -- you're a CAK man through and through!
Click to expand...

I will (MkII) never undestand all these (MkII) guys that are hung up (MkII) on a specific model like Cpl. is with the CAK. Especially a model (MkII) that sounds like a hack! I think everyone (MkII) needs to understand and (MkII) appreciate other models out there such as the........................well, lets say the M43!

I like your post ranking the models moogoo, but I think the M43 would get pumped up one position if the size and proportions were to spec. You could take almost 200 grams off the HI's weight, remove an inch off the handle, reduce the "inch long bolster" down to spec. and reduce the spine down to 1/4". That would make a much lighter and true to form kukri that I think you would have no problem moving around. But I do agree that finding something to compete with one of HI's older Bonecutters is going to be hard. That thing is truely a Clark Kent and Superman rolled into one. Civilized and manageable on the surface but really heads and shoulders above the competition where real work is concerned. If you consider that the Bonecutter's handle fits like a glove and like you said, it becomes part of your arm therefore reduces fatigue and sores on the hand. A real masterpiece!
 
moogoogaidan said:
That's why I like you Cpl -- you're a CAK man through and through! I know where you stand at all times. I had a 20" CAK like yours but didn't feel comfortable with it, so I sold it.
Click to expand...

I tried some smaller ones and couldn't stand them. Even with the heavier ones like the M43 or ASTK, 18" is as small as I can stand to go.
 
If you consider that the Bonecutter's handle fits like a glove and like you said, it becomes part of your arm therefore reduces fatigue and sores on the hand. A real masterpiece!
Click to expand...

Gurkha House's version? Sargeant must be busy with it now!
 
My Bonecutter is a Sgt. Khadka model. Even though he's technically not an H.I. kami, I think he's the best in the biz.

And you're probably right Bill, I'm thinking a 17" M43 might be good. I recall passing on a great deal for a 17" old-school M43 because I insisted I have at least an 18". Oh to turn back time! But the one thing I still absolutely insist on for all my khuks now is the oversized pommels, like on the Bonecutter. I think it really keeps your hand locked onto the handle, and since it's so wide, the bottom of your hand doesn't feel the edge/buttcap. Nothing but smooth, sweet wood.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top