My first khukri. what's next?

B

bonpo yogi

Joined
Feb 9, 2011
Messages
4
Hi Guys,

I thought I would write and get some opinions and share my HI experience with you.
First, let me say that I know little about khukris, but I'm learning fast, thanks in part to many insightful postings on this forum. I decided about a month ago to buy a khukri, but didn't know where to start.So I began by looking at the websites of some of the mass produced blades. Then I started looking at some of the other imported khukris, but when I found HI's site, I stopped looking at the others. Why? Because it was very clear to me that HI has a high level of integrity that I just didn't see anywhere else. I mean it seems the company oozes integrity, which I value very highly.
However, I still didn't know which one I wanted, so I called Yangdu and she guided me toward a 15" sirupate. And I want to say that after talking with her, I was VERY impressed. Just something she said in our casual conversation blew me away. I knew immediately that she is a very special person indeed.

So the sirupate arrived day before yesterday. I like it very much. It was made by Vin Kami, I think. I've already managed to nick myself with it.:eek: (It was the second sheath I bought for the kami fund).
So here's the question. What's next? I want a bigger blade for number two, but not too heavy. A chopper but on the lighter side. Also, does anyone have a suggestion for modifying the second sheath, so the blade doesn't poke out when I replace it?
I want to help these hard working men support their families, so any suggestions are greatly appreciated.
I live in North Carolina and like camping a lot, but #2 would probably be too heavy to backpack.
Please let me know what you think, and thanks!
Namaste

John
 
What part of NC John? I'm an avid UL backpacker in the Asheville area. I've got a pretty extensive and growing HI collection you can check out some of them in person if you're close by.

Currently my go-to khukri when I can justify the trail weight is an older BAS by bura, 15.5" 18oz total weight.

My main chopper is an 18" M-43 by Santosh, weighs in at 32oz. Unfortunately the lighter yet larger versions that are appropriate for heavy chopping are rarer, and generally older stuff. I've seen 18" M43's in the 25oz range even. My 19" GAK only weights like 28oz =D


You're going to hear alot of recommendations for big 40oz+ monster ASTKs and such, which are valid recommendations, but personally, I find them way too heavy.
 
javand said:
What part of NC John? I'm an avid UL backpacker in the Asheville area. I've got a pretty extensive and growing HI collection you can check out some of them in person if you're close by.

Currently my go-to khukri when I can justify the trail weight is an older BAS by bura, 15.5" 18oz total weight.

My main chopper is an 18" M-43 by Santosh, weighs in at 32oz. Unfortunately the lighter yet larger versions that are appropriate for heavy chopping are rarer, and generally older stuff. I've seen 18" M43's in the 25oz range even. My 19" GAK only weights like 28oz =D


You're going to hear alot of recommendations for big 40oz+ monster ASTKs and such, which are valid recommendations, but personally, I find them way too heavy.
Click to expand...

He nailed it right there & if you're close you get a chance to see that beautiful fish knife of his, sweet

Although I do love my new ASTK at 42 oz it is heavy & weighs 2oz more than my 25" Sirupati. If you do decide on getting a heavier Khukuri I definitely suggest carrying it in a baldric fashion. i'm getting a kydex sheath made where I will be able to molle lock my ASTK to a back pack. I really like my Gelbu Special, even tho' it isn't warranted for field use like my ASTK i'm sure it can do some serious chopping. Like When Steely had to cut his way through fallen tree's with a Kobra because that was all he had when that storm happened
 
dirtypaulie said:
Although I do love my new ASTK at 42 oz it is heavy & weighs 2oz more than my 25" Sirupati.
Click to expand...

I was surprised how front heavy that Deradune is at 36 oz. I have never held a khuk before, and that thing is a monster. I can only imagine how heavy the ASTK must feel. Do you have a photo of your Siru? I'm a pretty avid (if aging) MA (sabers, double sabers , straight sword, spear, Kwan Dao, etc.) and I feel one of these calling my name, I just have to figure out which one. I'm thinking a bit longer might be more fun.

pete
 
Here's a link to some pics. Didn't want to be a thread hi-jacker & post plenty pics, lol :D a link will suffice. The siru feels perfect with its length. The ASTK feels like a monster & is front heavy despite its chiruwa style.
 
dirtypaulie said:
Here's a link to some pics. Didn't want to be a thread hi-jacker & post plenty pics, lol :D a link will suffice. The siru feels perfect with its length. The ASTK feels like a monster & is front heavy despite its chiruwa style.
Click to expand...

Oh yeah, that's nice.
Looks like I'm stumbling blindly down almost the same path.
Thanks for the ideas for next khuk.
I think an ASTK is in my future as well, for, how can I not?

pete
 
Hey bonpo yogi, Welcome! to the Forum...the more, the merrier. Good to hear that you got your first khukuri. As for your second, I agree with javand about the weights of some models. I also agree that the BAS would be a good choice for camping. An Ang Khola, or CAK, in 15-16.5" would work well too if you felt it didn't weigh too much. I also would like to agree and echo dirtypaulie's suggestions. First, consider a baldric for carrying if you want keep it handy but not pulling down your pants. Second on the Gelbu Special-while not warranted for field use, I wouldn't think twice about chopping something with it. I like its versatility and how it feels like it belongs in my hand. Whichever model calls to you, you should be able to find something weighing about 1.5 pounds.(ramble, ramble, ramble).

Anyway John, come back often and share your thoughts/experiences with us. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.

Peace

Rick
 
Oh how I feel so rude now. After I seen stickfred welcome another new member, I just noticed that this was his 1st post/Thread, smh
shame on me

Welcome to the Himalayan-imports forum Bonpo Yogi, there is a wealth of information here on khukuris & other things as well as a gang of forumites always willing to help & answer your questions. FYI no question is a stupid question. We were all new here once & as a matter of fact i'm still pretty new myself
 
welcome to the forum:) I would look at the WWII model:)

The experts will be along shortly:thumbup:
 
Welcome Bongo!

Hope you don't mind if i chip in.
BAS will be an awesome all-rounder and it's warrantied.
Though i've only seen a Chiruwa BAS twice without the habaki bolster,It's one of the best-looking (and toughest) khuks made in HI.

Pete,

I think an ASTK is in my future as well, for, how can I not?
Click to expand...
The Deradhune has almost the same profile as ASTK so you ain't too far.
The front heavy design is the purpose of having a khuk. You want to have a good weight but the fulcrum with the front heavy will tilt the blade effectively towards the chop, causing an inertial force towards the surface you want to chop.Let the mechanism does the job but not the weight.
 
Pete,

I've noticed that two different khuks in the same weight can feel completely different as far as liveliness is concerned. My 32oz M43 feels very lively, but it's also so well balanced that the spine will stand straight up if you balance the edge on anything, even the tiniest corner of a table.

I've got a Murali BAS that feels really clunky even though it weighs a little less than and is roughly the same size as my Shop 1 AK (the BAS is 21oz I think?).

I think that's why everyone ends up with their favorite kami after a while, it's all in what you're looking for. What I think is clunky, is probably what most people would consider to be really choppy.
 
Sirupatis are fun blades. I have a small one with about a 9 inch blade. Very fast and agile and still extremely durable, though less efficient, for utility chores. The feel of a sirupati is much different than the feel of a beefier blade, even of the same length, such as a WWII, M43 or Ang Khola. Those three seem to be the mainstay big khukris, though the foxy folly, bone cutter and a few others are also popular. My largest is 18.5 inches overall (13 inch blade) and weighs 26 ounces. That ratio of blade length to weight seems a little ridiculous to go any heavier to me. HI makes some other great big blades that aren't khukris-The Annapurna is a machete with a straight spine, sweeping belly, generally flat grind and a clip point like a bowie at the end. It's a great general use blade, almost like a heavy machete. The Bahadur is a pakistani design, about 10 inches or so with a pronounced belly but a straight spine. It gives a slightly forward balance that's great for chopping, but the tip is more or less centered upon the handle axis. The handle of the bahadur is extremely ergonomic. The Jungle Knife is another 10 inch or so heavy use blade more adapted to processing bamboo and woody plants.
 
Hey Guys,

Thanks to all who answered. Sorry it took a while but I've been down with the flu, and my 5 year old son got sent home yesterday with lice. Ah, the joys of being a single dad.The truth is, I've decided that I can't decide on just one.
But I think one of them is gonna be the M-43. It's close between that and the BAS and the WWII. I'm sure I'd be happy with any of them.
Javand. I live in Durham. The Nantahala and the Pisgah forest are great, and if you want, I'll tell you sometime about seeing the Brown Mountain lights in the Linville gorge. Definitely not human. And I'd like to see your collection, especially the famous fish knife.
Danny, I think someone said it was your bday. Happy Bday. mine was yesterday.
I know I'm gonna want a longer Khukri soon. I grew up on a tomato farm south of Miami, and the everglades were my backyard. I left after Andrew. So I'm pretty comfortable with a machete. But I want something with more heft. Someone mentioned the kobra, and the annapurna, but I couldn't find the latter on the website.
Thanks again guys for your help.

Namaste,

John
 
Cant remember if i welcomed you bonpo, so if i repeat, please excuse.

Welcome Bonpo yogi !
The annapurna bowie is not on the website because it is a rather new item.
In the upper right hand corner of the forum, you will find a "search this forum" tab. click on it and enter annapurna (or anything you wish to search for) and you will find all there is to know about them.
 
Sorry to hear about your child's lice problem & that you're sick with the flue. I hope everything changes for the better sooner than laters
 
You're welcome any time John. I've got a few interesting new pieces to add to the collection coming very soon.


You can't go wrong with the M43, heavy enough to handle any chore, but not too heavy to be versatile.
 
Welcome Bonpo Yogi! I have a few different models and seem to gravitate to my Tirtha made 16.5" 26 oz. WWII. It just feels perfect. I have a wonderful 19" 31.6 oz. M-43 that I adore:), but it's not as handy as the little WWII for trimming bushes and such. If I didn't already have two WWIIs, I'd have jumped on that 16.5" 20oz. WWII darling from the DOTD a few days ago. If in use that khuk didn't feel like an extension of your arm I'd eat a bucket of mountain oysters;). You'll end up with plenty, so i'd get a good mid-sized all-arounder for now then see about a bruiser. Below is a photo of the Tirtha WWII (bottom) and M-43 together. Take care and God bless.

M43009.jpg
 
Thanks javand. I had it built to my specs and with lanyard hole. It's my pride and joy. I'm "tweaking" the handle as we speak. It's feeling pretty good. More on that later;). Take care and God bless.
 
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