I knew I wanted a knife for Christmas. I snapped my ka-bar a few months ago so I've been looking ever since then for a very special blade to fill the hole in my heart. I read about the famous Kukri knife in tactical knife magazine so I began to read up on them on the net. I was thinking about buying one of the Cold Steel models, but then my friend suggested that I buy an "authentic" one. In my experience "authentic" knives are just for suckers and tourists. Not too long after that I found the HI website. I was impressed by the look of your knives and by the guarantee you give on them. You got my attention. After that I searched for information on the company to see what sort of reputation HI has. In cutlery especially reputation is everything. All of the best makers know this and only sell knives that are of the highest quality. I read a number of articles where HI knives out-preformed or preformed as well as knives made by companies which I am familiar. I saw HI is a company with a good reputation that makes high quality knives that are truly authentic.
After much deliberation, I settled on the WWII 18" model to purchase. I picked this one for several reasons. It has historical and utilitarian value (your site said it was a great blend between weapon and tool). Also, it was very nice to the eye.
The knife was ordered and I was very excited when I opened it on Christmas day. It felt good in the hand and the balance made it easy to handle. I have large hands so I was worried that the hilt would be too small for me. Much to the contrary, my hand fit very well. The blade was sharp, hair cutting sharp in some places (as was the karda). The handle had some hairline cracks that my mother noticed, but I think they will be easy to fill in. The leather sheath is very nice. I am considering putting a hole in the bottom so I can fasten it to my hip with a bit of paracord for an easier draw in the field.
I tested the blade out in the woods, cutting down two small trees that were as thick as my wrist. It preformed as well as any hatchet I've used, but it had a very unique and satisfying feel in the swing. The blade maintained its edge but one section looked a little warped. I'm not quite clear on how to use the chakma, but I was able to more-or-less straighten that section. Overall, I was very impressed with the kukri. I've never seen its equal as a large combat/utility knife.
One of the things I like most about the knife is that there is little formality about it. It is a mysterious and ancient weapon and much tradition along with it. There are many "do's and don'ts" with a weapon like the Japanese katana, but with the kukhri, common sense and personal preference are the rule. This point it probably best illustrated with the notch on the blade, the cho (I think). Its on the knives for no other reason than that its always been on them. This simplicity appeals to me very much and I would like to visit Nepal and find more about the people there.
I'd like to thank Bill for the prompt delivery of the blade. It is a very nice piece of steel and I shall be buying from you guys again. Pass on my thanks and appreciation to the kamis and leather workers of HI.
After much deliberation, I settled on the WWII 18" model to purchase. I picked this one for several reasons. It has historical and utilitarian value (your site said it was a great blend between weapon and tool). Also, it was very nice to the eye.
The knife was ordered and I was very excited when I opened it on Christmas day. It felt good in the hand and the balance made it easy to handle. I have large hands so I was worried that the hilt would be too small for me. Much to the contrary, my hand fit very well. The blade was sharp, hair cutting sharp in some places (as was the karda). The handle had some hairline cracks that my mother noticed, but I think they will be easy to fill in. The leather sheath is very nice. I am considering putting a hole in the bottom so I can fasten it to my hip with a bit of paracord for an easier draw in the field.
I tested the blade out in the woods, cutting down two small trees that were as thick as my wrist. It preformed as well as any hatchet I've used, but it had a very unique and satisfying feel in the swing. The blade maintained its edge but one section looked a little warped. I'm not quite clear on how to use the chakma, but I was able to more-or-less straighten that section. Overall, I was very impressed with the kukri. I've never seen its equal as a large combat/utility knife.
One of the things I like most about the knife is that there is little formality about it. It is a mysterious and ancient weapon and much tradition along with it. There are many "do's and don'ts" with a weapon like the Japanese katana, but with the kukhri, common sense and personal preference are the rule. This point it probably best illustrated with the notch on the blade, the cho (I think). Its on the knives for no other reason than that its always been on them. This simplicity appeals to me very much and I would like to visit Nepal and find more about the people there.
I'd like to thank Bill for the prompt delivery of the blade. It is a very nice piece of steel and I shall be buying from you guys again. Pass on my thanks and appreciation to the kamis and leather workers of HI.
The WWII is on my list to get. But I need to find a way to sneek it past my mom
Have fun with the WW2 and be safe 
