My first post in this forum and a question.

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damimi521

Joined
Sep 11, 2011
Messages
13
Hi! I am new to the forum and quite excited to join the group.
I am in the process of procuring kukri. Not so much to use it as a work blade, but more of an introduction to the martial arts of the region.

As practitioner I am interested in the balance, weight and geometry more so than its application as pry bar, which actually sounds quite impressive.

I would like to pose a question to the forum, especially people who owns multiple kukris.


How much does the balance vary amongst different designs (ie angolas. kobra etc.)?


I understand that this is a qualitative question, not a quantitative one like asking for the center of gravity. So I am not looking for precise answer, just a general feel of it.

For those wondering why I am asking this, I am asking because I've been taught to use the center of balance to "feel" the entire length of the blade. Thus if the center of balance is focused and right at the striking point, it does make adapting to the blade much much easier.

Thanks in advance,

Al
 
Each khukuri is unique. You have to feel out each one.

Martial artists tend to prefer the lighter, slimmer blades. Those are faster and still have plently of chopping power for martial applications.
 
Welcome damimi521!
As howard stated, most martial artists prefer the lighter models, such as the sirupate, Kobra, Gelbu Special....etc, although you could probably find almost any model in the smaller sizes will suit your needs. Pay close attention to sizes and weights listed.
One of our most respected martial artists and longtime friend here loves his H.I. products, he primarily uses a WWII model:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/870288-HI-Longswords?highlight=duvon+winborne
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...ent-of-the-ABA.-Pix.?highlight=duvon+winborne

To try to answer your question......

The choppers, such as the Chiruwa Ang Khola, Ang Khola, Ganga Ram Special, Bonecutter...etc are more forward weighted for wood chopping duty. The Sirupate, Kobra, Gelbu Special, Chitlangi are more neutrally balanced. The WWII Khukuri is somewhat middle of the road in that respect, depending on it's size.
 
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I'm no martial artist in the least, but I have spent plenty of time swinging steel around. The most balance neutral khuk I have is a 20.5" 20.5 oz Kobra. If memory serves me correctly, its balance point is about 3" in front of the cho (the little cut out in the blade). Given its long handle, that would put balancing point at about a third of the overall length. That's about as neutral as blade gets that was designed first and foremost as a chopper.

But like Howard said, every khuk is different. I also have a 32oz 25" Kobra and wields like a war sword designed to cut horses out from under people :p
 
Thank you for the prompt response and the great answers!
So I think in conclusion I should just get a few and try it out!

I am surprise that the balance can be so close to the hilt just by looking at the geometry. I guess there must be quite a bit distal tapering.

Thank you all and I will be keeping my eyes on DOTD!

AL
 
I'm a little knew to HI myself, but currently my 18" 2lb AK is my favorite martial arts knife. At first it seemed too heavy to use as a knife, because it is. Then I switched into my Iaijutsu mindset i.e. as with my 3lb katana, it's too heavy to stop and I can only guide it through its natural path. Treating it like that I had to change my opinion and now regard it as a graceful and elegant martial arts blade (although more sword-like than knife-like, imho)

On the other hand, the lighter blades are super awesome. I picked up an 18" sirupate for a friend and it is so cool that I can't wait to get one myself!

I guess my point is that you're going to have to start working overtime and selling plasma because you will want all of these knives! lol

--Justin
 
The Malla was designed for fighting when using the knife was imperative. And welcome. Al
 
These are great suggestions! Thank you all! I have taken all your advices and carefully studieds the diagrams on the website and found it extraordinarily rewarding and interesting.

@Hepkat: Iaijutsu is fun, though, being short and stubby, I usually foul up drawing a 28in blade. I am far more proficient with Sandatas (Kaili/Arnis) and Butterfly Swords (wing chun) and both arts have a bit more jabby/snappy moves, which can be detrimental to limbs when used with a hatchet like weapon.
 
If you do wushu, I've found that my chinese broadsword techniques adapt fairly well to a long heavy khuk in some ways. Don't know if that is correct, but it works for me.
 
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