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Need a couple of khuks
- Thread starter SeanH
- Start date
- Joined
- May 2, 2003
- Messages
- 143
im 25 yrs old 5'9 170 pounds and i work out a lot... i have handled and tested the following blades:
16.45 AK Chirruwa
16.5 WWII
18 inch gelbu special
i think that the handle onthe chirruwa style blades are not comfortable enough for long periods of chopping... i do not recomend the chirruwa style handles. However, an AK is a pure chopping blade... i think the 18 inch AKs would tire me out pretty quikly bcs of their weight and balance.
the WWII i think is overall my favorite blade... i have never handled a 18 incher but i did very much enjoy the 16.5 incher before i gave it away to my friend in the marine corps. I am missing that WWII model and im probably going to buy another one. (im hoping to get one witha fuller in it)
ah yes.. the gelbu special... visually looks very nice, but i think that the thin blade and lack of a large belly makes it more suied for light to middle weight brush work. when i was chopping with my GS i found that it was harder for me to chop into wood. the blade would be more apt to glance off the surface than penetrate. I know it means i had crappy technique and im sure i can improve it with practice. i love my GS though... its a very cool looking blade.
i would recomend a WWII model I think the larger AKs will tire you out (i know they would tire me out) the WWII feels just right in my hand. It chops real well and doesnt tire me out as fast as the larger AK models do. Also I might add that the larger AKs drag your belt down a lot... they weigh so much that its definately awkward carrying it on your hip. WWII all the way
16.45 AK Chirruwa
16.5 WWII
18 inch gelbu special
i think that the handle onthe chirruwa style blades are not comfortable enough for long periods of chopping... i do not recomend the chirruwa style handles. However, an AK is a pure chopping blade... i think the 18 inch AKs would tire me out pretty quikly bcs of their weight and balance.
the WWII i think is overall my favorite blade... i have never handled a 18 incher but i did very much enjoy the 16.5 incher before i gave it away to my friend in the marine corps. I am missing that WWII model and im probably going to buy another one. (im hoping to get one witha fuller in it)
ah yes.. the gelbu special... visually looks very nice, but i think that the thin blade and lack of a large belly makes it more suied for light to middle weight brush work. when i was chopping with my GS i found that it was harder for me to chop into wood. the blade would be more apt to glance off the surface than penetrate. I know it means i had crappy technique and im sure i can improve it with practice. i love my GS though... its a very cool looking blade.
i would recomend a WWII model I think the larger AKs will tire you out (i know they would tire me out) the WWII feels just right in my hand. It chops real well and doesnt tire me out as fast as the larger AK models do. Also I might add that the larger AKs drag your belt down a lot... they weigh so much that its definately awkward carrying it on your hip. WWII all the way
wildmanh
Part time Leather Bender/Sheath maker
- Joined
- Jul 9, 2000
- Messages
- 7,764
Hi Sean and welcome.
A combo that works pretty good is an Ang Khola for heavy chopping and a Sirupati or Gelbu Special for brush clearing. Or maybe a WWII and Sirupati/GS.
My 16.5" WWII is my "Not sure what I'm going to run up against" khukuri. It's a good weight and size for carying on hikes and suck. I use an old 1" wide webbed belt as a baldric to carry mine. Makes is so that the WWII isn't pulling done my pants. Sometimes I even wear it on my Military Gun belt.
Along with those Khukuri's and a folder or two, I carry a SOG SEAL Revolver. It has a clip point blade and saw. With that setup, I have all the bases covered.
A combo that works pretty good is an Ang Khola for heavy chopping and a Sirupati or Gelbu Special for brush clearing. Or maybe a WWII and Sirupati/GS.
My 16.5" WWII is my "Not sure what I'm going to run up against" khukuri. It's a good weight and size for carying on hikes and suck. I use an old 1" wide webbed belt as a baldric to carry mine. Makes is so that the WWII isn't pulling done my pants. Sometimes I even wear it on my Military Gun belt.
Along with those Khukuri's and a folder or two, I carry a SOG SEAL Revolver. It has a clip point blade and saw. With that setup, I have all the bases covered.
Hi Sean, it's Sunday and I enjoyed contemplating your dilemma. I have hunted the U.P, Otinaggin Mi, and Northern Mn. and I think 2 Khukuris would do nicely for that type of vegitation. A BAS or 16.5 " WW11 and a 18" AK or 18" Baby Ganga Ram. [I know that is four to choose from] however I use about 10 different khukuris, and can go into detail about my reasons why I choose the ones I do.
I have 14 Khukuris and given away a bunch and the 3 most liked is a BAS, 16.5" WW11, and/or a 20" Sirupati. When I hunt, I either use my M43 or 18" AK for the brush. Working, I use my 16.5" Chiruwa Ak or 16.5 inch WW11. My 18" WW11 is not a good working blade. A Sirupati in the bush ok too.
I was amazed how well a BAS does for its' size. I have two, one for me and one for my wife. My 14 year old grandson who has one too and loves it. He took out all my khuk's and that is the one he chose.
I'm sure after you get your first, more will follow. Good luck!
I have 14 Khukuris and given away a bunch and the 3 most liked is a BAS, 16.5" WW11, and/or a 20" Sirupati. When I hunt, I either use my M43 or 18" AK for the brush. Working, I use my 16.5" Chiruwa Ak or 16.5 inch WW11. My 18" WW11 is not a good working blade. A Sirupati in the bush ok too.
I was amazed how well a BAS does for its' size. I have two, one for me and one for my wife. My 14 year old grandson who has one too and loves it. He took out all my khuk's and that is the one he chose.
I'm sure after you get your first, more will follow. Good luck!
- Joined
- Feb 13, 2000
- Messages
- 2,688
Welcome to the Cantina SeanH,
I tend to sway towards the larger blades. Most all of my favorites are 18"-20". Of course I am 6'4", 210lbs, and 48yrs old.
My first suggestion is that you insure that the 18"GS is one that you get. It would do greatly for all of the brush and such you spoke of. It is a fast lively blade that is strong beyond its specs. My other personal choice would be an 18" AK. It is the perfect chopper for me. Much of these decisions will depend on your size and strengths. I have a BAS and it has left me feeling cold. I have very little interest in khuks under 18". I would rather use the 18"GS than a BAS. But that is me. My BAS is a great blade, it just does nothing for me on that special level. Now the Foxy's Folly I got the other day, 20 1/2" long, roughly 3 1/2 lbs. Now that is a blade!!! 
Of course after a half hour chopping with it today, I was pooped! But it was as sweet a blade as I have ever used.
18"GS is a mandatory, Any AK from the 15" to 20" will be a good chopper. Your strengths will decide which fits your needs the best.
I tend to sway towards the larger blades. Most all of my favorites are 18"-20". Of course I am 6'4", 210lbs, and 48yrs old.
My first suggestion is that you insure that the 18"GS is one that you get. It would do greatly for all of the brush and such you spoke of. It is a fast lively blade that is strong beyond its specs. My other personal choice would be an 18" AK. It is the perfect chopper for me. Much of these decisions will depend on your size and strengths. I have a BAS and it has left me feeling cold. I have very little interest in khuks under 18". I would rather use the 18"GS than a BAS. But that is me. My BAS is a great blade, it just does nothing for me on that special level.
Now the Foxy's Folly I got the other day, 20 1/2" long, roughly 3 1/2 lbs. Now that is a blade!!! Of course after a half hour chopping with it today, I was pooped! But it was as sweet a blade as I have ever used. 18"GS is a mandatory, Any AK from the 15" to 20" will be a good chopper. Your strengths will decide which fits your needs the best.
- Joined
- Mar 8, 1999
- Messages
- 8,911
Trouble with making recommendations is that people have individual tastes and that khukuris tend toward being individuals also. and can vary widely within a single batch. Add to that once you become familiar with the breed you will find your abilities change.
The good news/bad news is if you get a khuk it will probably be able to do the job well, even if it isn't what you thought it would be. that's the good news. The bad news is that you'll keep the odd-ones-out because, well just because you decide that you need them anyway ( you'll come up with an excuse ).
The good news/bad news is if you get a khuk it will probably be able to do the job well, even if it isn't what you thought it would be. that's the good news. The bad news is that you'll keep the odd-ones-out because, well just because you decide that you need them anyway ( you'll come up with an excuse ).
How come? Not heavy enough for hardwood? Wrong shape for brush?
The 18" WW 11 that I have, made by Sanu, is beautiful. The handle is large for my fat fingers and hand. The blade is polished superb. The bevel and edge is great. But..................
When I swing the blade and it meets no resistance the handle almost leaves my grip. When I swing it is hard to control. If I have solid mass it is ok. If I were to chop heavy stuff ok. I don't always have control of the environment. The "tear drop shape" is very heavy foward of the tip. I have this khukuri tied on my bed post out of site. If a intruder is near anything the blade hitts will be severed. Perfect job for a 18" WW11. [martial application]How come? Not heavy enough for hardwood? Wrong shape for brush?
The 18" WW 11 that I have, made by Sanu, is beautiful. The handle is large for my fat fingers and hand. The blade is polished superb. The bevel and edge is great. But..................
When I swing the blade and it meets no resistance the handle almost leaves my grip. When I swing it is hard to control. If I have solid mass it is ok. If I were to chop heavy stuff ok. I don't always have control of the environment. The "tear drop shape" is very heavy foward of the tip. I have this khukuri tied on my bed post out of site. If a intruder is near anything the blade hitts will be severed. Perfect job for a 18" WW11. [martial application]How come? Not heavy enough for hardwood? Wrong shape for brush?
- Joined
- Aug 18, 2003
- Messages
- 580
SeanH, Loveland is not that far from me. I live in Aurora. If you are interested, I do have an 18" AK that you could check out. And I don't have a GS, yet, so I'd be interested in checking it out. It could be a BYOK (Bring Your Own Khukri) meet. We could maybe meet somewhere, and make some firewood, with the khuks. Let me know if you're interested. Either here on the board, or email me at hvyhaul@comcast.net
Hey, anyone else in Colorado want to meet up? Could be lots of fun.
Bill
Hey, anyone else in Colorado want to meet up? Could be lots of fun.
Bill
You picked some good khuks and either one will do the job. Here is a shot of my current rig for pre-deer season pruning:
16.5" Chiruwa AK by Kumar (obtained from Hoghead and MamaV)
13" Corona pruning saw
Felco #2 shears
Forester Brush Cutter (about 60 years old - the "patina" is real)
16.5" Chiruwa AK by Kumar (obtained from Hoghead and MamaV)
13" Corona pruning saw
Felco #2 shears
Forester Brush Cutter (about 60 years old - the "patina" is real)
Attachments
Sean:
There is a little more vibration with the Chiruwa, but not a bothersome amount through gloves.
You can get khuk covers from the Sarki Shop (Terry Sisco) - there is a link to him on the HI website under "links." The cover in the picture is something I made. It is alot lumpier than the Sarki Shop product and alot more expensive - about a buck's worth of Army tent canvas and forty bucks worth of cussin' and needle sticks!
There is a little more vibration with the Chiruwa, but not a bothersome amount through gloves.
You can get khuk covers from the Sarki Shop (Terry Sisco) - there is a link to him on the HI website under "links." The cover in the picture is something I made. It is alot lumpier than the Sarki Shop product and alot more expensive - about a buck's worth of Army tent canvas and forty bucks worth of cussin' and needle sticks!
