Need help making a decision...Which one to get

Robert Hankins

Robert Hankins

Joined
May 19, 2003
Messages
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Looking for an really effective fighter. One stroke decapitation Etc that is not too big for belt carry...
Like the looks of the Uncle Bills special
Which one should I get?
I make knives but am not forging yet and a stock removal blade just seems like a violation of tradition for a blade like this.
 
Sounds like a job for a 15" Sirupati or Kobra, or the 18" versions. I can't conceive of carrying anything heavier and expecting to fight with it...except, maybe, the 18" Gelbu Special.
 
I'll throw in a vote for the 18inch Chitlangi or Malla...little more beef but not drag-you-down heavy. More likely to take those heads off with one swipe. Word to the wise though, before you do any beheading, check your local laws. :D
 
Suggest you look at the Becker Knife and Tool Machax according to an associate it did just that during Operation Just Cause that captured Noriega. Don't have or know the details just a comment made in conversation. It is my go to knife if the chit hits the fan. Just an old GIs opinion.:eek: :eek:
 
Welcome to the Cantina Mr. Hankins. Guys, I got a custom bowie from this man and it is a pure fighter, and a real beauty to boot. My recommendation is for a Gelbu Special. It is a really well balanced and light knife, but still a great chopper.
 
I'd post my 2 cents worth, but I still haven't figured out how to get Hogs head back on after I test all these.:rolleyes: ;) :eek: :footinmou
 
Originally posted by Blinker
Looking for an really effective fighter. One stroke decapitation Etc that is not too big for belt carry...
Like the looks of the Uncle Bills special
Which one should I get?
I make knives but am not forging yet and a stock removal blade just seems like a violation of tradition for a blade like this.
Click to expand...

Although I am highly enamored of my 15.5" British Army Service, and saw it put a split down the entire length of an 18" long 2x6, I'm thinking that it might be a bit short for any kind of fighting that might involve a decapitation. You have to be REAL close for a 15" overall-length blade weapon to connect with a neck. That has to be almost a coup de grace or "trophy taking" blow.

My guts tell me you need to be looking at something in the 18-21" range.

The best "battle" khuk in that range would probably be the Malla, though I haven't handled one, I have handled and worked out with a whole boatload of swords in the same weight range as the Malla (2.25-lbs, give or take).

I'm guessing you would find a 2.25-lb knife of any type a bit heavy for belt carry. For me personally I'd like to keep the weight under 1.5-lbs.

Given your criteria, the weight range above, and what I know of longish, cutting/chopping blades, my recommendation would be for either of the following models:

Gelbu Special, Sirupati, or Chitlangi in 18", and maybe a Gelbu Special in 21". The 18" and 20" Kobras fall into that weight range too.

Don
 
Great replies and suggestions: Check your local Laws:> funny!
Have not had the time to study this subject in depth so your expertise is appreciated.
 
Blinker

I have seen some of your stuff (nice work, really liked your new batch of EDC Blade's) and read a few of you post over in shop talk, welcome over to the Cantina. Be warned after the first there is no going back. You can't go wrong on any of them. I have 2 Ak and 2 Kobras on the way so I can't really give to much in real advice. How about enjoy them all.
 
Mr. Hankins,

I've been admiring your work in the Exchange section for some time now. You make some fine knives. :)

As to the question in your signature line, i believe Webshots makes a nicer viewing experience. It's easier on the eyes overall, and allows you to provide better descriptions on the knives. I'm glad you added that gallery, i really like it.

As far as a Hankins Khukuri, with a HD Kydex sheath... :D
I think it's something you should try, and it would be most interesting to see. The downside, is labor, material, and end cost.

Uncle Bill's Khuks are so downright inexpensive, i can't even believe it. I think you crafting a tribute to the Khuk in modern materials (steel, handle, sheath, etc...) would be very cool though. If Cold Steel can do it, you can most definitely do it better!

For you to choose one of the H.I. types, well... that's the running joke around here. No way can you just "choose one". I'm new to these myself, so i can't offer much in the way of selection advice. I know alot is going to depend on your size, it'll be hard to wield a biggun' if you're a 5' skinny guy. You mention liking the Uncle Bill Special, so why not start there?

For me, the larger and heavier the better. I'm a big knife kinda guy. For defense purposes, i'd look for something more in the middle.

The best advice i can give ya is to familiarize yourself with styles, then try 3-4 various ones till ya get it right. Go here: http://www.himalayan-imports.com/faq/physics/Khukuri_Dynamics.html
that makes "seeing" alot easier, but it's still not "feeling". For the latter, i think you should phone Uncle Bill. I'm sure he will square you away. ;)

Hope this helps!

btw, why don't you come join in our WW2 model passaround? I'm next on the list, and you could have it in your hands within 2 weeks or so. Free opportunity to give a user a whirl, go hack a bit of wood, or a new path, and see how she fits ya?
Come on down! http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=262910
 
"Looking for an really effective fighter"


you must look into your soul, for YOU are the weapon, all else is but instrumentation.




















(and really, reconsider the whole decapitation thing, it is SO vulgar.):)
 
Robert, check out the the 10" to 20" Sirupatis and 18" to 21" Gelbu Special (GS). My Bura made Sirupati has a wood handle and weighs in around 24 oz. It's pretty fast and great for brush work. The GS should be a little lighter and faster. My GS was 16" long, had a wood handle and was extremely fast.:) I'm going to buy another one of these days.:)

Now, if I was to go hunting Orcs or something like that, I would use either a 20" to 22" Sirupati, or 21" GS. Along with a sword of course;).

Gook luck with your desition and Welcome to the Cantina.:)
 
Robert,

You might want to look at the thread on this forum titled 20" Kobra for sale I think Uncle Bill still has 1 left and at $75 you can't go wrong. By the way I love my Bowie

Cheers Tim
 
Originally posted by feth
Blinker

Be warned after the first there is no going back.
Click to expand...

Talk about the understatement of the year. A couple weeks back I ordered my first Khuk, the 15" BAS.

The Khuk bug bit me so hard that in the last two weeks I order three 18-inchers (Chitlangi, Sirupati and Gelbu Special), a 2-lb 18" Ang Khola (getting quite a collection of 18-inchers now), and a 20" Kobra. Also ordered a 15" Sirupati for my daughter. I'm scared silly I'm going to like it so much that I'll want one for myself.

Before I'm done I'm also going to get a 19" Malla, and an 18" Chainpuri, and I'm looking really, really covetously at the 21" Gelbu and Sirupati too.

Man, I don't just love these blades, I'm infatuated with them. Yet three weeks ago I never gave Khuks a second look.

Don
 
If your looking for what will be primarily a weapon, try a Patang. Short sword, scary, etc.
 
Originally posted by Bill Martino
Try one of the Kobras for $75. If you don't like it trade it for something else.
Click to expand...

I gotta say it's been a long, long time since I've met anyone with Uncle Bill's customer service philosophy. The fellow made a fan out of me within his first two e-mails.

Don
 
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