Need help with Khukuri decision...18" fighter

V

Venice Will

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Jan 11, 2007
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Lookin' for a longer blade that's quick in hand...some light chopping, but possible fighter when necessary -

which might fill the bill better, in your opinion (if you've handeled both)...?

an 18"Gelbu special or a 18" Chitlangi ?

let's add an 18" Malla to the mix....another possibility came open -

thanks for the input
 
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Hm, I'm probably not that qualified to give an opinion, but it may help others if you elaborate on what you'd consider "light" chopping. Brush and twigs? Branches under 1"? Batoning kindling?

I can say that Chitlangis and AKs are hands-down my favorite khukuris by appearance, at least. I love the double fuller look.
 
kindling, thinning out the mini-swamp plants dow here in Fla...3-4 inch branches when needed -

but would like something quick and versatile in the hand that won't fly outta the hand too readily when it's wielded :eek: :eek: in a self-defense situation (2 legged varmits, ya know?)
 
First, I don't have a Chitlangi-yet. I do have the Gelbu Special, Malla and a Chainpuri each 18" and all made by Sher(the Lion). The Gelbu Special weighs 23.35oz, the Malla 26.4oz and the Chainpuri 25oz. Of the three the Gelbu Special surprised me with its neutral feel. I'm sure that the weight has something to do with this but I also found that the blade doesn't have as much drop to it. I'm sure that either the Gelbu Special or the Malla would suffice.

The owner of HI (Pala, Yangdu's father) was a Gorkha and after the Gelbu Special(Udhaipuri) came out he was of the opinion that it was the best combination of tool and weapon. It was his opinion that it should be the Gorkha issue khukuri for those reasons.

Hope it helps.

Rick
 
Geez Will,
You couldn't go wrong with the 18" UBE over in the DOTD.
My 12" chops like crazy and IS a fighter, with that sweet point.

Just my 2 pennies.

Mark
 
I have a 18" malla it feels alive in my hands. You dont even feel the weight, due to the balance of the blade. I love this blade, it would handle your roughest tree trimming and yet be a fighter in a heartbeat.
 
Well Mark I saw that...and had I the $$, I'd get one of each, including THAT one...

I'm a runnin' as fast as I can...I have "THE FEVER!" :eek: :eek: :eek:
 
Late last year Yangdu released some very beautiful 20inch Chainpuri's that would have met your demands as well.

But the funny thing is I keep choosing a 25inch Kobra by Vim Kami for all my sub 3 inch cutting cause it means not having to ever bend over to use it and at 34ounces is still light enough to use one handed for those high hard to reach branches as well. :thumbup:
 
For an 18", I'd go with the Chitlangi.

They are good for longer also, but if you want to optimize for fighting with a longer one, a Sirupate or Chainpuri would work well, otherwise if you want more balance, the Chitlangi in the longer versions works well also.
 
kindling, thinning out the mini-swamp plants dow here in Fla...3-4 inch branches when needed -
Click to expand...

Personally, for 3-4" branches, I wouldn't go lighter than a Chitlangi. Not that a lighter design would bend or anything, it would just take quite a few more chops and really wear your arm out. An 18" Chit is a definite do-all blade, light enough for fighting or brush clearing, heavy enough for reasonable wood cutting.

A Malla might be a hair heavier and slower, but the tolerances are close enough that I'd say, pick whichever one calls to you and/or looks the best.

On further consideration, I think a Gelbu Special's deeply hollow ground edge might not be the best choice for branches of that size.
 
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I would go with the chit of the ones you have listed. When you order it, you might ask Yangdu to find you a stout one.

Basically, when an HI fighter is put into utility duty it tends to "fail" differently than other knives. Other knives tend to bend at the tang or even across the spine. If you use a lighter HI blade and really wrench on it, you'll probably deform the edge. This is usually fixable, but not desirable obviously. If you get one with a good beefy convex edge, this should cut down on the risk. The trade off is that it might be a little heavier and not as fleet.

If you are looking for a good chopping khuk with a martial feel to it, maybe think about asking Yangdu for a lighter M-43. They tend to weigh less than an AK, come in a bit thinner at the spine, and will chop like crazy. They also have a very weapony feel to them with their forward curve and weight.

That said, I can't talk. I use my 20" kobra for such tasks that you describe. If it breaks it's on me, but man is it an awesome machete:P
 
lookin' more andmore like the Chitlangi, from the choices I have in front of me, will best fit the bill -

thanks much!!!
 
I've chopped through 3-3 1/2" seasoned maple limbs with every blade I've gotten. The Gelbu Special chopped as well as a 16 1/2" WWII and slightly less well than a 16 1/2" CAK. The fuller in the GS keeps blade strength while reducing the weight somewhat. To the best of my understanding, this is the purpose of all fullers whether partial(AK, CAK) or full(Hanuman(Full Ang Khola), Gelbu Special, Chitlangi).

But if the Chitlangi is calling to you, by all means start there.

Rick
 
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I am liking the GS too, although the Chitlangis are a fine blade. I expect either will do the trick and its a matter of personal preference.
 
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Ok can anyone guess what I'll suggest?

;)

HPIM0854.jpg


HPIM0524.jpg
 
I love the top and middle knifes! Please share the specs. on them Wolf 1989

Thanks!
AlexGT
 
Those are Chitlangis. The smallest one belongs to my wife; it's a 15.5" Chitlangi made by Santosh.

The other two:

HPIM0714.jpg


26" Chitlangi by master kami Bura - saatisal handle
21.5" Chitlangi by kami Sher - horn handle

I don't know the weights on them, but the one made by kami Sher has an odd attachment to me.
 
stickfred said:
Those are beautiful Wolf. Thanks for the pictures.
Sher can make a blade that "grabs" you.

Rick
Click to expand...

I'm fortunate to have TWO 21.5" chitlangis made by kami Sher.

One has a horn handle and the blade's a bit wider; that's Wolf's Fang.

The other is leaner and lighter with a saatisal handle; that's Wolf's Claw.

HPIM1050.jpg


I know one looks longer in the pic but they are the exact same length.


Another contender for a fighter is the rare Panchthar Chitlangi. I scored one on a DOTD for one of my friends and he just loves it.

HPIM0866.jpg
 
More beautiful shots. Thanks.
What's the story on the Panchtar? I don't believe I've heard of it. Looks like it may only have one fuller?
 
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