As the title indicates, I don't have a khukuri but I'd like to get one. I've looked through the HI website and am leaning toward a 15" or 16.5" Ang Khola. Per the HI site, the HI 1st and 2nd best sellers are 15" and #3 is 16.5". So is it best to buy a 15" and learn to use it before going larger or is 16.5" a good size for learning? You guys who have more than one, what is the best khukuri for general use. I'm not a collector, this knife will be used in small clearing jobs -- for big clearing jobs I don't use hand tools. TIA
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Need recommendations for First Khukuri
- Thread starter ras
- Start date
wildmanh
Part time Leather Bender/Sheath maker
- Joined
- Jul 9, 2000
- Messages
- 7,764
Ras, welcome to the Cantina! 
The 15" and 16.5" AK's make great first khukuris (or any number for that matter
). The 16.5" WWII would also be a good choice, it was khukuri number 8 or 9 for me and I just Love it!! I'm sure that you will enjoy what ever Khukuri you choose. 
Heber
The 15" and 16.5" AK's make great first khukuris (or any number for that matter). The 16.5" WWII would also be a good choice, it was khukuri number 8 or 9 for me and I just Love it!! I'm sure that you will enjoy what ever Khukuri you choose. Heber
Thanks for the responses. The khukuri will supplement a 2 1/2# double bit axe and at times a chainsaw (although I usually don't like the way my back feels the day after using the chainsaw). Packing is not an issue.
My initial thought was to go with the 16.5" AK and if I found it too big (or small) buy a second AK in a size that's more appropriate, assuming the khukuri works.
My initial thought was to go with the 16.5" AK and if I found it too big (or small) buy a second AK in a size that's more appropriate, assuming the khukuri works.
- Joined
- Feb 12, 2001
- Messages
- 4,501
I don't think you can go wrong with either the 15" or 16.5" AK. You might also want to take a look at the 16.5" WWII model, as well as the BAS.
--Josh
--Josh
- Joined
- Aug 4, 2003
- Messages
- 302
I've owned maybe two dozen HI Khuks, maybe more, of various sizes (12" Sirupati smallest, 25" Kobra the largest, or maybe the 18" AK).
Anyhoo, I think the best "all around size" are the 15-16.5 inchers. I love my 15" BAS and 16.5" WWII.
For larger tasks or when you don't mind looking a bit scary, the 18-inchers are probably the best all-around "work horses".
For even larger tasks and when you don't mind scaring the snot out of someone, the 20-plus inchers are amazing. I cut down a fair sized sapling with a single leisurely stroke of my 21" Chitlangi.
For that matter, a rather leisurely stroke with my 15" British Army Service split an 18" long 2x6".
Note my use of the adjective "leisurely". Man, I'm not winding up and powering through these at all - the Khuk does all the work - and man does it ever.
If you want pure raw chopping power, the AK's are king with the WWII's right behind.
If you like a little more versatility and are willing to sacrifice the cutting ability a wee bit, the BAS, Gelbus, Chitlangis and Sirupatis are wonderful.
My favorites are:
15" BAS
16.5 WWII
18" Gelbu Special
Tie between 21" Gelbu and 21" Chitlangi (The Gelbu feels nicer in hand, but the Chitlangi seems to have more power in the cut)
Don
Anyhoo, I think the best "all around size" are the 15-16.5 inchers. I love my 15" BAS and 16.5" WWII.
For larger tasks or when you don't mind looking a bit scary, the 18-inchers are probably the best all-around "work horses".
For even larger tasks and when you don't mind scaring the snot out of someone, the 20-plus inchers are amazing. I cut down a fair sized sapling with a single leisurely stroke of my 21" Chitlangi.
For that matter, a rather leisurely stroke with my 15" British Army Service split an 18" long 2x6".
Note my use of the adjective "leisurely". Man, I'm not winding up and powering through these at all - the Khuk does all the work - and man does it ever.
If you want pure raw chopping power, the AK's are king with the WWII's right behind.
If you like a little more versatility and are willing to sacrifice the cutting ability a wee bit, the BAS, Gelbus, Chitlangis and Sirupatis are wonderful.
My favorites are:
15" BAS
16.5 WWII
18" Gelbu Special
Tie between 21" Gelbu and 21" Chitlangi (The Gelbu feels nicer in hand, but the Chitlangi seems to have more power in the cut)
Don
My 16.5" Chiruwa Ang Khola arrived this morning Express mail. I really wasn't expecting it so quickly;I ordered it Friday and it got here over the weekend.
This seems to be a perfect size -- not too short, not too heavy, the balance seems good and the blade is thick where it needs to be thick. I am really impressed.
Now I need to find something that needs chopping. I ordered it for my next trip to WA State where I'll use it for taking down small Alder and Maple trees -- tall weeds. Then I'll have a much idea of the size I really need. This one seems right now, but I haven't worked it yet.
This seems to be a perfect size -- not too short, not too heavy, the balance seems good and the blade is thick where it needs to be thick. I am really impressed.
Now I need to find something that needs chopping. I ordered it for my next trip to WA State where I'll use it for taking down small Alder and Maple trees -- tall weeds. Then I'll have a much idea of the size I really need. This one seems right now, but I haven't worked it yet.
