New guy on the block...lookin' for a new HI kukri too!

K

Kenniets

Joined
Mar 17, 2011
Messages
28
Greetings, everyone. I'm new to these forums and new to kukris, but not to blades. This looks like a great community, great folks and a great source of knowledge.

I'm not sure if you saw the recent news story about the lone Gurkha fighting off 40 train robbers in India and saving a girl passenger from being taken advantage of (not to mention everyone else getting their stuff back too!), but when _I_ read that story... I knew I had to have a kukri.

Life matters got in the way of my search, I've been busy. I'm working in Africa as a photographer with a missionary organization and life in the bush certainly calls for something like a kukri... After I found out about them I started really resenting the POS local machetes I put up with here. Seems like you get four or fives strokes out of them before it's time to re-sharpen...again....

But now I'm somewhere with internet, and I'm returning state-side soon. So I've finally set about trying to collect all the information and do my research: where could I get a real, functional, authentic kukri?

After doing my own google searching and cruising this forum, let me tell you, this whole cryptic business of figuring out who is khukuri house and nepalese khukuri house and khukuri house tamel is hard for someone just diving in. But let me tell you also, one thing has been quite clear: the quality of Himalayan Imports is consistent and perhaps unsurpassed.

I was and partly still am tempted by ebay auctions such as this one: So I've decided to bite the bullet and buy one from Himalayan Imports. Just thought I'd ask for a bit of help because I'm dealing with two problems. If you feel like responding, even to just one of these issues, I'd be very grateful:

1)I can't seem to contact Himalayan Imports! The number from their website (775 825 2279) hasn't been answered yesterday or today during business hours. And I sent an email two days ago but haven't had a reply yet. Is there a better way to get in touch?

2) Styling. Let me be blunt. The ideal khukuri as far as looks, for what I'm looking for, would be this one:
(( ebay link removed per the forum rules ))

--the problem is, THAT one is sold by some dubious-looking "GK & Co" khukuris on Ebay. The price tells me I'll get what I pay for, and yet if you look through this guy's models, they are dead ringers, I mean exactly the same as KHHI's offerings, perhaps with a different color scabbard here and there or a different bolster style on the grips. If anyone has had experience with them and can say, yes it will work as a tool and hold a good edge or not...that'd help.

I'm not actually fond of the mirror-bright blades from HI. I get blades dirty, abused, and even a bit rusty sometimes. The only oil out here sometimes to use is vegetable oil, which doesn't work like a good CLP oil would...
Bottom line is, what I would like would be something that looks like the one I've shown, with a full-tang construction, and a blade of not more than 11 or 12 inches. I don't fancy lugging anything bigger around. Recommendations would be great.

Maybe I'm missing something, but I haven't seen a way to check with HI whether or not individual models are actually in stock. And there's a page of "special knife runs" on their main site, which includes one I really admire, the Hanshee/M43 hybrid. But it's not clear---were these offered only once, or are some still around?

Okay, enough bombarding with questions for now. In conclusion, I wouldn't mind going HI for my first (and hopefully last) kukri, but I need a little help finding the right one. Maybe they're willing to just put different color grips on an existing model?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
As far as trying to contact HI the last few days goes Auntie Yangdu has been away on a trip. She was scheduled to be back yesterday so in the next few hours she may offer a DOTD ( Deal Of The Day). Read up on how to shark a DOTD. Keep refreshing your screen fairly often so you will see when the DOTD is posted as it is first come first served. It sounds like you want a villager finish khuk.
 
First, Welcome. Second, the owner of HI, Ms. Yangdu Martino took a short birthday vacatio. She is back and sure to email you soon. I don't think HI makes a version exactly like the Ebay one you like. It's kind of M-43ish. I started with a 16.5" WW II and love it. That, or a BAS would be my suggestion for a great all-around first khuk. You'll end up with more. They are measured in over all length. You will learn that a 15" khuk is quite substantial. Your local flora will really dictate the model. Tell us what you will need to cut mainly. A Gelbu Special is a favorite of brother Jay in his Malaysian jungle. Take care.
 
I'm quoting killa_concept here as he detailed the steps to follow when buying a DOTD.


"1) Email Aunty & post in the thread about the DotD item(s) you want to pick up himimp@aol.com
2) Wait for confirmation + the shipping quote
3) Pay for the item
4) Post that you've managed to shark said item
5) Aunty only lists item as **sold** once confirmed payment has been received"
 
Last edited:
Welcome to the forum!

Yes, you picked one of the few times Yangdu goes on vacation to contact her. Trust me, she'll be right with you when she gets back.

IMO the closest HI offering to the one you linked to would be the ASTK -- Amar Singh Thapa Knife.
2-18-11%20001.jpg


They are a heavy bruiser of a blade that can take on just about anything you want to take on.

Another really good way to go for an all rounder is the M43:
100_0204.jpg


You also don't need to get the polished models if you don't want. The Villager models have a sort of Scotch-Brite matte finish and unpolished handles, and a True Villager has unpolished handles with the dark forge scale left on the blade, except for the spine and bevel. Yangdu can tell you what she has in stock or how long it would take to order one.

Trust me, I hate machetes for exactly the reason you stated. My first HI kukri was a huge 20" Chiruwa Ang Khola
100_0187.jpg


And she's withstood everything I threw at her, and laughed afterward. These are tools that will last a lifetime.
 
I too am a fan of the Amar Singh Thapa Knife; but most of them are 18" OAL which would put them at your upper limit as stated in your post. I think a 15" - 16.5" might be better if you're concerned about carrying excess weight and size.
The WWII, BAS, M-43, AK, CAK would all be good choices.
 
Welcome to the HI and forum
 
Wow! What a welcome. All your responses are helpful, and there were many, so I'll just say a collective THANKS to everyone!

About a few things--the DotD: looks like I missed a deal that would have been right up my alley!! On the 4th of March Yangdu offered "Five Villager Bad Boys for 3/4"!!!! I'll bide my time, though =)

Cpl Punishment---the ASTK is exactly what Im looking for! How long is it? And, more importantly, _where did you find it_? I mean, could you post a link to the HI catalog where you see that one? I've been looking here:
http://yhst-7333098713883.stores.yahoo.net/

which I thought was HI's store, but there are not many listed there. I'm probably missing something obvious, but that's my specialty.

The M43 is indeed a great kukri, I've seen it recommended over and over. But aesthetically, if I'm going to stick some pins into the grips, I want to at least maintain the traditional round rise in the middle of the wood.

Also, Cpl? The pic of that 20" CAK has left me drooling just a little bit. I'm not prepared to go dragging one of that size around every day, but hh how I could have used one of those in Congo...
--
And finally, to answer someone else's question, I have no idea what I'll be cutting with the kuk in the future. Out here it would be a lot of bamboo, banana plants, and trash trees that need to be cleared back. But I'm bound for colder climes next...it'll need to cut through Russian birch as well! :D
 
Cpl Punishment said:
Trust me, I hate machetes for exactly the reason you stated. My first HI kukri was a huge 20" Chiruwa Ang Khola
Click to expand...

Thats how I ended up here as well. Didn't have room in tangled underbrush to swing a machete hard enough to cut through thick branches. A friend said get a "khuk" & I didn't even know what it was. Stumbled upon this site, got a 20" AK & got schooled on how efficient they are right away. A wrist-flick cut through the target branch & then unexpectedly cut through a second branch. Damn lucky my leg wasn't in the path of the follow-through. Then I came in & read the Safety Thread (duh!). First-timers do yourself a big favor... read the Safety Thread before you take a swing. If you're used to swinging a machete & plan on swinging an HI bruiser, you'll thank yourself later for reading the Safety Thread. These things cut through wood WAY easier than a machete does. Whatever you are imagining in your head about how well these things cut, you are more than likely underestimating the power of a big khuk.
 
Two more questions to add on to my previous ones (ie, still wondering where to find the full HI catalog of what's available...)--

Does HI give you the choice of sheath color when you order? I have a hard time digging a black sheath with brass tip on a brown-handled knife with steel bolsters. Heck, I'd even be willing to buy it separately if I had to. Also, how well do the HI sheaths hold up in extended use? I tend to tear apart anything that isn't made redundantly-strong and stitched like crazy. I recently destroyed a (rather expensive) leather holster for my 1911 pistol just through normal wear and had to wear it mexican loop-holster style until I could get to a real leather worker. I don't want to end up with a sheathless kukri, because wearing one of THOSE mexican loop-style in my trousers would probably work out decidedly less well for me...
 
Welcome Kenniets !!
There is no catalog with absolutely everything listed.
Hopefully in the near future auntie will be able to update the store with some of the new products. Aside from the website and store, there is these threads that show what H.I. has to offer.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=449767
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=382619
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=653851&highlight=missing+pages

H.I. does not offer choice of colors on the scabbards. You may, however, inquire about special ordering a scabbard or khukuri by contacting Auntie Yangdu at HIMIMP@aol.com. She will let you know what can be done. The sheaths hold up well for normal use, but many here have custom sheaths made for extended use, so as not to mess up the original scabbard.
 
Karda, those links are very helpful. I appreciate it. It looks like the Bonecutter might also be a great one for me. My one concern is I don't want these things to be so heavy and long that they're a pain to use for extended periods and they can't be used for smaller stuff.

And sorry about posting that ebay link earlier, I missed that part in the rules. Boy do I wish I could get a sheath like the one pictured there, though!

Looks like I'll try contacting Yangdu to see what she's got available at the moment. Or, you know, if anybody happens to have a Hanshee/M43 hybrid, Bonecutter, villager ganga ram, or Amar Singh Thapa they're looking to get rid of, give a holler!
 
Anyone else left-handed here? I just realized, I might be having to order a custom (LH) sheath anyway, unless you can take off the frog part that actually has the beltloop attached and just reverse it.
 
Yes, you can take the frog off and turn it around. Quite common. Using a large "D" ring thru the belt loop is a convenient way to carry it baldric style - across the shoulder with a strap. I like a good laptop carry strap.
 
Good to know, Burke! I'm still tempted to get a custom sheath. If all else fails, I've got some old shemaghs sitting around, should be able to stick the existing sheath into a sash of some sort.
 
Oh, and welcome to the forum, Sir. Pardon my lack of manners! I hop eyou like this place as much as I do. :thumbup:
 
Welcome Kenniets! Be careful -- these things are addictive. Private message or visitor message me -- I might be looking to downsize my collection and have what you're looking for.
 
Kenniets said:
Good to know, Burke! I'm still tempted to get a custom sheath. If all else fails, I've got some old shemaghs sitting around, should be able to stick the existing sheath into a sash of some sort.
Click to expand...

I took a bit of an old camo t-shirt and made a sort-of sock out of it to slide over the scabbard of the Super CAK. Looks good.
 
Kenniets:

The ASTK is fairly big, I think they run 18-19" on average.
Others may disagree, but IMO, 18" is where you see a big jump in performance for a kukri, and remember, that's 18" overall, maybe 11-12" of that will be the blade.

I really can't say how well the stock sheaths hold up, I suspect they need to be replaced periodically. A lot of us have custom sheaths made for the ones we use a lot. Check out this thread: "Your" custom sheaths.

Another thing we bring up a lot, is that Uncle Bill (Yangdu's late husband) said that we don't choose a kukri, a kukri chooses us. Meaning that if one really call to you, even if there are others that, objectively, may be better for your purposes, you should probably go with the one that calls to you. It'll probably work better for you, and you'll end up getting it eventually anyway.

If you are worried about the weight, I can say that a baldric style carry makes a heavy piece of steel like some of the kukri we use easy to carry. Just keep in mind that you'll have to send it to the maker, as HI kukri are hand made and each one is different, so even if the maker has that same model, they really can't use it to fit a sheath to your blade. For instance, at one time I had 4 20" CAKs, and NONE of them would interchange sheaths, not even the HI sheaths.

Another option, if you can wait, if to have Yangdu special order one. Say you want the ASTK, but are worried about the weight, you could special order one 3/8" thick instead of 1/2" thick to shave weight off of it, but keep the longer, more effective length, and also ask for the left hand sheath to be made for it.

Plenty of options, my friend.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top