New guy questions

R

ramius

Joined
Mar 9, 2000
Messages
64
Alright... I'm a new guy to the khukri crowd. I've been reading the posts and doing some homework, and I've decided that I could use some recommendations from people more knowledgeable than I (this means you).

So if you've never owned a khukri before, and you were buying your first one as an experiment, which one would you buy?

As background, I'm the kind of guy who considers disappearing for a weekend with very little more than a big knife, my faithful Gerber strikeforce, and little else as FUN. So this will not be a wall hanger. This be a tool which I will cheerfully abuse.

Your input is welcome, and thanks.



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-ramius
"oderint dum metuant"
 
I'm in total agreement with Mr. Kwan with the exception of the size. I'd go with the 15" model. Unless your a BIG guy the 18" is just a tad "too" much (if that's possible).

I really like the BAS model too.

Vince

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Stay sharp and be Safe!
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That which does not kill us only makes us stronger.
F.W. Nietzche
 
Like the 30-06, everything can do something ( even if it's just to look pretty ) better than the 18" WW2.

The 18" WW2 is, like the 30-06, the benchmark for all others.

( A 15" Sirupati is akin to a 7x57 (( which WDM Bell killed elephants with by the hundreds )), a 15" Ang Khola can be compared to a 358 Winchester, an 18" AK to a 375, the 15" BAS to the 303, the 12" Sirupati to the 257 Robts., a 20" Sirupati to a 300 Weatherby, a 20" AK to the 500 Nitro, a 12" AK to the 35 Rem., a 30" Sirupati to the 460 Weatherby )

The 18" WW2 is never a bad choice, used well.

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Rusty <sasquatchyeti@bigfoot.com>
 
Well, it would seem that the WWII is the unanimous decision. The only difference in opinion seems to be the size.

So what would the cost be for the two sizes, and does anyone else want to chime in?

Thanks,



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-ramius
"oderint dum metuant"
 
Heres my 2 cents
I agree with all, the WWII 17" would be a good all around pick but have no worry about it cause.

ONE JUST LEADS TO ANOTHER.
and another
and another
and another
and so it goes.



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Ray
 
Shoter Gelbu Specials will fit also if in stock.
Recommending GS is getting my second nature now. Last year I was awaiting my first HI, first AK, first 20 incher and never imagined I would do the same with GSs next year (this year).

Good luck and have fun! Anyways HI khukuris are "fun insured" IMO.


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\(^o^)/ Mizutani Satoshi \(^o^)/
 
The WWII is nice, but a little heavy for extended hikes through hilly terrain, unless you know you’re in for heavy chopping. Some crucial questions are: How big are you? What will be your primary expected use? Is the weight important to you? How do you expect to carry the knife?

For an extended hike I would be tempted to pick my 14 oz Udhaipur. Weight is important to me. A second (and more available) choice would be a standard BAS, or perhaps a small Sirupati. If I planned on doing a lot of chopping to make a shelter I might even take a 15” AK. If I didn’t plan on the chopping I wouldn’t carry the extra weight. Any of the khukuris will handle the chopping if called upon.
 
Well, the guy who actually owns Himalayan Imports, a former Gorkha, says that the 18" Gelbu Special (sounds like a curry dish at the local Indian restaurant, doesn't it? I respectfully submit we change the name to garoudko jibro, since that's actually what it looks like (tongue of the dragon. Bill, did I get that right?)).

I have one on order which should get here late this or early next week. These are magic khukris, which get sharper the more you use them (so we are told), and Kami Sherpa, owner of HI, says that he would issue these as standard to all Gorkhas instead of the BAS. These are, aparently, go anywhere, do anything khukris. Having owned a 15" AK, a 20" Sirupati, and still have a 22" AK, the GS (or GJ) is most likely to be "The One."

Until the next one...
smile.gif


But seriously, unless you are doing dedicated chopping for a long time, the 15" AK may not be the knife for you. It is a neat little chopper, but doesn't really do much else very well. I suspect that it is the best seller because many people come to the HI website looking for something OTHER than a large knife. I know I did. I came looking for something more versatile than a hatchet and smaller than an axe to supplement other knives and tools I already have. As I have used them (some, not a lot) and read other posts, I came to realize that, if you choose the right khukri you don't really need all those other knives, tools etc.

From what I have seen, the 18" WWII is a slightly better chopper, as it is a bit heavier, than the GS (or GJ), but the GJ (or GS) is probably a better all-around khukri.
In either case, use it, and if you don't like it, send it back to Uncle Bill. once he gets done cursing and yelling, he'll probably give you credit toward a different one
wink.gif
.

BTW, Howard, isn't that Udhaipur a Villager version of the Gelbu Special (pronounced garoudko jibro)?

Tom

[This message has been edited by TomF (edited 05-02-2000).]
 
Choosing is such sweet torture. For $50 delivered, grab the BAS blem while you are making up your mind.

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Rusty <sasquatchyeti@bigfoot.com>
 
Let's not forget the 20" sirupati, my all-time favorite. It's to khuks what the 16 gauge is to smoothbores - it'll do everything the big heavies can do, if used right, and it's lighter, slimmer, faster and cuter...
 
Tom,

I believe the Gelbu Special was inspired by the Udhaipur villager I ended up getting. Bill can correct me if I’m wrong. My GS is considerably different than the Udhaipur villager. The GS is a lot tougher, a lot thicker, and a lot heavier.
 
First of all, thanks to everyone who has posted. I've learned a bunch and still have more research to do. You've all been more than helpful, and I will be refering to this post in the future for purchases.

Thanks to previous posts, when I saw the BAS blem I didn't hesitate... I went for it. Yes, that was me who emailed 15 minutes after the message was posted. I blame all of you for getting me all riled up
smile.gif
I will soon be in possession of my first khukuri and, from what I've been reading, it won't be my last.

Again, thanks to everyone, and if you have an opinion share it. There are probably some lurkers out there reading this thread.



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-ramius
"oderint dum metuant"
 
Ramius.

Congrat! IMHO BAS is just the right one for easy pick, any round the house medium type of works, back packing, hiking, climbing & camping. Insyaa-Allaah! you'll appreciately enjoy it! YES!!!

NEPAL HO!
 
"AND ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST"


WELCOME to the Club


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Ray
 
Throw another log on the fire!!!
wink.gif


I ordered a "blem" BAS as my first khukuri yesterday as well. (Thanks to Uncle Bill and my friend Brian Caffrey for steering me in the right direction.)

Glad to join you all! I'm sure it's going to be a long (and fun) ride!

Blues

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Live Free or Die

Some Knife Pix
 
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