New guy with lots of questions

Greetings,
I have used, as have MANY others on the forum, many different blades from HI for many different tasks (read the "more uses for my Khuks thread!). No matter what you get, it will be phenomenal. However, I have made the following observations; if you will be doing lots of digging, you would want to stay with something that has a pretty decent size belly (AK, BAS, etc.). A sirupati, while excellent at limbing trees and other chopping and slicing work, doesn't fare well for digging, just not enough surface area. Also, if you want a good splitter, the blade thickness, and profile must be considered. I use a big AK to do almost all of my wood splitting (2-3 cords a year), and it does an excellent job. The "shoulders" on the blade help to wedge the wood apart, and minimize the number of times that the blade gets stuck. A WWII model is a comprimise of sorts IMO. It chops and slices well, but not as well as a Sirupati, it splits well, but not as well as an AK. A 15" or 18" AK (depending on how much you are willing to carry and swing...) would be my choice of the 'standard' HI blades. Everyone has their opinion on these things, as you can tell. My favorite all-around knife is the Uncle Bill Especialle. This is an all-around awesome knife that I've yet to find a flaw in. Oh well, I hope that I have helped some in my ramblings. Don't fret over it too much, my bet is that this will not be the only one that you purchase. The dreaded Himalayan Imports Khukuri Virus (HIKV) is very contagious, and once infected, it is difficult to be cured (Tom Holt says HE has the cure though, a 25" Kumar Kobra, not a packing knife though!). Regards, and have a nice day!

Rob

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The only thing better than a sharp knife is... Lots of sharp knives! :)
 
Welcome!!

My vote for camping goes to the 15" sirupati. It small enough to be manageable, but still has a lot of chopping power. I have used it camping to pound tent stakes, chop wood, and clear brush. If you plan on chopping logs or such (more than 4 or 5 inches thick) I would reccommend a heavier Khukri such as the indestructable AK. They weigh too much for my tastes
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.

I also second Robert notion to cover the khuk in a cloth of sorts to keep it from poking through your pack, tent, sleeping bag, etc.

As far as the law goes, you will want to check local laws, but, in my experience, I've had no problem (unless you plan on wildly flailing the khuk around other people). Keep it in your pack, use it as a tool, have a little fun with it
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. As long as you are safe and respect the blade for what it is, you'll be OK.

Good Luck
Dave
 
First of all thanks for all the input. This has been a very useful discussion for me.

In response to Howards questions. My build is tall and skinny (6'2" and 170 lbs) and my hands are also long and skinny.

Since the knife will replace a hatchet, I figure I can use anything under 2 lbs.

I would put the knife inside the pack, possibly in an outer pocket. I dont like straping things to the outside of my pack 'cause they catch on branches and such.

Common uses for the knife are; cutting and spliting firewood, pounding tent pegs, clearing brush/snow/ice, digging small holes and just generaly poking at stuff. Of course the knife would be expected to do emergency work like cutting branches for shelters, cutting boots off (sounds strange but Ive had to do it) and the like.

This wont be the only knife I carry. I have smaller knives for more delicate/small scale work, this would be the knife for big jobs.
 
I wonder why has nobody recommended HI blems yet.

Here in this unique forum people seek for blems, and welcome with joy, unlike any other forums.

I've not had my first hand experience with HI blems but on this forum never heard anybody complained about a blem because it was blemish. IMHO it will put less financial damage in case of confiscation if it happens.

Have fun.

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Did you enjoy today?
\(^o^)/ Mizutani Satoshi \(^o^)/
 
Our blems are better than many "firsts" offered on the net and they go with the HI ironclad guarantee at a much reduced price. Wrongfriend has a point, and many thanks to all for great help.

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Blessings from the computer shack in Reno.

Uncle Bill
Himalayan Imports Website
Khukuri FAQ
 
Josh,

I suggest you consider a BAS or AK of 15" or less, with an "American style" handle.

The shorter length will make it easier to carry in a pack than a longer knife. If you can find a 13" or 14" model you may want to consider that. A 13" knife will sacrifice some chopping ability for a weight advantage and ease of packing.

The wide blade will handle the digging, pounding, and snow clearing tasks better than a narrow blade will. The flat of the wide blade can be used for pounding stakes.

The longer handle for comfort. Most Nepalese khukuris will dig into the heel of your large hands when chopping. They are designed for Nepalese hands, which are in general smaller. If you were to use a knife designed for Nepalese people you would probably want to file off the point on the buttcap for comfort. HI recently began manufacturing knives with longer handles for the American market. These newer knives will fit your hands without digging in.

 
2 lbs. huh??

In that case, forget the sirupati (even though its my fav.) and go with an AK. You can't go wrong with one of those beasts. I also highly recommend the blem knives.

Dave
 
My recommendation would be the Gelbu Special in 18-20 inch length. Good cutter, and decent chopper and light enough that you won't feel like you are using a Mega-Salyan(5.65 pound khuk). A good allrounder. Get the 10 out of 10 rig or one of the blems. You will enjoy this one.



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Harry


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Many thanks, Harry.

Gelbu says the kamis are scratching their heads (and probably other parts if I know the kamis!) and musing over your special order katana. If they pull this one off we will set a new standard for katanas anywhere? Wait until you see it before you say it.

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Blessings from the computer shack in Reno.

Uncle Bill
Himalayan Imports Website
Khukuri FAQ
 
The Sarki with no name will most assuredly be involved, Harry. Fear not! With Bura at the forge and the sarki with no name at the leather table how can we lose!!!!!????????

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Blessings from the computer shack in Reno.

Uncle Bill
Himalayan Imports Website
Khukuri FAQ
 
A couple of people have recommended HI blems. These are great knives. There's only one problem -- the mad scramble for precedence when Uncle Bill announces them.
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Paul Neubauer
prn@bsu.edu
If the odds are a million to one against something occurring, chances are 50-50 it will.
 
Ooooh do we get to hear any details on this new katana?
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Or are you going to wait until you recieve it to make us all jealous?

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I'll gladly pay you Tuesday,for a khukuri today.
 
Robert, we have to wait. The specs on this katana are so severe I am not sure we can get it done the way we want. And, if it is a misfire there is no need to get people excited over nothing.

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Blessings from the computer shack in Reno.

Uncle Bill
Himalayan Imports Website
Khukuri FAQ
 
If BirGhorka manages to pull off this magical katana, well.....I will be one happy fellow.

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Harry


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Hello Josh,

Sorry I'm a bit late getting here but here's my .02.
My first khukri was a 15" Ang Kohla. It is still my favorite. Since I bought the AK I have bought many more khuks from the very small (kagnas katne) to the very large (monster Salyan) with many i between. Still, when a job needs to be done I reach for the AK. You will not break the AK. I have pried, dug, cut, split and hacked through things that would destroy most knives and the AK is unfazed. Mine has the stick tang and shows no signs of looseneing. I am ne of the very few people who has broken an HI khukri, It was a 15" BAS that had a tang failure. The khuk was produced when Birgorkha was just opening up and the kamis were rushing to fill backorders. The tang failed very quickly. Uncle Bill was VERY concerned and offered to replace the knife with anything in the HI inventory. The problem was identified and solved immediately and as far as I know has not reoccurred. This was over a year ago.
You'll likely be happy with whatever you decide to buy but the AK will be your best bet for a heavy duty, all purpose working blade. I like my 15" model but Yvsa thinks his 18" AK is the best knife in the world. He may be right. ( I don't have an 18" AK yet)
Buy the AK first. 9 chances out of 10 you'll be back for more. They are addictive.
Waring. An untreated blade will rust. Bluing and browning the blade are options. Brownells sells some bake on epoxy finishes that should work well. Edgeworks makes a KILLER kydex sheith for khuks. It's about $40 and you have to send them your knife but it is worth it.
Keep you eyes open for a blem or a particuarly nice village model and spend the saved money on a kydex sheith and a can of epoxy finish and you will have the toughest, most dependable knife in the world.
 
I think I am leaning toward the 15" AK. Thanks to everyone for their input. Now I just have to convince my wife that I need another 'toy'. I have not yet been able to convince her of the beauty of a fine blade.

I am interested in blems and village models. As long as the blade and handle are sound I realy don't care if they look bad.

One last question for you experts in knife history. The Malaysians have a knife called a parang that looks similar to a khukuri. How do they compare and do they share any of the same 'geneology'?
 
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