new guy

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seth

Joined
Apr 23, 2008
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hi guys, new guy here (why do i hate to be the one starting up a new guy post..)
been perusing the forums for a few days, and ive got a couple questions about buying my first blade.. im doing a 2 week camping/hiking trip in the rainforests of guyana either later this year or early next year (we still havnt decided on the date) and i was going to just make myself a big camp knife (i was a hobby bladesmith about 5 years ago) but then i came across HI while looking for inspiration.. wow, i need one now ;)


what i have in mind is the 16.5 inch WWII but its so bloody hard to choose really, so, does anyone have any good reccomendations? ive actually had very limited experience with camp knives, and its so hard to choose... maybe i'll get a pair, that way one wont be lonely.. hmn.. i see the knife addiction starting back..
 
Welcome, Seth:)

The 16.5" WWII is a great all around camp knife. Heavy enough to chop wood, but it has enough leverage to snap and whip through slightly springier stuff. If you don't plan on chopping/splitting too much, you could probably save yourself a little weight and go with a 12" model like a 12" AK.

If you think that you might need more of a machete style of blade, check out the 18" Siru or Gelbu. Both are quite packable and light, yet strong enough to be put to real work.

Once again, welcome:):D:thumbup:
 
welcome :)
i got a 12" ak and it works realy well, ony thing is that i think it might be just alitle to short handle if you want to chopp alot :(

it even works as a throwing knife... when you get used to it :P
 
Welcome! :)
As Jake pointed out, if you are expecting a lot of machete-type usage, you might want to consider one of the "lighter" HI blades. I sure as heck wouldn't want to slash my way through a rainforest with my CAK...

Besides, you're going to wind up buying more than one anyway...:D
 
Since it's going to be in Guyana, I'd say a 18-20" Sirupate would be the best bet. They're light, and the length gives reach and tip speed.
 
wow i got welcomed :) i think i'll like it in here, most forums ignore the new guy posts in hopes that they will go away.

the trip honestly has me super excited.. staying for 2 days on an amerindian reservation, then hiking 80 miles to the mountains, spending a day or so there, and hiking back.. the light and long combination sounds good..hmn.. i have an idea, i'll buy 2, and give one to the guide as a gift (he is my uncle, and is offering me the trip at basically just airfare cost, because he knows how much i like the outdoors).. hmn.. the 20 inch sirupati looks beautiful !! perfect lines
 
My lightest is a Gelbu Special. I think it would do well in a jungle climate.

How about a 16" Bonecutter? The wide bevel makes an effective chopper with a relatively thin edge.
 
You'll like it here. I got my first HI khuk only a few weeks ago and it's still impressing me!

I'll throw in my green horn opinion and agree with others that the lighter sirup would be a little more machete like, but still have the strength for chopping. You'd get an all around camp knife with the WWII though.
 
M43...speed of a light blade, hits like a heavy blade, strength of a chiruwa handle...
 
seth said:
... i have an idea, i'll buy 2, and give one to the guide as a gift...
Click to expand...

...They do make great gifts! :D:thumbup::cool:

Welcome, Seth. :) It does sound like an awesome trip. Do you think you'll need it for general camp/utility purposes, or will you need to hack through low-hanging lianas to get where you're going?

I would lean toward the light and long combination already mentioned. You're apparently going to be doing some rough humping in high humidity and at altitude, so you want to make your load pay. Even the lightest, thinnest Khuk is still going to be a great chopper, but would save you some effort on repetitive work and continuous carry.

Of course you realize, you are obligated to post pics of your selections upon receipt, and plenty of action shots from your trip. ;)
 
definately, well, i'll post pics of the blades, but link to albums of the trip when i do it.. wouldnt want to crash the servers :) im buying a new slr just for the trip also.. i think i'll buy the blades out of lobster $$, so i 'll buy them around july or so. (i work to pay bills and save a bit in the bank, and spearfish for lobster for a bit of extra $$ to play around with)

when my uncle comes back from this trip, i'll sit with him and discuss some of his older trips, find out as much as i can about the conditions.
 
Welcome, to the forum and HI
 
I have spent some time in Equitorial Guinea (Bioko Island) rain forrest environment.
For trail clearing/path finding,18-21" Sirupati or Gelbu Special, ask for one with a thiner convex as opposed to thicker, they varry.


For general camp chore duty, chopping splitting or battoning through hard woods regularly, 16.5WWII.


P.S.......................TAKE YOUR MALARONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
Welcome get an M-43. unbelievable blade. not too heavy and chops better than most axes I've used mine to bu9ild several primitive shelters, a log cabin, peel logs,split firewood and just about every other chore imaginable.
 
wildmike said:
Welcome get an M-43. unbelievable blade. not too heavy and chops better than most axes I've used mine to bu9ild several primitive shelters, a log cabin, peel logs,split firewood and just about every other chore imaginable.
Click to expand...

great minds think alike!!!:D
 
I like the Chitlangi because it's sort of compromise between an Ang Khola's chopping power and a Sirupati's agility.

If you like speed, agility, and lighter weight, you'd probably like a Sirupati.

If you like pure brute force cleaving power, you'd probably prefer the Ang Khola.

The Chitlangi is a little bit of both.
 
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