New to Khukuris, need some advice.

O

Overture

Joined
Dec 12, 2004
Messages
23
Well, when I say new I actually mean I own a grand total of 0 Khukuris. However, I have been reading about them for quite some time. The history is extremely interesting (especially the stuff on the HI website), and the pieces themselves are beautiful to just.. look at.

Christmas is here, and I know what I am buying myself.

So, I have a few questions that you Khukuri/Forum vets can probably answer for me. Before answering, you might find the following info about me helpful:

- I am a younger member on these forums, I turn 21 in April. Knives are not a new thing for me, as I have many, but something almost classifying as a sword is.
- I have a pretty small build. I am 5"10, and weigh 155 pounds. I work out about 3 times a week, so I do have some decent arm muscle, but I would like something that will not tire me too fast.
- I am an avid bow hunter, and treat it as more of a lifestyle then a "sport". I also love the outdoors.
- Like I have already stated, I have never even held a Khukuri in my hand.

On to the questions:

1. I have browsed the many styles of Khukuris on the HI site, and other places. I still am not sure what would be a good "starter Khukuri" for me.

2. I have a big family hunting trip coming up in about a week, and many of my family members are knife fanatics. One of my uncles makes his own knives and handles, and always brings something very cool to show off. I'd love to impress him with a Khukuri, and have it before this trip. I would like to get a HI very much, but seeing as there is a delay in shipments because of X-Mas demand, I am not sure I'd get it in time. Is there another good source for quality Khukuris that I might find something I can get in time for my trip? I refuse to settle for any of the crap that is sold on ebay, because this is something I do want to spend a nice chunk of cash on. It is an investment to me, not just another toy to toss in the closet when I am tired of it.

3. As far as sheathes go, and what I have heard referred to as frogs or ducks; Is there a good online shop that sells quality sheathes/ducks/frogs? On the links section of HI, it links to a site, but they seem to have stopped taking orders at the time.

I'm sure I have a few more questions, but I think this is enough for now. Very glad I found these forums and HI in general. It is by far the best Khukuri resource I have found.

Thanks!
 
and has a family hunting trip comeing up :)

i would suggest a good all rounder for chopping cutting,self defence ect.

i would say go for an ankhola round about 15inch unbreakable.
and have the karda sharpened razor sharp for skinning ect and you will have a nice all rounder. try to get a nice one with special handle . good luck
email uncle bill and ask if he has anything special in stock in the angkhola line.
deer bone handle maybee :D
 
i like buras khuks ???? you playin with me :)

i often see you post some interestin stuff :)
the reason i suggested the angkhola was because i saw a beut deer bone one in bills especials.
 
Overture - One of the most popular and all round is the WWII. For your smaller build, the shorter of the two might be a great starter for you. I'm 6'4" and the larger is a real favorite of mine to use use for everything. As for getting it in a week, the Gods are against it because of the massive amounts of mail at this time of year. Perhaps if you paid the extra cost, Yangdu could use overnight delivery...but I don't know how much that would cost or even if it's an option. It's an idea anyway...good luck and welcome to the forum.

Danny - Yes
 
Overture said:
Well, when I say new I actually mean I own a grand total of 0 Khukuris.
So, I have a few questions that you Khukuri/Forum vets can probably answer for me. Before answering, you might find the following info about me helpful:
I am a younger member on these forums, I turn 21 in April.
I have a pretty small build. I am 5"10, and weigh 155 pounds.
I do have some decent arm muscle, but I would like something that will not tire me too fast.
I am an avid bow hunter, and treat it as more of a lifestyle then a "sport". I also love the outdoors.
Click to expand...
Welcome to the Cantina/Psycho Ward Overture!!!!:D
Good information and very helpful!

Please pardon the troll that has interupted your thread.:grumpy: He will be gone soon, hopefully very soon.

Overture said:
On to the questions:

I have a big family hunting trip coming up in about a week,
I am not sure I'd get it in time.
Click to expand...
You won't with the X-mas rush so no need to fret over it.;)

As to which khuk you should buy, well there's as many opinions as there are members here so bear that in mind when choosing. I always recommend a 17"-18" Ganga Ram Special otherwise known as a BGRS for most new members as I feel it's the best all around khuk for the weight there is, and besides, it's my favorite common khuk if one can be common, except for my villagers.:D

Overture said:
Is there another good source for quality Khukuris that I might find something I can get in time for my trip?
Click to expand...
No.

Overture said:
As far as sheathes go, and what I have heard referred to as frogs or ducks; Is there a good online shop that sells quality sheathes/ducks/frogs?
Click to expand...
No, the scabbards, not sheaths you get from HI are of good quality, they being a handmade item don't always fit as they should due to several factors. They can be adjusted by several means so no biggie. And it's just scabbards and frogs, no ducks. The only DUCK we have in the Psycho Ward is an individual also known as Tsimi or jim l. clifton. Crazy sumbeetch, don't believe a word he says!!!!:D ;)

Overture said:
It is by far the best Khukuri resource I have found.

Thanks!
Click to expand...
Yes, HI is the best there is as their goal is to make the best khukuris coming out of Nepal today, being handmade sometimes there's a slip up but if/when there is it is made right very quickly.

And you're welcome.:D

jackripper:
ken or burafan, aka John Cade, as the case may be, you were reported before you ever made a post as I saw you lurking the other day and immediately became suspicious. You won't be here long! Buh Bye!:rolleyes: :p

Edit:
If this proves to be john cade I'm going to post his email address for all to see as well as his home address as he keeps showing up where he is Not wanted!
 
Overture,

I would suggest the BAS or British Army Special. Just right, but I also suggest that it really makes little difference where you begin.

Any of the Himilayan Imports Khuks will give you a case of HIKV (Himilayan Imports Khuk Virus).

This is a name that the Forumites give the delightful desire to own one each (sometimes more than one each) of EVERY khuk made by Himilayan Imports!

These range in size from Ittibity pen knives to Humongous swords. Mounts can be sliver or brass. Handles can be horn or an an astounding variety of woods.

I am a collector of antique edged weapons and other antique weaponry. The truth be known I have little interest in modern stuff. HI Khuks are the sole exception. There is something about them that stirs the soul. The quality certainly, but something else. Something non-physical. Something deeper.

You will see what I mean when you open the long triangular box with your first HI Khuk enclosed. Until then you can not know what I mean.

Your first Khuk will be so beautiful that you may not want to chop with it and dim the magic mirror finish! But it will call to you in the night. You will wait for daylight to find something wood in your back yard.

AND THEN you will start lookng for your second HI Khuk.

Welcome to a group of strange yet wonderful people. Go easy and you will have a warm welcome. We discuss everything here, kuhuks, edged weapons -- both modern and antuque, loves, deaths, joy and sadness --- but all with a gusto that you will not find on any other forum.

Oh yeah, you may be thinking about getting a part time job. You may need one to support your new habit.

Welcome aboard,
 
What Yvsa said. 17" Ganga Ram Special. Actually if you ordered it today and your trip was not for a week you'd probably get it. It usually takes me 3 days to get one. That means it travels Almost coast to coast in that time. If you got a week before your trip I'd bet you still have time!
 
Welcome Overture! All of the suggestions so far have been great, I'll just second or third that for a 16.5" WWII. I'm also slightly built and find the 16.5" WWII and the 18" Ang Khola to be just right. I have only held the GRS once at the Khukuri Convention earlier this year and it seemed like a great khuk as well. Really I think you'll be well served by whatever you choose, or the one after that, or the one after that. ;) No one stops at just one.
 
Overture...welcome.

Why don't you wait and choose carefully that which appeals most to you?

Hunting trip, relatives, etc, notwithstanding, these tools will last a life-time and there will be plenty of time to show your khukuris to relatives.

The uncontrollables in shipping at this time of year almost guarantee that if you want it by a certain date, you won't get it by then.

Your choice.

Enjoy the journey. There are few perils and many joys.
 
Welcome to the Cantina. I'd suggest either a BAS or a 16.6" WWII as a first khukuri--cant' go wrong with either of those. Bigger khukuris will give you more chopping power, but are also more tiring to use and carry. Just be warned, buying one khukuri is like eating one potato chip.
 
Wow, what a great way to wake up. I don't even know where to start, thank you all for the great replies.

DannyinJapan said:
well, what exactly doyou intend to do with it?
thats what we need to know first....
Click to expand...

Well, hunting will be its first use. After that I would say the chopping of a large amount of wood, and anything else that is just begging for it ;) Something light would help, but the stronger the better.

Nasty said:
Overture - One of the most popular and all round is the WWII. For your smaller build, the shorter of the two might be a great starter for you. I'm 6'4" and the larger is a real favorite of mine to use use for everything. As for getting it in a week, the Gods are against it because of the massive amounts of mail at this time of year. Perhaps if you paid the extra cost, Yangdu could use overnight delivery...but I don't know how much that would cost or even if it's an option. It's an idea anyway...good luck and welcome to the forum.
Click to expand...

The WWII is probably my first choice at the moment, but they are all so wonderful looking. It isn't going to break my heart if I can't somehow get one in a weeks time, but I will still try. Being in the middle of no-where for 4 days will feel kind of lonely without a large curved 16inch blade on my side.

Yvsa said:
Welcome to the Cantina/Psycho Ward Overture!!!!:D

No, the scabbards, not sheaths you get from HI are of good quality, they being a handmade item don't always fit as they should due to several factors. They can be adjusted by several means so no biggie. And it's just scabbards and frogs, no ducks. The only DUCK we have in the Psycho Ward is an individual also known as Tsimi or jim l. clifton. Crazy sumbeetch, don't believe a word he says!!!!:D ;)
Click to expand...

The reason I ask is, I have seen a few custom made scabbards for khuks around that are very cool. One in particular had a small incorporated "travel pouch" of sorts, that made it very easy to carry other items on the scabbard as well.

Thanks for the warm welcome!

Bill Marsh said:
You will see what I mean when you open the long triangular box with your first HI Khuk enclosed. Until then you can not know what I mean.

Your first Khuk will be so beautiful that you may not want to chop with it and dim the magic mirror finish! But it will call to you in the night. You will wait for daylight to find something wood in your back yard.

AND THEN you will start lookng for your second HI Khuk.

Welcome to a group of strange yet wonderful people. Go easy and you will have a warm welcome. We discuss everything here, kuhuks, edged weapons -- both modern and antuque, loves, deaths, joy and sadness --- but all with a gusto that you will not find on any other forum.

Oh yeah, you may be thinking about getting a part time job. You may need one to support your new habit.

Welcome aboard,
Click to expand...

I simply cannot wait for the moment I see that triangular box. You have made it that much worse for me. The job is covered, as I have many other hobbies. I am actually a small business owner in a small town outside of Austin, Texas. I run a computer repair shop. So I see no problems with starting up a new habit ;)

Again thanks for the info and welcome.

hollowdweller said:
What Yvsa said. 17" Ganga Ram Special. Actually if you ordered it today and your trip was not for a week you'd probably get it. It usually takes me 3 days to get one. That means it travels Almost coast to coast in that time. If you got a week before your trip I'd bet you still have time!
Click to expand...

Well, I am in Texas which is not very far from where they ship. Hopefully there is an overnight shipping option that I can pay extra for, if not, I'll be praying to the khukuri gods this week.

This is going to be a very large reply. I am going to email Bill today and see what we can work out. Again, thank you all for your replies. I am going to take all the advice given into consideration when choosing what I purchase. I'm sure it won't be the last purchase I make from HI however, hehe.
 
How's that song go...?

"Mothers, tell your children...

Not to do as I have done...."

That said, consider a 15 in AK as your first. It will astonish you. Then, you can bracket it with others as you sink into "sin and misery in the House of the Rising Sun." :)

Be well and safe.

(edit: Because I'm like that, I looked up "House of the Rising Sun on Google. Here's a website, with a nice instrumental version, AND a history of the song and name. Enjoy: http://houseoftherisingsunbnb.com/songmyth.htm )
 
Following what Kismet said - my first khuk was a 16.5" Chiruwa AK. If I'm doing anything other than clearing brush, it's the one I normally use. It also has (in my mind) the nicest warranty - break it, bend it, get two for free. I wish consumer electronics came with a warranty like that. :)

It is NOT my favorite...not even close. It just seems to be the one that gets used the most. I have no idea how that works, but there you go.
 
Overture said:
Have been looking at something like that as a backup, but I doubt I would get it any faster then an HI. Just curious, what type of Khukuri is that? The guy selling it doesn't seem to list much about the blade, and instead focuses on the scabberd he made (which is quite nice). Thoughts on this item? I'm really more curious then anything.
Click to expand...
I thought I recognized this sheath. Overture, a sheath is a soft carrier to help carry a knife and to keep the knife from being damaged to a point.
A scabbard on the other hand is a hard carrier designed to protect the carrier of the knife from cuts or penetration, again to a point.

Check out this thread, found it a ways back...;)
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2812976#post2812976

Vess already posted it here, didn't say much about the khuk on this thread either but it looks to me to be a village model with the satin finished blade, could be wrong though. AFAIC you would be buying the sheath instead of the khuk.:rolleyes: ;)
 
Yvsa said:
I thought I recognized this sheath. Overture, a sheath is a soft carrier to help carry a knife and to keep the knife from being damaged to a point.
A scabbard on the other hand is a hard carrier designed to protect the carrier of the knife from cuts or penetration, again to a point.

Check out this thread, found it a ways back...;)
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2812976#post2812976

Vess already posted it here, didn't say much about the khuk on this thread either but it looks to me to be a village model with the satin finished blade, could be wrong though. AFAIC you would be buying the sheath instead of the khuk.:rolleyes: ;)
Click to expand...

Thank you for the terminology correction, I knew I was doing something wrong ;) While that sheath is very nice, I cannot keep my eyes off HI Khukuris. There will be no Ebaying for me.

Not sure why I was surprised a member from here made that sheath, I'll probably contact him in the future for something else.
 
I'd recommend the 16.5 inch WWII as well. The WWII was recommended to me as a first all-arounder. It's quicker than an Ang Khola but can destroy anything that needs it. Enjoy!

Someday, I hope to get the Gelbu Special. I hear they're great. Just food for thought on a second knife. More of a fighter, I hear.

Welcome, Overture! :D Hope all of us crazies have helped some! I also wish you luck on choosing your numerous HI knives to come. They never stop at one... :)

Namaarie
 
Well, after contacting Bill over email it looks like I may be in luck. I can do overnight shipping and have it here in time, I think.

Now I just have to wait until Monday to order, and to decide on a 15" Ang Khola or 16.5" WWII. I'm leaning towards the WWII.
 
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