New to kukris and hoping for some information.

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VolundoftheForge

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Jan 3, 2012
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Hey guys, so I think I've found the HI website but I'm not sure if it's Himalayan Imports the company or just a site selling kukris important from the Himalayans, so a link to the site would be beneficial. Also, I am looking for a kukri that fits a nice balance between tool and weapon as a collector's item, but one that is fully functional and could be relied upon if ever actually needed (probably bring it camping as well). I'm not really sure how big traditional kukris are, but I was thinking 12-16" for the blade, is that about right? Anyways I can spend probably around $200 for such an item, and hopefully you guys can point me in the right direction. Thanks. :)
 
You can buy a traditional kukri from 12-24 inches in overall length. When you see a HI kukri listed for sale here they are always listed in total length, not just blade length.

Halfway between a chopper and a fighter lays the Gelbu Special. Usually between 18 and 21 inches and 20-30 oz.
 
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Thanks! So far I'm liking the M43, the 21" Gelbu Special, and the 18" WWII. Which one of these would best fit the tasks above? I like the pinned tang of the M43 as it seems like it'd make for a more robust piece, but I know peened tangs of traditional style were plenty strong. As far as combat I'd like one with enough curve for good chops but a point that can still be used to stab (not sure if this was done traditionally speaking). Any thoughts?
 
The M43 is going to be a serious chopper. The Gelbu is sort of in the middle between chopper & fighter. The Chitlangi would also be a good in-between model.
 
I was looking at this site for a while last night... Very cool knives, I definitely want one.
 
I used to be a fully tang only guy, but the stick tang on these things are seriously robust too. They absorb shock from chopping better than a full tang, and I think it makes the knife balance better too. Unless you want to use it as a pry bar, you should be good.
 
philllll said:
The M43 is going to be a serious chopper. The Gelbu is sort of in the middle between chopper & fighter. The Chitlangi would also be a good in-between model.
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I would put the WWII in this class too, tough but still not so heavy it's unmanageable.
I do want a M43 though some day. Like everyone don't already know that, just thought I'd throw it out there ya know.
 
Got about 12 Kukris and even in a fight I feel the belly of an Ang Khola would fare better than my straight Gelbu Special.
The GS has one major advantage though. It's lighter and faster at any given length. Also if you want to stabb really deep the Gelbu might be slightly better because it doesn't have the belly. But the tips are identical so that both knives aren't that perfect at this task.
Back to the weight advantage. I wouldn't carry 20 something inch long knifes / swords around anyways. In my preferred length 15to 17 inch the weight difference is not enough to offset the reduction in chopping (and possibly slicing) power.
 
VolundoftheForge said:
Thanks! So far I'm liking the M43, the 21" Gelbu Special, and the 18" WWII. Which one of these would best fit the tasks above? I like the pinned tang of the M43 as it seems like it'd make for a more robust piece, but I know peened tangs of traditional style were plenty strong. As far as combat I'd like one with enough curve for good chops but a point that can still be used to stab (not sure if this was done traditionally speaking). Any thoughts?
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The link to the HI official web site is at the top of the main page of this subforum.

You can order from the HI web site, but if you're not in a great hurry you might be better off checking out the excellent deals (DOTDs) that Yangdu posts on this forum for khukuris that are overstock or slightly (cosmetically) blemished, or just because she's in a generous mood. That includes models and sizes that are not listed at the HI web site. The way to order a DOTD is by sending Yangdu an email. First email gets the knife.

Since you are interested in a blade that is "a nice balance between tool and weapon" and that you might take camping, weight is an issue as well as length and design. Also it depends on how strong/fit you are. HI knives are extremely overbuilt compared to most of the knives out there, and even a few ounces of weight makes a huge difference in how long you can swing one of these beasts if chopping, or how fast you can wield it in self-defense. If you look at knives for sale on bladeforums, a 1/4" thick spine is considered very thick, whereas HI knives often have spines 3/8" thick or even 1/2" for some of the heavy choppers.

The models you mention above are all good, multi-purpose designs, and come in different lengths and weights. The HI web site will only show one or two choices of length/weight, but Yangdu's DOTD postings here are much more varied. A good option is to buy a relatively inexpensive KLVUK (sometimes called Ugly Villager) for camping and rough use, plus whatever appeals to you for a collector knife.

The KLVUKs have been running around $65 lately. You can find pictures and descriptions by entering "KLVUK" in the forum search field.

Many people fall in love with these knives and end up buying more than one, or more than one dozen. :)

-- Dave
 
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I do not have M43 or Kobra. Out of the few I have (Gelbus, AKs, Chits, Sirus, Salyan), as far as balance goes, I like my 18" Bone Bashpati the best. Chops like you won't believe...
 
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Thanks guys for all the help. I hate to ask this, but since it seems like a decent option I'm going to put it out: Though undoubtedly the HI kukris are higher quality in general, would the Cold Steel Ghurka work better for the tasks described above, or am I better off with the HI? I am completely novice to all things kukri so I hope I don't offend.
 
Did lots of research before buying my first Kukri and luckily came across HI before buying anything less good.
Therefore I've only experience with HI (and three historical blades, which I wouldn't take camping) but seriously can't imagine anything better in quality and customer service.
 
The CS is going to have much different edge geometry and overall characteristics. It is similar to a real khuk in shape only. More like a khukuri-shaped machete.
 
I broke mine....so i finished the job with my 15" AK. HI knives are differentially hardened. They are in fact repairable in the field if needed.
 
Philll is correct the CSkukri, is just shaped the sames, it definately handles differently and does the job differently. The carbon steel on the HI does wonders, and it is easily repairable, and sharpened in the field.

I have many CS knives, from the AUS-8, to the Carbon V, SK-5, etc... I love CS knives, I've got almost every single one they make, or have made, but HI is totally more user-friendly, and excel where the CS's fall short.

Just my two cents.
 
I just scored the latest M43 to go through the forum. 17 1/2" (blade is just under 13") 29 oz. Much more manageable than than I thought it might be. Westernized (I assume) handle minus the traditional center rings. A slight swell in the palm instead, works well. It's a great chopper but the convex edge shavers wood well also. Feather sticks, no problem. My vote for all around knife goes to the M43.
 
Those 15" M43's we have been seing on DOTD's may even be more disirable if maneagability is an issue. They are really nice!
MR2Spyder said:
I just scored the latest M43 to go through the forum. 17 1/2" (blade is just under 13") 29 oz. Much more manageable than than I thought it might be. Westernized (I assume) handle minus the traditional center rings. A slight swell in the palm instead, works well. It's a great chopper but the convex edge shavers wood well also. Feather sticks, no problem. My vote for all around knife goes to the M43.
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