New to kukris

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hauntedchild

Joined
Mar 6, 2015
Messages
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I know there is a very strong HI following hear , but my first was a AEOF by EGKH . I must say it was a less than inspiring venture performance wise . The edge was way to obtuse , it just bounced off wood before major edge thinning . The second is another by the same company . Much better performance so far, Its a panawal angkhola farmer . Now ive read and seen the HI post. They are much prettier ill admit but I guess just being me im not to concerned with pretty on a tool im going to use hard .
Prior to my kukris I used larger sized knives usually by Condor with no problems what so ever. Pack golck , Bushcraft Parang and Mini Duku with a few machetes in the mix . They all served me well when need , but the Kukri is whole different animal . I just cant imagine a better edged tool for my general purpose camp tool option . My confidence is boosted by just having one accessible when bush bumming . This and my Mora 2.0 (The shorter version) my favorite kneck knlfe are all ive carried my last few outings and haven't felt like I needed anything more . I've processed enough wood for a comfortable fire , and practiced some camp craft , most with the Angkhola . Now with all that said I have a few questions , whats to be expected from a HI over any other genuine kukri made in Nepal by a well practiced Kammi . My understanding is that being a Kammi means you have a certain set skills to be held . So do these skills change from one to another , do these proud artisans that have these skills passed down from their fore fathers really differ that much or is it because they dont big name backing for their smaller operations ? Are they using inferior steels , are they treating the steels differently . These are skills passed down for centuries . Why are some Kukris the are forged in a hut by the same methods considered inferior .
 
If you don't care for traditional exclusively, the Cold Steel Gurkha Kukri in Carbon V (or O1) may be the best one ever made in large quantities. (I hate the feel of the handles though, blister city, and as with other CS sheaths, they may happily dull your knives...). The BK 21 is another version that performs very well.

Long story short, having owned 4 traditional kukris, I have been impressed by little more than the very good customer support from HI. Same goes for another smaller vendor working here (Pradip). They will try to keep you happy and their integrity is 100%. Hey, I'd rate it even higher if I could! And this is not a little thing, these days...The same won't necessarily apply to other vendors.

The heat treat is not always what you'd expect, and you may have issues with warping. This applies to all the vendors, no matter what some passionate fans would like to make you think. Factories will release lemons from time to time, yet still the QC will be light-years ahead of what you get with the traditional kukris; the steel won't be an unknown factor, either. (Giving a seasoned piece of wood a few whacks and checking the edge would've sufficed for me, instead of polishing the edge for a longer time.)

That being said, they do have a strong following and if I were in US, I would've taken my chances if I could go through a few. Just stay away from those that have a cult-like approach to these knives and you'll be fine.

This is my opinion that goes against the grain; it is what it is. The traditional kukris should be appreciated for what they are, I wish I had found one like the ones talked about years ago, as I'm a big fan even of the ring on the handle :). When executed right, I am sure they are fantastic. As it is with Tora, I think the quality is not what it used to be, and I am not the only one to have this unpopular opinion.

Again, I have been treated more, much more than fair by both manufacturers I bought from. I cannot stress this enough.
 
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My satisfaction in part may be due to limited experience with vendors . But what I did notice about the AOEF kukri was the fact that the sweet spot was no easy task to thin due to the hardness . My brand new Nicholson bastard file just slipped across it . Thats good right ? I didnt do anyting to my panawal angkhola excegt remove the burr and strop so I cant speak on the hardness , but it is listed as being a tad softer. I would guess a blade listed as an battle blade and or a hard use blade would be relatively the same ? Am I not understanding the whole purpose for steel hardness in certain styles . I have no complaints with my angkhola , its held a good edge with nothing more than a ceramic rod and stropping . Although from my understanding the panawal style handle (full tang) is authentic but may not have been used originally in earlier models I like it with the ring and the traditional butt swell which the AEOF had neither of . I just can't get comfortable with the rat tail tang idea on a hard use tool . So I guess I'll never know the feel of a " Genuine " kukri as many might know it .
 
Just mention of the word "khukri"
and one would automatically associate that iconic dog legged blade
With a fearless Himalayan warrior charging into victory.
And with such a powerful history and incredible lore behind them
It's no wonder a khukri never fails
To attract users far and wide.
If you are one who fancies owning a khukri,
Just wait till you actually have to use one.
It's a fact that the handles on most traditionally Asian made
Khukris are meant for folks with small hands.
Not particularly a comforting thought
To be swinging any blade heavy beater
With such Short handles.
So it's always a plus to
Know the handle size and length before any purchase.
Some have opted for the modern day factory made
Khukris with rubber/Kraton handles.
Because during extended usage
it's simply more comfortable
and it saves your bare hands from possible skin wear.
As with any knife,
A khukri with the right weight & balance,
Size & length
Proportionate to a user's physical stature
Inspires more overall confidence of actual tool usage.
It's fun to work with something that does
as what it's been expected to do.
So if you don't as yet own such a blade for use
Or as yet don't see it's advantages.
Then there is always the lame purpose of collecting
This odd shaped brute
as it not only conjures up images of beating the odds
But has indeed survived the centuries with such a form.
be it traditional or modern,
Could it be that there must be something right about its peculiar design after all?
http://www.blackbeltmag.com/daily/m...pons/the-kukri-knife-fighting-blade-of-nepal/
 
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hauntedchild said:
My satisfaction in part may be due to limited experience with vendors . But what I did notice about the AOEF kukri was the fact that the sweet spot was no easy task to thin due to the hardness . My brand new Nicholson bastard file just slipped across it . Thats good right ? I didnt do anyting to my panawal angkhola excegt remove the burr and strop so I cant speak on the hardness , but it is listed as being a tad softer. I would guess a blade listed as an battle blade and or a hard use blade would be relatively the same ? Am I not understanding the whole purpose for steel hardness in certain styles . I have no complaints with my angkhola , its held a good edge with nothing more than a ceramic rod and stropping . Although from my understanding the panawal style handle (full tang) is authentic but may not have been used originally in earlier models I like it with the ring and the traditional butt swell which the AEOF had neither of . I just can't get comfortable with the rat tail tang idea on a hard use tool . So I guess I'll never know the feel of a " Genuine " kukri as many might know it .
Click to expand...

A substantial rat tang will work probably better comfort-wise. You won't likely see any performance difference, unless you are prying and prying and prying with it :).
 
How many here feel that they really use your kukris hard ? I personally do , not to say I abuse it . But I brought it to use as a camp tool and that exactly what I do , I chop , baton , whatever needs to be done . I have learned a great deal about these tools here just reading post and thankfully never felt a need to try prying with the softer tip , whew lol . I know people that will buy a tool like this and worry about scratches and such which I dont understand if its intended to be a user .
 
I prefer my traditionals, just enhance the grip with tape/masking if you don't have gloves around

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after reworking the AOEF kukri handle and blade it's turned out to be a real performer . Although i have limited experience with Kuks i have to say those Nepalese might have been on to something lol . As for the Angkhola , it's just a brute. i now find my self looking at something along the lines of a WW11 or a long leaf shaped blade in the 12-14 inch range just because i think they're sexy , that's a justifiable reason-right ?
 
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