Newb...Which HI Model First?

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devo55

Joined
Oct 15, 2004
Messages
296
Hi Guys:

I have three Kukri's, but none from HI. One is a CS LTC. The other two are from the Himalayas area, but of unknown maker. I think you guys are starting to get to me and I need to buy some examples from HI. Where is a reasonable place to start this madness? Price might be important at first...until I see how good the HI stuff really is. My Wife is gonna hate this new interest isn't she? :D

Jeff
 
Kinda hang around here in the noon to 3 area when Uncle Bill usually posts his "deals of the day" and get a 17" Ganga Ram or a 16" WW2. They are good general purpose blades and you can usually catch one between 65 and 85 bucks depending on what it looks like.
 
devo55 said:
Hi Guys:

Price might be important at first...until I see how good the HI stuff really is.

My Wife is gonna hate this new interest isn't she? :D

Jeff
Click to expand...
Welcome Noob.;) Let me start over.. Welcome to the Psycho Ward/Cantina as the case may be today Devo55.:D

Price shouldn't be an issue with the UBBBs posted in a somewhat regular basis here. The UBBB stands for Uncle Bill's Best Buys.
They can be everything from a blem to a perfect model and discounted deeply usually.:D

And yes, your wife is going to hate the new interest and probably yourself before it's all over with.:rolleyes: :p ;)
 
The best way is to watch the deal of the day on the forum. However, Uncle Bill is ill and Yangdu is sick right now too, so it might be a little hit or miss. Its the best way to get something for wicked low prices, generally half price or less.

Otherwise, check the for sale ads and the HI store. I would recommend a WWII as a good first Khuk, it was my first and I still think its my favorite. Its considered a good "all arouinder"
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You can also look at some of the 12-15 inch ones, like an ang khola or a bas. They are indicative of the quality, but the prices are much less than the bigger ones. There are a bunch of great smaller knives, but not so much what you would think of as a khukri.

be careful, you will soon become obsessed with them and want one of every kind.
 
Welcome to the Cantina!

The WWII is still my all around fave and I would highly recommend it as a good all around khukuri. The AK is coming in a close second.
 
I started with a 16.5" WWII. I had never held a khukuri until it arrived.
I'm leaning for something a bit smaller for my liking.

You have an advantage because you already own a few others even if they're not HI.

I would measure and weigh them, then you will have a rough idea what direction you want to go. (shorter/longer,lighter/heavier, bladeshape etc)
Check out the HI website and the past daily specials for pictures and descriptions.
Then ask the many nice experts here.
 
My first khuk was a 15" Ang Khola by Bura with horn fittings. Absolutely beautiful. My second one was a 16" Villager by Sher with walnut handle. The Villager is more of a working Khukuri without the fine finish and perfect for my outings in the woods and fields. Don't overlook the little JKM; its beautifully made and hand forged just like the rest. One of my favorites.

Ice
 
NewB,

Start with what you know. How do the "generic" kukuris feel? Measure them (OVERALL length, not blade length on HI forum) and weigh them (postal scale or mom's cooking scale). DO NOT use scale at U.S. post office !!! :eek:

See if you want something bigger or smaller. Don't overestimate the size of a blade you can swing unless you're in GOOD shape.

I got a HI 12" Ang Khola, but it went to my best friend's fiance. She's 5'5" and it's great for her. I'm a big(?) guy and already have a Ka-bar. I prefer my kukuris to be either hatchet-substitutes or sword substitutes.

Good luck!
 
Welcome! I'd suggest the 14" BDC at the short end of the scale, up to the 19" Chitlangi, on the long end, for a first HI product. I'm especially partial to the 16.5" WWII, but it's hard to go wrong in this size range.

John
 
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