Newbie to Khukuri

Verzejd

Verzejd

Joined
Mar 16, 2002
Messages
231
New to Khukuris---they look great & have heard much about them. Have used bolos/machetes in the past, but am interested in getting my 1st Khukuri. Your advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
 
Verzejd, you have come to the right place. The people here probably know more about khukuri's than anywhere else. Well, most anyway. I'm a new khuk owner myself. But using the excellent advice and info posted here, I've learned how to use and sharpen the best khukuri's made. But beware, they are very addictive.

CB17
 
Welcome to the cantina. Stick around and you will learn alot! You could start by reading the FAQ page and other website info listed under Uncle Bill Martino's threads or posts. Very helpful.
 
Seabee17 is right. You won't find any other site with the knowledge about khuks present here, I don't believe. I am no expert on the khuk but, I use the few that I have pretty often and do not use an axe very often any more.

I would ask if you are planning on a khuk for military use? If you are a big man I would suggest one of the WWII's. I like the `16.5" WWII. It feels like a bit better balance to me. It seems like many of the smaller built guys seem to like something like the BAS which is a 15" over all knife. It is a very handy size for having to carry around a lot and does a lot of work for the size of the knife. If the weight is not a factor a bunch of the younger gents will be along later and make all manner of suggestions and their reasons for the knives they suggest.

Hope you get to like this forum and stick around for a while. We can always use more of the good guys around here.:) :D
 
Welcome to la cantina de cuchillos locos. Picking your first (but not your last khuk) is a tough decision. I finally decided on a BAS for my first. I was not disappointed, however I now have around nine different ones around the house. It's like Pappy said; how big are you?; what purpose do you have in mind?; will you have to pack the blade around all day? I love the 18" Chitlangi...beautiful blade and all weapon. I wouldn't use it to chop up stuff all day. Long story short, I agree with Uncle Bill; the 18" WWII is the best all around combo of tool and weapon. And besides, it's beautiful and elegant. You can choose either wood or horn for the handle. Ultimately you will have to make the decision because we all have our own opinions. There are a couple of forumites, such as Sarge, who have taken these things into combat. I'm sure they can tell you a thing or two that may be valuable to you.

Be sure to let us know which one you choose.
 
Welome to the cantina. Read the posts. Read the FAQ on the web site. Soon you'll want one of each. They are addicting.
 
Welcome to the Cantina Verzejd. First khuk? If you don't mind, here's some free advice (worth every penny dont'cha know ;) ). E-mail Uncle Bill and ask if he's still doing a two for the price of one deal on 15" AKs, if he is GO FOR IT! As soon as you get 'em look 'em over good and pick out the nicest one (it's going to be a tough choice, they're all great knives, but one will no doubt sing to you louder than the other). Clean all the WD-40 off the blade, oil it up with mineral oil, and put it aside for safekeeping for the time being. Take the other one to the kitchen sink and use one of them green scrubbing pads (Scotchbrite) to scuff up every bit of the mirror shine on the blade until it's more of a satin finish. Why? Because now that it's sorta pre-scratched up you don't have to worry about babying it do you? Do this BEFORE you sharpen it, and even then be careful. Now, read the FAQ on sharpening, make sure you understand everything, and if you don't, then be sure and ask, you'll find plenty help here on the forum.

Okay, sharp and squared away, now it's time for Khuk Practice 101

1. Find a comfortable carry position. Experiment, find the place on your belt or web gear where it feels best, then wear it around the house for a full day while you go about normal activities. If it's not in the right spot it'll let you know, adjust and try it again.

2. Practice drawing and re-sheathing the khukuri safely and efficiently. Start very, very, slowly, speed will progress with practice. Practice, practice, and practice some more, until you can do it blindfolded. The goal is to develop what's called "muscle memory". Example, when you walk into a dark room in your house, your hand reaches over and flips the light switch. If you've been living there for any length of time you didn't have to stop and think about where the light switch was, and chances are you didn't spend a whole lot of time fumbling around for it. That's the kind of familiarity you should be striving for with your khuk. The simple act of drawing and resheathing your khukuri is one of the most important things to learn, and sadly enough a lot of people just breeze through it so they can get on to the chopping and fancy swinging. Hypothetically speaking, you can be a purple polka dot belt, Nth degree ninja master, in the art of hung chow (old GI term for constipation;) ) and still wind up dead because you were fumbling around trying to clear your weapon from the scabbard.

3. Put away all the knives in your house and use the khukuri to cut everything that needs to be cut, no matter how large or small. Seriously, use it, and it exclusively, to cut up meat/vegetables, open packages, prune/trim shrubs, trees, weeds, etc.. Your learning curve/comfort level will shoot straight up. Far faster than if you just pulled it out, took a few whacks at a log, and put it away. By putting it through a variety of tasks you'll learn much about it's handling and capabilities, in a "real world" environment.

Good luck, enjoy your first khuk, and be safe.

Sarge
 
Welcome Verzejd (how do you pronounce that BTW). The British Army Standard is a nice all-around knife, I love mine.
 
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