Okay, just "why" do you like or collect khukuris?

Yvsa

Yvsa

Joined
May 18, 1999
Messages
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Okay, just "why" do you like or collect khukuris?

And how many of you came here out of curiosity or just to buy one
"real" or "good" khukuri?

When I first came to the H.I. Forum I really did want a "real" kukri as that's the only way I knew how to spell the word. And I knew Absolutely Squat about them, still do for that matter.
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After reading for a while and asking the same question we have seen so many times ( about which one should I get?) I decided on an 18" AK, but Uncle Bill had already sent me a 15" AK thinking it would suit me like it has so many others.
I felt is was a bit too small for me and it didnt exactly match up with my image of what size a "real" khukuri should be, so I gave it to Barb and soon after got my 18" AK. The 18" AK fits me perfectly and matched the size pretty close to the 1st "real" khukuri I ever saw and what I thought a "real" one should be like.

And something happened (HIKV) and suddenly I had a few more and then more until I now have about 20 with only 4 not being H.I.Model's
but either the junk India kukri's or the old WW II model I got from John Powell.

A very few like the 27" Bura made Banspati and the Hanuman Special I bought as an investment and to have and enjoy whether I get the full amount or not if I ever decide to get rid of them. I believe I can and will if the time comes.
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I have at some time or the other used or at least carried all the rest of them.

1 - I have always liked exotic shaped knives from all over. And still do, having in my collection a couple of Keris, a Sundang, a couple of curved bladed knives from Morocco, an African(?) Leaf bladed Sword, a Navaja, a German Flame Dagger, a Mexican knife and a couple of junkers from here and there.
And would have many others if the funds permitted.

2 - I came here 1st out of curiosity and to buy one or two
"real" khukuris. (After I found out the H.I.Khukuri's were/are the real deal.)

3 - I wound up collecting H.I.Khukuri's because each one has a different "feel" and are somewhat task specific as each one will accomplish many tasks, being very versatile, but really shines at one, IMO.

4 - The "Mystique" and wondering how a new model will compare with an existing khukuri I already have. In other words taking the elusive search for the
"perfect" knife to the search for a "perfect" khukuri. Truly HIKV at its best!!!!!!!

It's Y'alls turn.
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>>>>---Yvsa-G@WebTV.net---->®

"VEGETARIAN".............
Indin word for lousy hunter.
 
Yvsa,
Definitely reason #5. The mystique of a REAL khukuri is just unexplainable. I guess it is because it is one of the only knives still made by the 'old' methods, but there is definitely something special about them.

They are also incredible tools, though.

BTW, Have you ever seen a Polish Carabella sabre? I think that with your varied tastes in blades you would probably appreciate one. I have never seen a real one for sale, (they were mostly made between about 1400 and 1650, so they're rare) but I've seen several in a museum and it is truly a breath-taking weapon.

I also share your appreciation for odd ethnic weaponry. I love khukuris because they are different. They have a piece of the Nepali people in the design. Just like the Tomahawk reflects your Native-American culture, and the affore-mentioned Carabella reflects my Polish heritage.

Edged weapons are a great way to look at someone else's culture. I think you can look at the design of a particular blade and learn alot about the people who made it. They are pieces of art as often as merely tools. This is what is most interesting about khukuris and all other 'ethnic' knives to me.
 
I find it absolutely fascinating that these men can craft such fine knives with rudimentary tools. There is something about a finely made blade that just naturally attracts.

The Ghurkas and their history is another reason. A fighting force to be reckoned with. It is like holding a piece of history.

Khukuris are damn fine tools. What other tool could you use to chop down a tree with one hand, and then use it to dig a hole, and then make kindling for a fire? ...and don't forget the fighting capabilities of Khukuris.

I buy HI Khukuris because I know where the money goes, and I know the philosophy of the management. By buying HI goods, we help improve the lifestyles of people who make the Khukuris.

....and because Uncle Bill is a rare gem of a man, especially in this day and age of "hype", false advertising, rip-offs and high priced bogus merchandise. He is a true gentleman.



[This message has been edited by rdnzl (edited 02-06-2001).]
 
I originally wanted something to replace the Balisong Bushmaster I carried for 20 years. I wanted something also that could pass for a short sword, since most of you know I am a confirmed sword addict and western fencer. My first was an GH 20 inch Sirupati, which (please hush) is still my all around favorite, all purpose, and carrying blade. I then proceeded to purchase three "villager" style Khukuris on eBay, 2 Chainpuri and 1 mini.

However, I switched to Himalayan Imports because of the many styles, sizes, and overall "quality" of the BirGorkha made Khukuris. I have purchased a lot of Bill's stuff, mainly from my many HI Forumites, at very good prices, to whom I am eternally grateful. It has allowed me to get involved in a new phase of knife collecting without having to spend a large initial investment.

I stay and collect Khukuris because of the variety and quality, which I'm sure has a lot to do with the affliction we call HIKV. However, as I've mentioned in the past, where can you get the quality, the size, and the "handmade" aspect for such (in my mind) ridiculously low prices? Last time I paid for a handmade sword (a custom set of western long and short one handers by Jim Hicks, without scabbards) they were $400 each! My last semicustom by Barry Dawson was $175, a 9 inch Tanto. Contrast that to my 25 inch Kobras, at $150? And everything that I own, from my 30 inch Kobras to a little 9 inch Kothimoda, cost $100 (again, thanks for the deals, fellow HIKV victims), or less. Where in the world could one get a customized, handmade Katana, with silver covered scabbard, for about $500? In addition, it's one that Roger can use in a fight, not just put in a display case and drool over.

And as Yvsa says, the blades are so versitile, so it really doesn't matter what you wear. Gives you a lot of different choices for that particular "social situation", as we gunman used to say. Except I only wear the Kothimoda at formal dress affairs.

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Watakushi Wa Shinajin Desu
DeathDancer
 
It was the forum that got me hooked. It was unlike any other due to Bill, his integrity, transparency and the respectful treatment he gives to others.

It was exotic culturally, and educational. With the Gorkhas inextricably interwoven into their culture, their weapons, martial history, the collision of cultures, the lure of historical arms...

It was Kipling, but for real, history not fiction. It was poetry, in the people of Nepal, and in symbolism integral to what they made. The romance of the East.

William James defined truth by 3 criteria.

1) Congruence. It is what it is, all the way through. It is consistent, dependable, reliable, trustworthy.

2) Usefullness. It can be applied. If you stop to think how so, the answer is obvious. And it's application saves you sweat, difficulties, and worry.

3) Luminosity. It illuminates brightly and brings matters into sharp focus.

When you hold a khukuri, it feels true. Moreover, it has an awesome simplicity and elegance from engineering and ergonomics standpoints. There is a spirit, a rightness to a khuk.

It took me a week or more to read every post in the old Knifeforum. Then I started to post. I called and ordered my first khukuri on Monday of one week, got it Tuesday, called and ordered two more on Wednesday, and they came in on Thursday. Three khuks in three days.

Pick up the right khuk for you, and it'll feel like there's an invisible firewire or USB plug in the handle, and a matching socket in the palm of your hand.

Rightness. Spirit. Truth. Symbols to live by and be reminded of each time you touch a khuk.
 
Yvsa,
NDN,I can't relate about collecting!I have a "COUPLE"& GIVE TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS!
I can see your topic is gonna be a long one,I can see them all lined up ready to explain!It will begin something like this,Hi my name is Blues(or Vince,or Burke,or TOM,or "JOHN"or Koz-can't forget him)etc.& I have HIKV (OR A TYPE OF)I COLLECT K's(a lot of them)!About that time a UBDOTD pops up & everyone goes "NUTS"!Poor Barb - she must be a SAINT! DeathDancer would NEVER THOUGHT YOU LIKED SWORDS! hee!
jim

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Since I collect all kind of knives I was surfing in the Net trying to find toughest knives in production. In Bladeforums I got some informations about that. Somebody told me for CS Trailmaster, Mad Dog knives, Mission and ... HI. So I was wondering what is "HI". Everything after is history ... you know.
And I really needed a knife for woods because I like hiking and mounteneering with my friends. Also, for one Mission I can get few HI khukris (don*t know about any difference in toughness) and I hope I*ll be here for long time.

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/ViewPhoto?u=1015202&a=7479011&p=27231982

Kurdy
 
<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Okay, just "why" do you like or collect khukuris?</font>
Click to expand...
In simple words ...
  1. I am a man.
  2. Khukuris are very special blades.[/list=a]Please do correct me if you think that I am wrong!

    NEPAL H
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    !

    [This message has been edited by mohd (edited 02-06-2001).]
 
Why do I collect khukris? The reputation of the Gurkhas, I like the unique shape, I like the thick blades, and I love removing 2-inch diameter tree limbs with one stroke. Khukris, in my mind, are truly awesome blades.

Try not to cringe, but even my very first khukri, a $20 made in India model from Atlanta Cutlery way back when, performed superbly. Well, at least I thought it did until I got my 18-inch HI WWII. The two are in totally different classes, but I did get more than my money's worth for $20.

Why did I stop in to the "Cantina"? I had heard of HI's reputation and the quality of HI khukris. I was interested in buying one, but I wanted to check it out first. Once I checked it out, I was compelled to stop by often.

The knowledge, courtesy, and integrity of the folks here are unsurpassed. This is a rare bunch of characters and I feel fortunate to have found this forum.


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Danny
aka "kuma575"
 
Why do I collect Khukris. That is a really good question. I started out hearing about the Gurkhas, and these knives that they carried.

One summer while I was in college I heard tell of 'the real deal' in khukris, I was sceptical to say the least. I mean who could beleive this. Then I saw one. I think it was a 20" sirupati. It ws awe inspiring. It was then and there that I knew I had to have 1 (that is what they always say just one...).

Now I have close to thirty Khukris with more on the way.

I think that the thing that really sold me was the forum. I mean you got great people here, vast knowledge, and infinite personality. :p

This is a good place to be, I love giving my money to nepal, I can't really complain.

Many thanks to the forumites, and mostly to Uncle Bill.



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Life is short, art endures.
 
Well, I don't know if 2 khukris and one on the way counts as a collection next to some of you "enough-khuks-to-outfit-a-platoon" types.

However, I have always liked knives, and once when visiting someone's house I was shown a khukri. You could say I have had "KV" since I was 12, and then added the "HI" part about 8 months ago.

I like them for their authenticity, for their beauty, and for the sense of quiet menace that one feels while holding one.

In addition, Uncle Bill is a pleasure to do business with, and this forum is a wealth of knowledge and courtesy.

rf
 
I was introduced to khukuris by my brother in law, who has some. While surfing around BF I came upon the HI Forum, where people happened to be trading quotes from Omar Kayam, Tagore, and Kipling. That caught my interest. And then once you heft a beautifully crafted, highly functional, and hand-made blade fashioned in a far-off corner of the world you've always wanted to visit, well, that's all she wrote. You want to experience more khukuri styles, more makers' work. James Mattis once called it the allure of functional folk art, or something like that.
Gee, I think I'm talking myself into a new purchase here.
 
Oh no... not another Khukri... what are you going to do?
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I have to admit that I am getting one of the Janwars. FUNctional folk art.

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Life is short, art endures.
 
and let's not forget the pix. they really encourage a khukuri zest. if I had to base my next purchase decision purely on a written description, I doubt I'd ever pull the trigger. Think how many column inches it would take to even begin to adequately describe, say, the latest Yvsa model.
 
My collection under the bed is there because I like khukuris even though I seldom use one. And, one of the reasons I like them is they remind me of some of the happiest days of my life -- the time I spent living in Nepal. Several of the khukuris I have were gifts from family and friends in Nepal just like our logo khukuri.

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Blessings from the computer shack in Reno.

Uncle Bill
Himalayan Imports Website
Khukuri FAQ
Himalayan Imports Archives (33,000 + posts)
 
I started because I was interested in the Gurkas or Gorkas as you prefer. I also wanted something for backpacking that would be a better chopper than a machete and better for general use than a hatchet. The khukuri fit the bill nicely. My first was an Indian junker. I found Himalayan Imports through Bladeforums and I have been hooked ever since. I have learned a lot about the different styles here and have been gradually checking them out to find what I like best for specific tasks.
 
I used to see khukuris in different knife catalogs and always wanted a real one. For a few years, my US Calvary "kukri" was the closest I came. A couple of years back, I remember seeing magazine ads for HI, but I didn't have the money to spare. Just over two years ago, I got my first HI khuk, my 16.5" WWII. It is and most likely will always be my favorite knife.

Bob

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The Milk Snake: Beautiful, harmless, good-natured, eats venomous snakes for lunch.

[This message has been edited by Big Bob (edited 02-06-2001).]
 
Great topic!

I first heard of Khukuris(didn't know the name of them then)when I was in the 4th or 5th grade from two brothers who transferred into our class, who had been traveling around the world. They told me great stories about hiking through the forests of Brunei(spelling--as in Sultan of...) escorted by soldiers(Ghurkas) who wore huge curve-bladed knives that could chop off a persons head with one swipe-----INSTANT fascination for a 5th grade boy! Well, it wasn't until I moved to Maui 4 years ago that I saw a cheap one in an import shop(probably Indian, but might have even been an indonesian copy, have to ask John Powell if that is even done) and my interest was rekindled. I did a search on Yahoo and found H.I., the rest, like my bank account, is history(just kidding
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).
Don't know which is better finding the khukuris or Uncle Bill and all you guys who collect em, no, actually its the people.

Rob
 
When I was eleven years old I heard a story from a swedish UN-veteran, from Kongo 1950-52. He told me about some small brave soldiers from Nepal called Gurkhas. He also told me about their kukhri-knifes and that a Gurkha never sheats his knife without letting it taste blood.

The story also included how two Gurkhas manned a Swedish Carl Gustav m/48 antitank rifle, and a jeep when a "homemade" tank(a bulldozer with armour-plates)attacked the camp where my friend served. The Gurkhas drove out from the camp,stopped the jeep 200 meters infront of the tank and simply put a HEAT-round through the dozerblade.The round stopped the "tank" and killed all the "rebels". The guy also told me he had traded a Kukhri and that he'd show me the knife.He passed away a short time after that and I never got to see the knife. From that moment I always dreamed about owning a kukhri. That was fourteen years ago.

For a long time I searched for kukhris in Sweden,antique-stores,flee-markets and such things. Then a few years ago I found the Cooldsteel kukhri in a catalogue.I didnt have money to buy it(luckily)at that time. Last year I renewed my search for a kukhri and this time I tried on the Internet, and what did I find? Two places to buy real kukhris. Gurkha House and Himalayan Imports. That was a happy day. Now I own what I think is a real blade. A HI BAS.

I don't like'em with silver and massive engravments. I want my kukhs to look cruel, powerful and well made.You may call me a heathen for that but thats OK,I'll buy you that one.
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(I dont really know if I can express it like that but I try)

Best regards
Daniel
 
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