Open survey for a heavy-duty, 1-handed khukuri

Hello, Warthog.

Posted a reply to another thread, it's a few before that good pic from Berkley.

Craig may still be in CA at the show. This will give you time to soak up the old postings on the forum; they really helped me, and I think you might be surprised how much they will help you.

I like fast, nimble blades, but they aren't for heavy chopping. Someplace on the forum, somebody advised against starting out with a real big or heavy khukuri. The SN1 or WW2 just keep getting the votes for the best all around. Using one will give you direction toward your next purchase, and you'll still have one that can be used for most things. The Gurkhas use(d) these 2 models, and who can add to their wisdom?

If I can use a silly illustration here, khukuris can be like wrenches. There may be one that I use most of the time, but it won't do EVERYTHING. In this thread I was looking for advice on the biggest wrench to get that is comfy for one hand. The mechanics came thru with solid advice, based on experience.

Folks keep saying the SN1 and WW2 get the most use. The Nepali pitcrew uses the GH SN1. When I got mine I understood why.

Welcome and enjoy,

Lt. Dan

BTW, the Cheetlang is all the buzz these days, and probably for good reason. I intend to find out for myself next week. But I haven't heard anyone say it is the only one! Who knows, maybe the Gurkhas will make the switch!
 
Craig may still be in CA at the show
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Do you mean that I can't order a knife until he gets back (one man operation?) and/or that he will bring back other knives?

What kind of chopping power does the WWII and S1 have? Can they chop through a several inche thick branch without too much difficulty?

Warthog
 
Hi there, Warthog.

I'm not sure when Craig will be back. His post only said he would be at the show for the weekend. Yes, I do believe GH is pretty much a 1-man operation. This has always been a plus in our dealings and I have yet to hear anything otherwise.

Your timing is good, as there is a really informative thread in flux as we speak (THE ULTIMATE KHUKURI. HOW DO YOU MEASURE THAT?). It's more about why they behave uniquely, instead of what model can do it all. That last part is like trying to define the Universe and give 2 examples.

You'll find that individual knives of the same model will often handle differently. They are completely handmade, so no 2 are or will feel exactly the same.

As for which to get first, I can't say. This seems to do with size/strength, what kind of work it will be used for, personal taste, and maybe some other factors. Heavy or medium chopping, brush and weeds are most easily cut with somewhat different tools.

There are reviews of many models in the old postings. The GH on-line catalog is concise, but right on time. My limited experience is that the advice given by numerous others is best: SN1 or WW2. If you're a beast and do moderate chopping, the somewhat bigger and heavier WW2 might suit you best. If you're of more modest stature, don't get out much, and your needs are light chopping/brush/weeds and splitting some firewood occasionally, the SN1 may serve you better. Either way, I don't think you can lose. I would have a hard time choosing to keep only one, but the SN1 might be it, since it's faster. It's also pretty neat to have the exact same khukuri, made by the very same hands, that the Gurkhas are using. (Yet, the WW2 was the issue style at that time).

The branch size one stroke will dispatch depends on lots of things: green/cured, species of wood, khukuri type and sharpness, and the user. Test results in old posts will answer this one. I'm not well experienced in this, so maybe another forumite can help out here.

I hope this helps, but it's OK if you don't choose to take my word for it.

Lt. Dan
 
My favorite chopper is the 18 inch AK (this is my current favorite!). Just personal taste. However, it's a bit heavy to actually carry on your belt.

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Craig Gottlieb
Gurkha House
Blade Forums Sponsor
 
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