Practical choice

RamZar

RamZar

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I was looking through the Himalayan Imports website's Khukuris pages and I think one of the top three best sellers would suit me and my brother. We're both WWII and Gurkha fans! Of course, the logical choice would be one of the WWII models. For reference, we're both tall guys 6'1" and 6'2" and fairly strong. The kukris will get moderate use in the woods so perhaps a more manageable length would be suitable.

  • Ang Khola - 15 inches, 3/8+ inches thick, horn or wood handle, 1.5 pounds - $175.00
  • British Army Service - 15 inches, ?? thickness, horn handle, 1.25 pounds - $185.00
  • World War II - 16.5 inches, 3/8 inches thick, 1.5 pounds - $185.00
  • World War II - 18 inches, 3/8+ inches thick, 2 pounds - $195.00

Shipping charges are based on weight? How much to Southern California for say a 1.5 pounds model?

The 1962 Italian documentary film Mondo Cane had a scene about the Gurkhas (please see video link 88 minute 21 seconds -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mj5U8UbWqsk#t=88m21s/). Those kukris look like ceremonial ones with much longer blade lengths?
 
RamZar, I'd personally just watch for aunties daily specials right here in the forum. See if any sing to you, I'm sure one will.

If you see something that looks appropriate for you, you can email for it or use it for a reference to contact Yangdu to see what else she may have on hand.

The shipping should be pretty minimal since she ships from Reno which is just a stones throw away iffen you got a good arm I reckon.
 
There was a BAS posted today that would be great for you, might wanna check that out. 15-16" is a good length to start, I've found my 17" Thamar Dui Chirrra (a more traditional design) took a little bit of getting used to, more so than my BAS. Right now though, my Tamang is getting most of my cutting tasks. I'm in love with that knife. That Gopte posted today would be a great choice too. I have one similar, but with traditional handles instead of Chiruwa like today's specimen.

Shipping is based roughly on knife size, and all of the above models fall in the same bracket, if I'm not mistaken. I know there is shipping info somewhere in the stickies.
 
RamZar:

The sizes, weights and prices listed at the HI web site are approximations. These knives are hand-made with traditional methods, so there is a lot of variation in lengths and weights.

Most people familiar with HI buy from this forum rather than the HI web site. Yangdu's DOTDs include both perfect blades and some with cosmetic blemishes sold at huge discounts. This way you can see the specs and photo of the exact blade that you would be getting.

For "moderate use in the woods" I suggest a WWII model in the 16.5" length and 24 oz weight, give or take a bit. Even if you and your brother are strong enough to handle a large khukuri there's no need to weigh yourselves down.

As for shipping price, I live in Northern California and shipping for a blade of the sizes listed in your posting will probably be around $15-18.
 
I live in Dallas, Tx, and just got a large (20 inch, not quite 3 lb) knife. Shipping was $25. Most shipping depends more on weight and size than distance, so I'd say that's probably close to an upper end. Even if you live in Southern California, Davidf99's estimate is probably on target.

I won't comment on the choices, because I'm new to these, and I don't know enough to make recommendations. Given the avid (rabid?) desire for these things here on the forum, selling one that doesn't suit you will probably not be a problem. (Although I don't think you can sell them in this forum, this is HI's place.)

Just re-read your choices, and there is one thing I'll mention. The Ang Khola is the traditional kukri/khukuri size and shape. It's more intended as a chopper than a weapon. The others were intended at least partly as weapons, so the balance is much closer to the handle. They will be "faster" than the AK.

I got a big (16 in, 32 ounce) one, and after using it a while, wanted an even bigger one, but I'm not taking it out in the woods - I'm chopping up firewood in my back yard. The length given is overall, so chop 4-5 inches off of that for blade length.

A couple of bits of advice I got from this forum that I'll pass on on chopping technique:

Read the safety thread. It's one of the stickies. In addition to safety stuff, it has some info on how to use them.
Hold the blade loosely.
Swing the blade with your wrist cocked back, snapping it forward just before impact. (Much like cracking a whip, if you know how to do that.)

Mine are very point heavy. The Ang Khola likely will be, too. I've never held one of the "military" ones, so I can't comment on them.

You might also want to look at the M43 - it's an updated version of the WWII.
 
Thank you all for your detailed and informative responses. Please keep the suggestions coming.

Interesting how today Bidhya Devi Bhandari was elected Nepal's first female president!
 
RamZar said:
Interesting how today Bidhya Devi Bhandari was elected Nepal's first female president!
Click to expand...

awesomeness! hope she will do well!

I also feel that, especially for packing/extended use, somewhere around 16.5" length and 24 oz weight is a sweet spot as far as Length:Weight (if anything, go for less than more - these blades are all very well made)... be safe, have fun :)
 
that movie was just nasty throughout. i remember it from when i was a pre-teen, had no desire to see it then either. the scenes of the religious festival where the animals are sacrificed is normally barred from showing here. they use oversized ceremonial khukuri which are pretty much useless for anything else. they were never used in combat as they are very heavy and cumbersome.
 
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