- Joined
- Aug 4, 2003
- Messages
- 302
I admit it - when I first encountered HI's khukuris I instantly developed some very strong prejudices. I loved the looks of Gelbu's, Sirupatis, Chitlangis and Chainpuris.
I did not like the looks of the WWII's or the AK's. Well, that not's totally true. The AK's weren't bad looking, but I thought the WWII's were definitely on the homely side, looking more akin to something that might be seen spreading mayonaisse or mustard on a deli sandwich.
After some time I found myself with my brother-in-law's Bura WWII in my hand and I had to admit that I liked it. Bought an 18" AK and found that it brought a grin to my face every time I hefted it (eventually sold it and am kicking myself VERY hard for that now, but I was on a mission to reduce duplication of capabilities at the time.)
I just received a 15" AK that I bought as a lark really, again not seeing much need for one because I am quite well-equipped in the 15" range of Khuks; but since they had been so highly praised here and the price was right (one of Uncle Bill's blems, though to be honest, the only blem is a slight wrinkel on the scabbard leather - the Khuk is in perferct condition).
But I was once again surprised. Although this 15-incher looks very much like a 15" BAS, it clearly has more power packed into the similarly-sized frame. Kinda makes me think of a snub-nosed big-bore revolver or an Officer's Model-sized 1911A1. It inspires enormous confidence and there is no doubt from its heft that it will cut with incredible effectiveness.
I still prefer my BAS by the tiniest of margins, and I think that is because the handle on my BAS is a bit longer and fits my hand a tad better because of it, but I think that if I had that 15" AK blade mated to that BAS handle I'd say that I probably found the ideal 15" Khukuri for the kind of use I'd imagine for it.
Also as I mentioned elsewhere, the best feeling Khukuri I now own and out of the nearly two dozen HI khuks I've owned, is my Kumar-crafted 16" WWII - and it is without a doubt the homeliest Khuk I've ever owned, and really, probably seen really (grin). I mean, it REALLY looks like a spatula found in a sandwich shop (LOL). But man, does it ever feel great in hand and I can tell that it will cut with a lot more power than it appears at first blush.
And a Bura 18" WWII ranks somewhere in my top five.
I guess the moral of this story is, don't be prejudicial against a given Khukuri type based on its looks alone (like I was). Be adventurous! Try some Khuks you wouldn't ordinarily try. You won't be disappointed.
Don
PS: My daughter snagged the new 15" AK. The moment she picked it up her face split into this huge grin and I knew I'd have trouble trying to get it back from her. Good thing I still prefer my 15" BAS.
I did not like the looks of the WWII's or the AK's. Well, that not's totally true. The AK's weren't bad looking, but I thought the WWII's were definitely on the homely side, looking more akin to something that might be seen spreading mayonaisse or mustard on a deli sandwich.
After some time I found myself with my brother-in-law's Bura WWII in my hand and I had to admit that I liked it. Bought an 18" AK and found that it brought a grin to my face every time I hefted it (eventually sold it and am kicking myself VERY hard for that now, but I was on a mission to reduce duplication of capabilities at the time.)
I just received a 15" AK that I bought as a lark really, again not seeing much need for one because I am quite well-equipped in the 15" range of Khuks; but since they had been so highly praised here and the price was right (one of Uncle Bill's blems, though to be honest, the only blem is a slight wrinkel on the scabbard leather - the Khuk is in perferct condition).
But I was once again surprised. Although this 15-incher looks very much like a 15" BAS, it clearly has more power packed into the similarly-sized frame. Kinda makes me think of a snub-nosed big-bore revolver or an Officer's Model-sized 1911A1. It inspires enormous confidence and there is no doubt from its heft that it will cut with incredible effectiveness.
I still prefer my BAS by the tiniest of margins, and I think that is because the handle on my BAS is a bit longer and fits my hand a tad better because of it, but I think that if I had that 15" AK blade mated to that BAS handle I'd say that I probably found the ideal 15" Khukuri for the kind of use I'd imagine for it.
Also as I mentioned elsewhere, the best feeling Khukuri I now own and out of the nearly two dozen HI khuks I've owned, is my Kumar-crafted 16" WWII - and it is without a doubt the homeliest Khuk I've ever owned, and really, probably seen really (grin). I mean, it REALLY looks like a spatula found in a sandwich shop (LOL). But man, does it ever feel great in hand and I can tell that it will cut with a lot more power than it appears at first blush.
And a Bura 18" WWII ranks somewhere in my top five.
I guess the moral of this story is, don't be prejudicial against a given Khukuri type based on its looks alone (like I was). Be adventurous! Try some Khuks you wouldn't ordinarily try. You won't be disappointed.
Don
PS: My daughter snagged the new 15" AK. The moment she picked it up her face split into this huge grin and I knew I'd have trouble trying to get it back from her. Good thing I still prefer my 15" BAS.
