Question on handle length

[Mtell1]

Hi,

Im very excited to order my first HI Khukuri, in fact I am new to Khukuris in general. Thanks to all for this great informative forum.

My question is regarding handle length...

-- Is there a variation in length among models of same size? Im looking at an 16.5" CAK. I'd prefer longer to shorter.

-- Or are the handles generally made long enough that its not an issue.

I ask because I cant see the knives in person and its hard to get a feel from pictures.

Thanks!

 

[John Shields]

I had a long discussion about sizing for mine too (handle, blade, and overall). After getting my 18" Ultimate Fighter I have something to compare to and I think it's the perfect size me for. I just need it to be lighter for what I want it to do.

Try this thread:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=682892

The handles always vary from what I can see. Some models are larger and small are smaller. Some models have both large and small handles you can specify when you buy.

If you want a 16.5" CAK grab the Deal of the Day here before someone else does. It'll probably be what you're looking for.

Handles made by HI are generally "Americanized" or "Westernized" in that they're bigger than equivalent Khukuri's made by other companies who cater to smaller Asian hands. My UF handle was 6 inches which is half the blade length.

What you want to do is figure out what you need it for (certain models do certain things). Then you can go and get the size you want overall... and ask if there's a short and long handle version.

 

[wildmike]

I have one M-43 with the older shorter handle, fits me just perfect. My other M-43 has the newer longer style. It is a little longer than I like, or am used to. But that is it I was just used to the earlier style. Unless you have enormous hands ( like over 5" palm width) you wont have any problem.

 

[Mtell1]

Thanks a lot John, I appreciate it and will check out the thread you linked to.

The CAK you linked to looks great but Im not decided on a wood or the other type of handle yet...its really hard to decide.

Its good to know some models have long/short options I will look into that and keep reading! Thanks again.

 

[Mtell1]

I have one M-43 with the older shorter handle, fits me just perfect. My other M-43 has the newer longer style. It is a little longer than I like, or am used to. But that is it I was just used to the earlier style. Unless you have enormous hands ( like over 5" palm width) you wont have any problem.

Thanks for the input - those M43s look great.

I don't want to compare apples to oranges, but by comparing these knives, for example, one handle is way longer...probably due to different uses, so theres a lot to consider.

Unless you have enormous hands ( like over 5" palm width) you wont have any problem.

Good point, I dont want to make an issue that isn't there! For each knife usage there must be a special handle to get the most out of the knife.

 

[sta94]

Hey! Those are my khukuris in the photo above ... and that's my photo too! The M-43 being measured was determined to have a handle on the longer side, similar to some recent ones we've seen with three rivets in the handle. Whereas the wood-handle smaller khukuri it is being measured against is a villager piece made for the local Nepal & surrounding region market, thus the smaller handle. So, definitely an apples to oranges comparison! Better comparison would probably be between the M43 and the Foxy Folly (extreme left) in this same photo, or ... get one of the various forumites with several M43s to post a comparison photo.

More photos & specs of my M43 in this recent post, pg. 2: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=683064

 

[Mtell1]

Hey! Those are my khukuris in the photo above ... and that's my photo too! The M-43 being measured was determined to have a handle on the longer side, similar to some recent ones we've seen with three rivets in the handle. Whereas the wood-handle smaller khukuri it is being measured against is a villager piece made for the local Nepal & surrounding region market, thus the smaller handle. So, definitely an apples to oranges comparison! Better comparison would probably be between the M43 and the Foxy Folly (extreme left) in this same photo, or ... get one of the various forumites with several M43s to post a comparison photo.

More photos & specs of my M43 in this recent post, pg. 2: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=683064

Great thanks a lot for the link its awesome. I wanted to keep an open mind on all models until I saw enough pics of them all, and there some great real life pics on page 2 there! I really like the looks of that handle its polished so well.

And thanks for the original pic too, LOL its a small world, I found your pic when just browsing the forum a few days ago, and I save pretty much all the Khurki pics I come across!