Question regarding the Ang Khola

[dealoftheday]

Hello,

I'm going to purchase a Khukuri. Researching where and what type has lead me to this thread, and I had a question for you or anyone else who frequents this forum and has knowledge in this area. In regards to the Ang Khola why is the 15" more popular than the 12". I ask because usage wise the 12" seems much easier to wield cutting, prying shaving etc. The 15" while on 3" bigger seems like it would be more difficult to wield given the length of the blade - though obviously provide more velocity when chopping.

I plan on using my Khukri for clearing brush when hiking, chopping wood, cutting through a variety of materials and if necessary self defense; so in short I need it for its function more than anything.

Any opinions or experiences with this subject would be greatly appreciate, thank you.

 

[Bawanna]

First let me clarify that I can't even serve cold drinks to the true experts here but I have several Khuks and a 18" AK enroute as we speak that I held last weekend.

My feeling is that when you get past the 12" mark, additional length really isn't detrimental to the wielding capabilities. 12" would be minimum for an AK. I have a 12" Pen Knife that I love but if I was clearing trail and chopping wood I'd step up at least to a 15/16" and in my case I opted to go 18".

I held a Bonecutter while there also and that thing is a beast even in a shorter length than the AK. Make no mistake I loved it very much but you better be in good shape if your gonna chop all day with that thing. Beautiful, I want one but heavy.

I'll let the true experts here take over from here but in my infiinitely small mind the 16/18" size AK is a perfect match for the average guy.

If your looking strictly for function, definitely look at Villager finishes. The first couple whacks won't hurt near so much as a highly polished suitable for wall hanging Khuk.

 

[Karda]

You are coming along nicely, Bawanna. Well done and exactly right.
12" is about the minimum for chopping functionality. As you increase the size in inches, the chopping power also increases.
20" on the Ang Khola model is about maximum unless you are built like Paul Bunyan.
For camping/trekking/hiking, 15"-16" is about the norm. It provides a light enough load with enough chopping power to do needed tasks.
For dedicated wood chopping 18"- 20" seems to be about the norm.

I love my 18" CAK so much that I actually had a dream the other night that I had lost her. I woke up bummed out even though I could see her hanging on the wall when I woke up. Kinda silly, but that is how these things are like trusted friends.

 

[palmerdl]

One thing that has not been mentioned by the OP or the responders, the length quoted in the descriptions is OAL. A point often missed when looking for that first khukuri. I know I was confused.

Handle length and girth increase proportionally with OAL. Which is to say, for the average size hand, a 12" khukuri has about the minimum size handle. Not a really substantial handle size. The 12" has about an 8" blade, if that helps.

Here's a picture of (T-B) 16½" CAK, 12" Sirupati, and 9¼" Bilton:


I hope this helps.

 

[Bawanna]

Excellent point palmerdl, excellent indeed. That would definitely be confusing to the unaware.

Thank you Karda for the kind endorsement, I actually find myself blushing, momma would be so proud.
I've had that exact same dream, it has to be a sign of some sort.

 

[Dirtbiker]

I have ang kholas in 12, 15, 16.5, and 18 inch lengths. The 12 and 15 inch blades make great camp knives but the are too short for heavy chopping. Trail clearing work needs a longer blade, my 20" 23oz sirupate works best for that.

My favorite choppers are usually 17-18 inch long and 30-36oz.

 

[dealoftheday]

First let me clarify that I can't even serve cold drinks to the true experts here but I have several Khuks and a 18" AK enroute as we speak that I held last weekend.

My feeling is that when you get past the 12" mark, additional length really isn't detrimental to the wielding capabilities. 12" would be minimum for an AK. I have a 12" Pen Knife that I love but if I was clearing trail and chopping wood I'd step up at least to a 15/16" and in my case I opted to go 18".

I held a Bonecutter while there also and that thing is a beast even in a shorter length than the AK. Make no mistake I loved it very much but you better be in good shape if your gonna chop all day with that thing. Beautiful, I want one but heavy.

I'll let the true experts here take over from here but in my infinitely small mind the 16/18" size AK is a perfect match for the average guy.

If your looking strictly for function, definitely look at Villager finishes. The first couple whacks won't hurt near so much as a highly polished suitable for wall hanging Khuk.

Hello,

Unfortunately I have a very limited amount of time to research this, and as such, greatly appreciate any help. I was looking on

http://yhst-7333098713883.stores.yahoo.net/15inchangkhola.html

And did not seen an option for Villager finish. I am on the correct site... I think... have I missed something.

One thing that has not been mentioned by the OP or the responders, the length quoted in the descriptions is OAL. A point often missed when looking for that first khukuri. I know I was confused.

Handle length and girth increase proportionally with OAL. Which is to say, for the average size hand, a 12" khukuri has about the minimum size handle. Not a really substantial handle size. The 12" has about an 8" blade, if that helps.

Here's a picture of (T-B) 16½" CAK, 12" Sirupati, and 9¼" Bilton:


I hope this helps.

It does because I made an assumption that turned out to be incorrect, so thank you. I assumed 12" blade and 4" handle and I don't know why I assumed that. I appreciate the insight. This makes sense as to why the 15" is the best seller.

I have ang kholas in 12, 15, 16.5, and 18 inch lengths. The 12 and 15 inch blades make great camp knives but the are too short for heavy chopping. Trail clearing work needs a longer blade, my 20" 23oz sirupate works best for that.

My favorite choppers are usually 17-18 inch long and 30-36oz.

I have a Machete that works wonders and has is about 16" long. So after using it for a bit I'm dieing to get a khukri, especially one that is renowned for its durability. My fear is that with some Machetes I've owned ( 24" and 22") they become unwieldy when you have to clear thick yet non dense growth ( like that from ferns or philodendrons , as such I wanted to anticipate that.

You are coming along nicely, Bawanna. Well done and exactly right.
12" is about the minimum for chopping functionality. As you increase the size in inches, the chopping power also increases.
20" on the Ang Khola model is about maximum unless you are built like Paul Bunyan.
For camping/trekking/hiking, 15"-16" is about the norm. It provides a light enough load with enough chopping power to do needed tasks.
For dedicated wood chopping 18"- 20" seems to be about the norm.

I love my 18" CAK so much that I actually had a dream the other night that I had lost her. I woke up bummed out even though I could see her hanging on the wall when I woke up. Kinda silly, but that is how these things are like trusted friends.

That's a rather ringing endorsement... and I'll be honest I've never thought to chop wood ( maybe split wood with the machete but never chop it ) as I fear it would greatly dull or damage the blade. The functionality of a khukri is just downright exciting.

I'll keep checking back for their specials.


Question for anyone left reading, is there a preferred case ( I assume leather because a blade is a blade and I don't want it to sweat but I'm not really sure.)

 

[sweetcostarica]

I'm going to purchase a Khukuri...

I plan on using my Khukri for clearing brush when hiking, chopping wood, cutting through a variety of materials and if necessary self defense; so in short I need it for its function more than anything.

Lots of good points above. Here's my opinion.

The Himalayan Imports (HI) BAS (Service Number One version) is HI's second best seller. Why is that? Many people including myself love this very handy military style Kukri. It is similar to the 15 inch overall length Ang Khola you talked about. It even has the same price but is lighter according to the HI website. Being lighter means it is easier to carry around. I have found on my hikes and outdoor activities in Alaska the BAS/BSI or the 18" overall Kukris are all I need for one to two people.

The Gurkha's and Nepali Army use this blade as a basic camp knife. Which means they clear brush, hike, chop smaller wood, cut things with and if necessary use as a self defense weapon. These are all your stated needs. So my opinion is the Himalayan Imports BAS/BSI's 15" to 16" inch overall and at about 17 ounces Kukri would do nicely, n'est-ce pas? 7/5/13 Note: I added Himalayan Imports BAS/BSI because I was vague here and you were thinking of buying a HI product.

Edit: "Question for anyone left reading, is there a preferred case"
You mean a preferred sheath for a Kukri? Many people outside of Nepal don't really like the traditional sheath. I like to make my own Kydex sheaths other folk like to make or buy flat leather sheaths with belt attachments. I don't think it matters really what sheath you use if you take care of your gear.
I use would Kydex though because:
-it doesn't attract moisture
-is thin, strong, light,
-is sweat proof
-is very Versatile
-will not lose stiffness and shape over time,
-it is easy to make & shape
- and it's a breeze to clean.

 

[LeonJ]

Edit: "Question for anyone left reading, is there a preferred case"
You mean a preferred sheath for a Kukri? Many people outside of Nepal don't really like the traditional sheath. I like to make my own Kydex sheaths other folk like to make or buy flat leather sheaths with belt attachments. I don't think it matters really what sheath you use if you take care of your gear.
I use would Kydex though because:
-it doesn't attract moisture
-is thin, strong, light,
-is sweat proof
-is very Versatile
-will not lose stiffness and shape over time,
-it is easy to make & shape
- and it's a breeze to clean.

Another good reason to get a different sheath than the traditional for your khukuri, is that the traditional sheath is prone get damaged/cause damage if you don't know how to extract the knife properly.

Most people don't know anything about knives, much less about how sheaths for different knives work. They don't understand that the sheath has got its own limitations, something that can cause situations where a curved needle, some clean and strong thread, and some alcohol are needed to patch up their lack of knowledge.

 

[palmerdl]

Question for anyone left reading, is there a preferred case ( I assume leather because a blade is a blade and I don't want it to sweat but I'm not really sure.)

The HI Khukuri's described on the website come with the traditional sheath, made of wood and covered in buffalo hide. The ones offered as the 'daily specials' usually have a sheath, but sometimes don't. The traditional sheath is a little bulky, but making a new one is tricky because of the curve of the blade.

Sweetcostarica - I'd like to see some pics of your kydex sheath and a description of how you went about molding it.

 

[Karda]

Hello,

Unfortunately I have a very limited amount of time to research this, and as such, greatly appreciate any help. I was looking on

http://yhst-7333098713883.stores.yahoo.net/15inchangkhola.html

And did not seen an option for Villager finish. I am on the correct site... I think... have I missed something.

You are on the correct site. It is the Himalayan Imports Online Store.
There is no option on the site for villager finish. Villager finish khukuri are usually offered here on the forum.
If you place an order on the site, you may request a villager finish in the comments section of the ordering form at checkout.
This, however, will be subject to availability.

That's a rather ringing endorsement... and I'll be honest I've never thought to chop wood ( maybe split wood with the machete but never chop it ) as I fear it would greatly dull or damage the blade. The functionality of a khukri is just downright exciting.

Himalayan Imports is well known for tough khukuri, well suited for the outdoorsman. In the warranty there are 10 models specifically warranted for tough usage and wood chopping.
You may find commentary by some people claiming HI product are sharpened prybars and that it is unnecessary. These people have their own preferences as to product and they have their own agendas. These peoples commentary should be taken with a grain of salt and with the realization that it is their own opinion. An opinion that may or my not work well or be suitable for other users. They also do not understand that Himalayan Imports produces it's own style of product. It copies no one. HI has never claimed to make historically accurate reproduction khukuri. Those product we do sell that are patterned after historical khukuri are made to our specification and no one elses.

Question for anyone left reading, is there a preferred case ( I assume leather because a blade is a blade and I don't want it to sweat but I'm not really sure.)

Scabbards and sheaths are largely a matter of preference. Some people like and use the scabbard that comes with the khukuri.
Some prefer to have either a leather or kydex sheath made to their liking. There is a sticky at the top of the forum with our preferred member craftsmen listed. Our preferred kydex bender is not listed there, as he is not presently taking orders.

 

[davidf99]

dealoftheday:

You might want to consider a KLVUK, which is not listed at the HI online store but appears now and then on this forum as a DOTD. The KLVUK is a good all-around khukuri, comes in reasonable sizes and tends to be much less expensive than other comparably-sized models. The tradeoff is that you don't get a polished or satin blade, but that has no effect on functionality, and in fact has its own kind of rough beauty.

I suggest that you enter KLVUK in the above search box and check out this model. If you like it, you could wait for a DOTD or send an email to Yangdu, who might have one available. Here is one link that can give you an idea what the KLVUK is like:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1013784-KLVUK-Field-Test?highlight=Ugly+Villager

-- Dave

 

[sweetcostarica]

Sweetcostarica - I'd like to see some pics of your kydex sheath and a description of how you went about molding it.

Sure palmerdl, here is how I do it and my source. I hope this is OK to post.

Making a Kydex Sheath
To explain how to make a Kydex sheath is a long written effort so here are two (2) step by step processes on video that I followed for most of my Kydex sheaths
[video=youtube;IQpEYD3GK5w]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQpEYD3GK5w[/video][video=youtube;1TnhpVPwimw]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TnhpVPwimw&feature=c4-overview&playnext=1&list=TLzHFNY-tx3OY[/video]

To make a good knife sheath use .08 with some use of .07 and .06. If you want a very heavy duty sheath you could use .09 but most people find that too stiff.

If you have a heat gun you could use that to heat the Kydex, or an oven, set at 325 degree's. If you use the oven be sure to keep an eye on the Kydex to make sure it does not melt. And place the Kydex on an old cookie sheet or other flat surface when heating it up - don't place it directly on the oven racks. The Kydex is hot enough for molding when it reaches the consistency of cooked Lasagna noodles.

Suggested Tools for Making the Kydex sheath
Rivet press, dies and rivets
Heat gun or oven
Band saw, jig saw, or Compound Action Snips like the WISS M-300. Kydex is easy to saw and cut.
Hand drill - with Kydex drill bits are best
Dremel Tool
Belt sander for final shaping of the edges or hand sand the final finish
Work gloves when handling hot Kydex.
Kydex press - You can buy one or make your own like I did.

Some folks make presses out of 3/4" plywood and camping foam pads or foam exercise mats. These only last for a few sheaths though.

Here are photos of some sheaths I made by following the procedures above.



Note: The above procedures is not "my way or the highway" it is just one of many ways to make a Kydex sheath. Also, my Kydex sheaths are made looser than others for use in the freezing temperatures of Alaska. If the temps are near or below zero I will use a leather sheath.

 

[palmerdl]

Thank you ,sir. You explained the method for making clearance for the curved Khukuri blade very well. That will save me experimentation time. Again, thank you.

 

[sweetcostarica]

Thank you ,sir. You explained the method for making clearance for the curved Khukuri blade very well. That will save me experimentation time. Again, thank you.

No problem palmerdl. There are other ways but the one in the video is my favorite because it offers simple retention of the Kukri (very hard to lose it) and a neat carry strap system. I got into making these Kydex sheath for some of my DOD purchases that had no sheath and other knives that had leather sheaths. Now, I really prefer Kydex except in the dead of winter at extreme temps.

I made an almost exact sheath to the one above in red Kydex for a Sirupate and it was fantastic but as stated the final fit was hard.

 

[palmerdl]

 

[olpappy]

great information on the kydex sheaths. Where do they sell those "construction paper towels / fiber reinforced paper towels" in the 2nd video that he puts over the foam to give texture and prevent hot rivets from melting the foam?

 

[dealoftheday]

Lots of good points above. Here's my opinion.
View attachment 359616
The Himalayan Imports (HI) BAS (Service Number One version) is HI's second best seller. Why is that? Many people including myself love this very handy military style Kukri. It is similar to the 15 inch overall length Ang Khola you talked about. It even has the same price but is lighter according to the HI website. Being lighter means it is easier to carry around. I have found on my hikes and outdoor activities in Alaska the BAS/BSI or the 18" overall Kukris are all I need for one to two people.

The Gurkha's and Nepali Army use this blade as a basic camp knife. Which means they clear brush, hike, chop smaller wood, cut things with and if necessary use as a self defense weapon. These are all your stated needs. So my opinion is the BAS/BSI's 15" to 16" inch overall and at about 17 ounces Kukri would do nicely, n'est-ce pas?

Edit: "Question for anyone left reading, is there a preferred case"
You mean a preferred sheath for a Kukri? Many people outside of Nepal don't really like the traditional sheath. I like to make my own Kydex sheaths other folk like to make or buy flat leather sheaths with belt attachments. I don't think it matters really what sheath you use if you take care of your gear.
I use would Kydex though because:
-it doesn't attract moisture
-is thin, strong, light,
-is sweat proof
-is very Versatile
-will not lose stiffness and shape over time,
-it is easy to make & shape
- and it's a breeze to clean.

Thank you, I did mean sheath - and while I probably don't have the time to acquire materials and make the sheath it seems more than appropriate to protect my investment thusly. You did say the materials are easy to acquire though so if its not too arduous I would definitely make one rather than purchase it. I'm not quite sure how to pattern out such an angled curve though...

The HI Khukuri's described on the website come with the traditional sheath, made of wood and covered in buffalo hide. The ones offered as the 'daily specials' usually have a sheath, but sometimes don't. The traditional sheath is a little bulky, but making a new one is tricky because of the curve of the blade.

Sweetcostarica - I'd like to see some pics of your kydex sheath and a description of how you went about molding it.

Is buffalo hide sufficient material - it seems like it would be rather dense and not breathable.

dealoftheday:

You might want to consider a KLVUK, which is not listed at the HI online store but appears now and then on this forum as a DOTD. The KLVUK is a good all-around khukuri, comes in reasonable sizes and tends to be much less expensive than other comparably-sized models. The tradeoff is that you don't get a polished or satin blade, but that has no effect on functionality, and in fact has its own kind of rough beauty.

I suggest that you enter KLVUK in the above search box and check out this model. If you like it, you could wait for a DOTD or send an email to Yangdu, who might have one available. Here is one link that can give you an idea what the KLVUK is like:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1013784-KLVUK-Field-Test?highlight=Ugly+Villager

-- Dave

I did see your vid is it truly the only difference between that and an HI Khukri is the polish on the blade? I was told HI warranties the blade.

 

[sweetcostarica]

great information on the kydex sheaths. Where do they sell those "construction paper towels / fiber reinforced paper towels" in the 2nd video that he puts over the foam to give texture and prevent hot rivets from melting the foam?

Not sure where those can be bought (and I looked for them). I use cotton pillow cases to cover the foam. This works well too.

 

[Karda]

Is buffalo hide sufficient material - it seems like it would be rather dense and not breathable.

It served the water buffalo pretty well in his time before it became scabbard covering.

I did see your vid is it truly the only difference between that and an HI Khukri is the polish on the blade? I was told HI warranties the blade.

It is an HI khukuri and it comes with the standard warranty.