Recomendations on very first HI Kukri!

U

Urban redneck

Joined
Sep 4, 2015
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393
Just as the title says, I think I'm about ready to pull the trigger and see what all the fuss is about Lol! I already have an old Atlanta Cutlery and a Kukuri House knives, but have been itching for a HI one for a while. If everyone could give me which model they think I should get and why they think so, it would be much appreciated! BTW, this Kukri would be a user, around the house and in the woods camping and what not. Thanks in advance!
 
My first model and the one I recommend to most people is a WWII in the 18inch version. It has some of the best lines available, and its profile is stunning. It tapers very rapidly to the gracefully curved grip. The handle is shaped very nicely and the WWII is probably the most versatile blade. I know Uncle Bill always recommended them for a first kukri. You wont be disappointed, the Bando association also recommends that model for defensive purposes.

You will be happy with any model you choose. Just remember these thinks are like potato chips... you can never have just one.
 
15" BAS was my first, and would be a great choice. I don't tend to recommend 18" as a first, but GB loves those WW2s! I just think the 15" is a little easier to get used to as a first blade. If you are looking for a more traditional style, I can't say enough good things about Thamar and my Dui Chirra. A Yek or Tin Chirra will be quite similar. They're great all around blades, though they aren't as good of choppers as say an AK. Don't forget about a good old Keshar Lal either. Everyone and their mother has at least one of those. So far, every HI knife I have bought has exceeded it's expected usefulness, and I was expecting user blades to begin with :)

As GB said, you will be happy with any model you choose, so just look for one that sings to you and has the right price tag, then buy it without hesitation. Worst case scenario, you don't like the way it feels, cuts, or even looks, and you can simply send it back to Yangdu for refund or replacement. Easy peasy! Buy with confidence, enjoy for a lifetime.
 
If you want to use it as a pack knife, camp knife, all around beater, then you cannot beat a KLVUK, they are cheap, still have the black forge scales on them, and are on the light side for an HI blade. They do not come with a sheath, karda, and chakma though.

I also see that you already have some khuks, so you probably already have experience utilizing one, thus, I would suggest a BAS, WWII, or an AK, in a 15" - 18" length, depending on your physical attributes. If you prefer a more traditional American handle, then I recommend the M43 whole-heartedly.

In any case, you will not be disappointed, and as SG commented, if you are unhappy with your purchase, just contact HI, and they will make it right for you, their customer service is second to no one.
 
IMO, trying to pick the best first kukri is kind of moot. Like potato chips, you can't eat just one. Once you take the first bite, you're going to want to grab a handfull.
 
The DOD BAS would be my recommendation. Easy to pack at 15" 20-25 ozs., sharpens well, and can be had for about $80. These are great pack able blades. To me, for chopping, a minimum of 20 ozs. is required. Much more than 25ozs., and it becomes a bit much to pack for very far. That is assuming you have a full pack of other necessities.

My favorite is the 15" m-43 at 25-27ozs.

If you aren't packing the blade, anything goes, depending on your preference and ability to swing that blade.
 
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I offer for your consideration:

a 12 in Villager AK for back packing. The villager (used to) have longer handles, better suited for Western hands, are more than adequate for campfire wood, can be used with a baton (heavy piece of wood to smack kindling in half, lengthwise) if you need a larger piece of wood cut, are decidedly less intimidating to others you might meet on the trail, and, although the Pen knife is a sweetheart, often the pointed blade style of the AK comes in handy.

You won't be fighting barbarian hordes, and camping today is aimed at "zero impact," as opposed to earlier tomes which suggest cutting fir tree branches to make an insulated bed for your night in the Whelan Lean-to tent. You generally don't need the weight and dimensions of the larger blades.

It is very unlikely you are going to build a cabin on your back-packing trip, and a sufficient blade has always been...well, sufficient. :)

Have fun choosing. (I like the 15in AK, as well. These are my opinions, only.)
 
Excellent point Kismet. When I hike/backpack, my 12" BDC comes along, or my KLVUK with IBBB as backup/smaller blade. And my Baby CAKs have taken the survival knife spots. My first purchase was both a 15" BAS and a Baby CAK. They also make a great combo.

As Bubba said though, it's kinda moot picking a first. Save yourself the trouble and just grab a few to start :)
 
Urban:

As you can see from the replies, the "best choice" is very individualistic. It depends on your personal attributes (size, strength, fitness) and what will be the main usage of the blade (such as backpacking and camping, versus building a log cabin in the woods).

You might get better advice if you give us more information about yourself and your likely usage of the blade.

Also, keep in mind that forumites are quite a varied lot. I might be mistaken, but I believe that one of the above posters has told us previously that he is 6'5" tall and weighs 295 lbs. If you happen to be 5'8" tall and weigh 160 lbs, well, your needs might be different.

Personally I believe that for a first HI blade you are better off erring on the small side than erring on the big side. For example, a 15" 28 oz M43 can do everything that the heavier 18" model can do, whereas the large blade might turn out to be too heavy -- again, depending on your own abilities.
 
I'm partial to my Chiruwa AK ... It does what I need it to do and feels great in my hand..
But I think your best bet is to browse the HI web site and read the specs and descriptions , then pick the one that meets your needs.
 
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