Recommendations:MODERN Kukri under $150

BePrepared

BePrepared

Joined
Aug 26, 2010
Messages
4,441
First let me say for the record, I do NOT want an HI

okay, now that that's out of the way, i'm looking for the highest quality production or custom kukri in the $150 price range... i can flex for the best

I prefer something with modern handle materials, Kydex or leather sheath, and HIGHLY durable steel.

If i could afford it, i'd already have a Busse Kukri, but I enjoy being married, and my wife WOULD take both my knives AND my dog in the divorce

So, whatcha got?
 
Kabar has a machete in it's current line up. Balanced well for chopping, and straddles the chopper/ machete niche. Made in Taiwan, steel is I think 1085 equivalent.

http://www.kabar.com/knives/detail/11

Kabar also has a smaller "Combat Kukri" with an 8.5" blade and F/U handle that is scheduled for a 01APR12 release. Looking forward to that. Made in the USA, 1095CV.

Kabar's Becker line also has the BK Machaxe, which is a combination of machete and axe. Has a few kukri characteristics.

Cold Steel and Ontario have kukris as well.
 
Last edited:
I have considered those.

I don't like the shape of the Kabar. It's not really a kukri shape... to short and fat
The Cold steel seemed nice at first, but i already have the Kukri machette, and it's mediocre at best. Their Ghurka Kukri looks a bit overpriced based on the reviews

The Ontario one is still in the running, and if the sheath wasn't TERRIBLE i'd probably already have one...
 
Probably the new Condor Heavy Duty Kukri in this hemisphere. But if you want it to have a decent chopping balance, good edge geometry, decent steel for chopping, be under$150 and not be an HI, your only bet is khukurihouse. The Condor has all of those except for balance, as it is only 5/16" thick. It only weighs 29 oz with the sheath included, after all. :rolleyes:

So yeah, the only thing I can think of is one of the modern looking designs from khukurihouse. You're still going to have a wood or horn handle, but you'll be getting the knife for about $100 shipped, so you can use the extra $50 to buy yourself some G10, or some Loctite epoxy and some jeans from the Salvation Army to make your own micarta.

If you really like khukuris, are willing to pay $150 for a knife, enjoy excellent customer service, and care about the lives of the people who make your knives, you'll end up with a HI eventually, by the way. :D
 
I don't drink the kool-aid either.

The Condor is a good one, and leaves money in your pocket.
 
I have the Cold Steel Gurkha Kukuri, In my personal experience, just a fantastic blade, I think it's a great value. Very Comfortable, and great overall. I have used it hard many times in the woods, chopping and splitting, so I really feel comfortable recommending it. The Did not like the performance of the Cold Steel Kukuri Machete, but I live in the North Eastern US, and the wood is hard, so some more weight and thickness in the blade is a major help, and it's nice to have a better steel too.
 
I won't endorse any brands, but as far as general construction goes: make sure it is at LEAST 1/4" thick, flat or convex ground, and have a blade a minimum of 10" long. Shorter/thinner/etc and you have a curved knife or machete.
There is a huge difference in the CS Kukri and the Kukri Machete, apples and oranges.
BTW, what is your intended use of said kukri?
 
I just go the Kabar 11.5 inch Kukri off amazon and can recommend it. Nice fit and finish and a decent sheath with at a nice price point. Awesome chopper and splitter. Good luck.
 
You might be surprised how well a $26 Condor Kukri actually can do as a modern kukri.
 
anyone know anything about that ^

that looks aren't offensive, although i do wonder about the durability of 440c... opinions welcome as always
 
Check out the Ontario Kukri. Its 1/4" thick blade full flat grind allows it to bite deep like an axe. It's lighter than the CS so it swings faster.
It's got a lot in common with the CS Kukri except for the following:
- knife-like rubber handle vs. kukri-like rubber handle for the CS
- Ang-Kola traditional kukri blade geometry for the Ontario, vs Sirupate kukri blade geometry for the CS Gurkha.
- Basic sheath vs. outstanding sheath
- $60 for the Ontario vs $150 for the CS.
- Ontario kukri doesn't have the CS marketing machine behind it. In fact Ontario doesn't market it whatsoever. So it's relatively unknown. But it's a good blade nonetheless as most things put out by Ontario.
1095 vs SK5 steel, are apples and apples.
thumbnail.php
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top