Recon Scout VS Kukri

D

Dodi

Joined
Apr 24, 2009
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Hi guys! Please post your opinions on a comparison between the following two:

- Cold Steel Recon Scout

- Nepalese Kukri

Which would you rather have in a survival, camping or general outdoors situations?

The kukri with its weight would be an excellent chopper but would the recon scout be far behind?

Which one would be a better fighting knife?
 
The kukri is a superb design that is a very effective general purpose and fighting configuration.

The Ghurkas are one of the world's most famous fighting forces and they struck fear into a lot of Japanese soldiers hearts due to their abilities with the kukri.

It is also an exceptional working tool, best suited to soft, sappy material such as one would find in a jungle environment but also capable of chopping wood if necessary. However, a small hatchet would be a better choice for that task.

The Recon Scout is a well-respected tool as well, and a great choice for an all-round outdoor knife. Could be used as a fighter in a pinch but not expressly designed for this task.
 
Buffalohump said:
The Ghurkas are one of the world's most famous fighting forces and they struck fear into a lot of Japanese soldiers hearts due to their abilities with the kukri.

It is also an exceptional working tool, best suited to soft, sappy material such as one would find in a jungle environment but also capable of chopping wood if necessary. However, a small hatchet would be a better choice for that task.

The Recon Scout is a well-respected tool as well, and a great choice for an all-round outdoor knife. Could be used as a fighter in a pinch but not expressly designed for this task.
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More recently the Argentinians, and even more so the Taliban.

Anyway, the kukri is a more versatile choice and more durable in my opinion.
I have a pair of small axes and neither chop as well as a decent kukri; they require more effort and precision.

The Recon would be poorly suited to chopping anything substantial. It has a small 7 1/2" inch blade, and whilst I have had good results chopping trees down with kukris of similar lengths, I cannot see the Recon doing well at all.

They are not much of a weapon in comparison to a kukri either.
 
In personal experience, my GB Small Forest Axe out chops my CS Mini-kukri.

I guess one of the large HI kuks will do better but mine is a smaller size - around an 8 inch blade, not too heavy.

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Rat Finkenstein said:
A small hatchet can't compare to a khukuri.
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I used my M-43 kukri from Himalayan Imports as my primary tool for several years of true survivl living. I have also used the trailmaster bowie in the outdoors before.

There is no comparison whatsoever. The kukri wins hands down. It is a fearsome chopper plus much more. It makes a much better drawknife helping to fashion tools and build shelters.

The M-43 was designed from the WWII pattern military kukri's it was improved to be both a better tool and weapon. The kukri would be far more effective in combat. It will easily remove limbs, heads and bisect the body in one blow. If a stab is used the wound channel is massive and generaly fatal.

The kukri chops better than an axe, Gives added reach is more versatile and provides far greater defensive capabilities as well,
 
If I had to grab my khuk and head to the hills I wouldn't worry about it failing me. If anything failed it would be me, my knowledge and training, not the big WWII.

Frank
 
Buffalohump said:
In personal experience, my GB Small Forest Axe out chops my CS Mini-kukri.

I guess one of the large HI kuks will do better but mine is a smaller size - around an 8 inch blade, not too heavy.

EDC002.jpg
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Yes, the "KLOs" (Khukuri-Like-Objects) must not be confused with the real thing when comparisons are being made. :D A similar sized HI or Ghurka house will usually come in at least a 5/16" spine and likely thicker.

Between the khuk and the Recon Scout, the Khuk will be the powerhouse, no questions asked. Yes the Recon Scout has a big, beefy spine, but the long swedge and taper make it a fairly neutrally balanced knife, albeit a heavy one. Khuks put all their weight forward.

On the other hand, the Recon Scout's point is capable of much more finesse. This would make it a better fighter, but from a purely practical standpoint that has its own value in day to day tasks. I'd hate to go after a big splinter with a khukuri.

After years of using both khuks and bowies, my own bias definitely points towards the Khuk---as long as the quality compares. My brother in law hates them, claiming they won't cut, won't hold an edge, always deflect a bit on impact, etc., and just in no way compare to his old Livesay RCM. Of course, the fact that he's basing his experiences on the comparison of a $200 custom knife versus a chisel-ground, $29.95 khuk from Atlanta Cutlery couldn't possibly have anything to do with it.

Also, pack along a good SAK or multi-tool to do the fine work and all excuses for not surviving will be gone. ;)
 
Both are very nice designs, Khuks win in Chopability and Bowies in Usability. in general the pointy tip of the bowie lends it to be able to do more capable for delicate stuff, but that is where the small knives that come with the khuks show up. The small utility blade (karda) will if properly made (not always the case) be much more efficient in all things that require might need a small tip/edge.

In general, I would go for the Khuk if you are going for a extended period of time, if its a short hike or only a little camping the bowie would be more than enough.

At the end it has to do a lot with what are you really going to be doing. It might even be better to have a machete and a small knife.
 
I think they are both good designs for what they are designed for, but if you were to leave me in the woods and told me I could have only one, I'd take the kukri.
 
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