RR Brigade Quartermasters Kukri

[Daniel L]

Hi guys,

I have a HI WWII kukri, but was wanting something a bit lighter with a thinner edge for general use (eg food prep). The Brigade Kukri looks like an ideal "big knife"... at an excellent price - go to http://www.actiongear.com and search for "kukri" $55 IIRC

I know Jeff Randall has a review on this, but are their any other thoughts? I'm primarily interested in its chopping abilities - I know it's only 3/16" flat ground 1095 (whole knife weighs 18oz) , but the Becker Patrol Machete (Bush Hog) is also in this class and that gets good chopping reviews.

Also what about the sheath? Is it functional?

(Cliff Stamp's review of this knife was on the first production run with a bad grind - Ontario/Brigade have since changed to a full flat grind and thinner steel.)

Thoughts and opinions much appreciated!

Cheers,

------------------
Daniel

 

[Cliff Stamp]

First off, if the handle is anything like the one on their Spec Plus line it is one of the worst designs I have ever seen as far as ergonomics goes for a heavy duty knife. It has been awhile since I used it, but the only thing more abrasive that I have used are the ridges that TOPS puts on some of their grips, steel Eagle for example. However it was quite some time since I used the Spec Plus line, so I may not be comparing the grips on an equal basis, and in any case, ergonomics vary widely from person to person.

As for the basic design, Will Kwan has a couple of the Cold Steel thinner khukuris and it would be worth the time to drop him an email about them. My main problem with them is that the grind is not well suited to the basic geometry. A full flat grind on stock that thin is excellent for light work which is not what you want that type of blade for (get a straight backed machete), and for the type of work that you do want that blade for (heavy power chopping), the grind causes the blade to bind readily and leaves a weak edge (you really want a convex grind there).

In regards to the hI khukuris, there are lots of types beside the heavy choppers. There are thinner models, and even on occasion ligher versions of the same. These are not made for heavy work, but will handle lighter class cutting much better than a WWII, which seems to be along the lines you want. I would suggest making a post or dropping Bill Martino an email and seeing what is on hand.

As well, it may be that a "light use khukuri" may not be your best choice. How about something like the Magnum Camp from Camillus. That would easily handle all light cutting much better than the Ontario Khukuri requiring less effort and causing less fatique. It should also be able to handle light brush cutting with ease. I have never used one but have used similar blades and the design is sound.

Lastly, I have seen terrible QC problems from Ontario, and while Cold Steel does really over hype their products, they are another level above Ontario with their Carbon V blades, regardless of who makes them, and they offer slimmer khukuris as well.

-Cliff

 

[Daniel L]

Thanks for the comments Cliff.

I was actually thinking about getting a Becker Magnum Camp as well as a general use knife (I probably would use this the most). If I was taking out the kukri (either WWII or Ontario) I would probably take my Spyderco Moran for smaller chores.

Any other views on the Ontario kukri?



------------------
Daniel