Smaller Khukri?

[TFin04]

Looking to get into the world of Khukri's. I just want one for cutting down small saplings and splitting small wood.

Does anybody make one in the 7" blade range? If so, where should I be looking? My first blade should be budget minded, around $50 would be great.

Can I accomplish that? Thanks!

 

[Cpl Punishment]

A 12" HI kukri will have about 7-8 inches of blade. They measure overall length, not blade length. Be aware that with a kukri that small, you won't see a lot of the advantages of a kukri over any other large knife.

You might be better off with an 18" or so kukri in one of the lighter blade styles, like a chitlangi.

ETA: It's more than you wanted to spend, but it looks like the 15.5" BAS is still available here:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=577925
Be aware that it's a villager and won't be buffed to a mirror finish like a standard one will, but it will also probably come sharper.

A 15.5" kukri will have 10-10.5" of blade.

 

[TFin04]

Thanks for the info, looks like there is a lot to learn about Khurkri's.

One other question, do they make them without the little cut out in the blade right after the handle? Is that there for decoration or does it serve a purpose?

 

[37up]

that notch in the blade, or cho (or kauri) is a prominant feature among khukuri and is more of a decorative feature. H.I doesn't really offer significant customization but you can ask Yangdu (owner of H.I) for weight or limited handle material preferences.

small or large jobs, i still prefer at least 16.5", but that could just be me.

 

[Cpl Punishment]

Thanks for the info, looks like there is a lot to learn about Khurkri's.

One other question, do they make them without the little cut out in the blade right after the handle? Is that there for decoration or does it serve a purpose?

The cho is a symbolic thing. There's many interpretations of what it means, from a cow's hoof to Shiva's sword to Kali's clitoris. Because of the symbolic nature, I don't know if they would be willing to make one without it or not. It doesn't effect performance.

 

[Piso Mojado]

Thanks for the info, looks like there is a lot to learn about Khurkri's.

One other question, do they make them without the little cut out in the blade right after the handle? Is that there for decoration or does it serve a purpose?

To put it in a word, it's tradition. Here's a fuller explanation:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRdfX7ut8gw

 

[Tohatchi NM]

I'd recommend the British Army Service model (BAS). IMO, this is where khuks start performing and aren't just a weird knife. The smaller ones I have (just a few) tend to have very short, thin handles that don't really let you chop. I've often carried a BAS as a hiking blade - it's lighter than larger khuks, but definitely enough to chop limbs for a small fire and clear brush.

Looks like the price range for a standard BAS in Yangdu's deal of the day is ~$50-$75. The one linked above is special, so it's a bit more. Note that deals in this price range are usually "blems" - they'll have minor imperfections that don't affect performance. The exception would be blems that are missing the sheath, or have a damaged sheath. If you're handy with duct tape, you could probably improvise a sheath. Note that there will be no deals, and no sales from HI while she is traveling in the near future, so if you want the knife you should buy soon.

Also, be careful when comparing prices on the web. HI is located in Nevada, so there are no customs fees, and shipping is included. There are several other companies that charge less for the knife, but you end up paying more once shipping and customs fees are included. Plus HI has a great product and great service.

 

[Cpl Punishment]

Very good point. The other places seem to beat HI for price pretty handily, but the two biggest competitors are based in the UK and Nepal, you really get bent over on the shipping.

 

[seaice]

two biggest competitors are based in the UK and Nepal, you really get bent over on the shipping.

Slight digression... from here in the UK the converse often applies re buying from the USA, when sellers (such as on e-bay) only offer so-called "Priority" shipping. That's horribly expensive.
And, afaics, isn't any faster than USPS First Class International - which can sometimes be cheaper than postage/shipping rates charged within the UK.
But above £18 there is a danger of Customs slapping on VAT, and if you're hit by that, there is likely to be a UK internal delivery surcharge as well (it's the latter which really infuriates people).

Returning to topic, for what use is mentioned I'd unhesitatingly suggest a sirupate with at least a 12" blade, or maybe a Kobra since they tend to be a bit lighter.

 

[gcs]

I have a 12"AK, it has a 8" blade. It's sounds like a big knife, and would be IF it was a knife, but it ain't, and while it's handy, it's a little small for most jobs.
Even the 15" Siru with a 10" blade, is a little short on ability IMO.
My newest "idea" on what would be most useful, for me,with no heavy chopping, would be a Siru with a 12" blade, which I guess is about 18". But this is subject to change also, lol

 

[Wolf_1989]

My newest "idea" on what would be most useful, for me,with no heavy chopping, would be a Siru with a 12" blade, which I guess is about 18". But this is subject to change also, lol

Correct. I obtained a 18" Panchthar Chitlangi off this forum for one of my friends and the blade is right about 12".

 

[gcs]

I had a 18" Pantchathar Chitlangi from one of the DOD, that was absolutely gorgeous, unfortunately at 24 oz., and my diminished hand and arm strength due to who knows what,I had trouble keeping it going. I gave it to my son on Christmas.
That's why I'm thinking an 18" siru with the lighter blade should be perfect, for me.

 

[Wolf_1989]

Yes I agree; the panchthar chitlangi is a stunning khukuri.

I had a chance to handle it myself for a few hours (gave it my strength test and then sharpened it) before he drove over to pick it up.

Nice!

 

[TomFetter]

My youngest has a 12" AK, and while it's a great knife (and a really good entry into the khuk arena for a lad), I certainly want more heft to chop with.

Seemed at one point to be a consensus that an optimum "chopping" tool was at minimum about 18" ... seemed to be a sweet proportion of about 18" overall, and about 27 or 28 ounces of weight.

I wonder if an all 'round khuk has slighly lighter weight, whether with a long narrow blade, or a shorter heavier blade. I love my 16 1/2" WWII as an all round blade ... others have talked about 15" AK, or 18-20" chitlangis etc. Probably all of those have about the same weight ... and it comes down to the reach you want.

And the obvious ... depends on the user's size and stamina too. Even though I'm relatively athletic for a middle-aged guy, I'm only 5'9" and 180 ... and the heavier khuks start to get tiring pretty quickly, even though they hit like a runaway bus.