So I'm Thinking About A Khukuri...

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Apr 20, 2018
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Let me start this by saying I have zero practical use for of these any more. I've just always dug these blades. There are some knives (or general designs) that just speak to me and this is one. These are functional, badass, and carry a ton of legacy.

I know Kailash Blades has a sub-forum here and I'm very much interested in them but am open to others as well.

One issue for me is, I won't own a knife I can't sharpen and these blades shapes are challenging. Rods?

I'm not going to spend a lot here. I like the idea of "user" options for these guys. Not crap, but good working blades. Utilitarian vs. fancy.

I welcome all input on makers, sharpening, care, etc. @Steely_Gunz?
 
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it's difficult to say no to a good kukri

the new thinner lighter model they (kailash) have seems like a dream

the kabar kuks have been positively reviewed in the past but I've never owned one... I also dislike the 1055 kuks made by cold steel and the like
 
The recurve is the only problematic part and that can still be done in many ways. The part of the blade seeing real use is the belly and that's easy peasy! I once even used a Lansky guided system to rework a soft khukuri edge to hard steel and it worked fine. Don't be scared, if I can do it, anyone can.
 
I use an EZE-LAP diamond rod to touch up my Nepal-forged khukuri -- works great. I think the steel is from an old leaf spring -- Mercedes springs were preferred, I've read, but I have no idea what mine is from. Holds an awesome edge though.
 
:) It's not rocket science , but you might want to watch some videos on how to properly draw from the sheath and use a kukri .
 
The Ka-Bar has a very comfortable handle, but the thinner hollow grind makes this better suited for softer media. It’s a banana cutting machine, and works even better than a Tramontina machete. The edge will roll and chip on wood in my experiences.
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The Condor works great as a froe, but the round handle moves in hand too much, making it hard to control while chopping. The steel and thick edge resist deformation very well.
 
The Ka-Bar has a very comfortable handle, but the thinner hollow grind makes this better suited for softer media. It’s a banana cutting machine, and works even better than a Tramontina machete. The edge will roll and chip on wood in my experiences.
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View attachment 1430395

The Condor works great as a froe, but the round handle moves in hand too much, making it hard to control while chopping. The steel and thick edge resist deformation very well.


On the Kabar, I have to admit it took me a second to realize what I was seeing. That is, a khukriish blade stuck in a banana plant. At first I thought I was seeing the blade simply sitting atop the banana plant with a significant portion of the blade missing. I was thinking "apparently his definition of an edge roll and mine are a little different!"
 
I own two of the long leaf Khukri, from the stash that Atlanta cutlery and IMA purchased from the royal armory in Nepal. I believe both are still usable, although I have not tried it. We're I to purchase a new one I would think seriously about Kailash blades and of course Himilayan Imports is the gold standard in terms of reliable work and customer service.
 
On the Kabar, I have to admit it took me a second to realize what I was seeing. That is, a khukriish blade stuck in a banana plant. At first I thought I was seeing the blade simply sitting atop the banana plant with a significant portion of the blade missing. I was thinking "apparently his definition of an edge roll and mine are a little different!"

Haha! Looking at the pic again, I can see how one might wonder why the blade looks strange!

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^kukri inspired? That’s reaching a bit. It’s just a drop point with a slight recurve.

It’s ok to say “I like this knife I just bought” and post a pic.
 
I'll send in another vote for a traditionally made Khukuri. If you have no real use for one (don't worry, neither do I!) then the cool factor of having a genuine hand made piece from Nepal becomes all the more worth it.

In particular, if you want something ultra useful without spending a bunch of cash, I'd strongly recommend the Himalayan Imports KLVUK. It's left rough forged just like most you will actually find being made and used by Nepali people themselves and because they save time and effort on making it pretty, it's very inexpensive for the amount of functionality you get. As an added bonus, they tend to be a bit lighter weight than lots of the regular models so it will be easier to use and play with.
 
Let me start this by saying I have zero practical use for of these any more. I've just always dug these blades. There are some knives (or general designs) that just speak to me and this is one. These are functional, badass, and carry a ton of legacy.

I know Kailash Blades has a sub-forum here and I'm very much interested in this them but am open to others as well.

One issue for me is, I won't own a knife I can't sharpen and these blades shapes are challenging. Rods?

I'm not going to spend a lot here. I like the idea of "user" options for these guys. Not crap, but good working blades. Utilitarian vs. fancy.

I welcome all input on makers, sharpening, care, etc. @Steely_Gunz?
KAILASH BLADESSS.

Yes, rods would probably be your best bet. :)
 
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