Some help and opinions needed

[Shiaght]

For a long time, I've admired the khukuri, but never been able to quite afford a quality one (One that will actually stand up to mild abuse).

Recently, I helped to start a local cemetery restoration organization for a large cemetery in absolutely dreadful shape, and I'm curious...

Could I get a few opinions on which style of Khukuri would best fit our need of primarily taking down huge briar patches, small-to-moderately small sized trees, and large sections of overgrown ground... and not be harmed too horridly by the occasional light tap on stone? The main duty would be the objective of removing very large, very thick, sections of vines mixed with heavy briars.

The last machetes we've had havn't been up to the job- bruising more than taking down, or simply not strong enough, and the hatchets are, in places, too awkward to use. I felt a Khukuri may be the solution to the machete problem.

Suggestions?

 

[Lt. Dan]

Everybody seems to say the WW2 is the ticket if you were to choose one. I think so, too.

Welcome to the forum, and it will be good to hear what happens....Dan

 

[Big Bob]

A 20" Sirupati or 18" Cheetlang would probably be ideal. They're long and lightweight, so you could take down the vines and briar patches while keeping some distance from the thorns. They will also handle the trees pretty well. I don't own either of these models, so hopefully someone who does will come along and give us some advice.

Bob

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The Milk Snake: Beautiful, harmless, good-natured, eats venomous snakes for lunch.

 

[kamagong]

That's a hard one. I don't think that you'll be able to find one khukuri to both take care of the springy vines and the digging through ground. Those are two very different tasks. I think the answer maybe to get two khukuris, the Cheetlang and 18" Ang Khola. The Cheetlang will allow you to easily vanquish those overgrown vines and briars and the AK will take on those trees and rocks with no problem. Maybe you can get a deal on some blemished khukuris since you'll probably won't be worrying too much about looks. Craig had a sale on those models a few weeks ago. Drop him a line. Maybe he still has some hidden is some corner somewhere.

 

[Lt. Dan]

Kamagong and Big Bob: I like your suggestions! The 20" Sirupati and 18" AK are favorites of many other forumites as well. Someday I hope to have them both, and the Cheetlang and WW2 are among those around the house, so I'll comment on my impressions of using them.

It's fair to say that I really like each and every khukuri I've bought, and the closest I have to doing the jobs mentioned in the initial post would be my WW2 and Cheetlang. They both went out to the woodpile to compare on oak last weekend and seemed to cut very much alike in my hand, but they handled pretty differently. The Cheetlang would be great for lighter and medium chopping and brush, and is very fast. But I liked the WW2 for medium and heavier work and digging (wider blade) and still pretty fast, but it's not quite as quick as the Cheetlang. The WW2 is no slouch on the lighter stuff, either.

This is just my limited experience, and another might see it in another light. But as much as I like the Cheetlang, I think the WW2 might come closest to being the jack of all trades. This isn't to disagree with the previous forumites' worthy posts, but just a little addendum from an average guy.

The many different models and points of view make for interesting ideas and experiences from everybody, do they not?

 

[DeathDancer]

Tom Holt uses the 25 inch K*b*a as a general purpose farm tool, almost exactly as described. Maybe something in a 20 inch Sirupati would fill the bill. It is a grand tool in full swing.

 

[Jon]

How big/how old/how strong is the person who's going to be using these knives? As an "older guy" a 15" AK is just fine for yard work - brush, vines, small trees, etc. The WW II would probably be just as good, if not a better "all around", although I haven't used mine in the yard yet.

If you're going to be using the knife(s) strictly as a tool, you might want to contact Craig & see if he has any of the $40.00 "blems" left. At that price you can spend a little money on some epoxy (for the handles) and buy a couple of different styles. You can also "beat the crap" out of the knives & not worry about "hurting" them

.

I'm not an expert though, just my opinion, your milage may vary.

 

[CD Fleischer]

I would vote for the WWII though the Cheetland (which I haven't tried) looks like a good choice as well. I amnot a big fan of Ang Kholas as I feel the extra weight isn't needed unless you are working with alot of thick, hard wood, which I rarely am. I prefer the WWII for just about anything short of splitting logs. JMHO...

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Clay Fleischer
clay_fleischer@yahoo.com
AKTI Member A000847

 

[OMRie]

I am very confused about the cheetlang vs. wwII issue. Could anyone please fill me in on how hefty the cheetland blade is? I have several khuks including the 25 inch kobra and 18 inch kobra and a Rieger. The 25 inch kobra is really really nice but difficult for me to lug around. The 18 inch kobra handles nice and flies through green growth but the blade is a little light for heavier work. The Rieger is my favorite. Maybe I'm biased but I don't think enough people have swung one around to give it enough credit. The blade curve digs into wood nicely and the Ken Onion style handle is super duper comfortable. I have parachute cord through the lanyard which I wrap around my wrist and I find this more secure and comfy than the usual flair. The only thing I don't like is the weight. It is a little heavy to carry around on a long hike. Actually, give me a 16.5 inch Rieger and I'm a happy guy.

The one khuk I usually turn to is a brass handled WWII blem I got from Craig a couple years ago. It can really handle just about anything I put it up to. The only problem I have with it it the handle is a little uncomfortable because the edges of the flare are sharp and dig into my palms. I'm looking into replacing it and was thinking of the cheetlang, no the WWII with rosewood handle, no the cheetlang, noo...... Do you see my dilemma? Can someone help me, please? I'm leaning towards the cheetlang but I don't want it to turn out to be a kobra. I want something than can chop up some firewood and that can pry without bending, yet be light enough to carry for long periods of time. I'll appreciate any advice in advance!

 

[Lt. Dan]

Hello OMRie. Uh, since I've been part of the confusion (to say the least), maybe I oughta try and help out.

Sorry about that, and this is only my thoughts, so other forumites may well opine differently.

The 2 khukuris in question are not very far off in length and weight (WW2 16.5", 1#8oz; Cheetlang 18", 1#6oz). They both do medium work well, but don't handle alike. The WW2 can chop heavier wood a little easier, and the Cheetlang has a fast feel and excels in lighter work and varmints.

While the WW2 has rightfully earned the reputation of perhaps being the most versatile, the speed and shape of the Cheetlang make it my favorite. I thought (big mistake!) a comparison might be fun and perhaps a thread would stir the pot. Conversely, it looks like it just served to confuse folks. The Cheetlang isn't a WW2 replacement, but an addition to the family.

Having only seen pics of the others you mentioned, I'm for darn sure NOT going to compare and open up yet another can of worms! With its thick spine one might think of the Cheetlang as being a combo of Sirupati and AK.

I really like the overall design of the Rieger, and I see what you mean about a 16.5" size being good for carry. On the other hand, you just might get stuck trying to make a comparison with the WW2 clearly understood for the forumites!

Tell you what, Otto: Since I made such a mess of things here, I'd be more than willing to lend you my rosewood Cheetlang and let you see for yourself. If you'd like that, please e-mail me.

 

[OMRie]

Thanks for the generous offer Lt. Dan, but I made up my mind and went with the rosewood handled WWII. Why mess with the tried and true? I would love to see that cheetlang but I've had bad luck with shipping before and I would feel terrible if something went wrong. Too bad we don't live closer! Thanks again

 

[Lt. Dan]

OMRie, to me the rosewood WW2 is the standard workhorse. You're very welcome for the Cheetlang borrow offer. Even tho' CA is a good piece of real estate away, if you reconsider I'd be most happy to pack it up for you. After all, it's the least I can do for such a highly esteemed and celebrated khukuri designer!