Starter khukuri - which one?

baraqyal

baraqyal

Joined
Nov 30, 2000
Messages
860
I've become interested in khukuri's. However, there are so many different ones out there. The himilayan import ones are really nice, but I'm not sure I'll even like the blade style once I acquire one. Before I go $150+ on a khukuri, is there a cheap version that can help me decide how much I like the knife?

I'm not looking for anything fantastic, just a good basic knife that I can beat on, and determine what characteristics I like. I'd probably be looking in the $90 and less area. Maybe even used. Does such a thing even exist? I'm hoping to avoid 440A type steels, but, as I said - I'm not looking for anything fantastic.

Thanks!
-- Rob

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Me fail english? That's unpossible!
 
Himalayan imports makes what they call "village" models. Seconds, if you will, they are cheaper and have a less refined look, still good blades though...
speaking of seconds, the cold steel Ghurka Light and LTC Khukuris are both available as factory seconds for under 70 bucks. People say that CS seconds are a great deal. I don't own any, so your mileage may vary. Good luck.



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William Callahan

"I can picture in my mind a world without war, a world without
hate. And I can picture us attacking that world, because they'd
never expect it."
-Jack Handey

I'm one of those wierdos who likes Zytel.
 
Thai E-nep is not so bad after all.
smile.gif



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Santi:- Posting from the Land of Smiles.
Cool knife, Thai E-Nep. Check it out. Who knows? You might even want one.
 
Ghurka House has the S-1, which is the Service model, I think. While it is moderately priced, it lacks nothing in quality. You might try their forum here on BF.

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AKTI Member #A000934
"Always just one knife short of perfection!"
 
There is a WWII model in the For Sale forum right now priced at $85 and it would make a good first khukuri. The HI forum also runs specials every now and then and allows you to save some cash.

If you are looking for something to clear brush and do some limbing, go with a 20" Sirupati. I love the Sirupati, almost swordlike. My 25" HI Sirupati with a fresh edge will drop 3" saplings in one swing. Picked it up second hand for $55. Just shows you that you can find good deals. For heavy chopping, go for the Ang Khola.

Don't worry that you won't like one, you will love it. They are addicting. Very useful and downright fun to play with as well. Spend some time on the HI forum to get a feel for what you want and then jump on one of Uncle Bill's sweet specials
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The HI village models are a good way to start your addiction at a lower price
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. GH's khuks are pretty good for the money as well. They're plenty tough, just not as refined as HI's offerings. You won't be able to stop at just one though, trust me...
 
Trust him. I know. I got more than a dozen so quickly after the first one I did not even realize it before the packages start getting here.
I would suggest that you get a 15" Sirupati, either HI or GH. HI is better finished, but GH is also very good. Nice blade and around your price range. The 12" HI models or the GH Mini Jungle are also a good choice, if you like the smaller ones.
Good luck.

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Ivan Campos
Full-time knifemaker...finally!


http://www.bitweb.com.br/users/campos

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The H.I. Ang Kola 15" is just what you want. Some times Bill Marino has some on sale on the H.I. forum.
If you want somthing you can beat the Pi** out of then the Ang Kola is your baby. They have a lifetime guarntee so how can you go wrong. In fact Bill Marino says if you don't like it then you can trade it in for anything you want that he carries.
H.I. khukuris are hand forged out of automobile (Mercedes)leaf springs and the handles are buffalo horn or wood or solid metal if you want.
Go hang around the H.I. forum and it will drive you nuts until you get one!!!
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Ron,
Bremerton, Washington
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I own a few different Himalayan Imports and one Ghurkha House khukuri and I would say that the best ones are my Himalayan Imports village models. I have three, actually, and the finish goes from roughly attractive to downright gorgeous. I think I got a "regular" size khuk (15-17" OAL) for about $40 buying village models, and they are absolutely tough as nails with good sheaths.

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Dr. Steve Agocs
http://www.geocities.com/Chiro75/frames.html


agocs_s@hotmail.com
 
Try dropping an email to Bill Martino. He might be willing to send you a knife to handle. Chopping is greatly influenced by weight. I don't know of any custom or factory maker that uses as thick a steel as H.I. Their 16.5" WWII and 15" Ang Khola are in the same weight class as the CS Gurkha.

A village khukuri from H.I. might be the way to go. I believe they are bought from local kami's.

Will
 
Start out small. Go with something like the BAS. It's a good overall size. Handles most jobs well. It's a few dollars above your price range, and below it if you can score a blem. Doesn't really matter though. If you're like the rest of us you'll just end up buying more sooner or later.

One thing. Keep in mind that when I say small, I mean small for khukuris. The BAS is on the small side for khukuris, but it is a very big knife when compared to other knife styles as it is 15" OAL with a 9" blade, and weighs in at 1.25 pounds.
 
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