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DiscusMan

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Jun 30, 2011
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I love my BAS, and my R4, but I am undecided on my next purchase. I am stuck between a WW2 or AK bowie. I've had my eye on the bowie since I discovered HI, but the WW2 recently caught my eye also. Just wanted your guys opinions on which you would get if you could only get one. Main use will to carry hiking, for the "deterent effect" as I call it. Nothing changes peoples motives like a big piece of Nepalese steel, that's for sure. They both seem geared towards mainly weapons. Anybody who has one or both, let me know what you think. Thanks, this forum is awesome BTW.
 
I honestly don't see either of them as mainly a weapon, rather as mainly a heavy chopper of almost 2lbs. There are much lighter and faster kuks that are just as intimidating looking but easier to both lug around and use in self-defense. Then again, I am pretty weak and tire easily. Since you narrowed it down to those two, then a 16" WW II I could imagine for your use but not an 18" one like mine. A tamang knife at 18" is best for you in my opinion or any kuk below 24oz or so, perhaps a 16" ultimate fighter or and a gelbu special/kobra/sirupate.
 
WWII doesn't really strike me as a weapon. Tip profile is more of a working knife than a weapon. It's a great all-around knife.
 
My previous post is based on the assumption that you will not use the knife for heavy chopping but only for light work if any and for a deterrent. If you need a dedicated chopper then both will serve you well though not as well as the heavier ang khola, bonecutter, ganga ram special, M43, etc. All khuks make good weapons and good tools, the question is which one is best for a particular task, and the answer is very subjective. Also, if your hiking ground is that scary, you may need to find another one or get a good gun too :D
 
Bears, Banjo music and such, lol. I will do some chopping also. Of course I think my BAS is a good chopper personally. But I really don't chop anything more than Locust wood for making walking sticks. I don't plan on building survival shelters. Just been a few murders here in Western North Carolina lately, mostly involving hikers. A couple more bear attacks than usual also. I don't own a firearm of any kind, not an option for me. I'm also not a big guy, but strong enough. Just don't want to carry a 20 inch blade around hiking, don't want to draw that much attention. The AK bowie just seemed like it had good reviews from people who own it. And I would not want to cross paths with one. But the last 3 murders here have been unarmed hikers. But who goes hiking without so much as a pocket knife anyway? Want my wife and kids to be safe enjoying the hobby we all so much enjoy.
 
I have two WWIIs and love them. I think that model is ideal for general use. I don't have a BAS, but they seem pretty close to the WWII, except an inch+ shorter and usually lighter. My WWIIs are 16.5" and around 25-26 oz. I have seen some lately go 20 oz, which would seem great for hiking. From what you're wanting, I wonder if a Gelbu Special might be the ticket. Pala said he thinks it would be the perfect Gurkha khuk, IIRC. He wore the uniform and would know, and Jay loves his Mr. Gelbu. I would want a light one. There are also many here who like sirupatis for light vegetation work, and it's martial use doesn't require any comment. I'm sure an AK bowie would be a joy to have and would work, but they seem a little heavy to me. Take it with a grain of salt since I don't own many of these types. I'm just regurgitating what I've read here (not that that ever happens on BF!;)). Were I in your shoes, I would think a 17" Gelbu would be on my radar. Good luck and keep us posted on your decision.

PS. On second thought, not many things would be as scary as a Farm Knife!:eek: Something about that design is just wicked. Find one in the low 20ish oz. range and have Goose (a leather bender on BF) make you a sheath. That would be an awesome combo.
 
It's a shame they don't make (or at least, there hasn't been regular offering of) 15-16" Tamangs. The 18" I picked up recently from Karda's DOTD is superbly balanced and nimble, and I can see it as a "fighter" (as opposed to a hunter, bushcrafter, chopper, etc) quite easily. If there were 15" offerings, I'd pick up a couple or 8, then I could lend you one and see how you like it :p
 
I will have to check out the Gelbu special, when Yangdu gets back from Nepal. If Pala thinks it would be the perfect Ghurka Khukuri, then it might be what I am looking for. When ever I use my BAS around here, people will slow down driving by to look. Probably wondering what a guy in backwoods NC is doing with that. Suprisingly, some people don't even know what a khukuri is. I did have a few people ask where I got it at, and I suggested Himalayan Imports first and foremost. One was my neighbor who butchers his own hogs and cows. Mainly looking for first and foremost a defensive khukuri. Suripate just seems a little light for me. My BAS feels too light now that I've had it for a while. Maybee I should just buy one of everything!
 
Qeth said:
It's a shame they don't make (or at least, there hasn't been regular offering of) 15-16" Tamangs. The 18" I picked up recently from Karda's DOTD is superbly balanced and nimble, and I can see it as a "fighter" (as opposed to a hunter, bushcrafter, chopper, etc) quite easily. If there were 15" offerings, I'd pick up a couple or 8, then I could lend you one and see how you like it :p
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That would work. I'd send you my Munetoshi T10 Kill Bill Katana to see how you like it. I never borrow something from someone without letting them borrow something from me. Don't recall what the Tamang looks like at the moment.
 
Those Foxys are pretty darn foxy to. Looks like they are more weapon than chopper to me. But I don't have one, so I can't say for sure. Beautiful, that's for sure. Something about fullers on a blade just look awesome to me.
 
So sorry to hear about all the violence in your nature! Maybe a taser and pepper spray might be good too, but a gun would have been best.
 
DiscusMan said:
Those Foxys are pretty darn foxy to. Looks like they are more weapon than chopper to me. But I don't have one, so I can't say for sure. Beautiful, that's for sure. Something about fullers on a blade just look awesome to me.
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I have a Foxy @ 18", you are more than welcome to put her to work. If you're willing to pay for shipping both ways, you can hold on to her indefinitely. I am a firm believer of these blades being used. And think, it'd be totally bad @$$ if it warded off a mugger, or was able to help you make a life saving raft/ shelter/ etc. PM/ email if you're interested.

Don't worry about sending her back in a 'beat up' condition, the tool is meant to be used! :D
 
I have a taser and bear spray. My staffordshire terrier is probably the best defense against bears around here. He's a big baby until you mess with his family, then beware. Best dog we've ever had!
 
AK Bowie without hesitation. 9" blade around 25 oz. if memory serves-will sever an arm at a blow or prepare wood for a campfire.Awesome working blade.
 
Well, my AK Bowie is pushing 31oz which is why I advised against it, but a 25oz one, if available, would fit the bill and look great doing it. It is surprising what difference 6oz could make far from one's house or car or daycamp. I do love my AKB, though this is not saying much as I love most HI products.
 
Gelbu is built like a Gurkha's dream; It handles like a small sword- fluidic enough to slash with grace (hollow forged) yet has generous bevel height for light chopping.
The tip construction is strong. Some said Gelbu is like a Chitlange with a single fuller.
To me it's like a Kobra/Siru meets fuller (the hollow forged= a large "tear drop" fuller).
I would go for a 21".

John,
I treasured mine a lot not just because Pala re-handled it (best endorser?) but also a full tang version, riveted at the half moon cho.

Sometimes you wonder how in the world metal moved in such melodic wave?
zoomorphickhuks013.jpg

Source: Ad Astra's H.I Zoomorphic Gelbu blade.
 
Alex,

A bit of detour here:
Your avatar reminded me of the recent zombie novel i'm reading-FEED by Mira Grant.
 
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