The Kukri

[Endyahr]

I've been looking into machetes and larger knives and had decided upon the Kukri. I was looking mainly at a Condor Kukri, but I want to know what the community thinks about diffrent Kukri knives.

 

[Viper2]

I've been looking into machetes and larger knives and had decided upon the Kukri. I was looking mainly at a Condor Kukri, but I want to know what the community thinks about diffrent Kukri knives.

Himalayan Imports sells outstanding Kukris.

 

[Steely_Gunz]

Khuks come in several different configurations as to what you might be looking for. Some are heavy, some are a bit lighter, etc.

There are a lot of worthy khuk-like-objects (there are several differences between a true khuk and knives shaped as such, but they don't make a lick of difference in performance).

I cut my teeth on a Cold Steel Gurka Light. Nice heavy machete-type knife. If I weren't so into traditional khuks, the Condor offerings look very solid.

I'm incredibly biased, but I think anyone who is interested in khuks owes it to themselves to get at least one HI. I started with one a little over 15 years ago. I've amassed....a few

Good luck

 

[justjed]

I agree with Himalayan Imports, if you want an excellent but more traditional blade. For a modern Kukri, I like the Kabar/Becker BK-21 Reinhardt Kukri, with the micarta grips. It's quite nicely balanced, in my opinion, with a very good steel.

 

[Dogdrawz]

Schrade makes a few good ones. I've hung on to my SCHKM1 20".

 

[Alberta Ed]

I picked one up in Edmonton a few years back, through a guy who had connections in Nepal. It cost around $50, as I recall. Obviously hand-forged (Mercedes leaf springs are said to be favored but I have no way of knowing what steel it was made from), traditional horn handle, lovely balance, takes a superb edge. The wood-lined sheath fell apart after a year but I made another from heavy saddle leather. I think the softer spine absorbs some of the shock when chopping. I'd try to find one hand-forged in Nepal if you can.

 

[Beastchopper]

I've been looking into machetes and larger knives and had decided upon the Kukri. I was looking mainly at a Condor Kukri, but I want to know what the community thinks about diffrent Kukri knives.

I'm looking at the condor kukri too. The beckers and cold steel kukri's are nice, but seem too light for massive chopping power. The condor hd is only 9 inches. The longer blade probably generates more power. I like the longer machete design, with the thick solid build. From what I've read, I may have to profile a new convex edge onto it.

 

[Alberta Ed]

Hard to beat an original from Nepal.

 

[justjed]

Kukri chopping power is not so much a factor of weight, but rather a result of proper technique. The Ghurkas grew up with a kukri, it's practically a part of their hand, similar to the machete in Central America. It stands to reason that that familiarity with the knife as a tool would lead to expertise in its use as a weapon. And that's not to mention the fact that growing up in a rugged mountain environment would lead to their legendary toughness as warriors.

There are any number of decent kukris, and kukri style knives, on the market. But until you actually use one in the field on a regular basis, and become intimately familiar with its handling characteristics and proper cutting technique, it's just another big knife. Good luck in your search...