It's been awhile since my last purchase from HI and even longer since my last review, so I figured it was about time to do both. I have been interested in picking up a UBE since I first learned of its existence a few years ago. At the time I was only trying out HI and was trying to choose between a 25" kobra, 18" AK and the UBE. At the time I was much more interested in sword like kukris it was a fairly easy choice between the three, however the 18" AK and UBE would always be in my mind. Having picked up a 18" CAK many months ago the UBE was left. When a villager UBE at a great price came up I had to spring on it. This is a review of the one from the Birthday Tribute deal of the day (9/23).
Blade - The blade of the UBE is unlike most other HI kukris in that it has an upswept point, the only other being the movie model. The UBE also has a fuller at the top section much like a AK. Sher really did a wonderful job forging this blade, it has a beautiful arch with great lines. The sides of the blade are nearly as flat as possible. The edge has a decent amount of convex with more meat near the tip. There is also a decent amount of tapering in the blade compared to other HI kukris, it starts out at 7/16" and goes to 5/16" in the point of percussion, "sweet spot".
Handle - The handle on the UBE is well done, while in villager finish it is still smooth with no rough spots and allows for a very grippy feel. The butt of the handle has a large amount of flare that really ankers the kukri in the hand ( I would like to see more kukris with the large flare). The white metal fittings are decent, however the bolster does show some gouging. The satisal wood has some interesting features that would surly shine if it was brought to a higher finish.
When chopping with the UBE it reminds me a lot of the 20" movie model, it has a feeling of it slicing into the wood rather then doing chopping. It is a very smooth action that prevents it from sticking in the wood. The UBE also hits as hard as the movie model (which is comparable to a 18" CAK). For chopping I used a 6" year old pine and a few 2" saplings (not pictured). The UBE was able to go though the saplings in one swing (same as the movie model).
Thank you Yangdu for a great kukri that will see much more work.
Blade length - 12"
Handle length w/o bolster - 5 1/4"
Overall length - 18"
Weight - 34oz
Point of balance - 2 1/2" away from bolster
Kami - Sher
Blade - The blade of the UBE is unlike most other HI kukris in that it has an upswept point, the only other being the movie model. The UBE also has a fuller at the top section much like a AK. Sher really did a wonderful job forging this blade, it has a beautiful arch with great lines. The sides of the blade are nearly as flat as possible. The edge has a decent amount of convex with more meat near the tip. There is also a decent amount of tapering in the blade compared to other HI kukris, it starts out at 7/16" and goes to 5/16" in the point of percussion, "sweet spot".
Handle - The handle on the UBE is well done, while in villager finish it is still smooth with no rough spots and allows for a very grippy feel. The butt of the handle has a large amount of flare that really ankers the kukri in the hand ( I would like to see more kukris with the large flare). The white metal fittings are decent, however the bolster does show some gouging. The satisal wood has some interesting features that would surly shine if it was brought to a higher finish.
When chopping with the UBE it reminds me a lot of the 20" movie model, it has a feeling of it slicing into the wood rather then doing chopping. It is a very smooth action that prevents it from sticking in the wood. The UBE also hits as hard as the movie model (which is comparable to a 18" CAK). For chopping I used a 6" year old pine and a few 2" saplings (not pictured). The UBE was able to go though the saplings in one swing (same as the movie model).
Thank you Yangdu for a great kukri that will see much more work.
Blade length - 12"
Handle length w/o bolster - 5 1/4"
Overall length - 18"
Weight - 34oz
Point of balance - 2 1/2" away from bolster
Kami - Sher
