Used for self defense?

J

JohnnyRockets

Joined
Nov 19, 2006
Messages
92
I live in big city in the United States where there is a lot of crime. I love and appreciate blades - can a Khukri make a good weapon for self defense? I am an average size man - which Khukri's would be recomended for self defense in my home or to carry in my truck?
 
Welcome to the forum Johnny. You will find a lot of good information here.

I would not suggest using a khukri for a self defense weapon in your truck without checking your local laws. Large fixed-blade concealed knives are often frowned upon by the authorities. Not sure about the room to maneuver a khukri in confined spaces either. A handgun with a concealed carry permit would be a much better option there. A Cold Steel shovel is often used for a truck weapon since it is somewhat formidable with three edges sharpened but is "only a shovel".

A khukri could be fairly effective as a home defense tool. Just the intimidation value alone is impressive. A lighter blade would be better than a heavier chopping blade in this application. I was just now handling a 21" chitlangi (pondering handle treatment) and thinking how useful it could be for home protection if need be. Of course all would depend upon the aggressor and how he was armed.

I'm sure others with more experience than me will provide better input.
Welcome!
Lloyd
 
I guess I never really addressed your question. ;)

For a home defense tool I would look at the longer versions of the light khukris like:
Chitlangi
Chainpuri
Gelbu Special
Sirupati
Kobra
Heavier blades would also work but would not be as quick.

Himalayan Imports offers a lot of value for the money and Yangdu is a joy to deal with.

Lloyd
 
In the province of Quebec, there are, like there's never been before, a lot of cases of home invasions these days.

As the land is already frozen, zombies stay underground. But if someone gets in here, he'll see that it runs better with 2 legs :)

okok, I'm not THAT irresponsible... maybe only a hand, like in Muslim tradition.
 
Assuming your living space is quite constraint, with the furnitures and all, I would suggest a smaller blade, possibly excellent in thrusting manuevorus.

I am saying it bcos I am living in a society whereby keeping a gun in the house (let alone arrying concealed) is a very BIG offense, and obtaining a Carry & Use License is almost impossible (yes, unless you are a VVIP or have loads of money).

In Asian big city like Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, I would keep a good thrusting daggers for home protection due to the space restriction. My weapons of choice is definitely a badik, keris or a simple Fairbain & Sykes. All these blades are really meant to be used against people (I mean bad people) esp when a hand gun is not an option. Of course some simple tactical & technical lessons in Silat or Kali are a must if you were to used these kinds of blades.

However, khukuris esp WWII, Angkhola, chitlangi, Gelbu spec are excellent defense / deterrent weapons to be kept in your truck or car. Just my 2 cents.
 
my 25" grs definitely screams "im going to do some damage! WATCH OUT!" but it probably wouldnt perform all to well as a self defense blade... nor would my tarwar in my pigeon hole apartment.

i would definitely grab my foxy folly... thats just my 2cents :thumbup:
basically what im trying to say is if a khuk was prefered or any weapon for that matter... it should be the one you are most comfortable with :cool: i also suggest you start training with that khuk now.
 
I'll throw the Pen in the mix too. They're compact (good for apts, as other people were talking about), yet would still pack a big punch. I'd go with the 15" - more intimidation factor, more room btwn you and them w/o getting unwieldy long. On the other hand, it wouldn't be so good at thrusting. I'd also second Jai's advice on training. Ultimately the weapon (or tool of any sort) that will do you the most good is one which you can use well.
 
A khukri can be a formidable weapon. I mean if a blade can chop wood imagine what this blade can do on human flesh! In my opinion though there are a few other factors that need to be considered if we are to talk about self defense.

First of all, in general soldiers have far less restrictions regarding what they are allowed to carry versus civilians. Having said that, most likely a soldier won't be asked any questions if he chooses to carry, say, a WWII model while on his way to battle. I bet that there are very few places, if any, in the U.S. where the same can happen with a civilian (I am not talking about taking one in the woods). Further to that, all SD experts agree that the best blade is the one you have with you. Bearing in mind these two factors I don't see how can someone carry a khukri on them without drawing unwanted attention or, even worse, having problems with the LEO.

Then again, one might want to consider the case of indoors SD. There, I could see the use of a khukri. In posts #2 and #3 westfork presented this case in a suitable fashion and even went ahead to suggest pertinent khukris for SD. I also agree about his comments on Yangdu. She is a true lady and one of the best professionals I have come across in my life. Don't just take my opinion on this. See what others, much more knowledgeable than me, say about Yangdu and HI khukris.

Arya said:
Assuming your living space is quite constraint, with the furnitures and all, I would suggest a smaller blade, possibly excellent in thrusting manuevorus.
Click to expand...

This is an excellent comment! In SD you need to be fast! How fast? Always faster than your oponent(s). You don't want something that will be unwieldy.

Jaiofspam said:
basically what im trying to say is if a khuk was prefered or any weapon for that matter... it should be the one you are most comfortable with :cool: i also suggest you start training with that khuk now.
Click to expand...

These are words of wisdom! This is the good thing about Bladeforums: one can find so much knowledge for free from people who are just willing to help. That's it, that's all. They want nothing in return and most likely they will remain unknown for ever. Their knowledge and prudent advice though, may save a forumite's life someday. I find it magnificent!

I hope that helps.
 
toss a villager BAS in the truck - tough, beater, ready to go.



Now, for SD...do you mean in your pocket or on your belt? A small belt knife or pocket knife would be better. Unless you are being attacked every day...the weight...and worry of being "printed" ain't worth it.
 
25" of khuk, even minus 5" for handle, on the end of my 24" arm requires 44" of free space to work. Too much for inside a house IMO. While a khukuri can be used as a thrusting weapon, there are other, better choices -- some made by HI -- a good short sword.

Outside, the intimidation value of a khukuri has a good chance of producing badguyrunnitus - the superior alternative to hacking off body parts.

All second to a pump 12 ga. w/ No. 4 buck. Chachunk!
 
I was thinking about home defense the other day. I once heard that a pump action shotgun is the best weapon because of the distinctive sound of the slide being racked. Along the same lines, don't you think a gas-powered chainsaw would be even more superior? Nobody is going to miss the sound of a chainsaw being fired up. Personally, if I were a criminal, I'd beat a hasty retreat if I heard something like that.

That said, I've got a bunch of khuks, but the HI knife that spends the most time beside my bed is a Kumar Karda with a shaving sharp edge.
 
From what I hear, there really is nothing better than a pump shotgun for home defense indoors. it holds enough rounds, it has the psychological factor of the racked slide, legal to own just about anywhere, etc etc etc.

As far as for truck carry? get yourself a really ugly 15" villager. maybe blue the blade to keep it from rusting. it will look more like a tool than a weapon.

For belt carry, i rotate a lot of HI products for use at work. However, probably the most fearsome is the kerambit. However, if you learn how to use one of these and do need to use it, you'll probably be alive but in a world of legal hurt.

Personally, for daily pocket carry i would get a good folder with a strong lock that looks as much like a tool as you can get. A nice stout Spyderco would look very utility, but would offer a great product that you can count on. Plus, they aren't that expensive and you can use it for more than stabbin' bad guys.

YMMV:)
Oh, and welcome to the forums:)

Jake
 
For runing around, on-the-body defensive knife carry I use Bark River, Spyderco and Cold Steel products. For defending the interior of my vehicle, I have an HI Kerambit in the door pocket. These backup and supplement my usual assortment of pistols.

For HD, there now seems to always be a khuk of some kind or other on the headboard. Any of those I own would do fine duty, not too small, not too large.

Andy
 
Check your local laws for knife legalities. As for a kuk, I would employ something light and fast, a Chainpuri or Kobra in the 15"-18" length. Regardless of what you choose, PRACTICE with it and become proficient with it as if your life or the life of a loved on depends on it.

It is my belief that if a fire arm is needed to defend your life from confirmed leathal threat or stop confirmed eminent injury/death to a loved one, the only thing your attacker should be allowed to hear, is his/her own last breath or bullet impact into his/her own flesh. Any noise/exaggerated physical movement(warning) made by the defender(you) can give away your position and or intent, thereby possibly drawing preemptive hostile fire or armed violence from your attacker. And trust me, you want to strike first if you find yourself in such a situation.
 
Pump action in Australia, I don't think so :(
For me its running at them nekkid with my only knife 18 inch CAK and screaming gibberish.
Thinking about getting a tibetan sword though.
 
Hilarious!!! yet another way to kill the bad guys... death by laughter!!!

But really,despite the awesome chopping ability of the khuk and the intimidation factor of a large blade, I think SD would be better served by a light stabby, pointy, slasher kind of knife

Of course I'm in a place where even firing off a single bullet gets you the hangman's noose, so a firearm does not even figure in the equation.
 
I like the khuk. It will do the job. There are light, fast models. And a hit from one, especially a chop, will end most altercations. I am simple minded and naturally pick the most basic approach.


munk
 
I would probably grab my Sher Attitude, I mean it's such a great limber on trees..I bet it would do even better against a two legged creature. A foxy folly or my gelbu would fall a close second to it.


If I had the extra room then my 25" kobra or perhaps a sword.

Of course something that goes boom will always be priority number one.
 
I think, SD is not to be confused with duelling. I believe khukris - the light & longer types such as Chitlangi, Gelbu Spec etc. are very excellent duelling or combat weapons in the open space, but in your home?

I would still lean towards what was suggested by Tetsusaiga - small, fast with the ability to thrust, slice & dice for home self defense.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top