USING Khukuris and questions

Bobby B

Bobby B

No more Mr. Knife-guy
Joined
May 18, 2001
Messages
3,053
So, I finally got to actually USING my 18" AK. A tree in my yard (always on an angle) has decided to drop further under the weight of the leaves. It is now trying to kill an apple tree, so it must go...:rolleyes: :D

My 18" AK made short work of the smaller branches:yawn: and a few chops took care of the bigger ones (see pic of wreckage). Being still green, the branches still had plenty of bounce.

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My 15" Sirupati actually ended up being easier to dispatch branches under 1" with...

Which brings me to my 1st question:
after heavy-ish chopping with the wood handled Bura 18" AK (I DID have to test the tang) I noticed that my ring and little fingers were stiff and sore, and really didn't want to uncurl...:eek: :o

So: is it my lack of experience with a Khukuri, am I holding it wrong, are the handles too small for my hands (it feels small), or is this normal for over indulgence in chopping green branches?

2nd question:
What is next? I like the Sirupati for clearing brush and small saplings, but the AK for chopping... So: 16.5" WWII, 18" WWII, 20" Sirupati??? Other suggestions?
 
Whatever you do, keep that paple wood.

Set it up to dry, and either use itfor smoking, or in chips on grill for extra flavor.
 
Bobby,

I've noticed the same "curled finger" syndrome after using a hammer to frame an addition, or reinforcing rafters, etc... Come to think of it, wrenches have done the same thing.

I believe that your grip is extremely tight there keeping your tool secure, as well as your hand taking the impact of each blow. Basicly i'd say the ring and pinkie fingers do alot more work than we realize, and when they hurt, we're surprised.

Would'nt think theres much you could do to get around it. Are you comfortable on your current handles? I would'nt look for long, just comfy as possible. If your hands are scrunched up holdng onto something too small, it's not real good, and possibly not safe. Only you can determine the case here. If your grip is natural and fits the handle, that oughta be perfect.

Using gloves might help a bit by adding a little leather as slight cushioning. Use a "gripper" to strengthen your grip. It seems maybe you've awaken some muscles you forgot you have :D
 
Question 2: Bobby, now try out a Gelbu Special or Chitlangi in the 21-22" range. :cool:
 
I have this special 20" Chiruwa AK...:D
 
I always figured my own hand pain from cutting stuff for prolonged periods came from sitting at a desk all day. :(

My "city boy" hands aren't conditioned for such heavy use.
 
Originally posted by Gonzo_Beyondo
Another possibility would be something like "Godzilla" (25" AK)
Wildmanh posted this, and it's worth havin' a look! http://www.geocities.com/wildmanh/knives/review_01.html

I know what i want for Christmas :D

But seriously, Wildmanh gets a nice two-handed grip on that sucker and seems to get Very impressive results!
Click to expand...

Gonzo, if you like BIIIIG knives, you will love a 5 pound 25" AK.:D
 
Are out of my league. I've had pretty good luck with my WWII's 18" and 20" Siru's. At my age the 25" AK sounds just a bit heavy. I've wished that I had a 18" AK a couple of times but, managed to get the job done with what I have. If the trunks are too big I'm going for the chainsaw any way. That way I get a neat job close to the ground. :) :D
 
Originally posted by Bobby B
So, I finally got to actually USING my 18" AK.

My 15" Sirupati actually ended up being easier to dispatch branches under 1" with...

Which brings me to my 1st question:
after heavy-ish chopping with the wood handled Bura 18" AK (I DID have to test the tang) I noticed that my ring and little fingers were stiff and sore, and really didn't want to uncurl...

So: is it my lack of experience with a Khukuri, am I holding it wrong, are the handles too small for my hands (it feels small), or is this normal for over indulgence in chopping green branches?

2nd question:
What is next? I like the Sirupati for clearing brush and small saplings, but the AK for chopping... So: 16.5" WWII, 18" WWII, 20" Sirupati??? Other suggestions?
Click to expand...

Hi Bobby, nice to see you putting your Khukuris to good use.:)

#1. Sounds like it could be the small handle causing discomfort, bad grip, or both. I sugest you use the knife some more with different grips and see what happeneds.

As to #2, I got a 16.5" WWII and 20" Sirupati at the same time. The WWII is an all around good khuk. It handles chopping really well, yet still handles light brush okay.

The Sirupati is great on light brush/branches, has more rearch which helps keeps your hands less sratched up from brush, and still manages to be a descent chopper.

So, if you need a khukuri for lighter stuff and you need the reach, get your self a 20" Sirupati. If you want an all around good khukuri get the WWII. Or, just get both like I did.;):D

Going camping, I would bring either my 15" AK or WWII for chopping (worn on my belt or Baldric) and the Sirupati stashed in my pack. Cause 2 is better than one, or is it; you never know what you will encouter in the wild?;):D

Another good light brush Khukuri that I've used is the Gelbu Special (GS). Do to the fuller it's light and fast. Not only will it handle the light stuff, but it also would be a great "Fighting knife".

Hope this helps.

Heber
 
I suspect the smallish grip may be causing too tight a grip. edit: you can see my hand size relative to the handle in the pic
The Khuk itself is probably overkill for this use. Most of the branches came off easier with the 15" Sirupati...

I suspect the WWII is a good compromise. How are the handles compared to the AK? Are there some Kamis who make "beefier" handles? Both of my Khuks are by Bura. They are great!
 
The smaller lighter khuks make easier work of the small stuff, yes gut an 18" AK is not too big, is it?
Anyway check out the "Captains of Crush" thread and passaround that roadrunner is sponsoring. These things are guaranteed to make a difference. That is either they'll improve your grip or you'll die in the process! Thanks for the pics and report!:)
 
The 20"AK is a great knife. Mine is horn handled & feels good in my hand, but there is a lot to be said for the 18 or 18.5" WWII. Working close to the ground, on my knees & etc., I like the WWII. It is a tad lighter than the AK & when I am swinging in close quarters, I feel like I have more control. If you want to try something bigger, there is always the 22" Ganga Ram Special. THAT is a knife. The handle on mine is long enough I can get almost a two-handed grip with it, & with its' weight & belly, it will do some serious work. It kinda makes you feel like you are wielding an axe.
 
Originally posted by Bill Martino
Good thread and many thanks all. I'd suggest gloves.
Click to expand...
Actually I did that on day 2, and found I still had the problem... chances are it's just me...:rolleyes: :footinmou... but the investigation may require a few more Khukuris...:D

For what I do, I suspect a lighter Khuk more like the WWII might be suitable... or maybe the 20" Sirupati... or more!!!;) :D :cool:
 
When I worked in a Date Orchard in Israel, at the end of the day my fingers would resist opening or closing all the way.
 
Originally posted by Bobby B ......I suspect the smallish grip may be causing too tight a grip.
Click to expand...
I was limbing a willow in the front yard with my Bureti
and had too loose a grip.
It started sliding back toward my hand & I barely tightened
(should rather have dropped it & stepped back, likely safer,
but reflexes are what they are)
my grip in time to keep it from slicing across my fingers.
Ouch.
 
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