Using vs. collecting

mc5aw

mc5aw

Joined
Nov 6, 2011
Messages
295
As someone who lurks more than posts on the HI forum, I am curious about HI aficionados actual usage of their respective models. Obviously some HI offerings are more suitable as specific collector pieces, but most appear ready for hard work. I have a single HI knife ... a Padam Bowie ... that has been relegated to safe queen status since original purchase. As beautiful as it is, I am considering selling it to fund something more pragmatic that I will actually use instead of simply admire. I think I would get much more mileage out the WWII or M43 (or similar) for hiking/camping/etc. I spent an inordinate amount of time in the past collecting/acquiring knives and firearms, and finally reached the point where I decided to scale back and focus on items that I could use rather than look at on the wall. I am interested to hear from those who actually use their HI models for given tasks, and your opinions on using vs. collecting. Thank you in advance.
 
Last edited:
HI knives are built to perform and last. I collect and use them. If you have one HI knife, a shorter M43, like 16 inches, is a pretty good balance of weight and length while still able to do some serious chopping. I also favor the M43s handle over other kukri handles.
 
I don't think I own an HI knife that has not been used in some capacity.

These blades are forged with an imbued duty to work hard and serve their user for a lifetime. Not using your khuk is like buying a Jeep and never getting it dirty; )
 
Mateos said:
HI knives are built to perform and last. I collect and use them. If you have one HI knife, a shorter M43, like 16 inches, is a pretty good balance of weight and length while still able to do some serious chopping. I also favor the M43s handle over other kukri handles.
Click to expand...

d904db94108d247518cdc905ed9d179b.jpg

My 15 inch 27 oz M43. I chop down and break down 10-inch diameter trees with this beast[emoji3]
 
Mateos ... That M43 is a beaut. You convinced me to go the work route from the safe queen route. :)
 
Through out the threads you will find people using their HI Khuks for tasks from pulling slivers to chopping up cars to building a permanent shelter to cooking dinner. While I have a number of safe queen blades I also have a KLVUK and babyCAK that are constantly being pulled out for various tasks around the home and yard. But if you are looking for a great do most things type worker a M43 like the one Mateos showed is definitely a great option for a variety of tasks.

Also, nothing wrong with collecting either. One of the things about HI blades is that each one is unique hand made object. Every blade has a story and a "personality" of its own and it is fun to see the variation even within a particular blade type. Just holding them you can imagine the Kami working the steel.

So beautiful blades worthy of admiration and collection that are robust and functional when they are used. Which ever is your choice you will find a blade for it.
 
Mateos said:
HI knives are built to perform and last. I collect and use them. If you have one HI knife, a shorter M43, like 16 inches, is a pretty good balance of weight and length while still able to do some serious chopping. I also favor the M43s handle over other kukri handles.
Click to expand...

That would be a second. The M-43 is the best Kuk made for usage and carry, in my opinion.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
I use my khukuris in the field as a part of my job on a daily basis. I'm just finishing up a stint working on a back country trail crew for the summer, once I'm home for the season I'll post some pictures and better info on how and what I use my khukuris for.
 
Issun said:
I use my khukuris in the field as a part of my job on a daily basis. I'm just finishing up a stint working on a back country trail crew for the summer, once I'm home for the season I'll post some pictures and better info on how and what I use my khukuris for.
Click to expand...

Looking forward to seeing that!
 
I've been thinking about "Khuk #4" and I'm thinking a really tough chopper/something to replace my hatchet splitting fireplace kindling in the 15-18" range.
I love my little hatchet and swore I'd never use a "knife" for so barbaric a task - like batoning etc.. but HI khuks are so fun and I'd rather use one than most anything else.. Fun matters..
 
I use a 16 or 18'' CAK for kindling. Works better than my trusty hatchet and like you say more fun too.
 
Thanks for the confirmation! The CAK aka. HI Prybar is definitely a contender. I'm thinking maybe a plain-handle M43.
So many amazing models so little time...

Wish List:
M43
Cherokee Rose
So many more.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top