What exactly is wrong with Khukuri House vs. Himalayan Imports Kukuri's?

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Logan09

Joined
Jun 19, 2008
Messages
70
I always here that Himalayan imports is better, but why? I posted a thread not to long ago, and everyone said to buy a HI. They are 2x or 3x more then what I can get a KH kukri for. Even adding up the outrageous shipping charges.

The thing I hate about HI is they all look the same basically. Just different lengths(Handle's are all standard) I heard you can get one custom made, but that will probably cost $200+.

So, has anyone actually broken a KH Kukri, or had any problems? I have one I bought new in 08'. It's been used heavily since then(Chopping tree's, splitting wood, etc..), and the only thing that has happened to it is the handle started to split in one area. I glued it, and wrapped it in paracord. I haven't had any problems since. I've only sharpened it once to, and it still kills paper like nothing.
 
when it comes to Khuks, it just doesn't get any better than HI, use one and you'll see what I'm saying. But, to be fair, I've never used a Khukuri House khuk before.
 
In actuality Himalayan Imports are not 2-3 x's the price of a Khukuri house. H.I. is quite market competitive. Some models may be more expensive, as they are unusual items or specialty items.The difference in any cost is offeset by the fact that H.I. will not sell obvious blem items with forging defects, inclusions, cosmetics as new and H.I. still holds a Limited lifetime warranty on their product, whereas the others do not. All items for sale are already in the US, which means you get your product in days, not months. Combine that with 25 years of top customer service and you will only begin to understand why H.I. has the following that it does.
 
Well, the blade I have is $135 from HI. And w/ shipping etc.. it's $74 from KH and that's w/ expedited shipping(so shouldn't take more then a week to get) What exactly does their Limited lifetime warranty cover? I can put a warranty on anything, and if I think it was used "improperly" can decline the warranty.

I've been running mine hard since 08', and there's not even a nick in the blade yet. The only complaint I have is the small crack in the handle. But that's not surprising considering it's a rat tail tang.
 
I'm an HI fan and have had about a dozen of their khuks and swords over the past few years. I think you'll find such loyalty to HI because the company and its followers have a presence here on Blade Forums. They make incredible products using authentic methods and materials. I actually feel good about buying from HI because I know my money is going toward providing a steady job and income for HI kamis in Nepal.

Now that's not to say that any of that makes HI superior to KH. But what you will find is that there's tons of reviews on HI khuks and not that many on KH. When people buy khuks, they are probably looking for the more proven company, in terms of quality, customer service and satisfaction. By all means, create a thread expounding the strengths of your KH khuk -- maybe you'll inspire more people to look at KH as a viable option. Post some pics and talk about what tasks your khuk has held up to. I'm definitely interested in hearing more and seeing your blade.

But I would also suggest at looking more closely or even ordering HI products -- I actually thought that the khuks looked essentially the same, but when I see them in person, the differences are astounding. It would also be good to get one in hand and compare it side by side to your KH khuk.
 
One of the things that raises value is dependability - the confidence that the product will meet a certain standard of quality. Another factor is the practice of the seller as to "standing behind" the product sold.

Absent those factors, you may get lucky - or not. Years ago, I bought a $8.00 CHINA lock-blade that was a beauty. The Heat treatment was nuts on. I gave it to my son and went back to buy another. The blade as way too soft and the lock failed.

If you feel lucky, no need to pay $74.00. Atlanta Cutlery will sell you a "genuine" kukri for far less. It may serve you well - or not.

As for returns of defective products to India, best of that good luck.

I never thought HI's products looked anything alike, but some think all _________ look alike (Fill in a noun of your choice.) while others see differences. Most do have bends in them, but some do not.
 
moogoogaidan said:
But what you will find is that there's tons of reviews on HI khuks and not that many on KH. When people buy khuks, they are probably looking for the more proven company, in terms of quality, customer service and satisfaction. By all means, create a thread expounding the strengths of your KH khuk -- maybe you'll inspire more people to look at KH as a viable option. Post some pics and talk about what tasks your khuk has held up to. I'm definitely interested in hearing more and seeing your blade.
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This is one of the reasons I started this thread. There's almost no reviews on the KH Kukri's. Has anyone posting on here even owned one? I'm not trying to say anything bad about HI, as I have not owned one. I just hear everyone telling me to buy an HI, and for what? My KH has proven itself to me.

I don't have any plans on buying a HI. Only for the fact that I do not like the handles. Even though I believe they are larger then the KH's. I completely re-shaped the one's on my KH, and wrapped it w/ paracord.

I plan on buying 2 more from them(KH), just waiting to here back on some emails I sent them(Which they are responding to, just the time difference it making it take a day) If I do purchase them, I will do a review on them when the snow starts melting here(Upper MI)

I would do one on the one I have now, if there wasn't snow on the ground. Don't feel like risking my camera for it.
 
I've owned a KH khukuri for a little more than two years. It's the chinautee model but with a full tang. When I first received it, I noted it was heavier than I expected but not remarkably so. The fit and finish were as advertised and I had no complaints. I've done a lot of heavy work with it: chopping down trees a foot in diameter and clearing heavier brush along trails. My only complaint was the handle extension closest to my wrist. I had to file it down because it kept rubbing my wrist too much. All in all, I think I paid around $100.00 for everything: the added full tang and regular shipping. I've really enjoyed this tool.

That said, I've never owned a HI khukuri but they have a stellar reputation. In the future, I'd be willing to give them a shot.
 
Logan09 said:
This is one of the reasons I started this thread. There's almost no reviews on the KH Kukri's. Has anyone posting on here even owned one? I'm not trying to say anything bad about HI, as I have not owned one. I just hear everyone telling me to buy an HI, and for what? My KH has proven itself to me.

I don't have any plans on buying a HI. Only for the fact that I do not like the handles. Even though I believe they are larger then the KH's. I completely re-shaped the one's on my KH, and wrapped it w/ paracord.

I plan on buying 2 more from them(KH), just waiting to here back on some emails I sent them(Which they are responding to, just the time difference it making it take a day) If I do purchase them, I will do a review on them when the snow starts melting here(Upper MI)

I would do one on the one I have now, if there wasn't snow on the ground. Don't feel like risking my camera for it.
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Rad, sounds good. Consumers win with competition in the marketplace. I'm looking forward to your KH reviews.

As far as your aversion to HI handles, they look really similar to some KH models. I can tell you that they're really comfortable and work really well. Sometimes the grip ring can dig into your hand a little bit, but you can easily sand it down. It's what I did to my WW2 model.
 
I own a couple of KH Khuks and chose to buy from them to save on shipping. Both of them are hard used, I'd recommend their farmer Khuks over the polished ones. The polish one got patina treatment. If HI ship out of Nepal, I dont mind getting them too.

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Cheers!
 
Yeah, HI is definitely authentic Nepalese. Check out the subforum here, you'll find lots of great reviews and Deals of the Day. It's a great community, and the owner Auntie Yangdu periodically posts pictures and news from the HI shop in Nepal. It's a really cool outfit and collecting HI khuks is addictive. I also like the fact that you can start to trace the individual differences each kami imparts on each hand made khukuri.

Those KH khuks looks great, as well! The top model is most similar to an Amar Singh Thapa Knife by HI. The bottom is like a Chiruwa Ang Khola but with a finger grooved handle, which HI has made before but is pretty rare. Most HI fans like the traditional grips just because they work so well.

BTW, the full exposed tang that KH refers to as "panawal" is referred to as "chiruwa" by HI.
 
I own 6 khuks,2 from kh,an 4 from hi,my opinion there both built the same,they perform the same,I use my kh khuks more,because I like the handles better.they come with a traditional style,an western style grips that I like.check out both web sites..
 
I've never heard anything bad about Khukuri House. But I'm satisfied with my HI khuks, and have no plans to buy KH. From what I've heard, either is a good way to go. I just prefer being able to have my khuk at my doorstep within 3 days of placing the order, knowing that I've got a warranty should I need it and demonstrated excellent customer service, and knowing that HI treats their kamis well. For the HI community, kamis are like family. I don't know that KH can say the same on any of those counts. Maybe they generally make a good product. But HI stands by their product, their customers, and their kamis, and that's definitely worth it. Throw in the awesome deals you can get in the subforum (and the fact that they HAVE a well-run subforum here), and it shouldn't be any wonder that HI has a devoted following. Maybe it's just me, but I have yet to hear any stories about KH customer service wins, or how well KH treats their kamis, etc. There are a few more things that I like about HI, but that's enough for me to go with HI over KH. It's not just about the knives. It's about everything about the company/family/community.
 
Hi Logan09,

Howdy and your topic sounds fun.
The reason why most of us here refer you to H.I is because KH forum isn't here. The now defunct Gurkha House has moved into KH.

I've tested KH,HI khuks,Torablades and several khukuris that's older than my grandma.
Somehow i found that sticking to the original sounds so right.
The KH McCurdy feels heavy on wrist chopping; the handle is heavier and it basically try to cramp a BAS, Panawal and a Bowie into it.It does look like it's a good fighting blade.I had to change my usual way of using a khukuri to suit this hybrid.
KH Tin Chirra? I could have modded the handle to my large paws but the chirras didn't do its wonders as a measure of weight reduction.
I still feel the balance is off.
Feel free to check my reviews on both at H.I.
(Thanks to my brother Cotherion for lending me BOTH to test.He is still flipping his house over to find that elusive KH Sirupati that i look forward to try. A pretty piece i must say.)
I have also tried several H.I that weighs a ton but thanks to that it kept me closer to what i really NEED.

Agree that KH is a lot easier on my $$$ as they ship from Nepal to my homeland but HI's Uncle Bill and Yangdu are someone different.
When i shop i appreciate the passion of the sellers himself/herself and this couple are awesome.From meeting the old John Powell to having a dad that used to serve for Assam Rifles, this company has shared a lot of insights about the origins of Falcata, Machaira, Kopis,the meaning of different kaudi as well as the background of Kamis who did my blade.I was going to share some details about the Royal Kami who used to make khukuris for King of Nepal but don't think you will be any interested either so let's move on.

KH is owned by several Ex-Gurkhas and you want to argue since they used the most they must be the experts.
You probably haven't really checked into H.I because they don't look the same, no matter how it looks to you.
Is Sirupati a khukuri for chopping log? maybe but i would use a larger blade. An axe, chainsaw or wider blade to your liking.
Does all Bowie look the same? maybe but you won't have spoilt for Musso or the Randalls.
When you mixe serrated edge with the curved knife things gone a lot awry. It's like putting a chainsaw on a chopper and expect a remote control to come with it.

Khukuri handle is one of the best thought ever made physical. Most abhors the ring that prevented your fingers from slipping and start counting the fingers you don't have.
Also if you are using a khukuri like how you use a parang or Bowie then you are probably using it wrong. It's a different animal.
I can't say i know more than anyone here but i've tried almost all the authentic khukuris you can find and i still find H.I made one of the best you can find.
Maybe i'm bias or they did such a good job i couldn't help to stop looking around.
Also staying on the other side of the globe means sending it back for warranty is too difficult so i'm very careful with my purchase.

Hate about HI? Yikes that's pretty personal considering you haven't own any of it.I suggest you lend it from someone else and give it a try.
Your post has no source of evidence and troll on H.I is baseless.

Logan09 said:
and it still kills paper like nothing.
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For real?
You are still playing with wood products- logs or paper. Justify your purchase by using your karda for that, your chakmak for sharpening and let your big boys do the tough work.
Just in case you want a hybrid;Bowkri, Chukri and you will be delighted to join into the discussion.
Here is a link you may find good enough to read for the weekends.How about your generous pic sharing of modded khuk?
http://www.m4040.com/Survival/Ghurka/Khukri Modification.htm

What exactly is wrong with Khukuri House vs. Himalayan Imports Kukuri's?
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Your spelling is WRONG.

Disclaimer: I don't work for H.I nor endorsing any of theirs. However i will continue to seek the rich history behind this majestic blade and continue to be amazed, pop into discussion like this and collect authentic khukuris.
 
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There is something to be said for HI also ebing one of if not the first type of this business, which others have since copied. Ms. Yangdu provides health care and education fro the Kami's [blacksmiths] as well as thier families - an absolutely un-heard of thing in that part of the world.
 
I've bought 4 or 5 knives off Khukuri house and have had good luck with all of them. Shipping was very fast from Nepal as far as I'm concerned.
I can't say the same for HIK. I had a one with a bad heat treat that "Uncle Bill" said to not bother sending back, he would just send a replacement. Never happened.
 
Did you follow up on the replacement?

I have had nothing but great customer service from Yangdu and HI. To the subject, I have one from KH and twp from HI. I can't really say anything bad about the KH but it does not chop nearly as well as the HI. I made the mistake of asking the folks at KH to have the maker put his mark on it. This is what I got. Almost made me sick when it arrived. I try not to look at it haha. Somehow I expected a marking like what the makers at HI use. Boy was I wrong.

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KH:

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HI:

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I dont have a HI one but have owned about 6 from KH. They are fine, but the edges are very brittle. I took chucks off one by hitting an unglazed terracotta pot. My $20 machette didnt even chip. I also got a khuk from a Nepalese friend who brought it back from there. He paid $15 for it and it looked just like the KH ones. Hit it on a brick by accident and another chuck game off it. I would say overall that KH khuks are not hard use at all. If i want a real hard use khuk I would get a Busse or ask a custom maker to make me one. Seriously for under $150 for that much steel you are really only buying a farm implement. They are all pretty cheap really, even the HI ones.
 
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