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

[LadyEarth]

I have an HI knife gotten as a gift (thanks hubby!). But one thing I've noticed is how subjective the HI community is, so much that I often have to wade into the threads trying to find some nuggets of objective observations. In this thread, at least I've found a few objective thoughts and insights so much that I am now convinced enough to try a Khukuri House knife. To be frank, seeing certain people hyping HI while subtly degrading other khukuri businesses such as Khukuri House is a turn off which doesn't attract me to HI even tho I like some of their designs.

Yes yes, it is my opinion but it is a pity having to witness such behaviors as it is to me a sign of an immature mind rather than being fair and objective for both sides.

At least I will be able to compare both HI and Khukuri House fairly and equally in the tasks to come. Should be fun.

 

[MTwoodsrunner]

I have an HI knife gotten as a gift (thanks hubby!). But one thing I've noticed is how subjective the HI community is, so much that I often have to wade into the threads trying to find some nuggets of objective observations. In this thread, at least I've found a few objective thoughts and insights so much that I am now convinced enough to try a Khukuri House knife. To be frank, seeing certain people hyping HI while subtly degrading other khukuri businesses such as Khukuri House is a turn off which doesn't attract me to HI even tho I like some of their designs.

Yes yes, it is my opinion but it is a pity having to witness such behaviors as it is to me a sign of an immature mind rather than being fair and objective for both sides.

At least I will be able to compare both HI and Khukuri House fairly and equally in the tasks to come. Should be fun.

Quoted for truth...well said LadyEarth and i would love to here your side by side evaluation...woods

 

[MTwoodsrunner]

The picture of the knife that you are evaluating. Sorry.

Sorry no pics yet Thomas....but, i just posted a video on youtube and in this video i use the knife and talk a bit about it.
this knife is not a Khukuri, but a more modern design....i'll post a link...woods p.s. after ive used this knife a bit longer i'll post a more detailed review along with pics of my Khukuri
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sksqpEhGXXg

 

[nihilvox]

This is of course very old testing, but is nonetheless interesting. Same idnvidual, testing both products, under fairly rigorous conditions.
http://www.cliffstamp.com/knives/reviews/khukuri_house.html
http://www.cliffstamp.com/knives/reviews/18_ang_khola.html
To summarize, the heat treatment on the two KH blades was sub-optimal, leading to bending under load. The HI appeared to have a better heat treatment, and held up much better, from what I read. There are of course trade-offs in all things. Price vs. performance is the most obvious in this thread. It comes down to the engineering axiom: "Fast, Cheap, Good. Pick two, but only two!" HI, from the reviews, has the fast and good down. Based on the above, KH may not have rigorous quality control down. Again, as noted, these are old reviews, and many things could have changed.

 

[Nepalfriend]

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.

Hi I have always used KHHI Kuri knives and have never had a Problem, They made a Beautiful Plaque for my late Father as He served in Burma and what was then Malaya he served along side the Ghurka soldiers who saved the lives of his unit many times, also I dont know if you know this but KHHI run a charity helping kids

 

[Nepalfriend]

I know many people have run down KHHI in fact some people have been really abusive towards them which to me is not ethical or fair, I am aware there companies who make specialist khukri knives claiming that theirs is the real thing when in fact it is just their own idea of what a kukri should look like from what I understand , apart from the Military type there is no right or wrong shape it is all down to personal taste

 

[Thomas Linton]

Thank you for sharing your opinion.

Please feel free to participate in these forums beyond discussing Khukri House Handicraft Industry

 

[Kwon Kwang]

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.

This is what I think it comes down to at the end of the day.

Were I to buy another kukri, I would certainly choose HI for this very reason. I want first-hand information on a blade first if I'm going to spend money on it.

 

[kookery]

I haven't bought another kukri since the one I bought from Himalayan Imports, but I have been tempted many times. I decided that the traditional handle design is inferior to modern handle designs, although the traditional kind is certainly very beautiful as an art form. Some of the other kukri makers use modern handle designs, but I'm not sure I trust the blade quality as much as I do in a genuine Himalayan Imports kukri. You get a lot for the money from Himalayan Imports, especially if you buy a blemished unit like I did.

In the end, I decided to look at it from a purely pragmatic point of view (hence my irreverence toward traditional designs), and it really boils down to a matter of money. Everyone knows Himalayan Imports produce good quality, and I have no doubt that I can use my kukri for many years, and still sell it for close to what I paid for it if I wanted to. Other kukri makers might have better or worse quality, but it doesn't really matter very much in terms of dollars and cents. If you don't care about ever seeing your money again, you can buy whatever you want.

For myself, I have no qualms about sinking some money in fairly priced, but not "cheap" kukri from Himalayan Imports because it's a decent investment as tools go. If you have ever tried to sell other blades and/or tools, you'll know what I mean. Sometimes the brand is a lot more important than it might at first seem.

The really interesting thing is that although I'm not really in the market for more kukris, the blades that have tempted me the most are the other types that Himalayan Imports makes. I may not want to spend $2500 on a fancy-brand katana, but for a fraction of that price I can get one from Himalayan Imports that's decent quality AND has equal status as the fancy-brand as far as resale value goes. Sure, Himalayan Imports is not the fancy-brand katana maker, but if I can get 80% to 120% of my money back if I want to sell, AND I SPEND THE SAME OR LESS with Himalayan Imports, why not go with Himalayan Imports and stick with a proven winner?

Later, if I really must have the fancy-brand, I can cash-out and get it. In practice, however, I've found that Himalayan Imports is right at the perfect place where both quality and price are absolutely ideal. It's not so expensive that you're afraid to touch it, and it's high enough quality that you can do a whole lot more with it than merely touching it, and just have fun without any worries. I may have started this post leading you to think this was all about money, but it's really about how much you're going to enjoy owning what you buy with it. You don't have anything to worry about if you stick with Himalayan Imports.

 

[js_mcmahon]

I just ordered my very first Kukri from Khukuri house. I have read a lot of reviews about KHHI's customer service being sub par but after ALOT of research I opted to design my own through Khukuri house (mostly due to $$$ restrictions) and SLT has been more than helpful so far. I only wanted to spend about $150 and they were able to get me everything I wanted from my handmade Khukuri for exactly that. In fact this is my first Khukuri ever! I have been collecting knives for awhile now but the Khukuri has always interested me but I've never been in a position to get one until now. I'm eagerly awaiting my first custom Khukuri and will follow up after I receive it. But so far I have no complaints!

 

[Trailing Point]

I recently enquired on the HI sub-forum regarding aquiring the right Khukuri for me. I was overwhelmed by the responses. Not only had the members there taken the time to painstakingly explain in great detail the nuances that I might appreciate, but they also radiated friendliness and camaraderie throughout despite some differences in opinion. A member there is even sending me a ww2 khukuri (and a second one to give to my unit) so that I can get a feel for it to better aid me in deciding without me ever even hinting at such a possibility. Passion ignites passion. That alone has won me over, not to mention the score of positive reviews that pop up whenever one types in Himalayan Imports.

 

[Danzigs MISFITS]

I have the large version of both EGKH and HI. HI fit and finish is a lot better, the leather on the sheath seems to be better. But I do own 2 HI and 6 EGKH and they both seem like good blades and choppers. I've used them not a whole bunch quite yet but both cut large branches and split wood no issues.

 

[jhutter33]

I rec3ntly began my own kukri collection and own two from HI (a Hanuman Ang Khola and 15" Ang Khola), a 5 fuller kukri from Khukuri and Craft, and a GKH 18" Bhopure Engraved Kukri. All are beautiful but I will show you all the 18". I couldn't fit the entire knife in the picture so I did a little video. The knife is called "18" Bhopure Engraved Kukri", but only the blade is 18". It's total length is about 24". An absolutely beautiful monster of a knife.

Enjoy.

http://sproutvideo.com/videos/a49bd1bf1c1fe3c42c

 

[NoobyMcNoob]

First post - hello all

Sorry to continue an old thread and hope that does not infringe etiquette here. My reason is that I am trying to do reasonable research into where to get my first, and probably only (but who knows), khukri. I will try not to go on too much. But I get the impression that things are moving in this industry, to the benefit of all the kamis and their families no doubt.

I am posting, with a bit of info, for other noobs like me who may find the dearth of info on KH (or KHHI if you prefer) on this site. No doubt HI make great blades, and a lot of you are their fans, but I feel the issue needs to be redressed.

If I'm only going to have one then a bit of tradition is required. I first handled a kukri belonging to a freind who's father had been a chindit. Long time ago and don't remember much about it except the two knifes. No doubt it was a Brit WD issue. So I started looking without a lot of success initially on forums and then on YTube - and nearly got seduced by some 'experts'. It seems that what I am after is an all round, good at most things, knife that is not too heavy or long - and two little knives (yes I do know what they are for, and called, now). This seems to be a description of the Ghurka issue blades. And then I started getting put off on manufacturer sites by either high price, long wait times, lack of choice etc. And for those reasons I have settled on Khukri House. It would appear they have won contracts to supply the British Army recently and this influenced me a lot. Previously British post-war supply had for a while been by the Wilkinson Sword company, long assosciated with manufacture of swords for the army. I reasoned if KH were in that league then they must certainly be reasonable.

My choice (which may change) is :

Service No.1 (Sarkhari Khukuri) - US$ 54.99 seems to be a very good price, has been issued to Ghurkas by this company, elegantly simple traditional design, made in Nepal, delivery will be a few days, etc. I occasionally have Ghurkas (serving and retired) visit me on buisness, as there is a barracks in this town, and so next one who comes I will ask him to bring his issue blade to compare. Should be interesting

http://www.gurkhas-kukris.com/catalog/product.php?id=34f1676

Some of the things I have got from either here or elsewhere -

- my choice has a bone handle I believe so I shall have to be carefull about exposing it to the cold too much. But at least it is a well tried traditional shape

- my choice has a rat tail tang (I'm sure there are other names) which I believe will put the balance forward and facilitate cutting - spiffing

- No one here seems to have a particularly bad word for KH even if their product is not as good as some

- The blade edges may be brittle. I read elsewhere that most blades get better after their first 'hard/repair' sharpening

- Khukri house has 3 different websites each with different, and very interesting content, but mostly the same products. I say mostly because my choice was not found on the first I visited.

- There may be other websites posing as Khukri House whos products may or may not be up to sniff

- They are basically tools and if they do the job then great. The all rounder I am choosing should not be expected to be good for grass cutting nor felling high timber. But should be ok for outdoor work and detering zombies

- You get what you pay for usually. So I don't expect an item that is either perfect or top notch. Just ok will be fine

- KH seem to be buildng their buisness and rep. Since August 2016 they have some guarantees and warranties - http://www.thekhukurihouse.com/Content/KHHIwarrantycard.php

- Also a new thing, I think, is that KH put a small makers mark, and a small kamis mark with the kamis picture and info on the site

- Some folk that fell foul of this forum are being given stick elsewhere - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LItejNI_uoQ

I think theres more but thats all that come to mind. I know nothing beyond this about khuk's or HI. I have no relationship with KH other than about to be first time customer.

Give me reasons to change my mind by all means But please be gentle

 

[Thomas Linton]

Previously British post-war supply had for a while been by the Wilkinson Sword company, long assosciated with manufacture of swords for the army. I reasoned if KH were in that league then they must certainly be reasonable.

Do more research. Wilkinson made a very few, and they got quickly used up. A number of companies have won contracts - as the low bidder - for making khukuri for Indian and UK units.

As for your opinions and advice, everyone has them. Why try to change your opinion? You have decided. Enjoy your experiment.

 

[upnorth]

I hit the order button on this thing while in bed, just before going to sleep. Am I in for some buyers remorse ? It said 5160 steel in the write up.
never mind. Awake now and did some back reading. Looking forward to the new toy

 

[fugglesby]

It's been quite a while since I've looked at these threads but figured some more up to date information could be handy as processes and players in the khukuri market have changed quite a lot and I feel that info hasn't made it out of khukuri specific circles.
For full disclosure, My name is Andrew Lucas and I'm involved with another manufacturer called Kailash Blades and am also a previous employee of KHHI but will try my best to keep what I present here as objective and factual as possible.

As far as himalayan imports goes, to my understanding things are pretty much the same as they've always been. The knives have fantastic fit and finish and while the website range is a bit limited, the limited runs of blades they do on their forums provide a great deal more variety. Their knives continue to be hand forged from leaf springs and while their prominence has waned a little bit they're still doing them just fine.

With KHHI however, things have changed a lot. For the majority of their blades (to my understanding all their full tang options, khukuris included) They've moved over to CNC plasma cutting out the profiles for their blades and then moving straight to grinding. This cnc production has been going on since mid 2014 in the form of milling and could have been going on for significantly earlier. For quite a while this wasn't publicised but nowadays they have a writeup on it on their website and include info in the brochure they include with blades they sell. https://www.thekhukurihouse.com/cnc-khhi

Another change that comes with this is a switch in steel. While originally made from 5160 leaf springs, these cnc'd blades are made from EN31, which is an indian steel with similar composition as 52100. The switch is necessary as the only steel which can really be used on the plasma cutting beds is a large flat sheet. This steel has a slightly higher chromium content and 40% more carbon, leading to much more extreme hardening characteristics and lower toughness. While not particularly suited to hard use knives, this isn't a bad steel by any means in isolation. The issue comes with the failure to adapt the heat treat to match the change in steel. The blades continue to be hardened by having water poured on them which doesn't harden the blade through the entire thickness, leading to a weaker edge after repeated sharpenings. Furthermore the lack of any form of tempering process leaves the final edge quite unstable. It's either underhardened and not achieving the full potential from the carbon content in order to avoid shattering or chipping, or it's hardened to the designed level and left untempered and brittle. There's ongoing discussions about what this change of process means for the workers in Nepal, with manufacturers who use CNC claiming it is safer and a necessary adaption to modern market demand, while anti CNC manufacturers claim it's a cost cutting measure and has the potential to destroy tradition.

In the face of these kinds of changes being made at KHHI, a group of blacksmiths and employees there left to form a new manufacturer called Kailash Blades, myself included. We're relatively new and aren't very large yet, but we've already found a decent market as a midpoint between these two makers by producing interesting modern designs alongside traditional ones but focusing on process, good steel, traditional and the welfare of our workers. If you're looking for an alternative to these other houses, check us out.

Furthermore, if you're looking for any greater detail on the manufacturing methods used by other houses in Nepal, let me know and I'll do my best to fill you in.
Take care,
Andrew

 

[christcl]

I recently acquired a "Pensioner" khukuri from Kailash and I think its a fantastic khukuri and great company.

For a long time I had been hoping for a khukuri house that was very keen on producing historically accurate and aesthetically pleasing khukuris without losing functionality. I also think its fantastic that you are able to select your blade finish, blade length, grind type, scabbard type as standard options (although some options like longer lengths will incur a nominal base price increase) without crossing over into custom work pricing.

I will let the pictures do the talking.

Look at that grind

Next to my HI triple aces (Yek-Dui-Tin chiurras) and Lagan Silekhana palace cache originals

 

[Kailash Blades]

I recently acquired a "Pensioner" khukuri from Kailash and I think its a fantastic khukuri and great company.

For a long time I had been hoping for a khukuri house that was very keen on producing historically accurate and aesthetically pleasing khukuris without losing functionality. I also think its fantastic that you are able to select your blade finish, blade length, grind type, scabbard type as standard options (although some options like longer lengths will incur a nominal base price increase) without crossing over into custom work pricing.

Hey Chris!
Thanks for the glowing recommendation of Kailash Blades and great to see you you on BF. Your photos are too nice to keep them hidden away on instagram alone.
If anybody has any questions about us or our knives, feel free to ask away or alternatively check out our subforum. It's just starting up but there's some info and great pics on there too.
Take care,
Andrew and the team at Kailash

 

[Makael]

Hey Chris!
Thanks for the glowing recommendation of Kailash Blades and great to see you you on BF. Your photos are too nice to keep them hidden away on instagram alone.
If anybody has any questions about us or our knives, feel free to ask away or alternatively check out our subforum. It's just starting up but there's some info and great pics on there too.
Take care,
Andrew and the team at Kailash

What grind is that on the pictures?