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

[Kailash Blades]

What grind is that on the pictures?

Hey mate! After a look through our order history, I can tell you that's a performance grind. Since then our processes have improved and we do them even a bit leaner nowadays. Chris has been giving that pensioner along with another mutiny of his a thrashing and hasn't run into any durability issues so far.

 

[DunRanull]

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.

The HI grips seem OVERLY LARGE- unnecessary weight and bulk added to the knife.. just my observation of my own in comparison to other khuks in my collection.. No complaint about the blade quality, but Im not thrilled by the quality of the grips. The horn grip on the first HI I bought (while Uncle Bill was still alive) began cracking soon after I got it.. some epoxy repaired it but that has soured me on horn grips... Sure do like the look of the shiny black horn tho..

 

[bigeard09]

Just as a general update regarding Khukuri manufacturers , there are many smaller what you might call back street khukuri manufacturers , many whom you should be a little wary of as all they do is steal other peoples photos and ideas for their websites . There are some really good and innovative khukuri manufacturers out there these days who dont just shape a heavy piece of metal but actually think about weight , balance and aesthetics So if anyone is seriously thinking about buying a quality product and you dont just want a heavy chopping instrument , then consider these following companies , Great Gurkha Khukuris (GGK) , Khotang Khukuris and knives, Kailash Blades , Tora Blades , Heritage Blades and if you live in the US then Dragonfly Khukuri and Knives is well worth a look and there are a few more up and coming companies

 

[43Tinman]

Well some sort of additional update, concering the two ones mentioned and some more. Great still that HI and KH still are with us, 10 years after the original post.


HI
Pros: Been around a long time, still reffered to today. Had a lot of knowledgable people pass through their cantina, these people have been driving the Community forward. Their forum have deals of the day, those usually sells fast and HI have a dedicated fanbase. Have left a deep impression in the community. Probably no company can get a Khukuri to a US adress faster then HI.

Neutral: Heavily aimed towards the US market. An American take on Khukuris. Ships from the US. Also sells other blades. Pricey. Price isnt everything if its by free choice we pay more and its for good causes, therfore neutral.

Cons: In general heavy thick blades with big handles for powerlifters. Not really an option for other locations then the US. Last years there have just come up so many other options. While still on the market, not as relevant they once were.


Kailash
Pros: The cool new kids on the block, wide variety of options and customization, a very easy ordering system. Good communication and customer service. Open to new ideas, customization is their thing. Orange micarta handle anyone?

Neutral: A modern take on Khukuris in terms of design and materials that many are found of. Kydex and Micarta. Dont supply karda and chakmak unless upon request. Also sells other blades.

Cons: May be percieved to be modern for some, to far away from traditions, their standard scabbards (dap) dont feel or look as sturdy as competitors but seem to have improved.


Heritage Knives/Kilatools
Pros: A scholarly approach to things. Very much needed since Khukuris sometimes are marketed and sold with very strange claims and a handful of myths. Uses new steel. Great source of knowledge on Gurkha history and Khukuris. Focus on Khukuris as working tools. Have managed to put focus on whats really the most important things when it comes to Khukuris. Makes repros after actually owning the original piece.

Neutral: Aims at balancing tradition and modernity. Also sells other blades. One retailer in the EU.

Cons: A young company. Time builds experience. Although makes customs, it is with tradition in mind. May be to traditional for some. Not as evolved or easy customization process as others (just scrolling and clicking options). Missing Micarta as options, perhaps in the future?


KHHI
Pros: They have been around quite a while, many options and good availability. An easy way to get into the Khukuriworld. Depots in several locations worldwide.

Neutral: Not the best, not the worst. Have physical shops in Kathmandu.

Cons: Poor execution of historical patterns, seem to focus alot on other things then Khukuris. Mediocre in quality and build, somewhat of a lottery. Quantity over quality. Have used designs and photos without reffering to its source. Unreliable on the history of Khukuris.