What is a better do-everything-hiking knife than CS Gurkha Kukri?

[ShooterMcgavin]

I have been eyeing the Cold Steel Gurkha Kukri for a long time and haven't yet pulled the trigger. One of the things stopping me is the look of the knife. It just looks a bit evil and "cool", not that I have a problem with that. However, I want the best tool for the job, not just something neat and flashy.

What do I want it to do?...
Everything. Ideally, I want a single knife that can cover all, or almost all, of my duties while hiking (backpacking). Spreading peanut butter, slicing peperoni, prepping fish or other game, taking down small trees for shelter building, splitting wood for fire, ... or anything else that comes up in the outdoors.

It will not be the only blade I carry and I do not expect it to be perfect for all the required tasks. I am trying to reduce weight. That means finding a blade that can replace a hatchet as well as take care of more of my knife chores. For its chopping abilities (in a blade that works as a knife too), I don't know of any better option. Any suggestions for something that tops this knife for a do-it-all in the woods??

ETA: "Backpacking" is the time I will be carrying this knife, not just a day-hike. I should have been more clear.

 

[KenM K]

I have preference for HI Kurki's. But a machette would probally be my choice because of the lightness of then. Yet they can still do most jobs.

 

[230grains]

Busse ASH-1.

I have the fat combat grade version, but it sounds like you'd be well suited with the skinny ash. It's up to the task for pretty much everything, and with a good edge can even do quite a bit of the delicate work many wouldn't expect from it.

 

[1066vik]

I have a CS ghurka light - fine for impersonating a 'chete & splitting/chopping wood, but not as a PB spreader/food prep/meat cutting tool - that's what my mora #2 or RC3 is for.

 

[wildmike]

Himalayan Imports M-43 Kukri. The real thing is far superior to CS's imitation

the kukri like objects that are on the market aren't worth spit compared to a true kukri.

 

[ShooterMcgavin]

Busse ASH-1.

How long is the blade? I don't see how a knife with a blade of 6.5" or less can baton or chop as well as one with a 12" blade.

While a large knife is not ideal for small tasks (spreading PB or making fuzz sticks) it will work in a pinch. However, a small blade simply cannot do some of the jobs that a large blade can. Yes, I do carry smaller blades, but that's off topic.

Himalayan Imports M-43 Kukri. The real thing is far superior to CS's imitation

the kukri like objects that are on the market aren't worth spit compared to a true kukri.

Ok, what grade steel do they use? What hardness?

 

[coote]

I have never handled a CS kukri so I cant comment on this particular tool.

I like kukris and I've owned several. However, for me, they are a bit too big and heavy to be conveniently carried on a general hike.

If I had some specific chopping work planned, then maybe I would consider taking a kukri. Othewise I'd be more inclined to take a small fixed blade and maybe a short machete. I reckon a small Mora and a 10 or 12 inch Tramontina machete would weigh less together than many kukris and they would be more useful for a wider range of tasks (other than heavy chopping).

 

[GrinderMcgee]

If weight reduction is your main concern, than a chopper should not be at the top of the list as most of your chores can be performed with a blade in the 4-6" range. Even small kindling preperation. A RAT4 or Bravo 1 and a small saw would be great for a light weight option.

I prefer a large bowie like the Trail Master from Cold Steel for all around chopper/camp use paired with a smaller 3-4" belt knife for the chores requiring more blade control like sandwiches and whittling.

 

[DOC-CANADA]

Busse ASH-1.

I have the fat combat grade version, but it sounds like you'd be well suited with the skinny ash. It's up to the task for pretty much everything, and with a good edge can even do quite a bit of the delicate work many wouldn't expect from it.

Hey 230grains, that's one of the nicer looking Busse's I've seen. :thumbup:

Doc

 

[230grains]

How long is the blade? I don't see how a knife with a blade of 6.5" or less can baton or chop as well as one with a 12" blade.

While a large knife is not ideal for small tasks (spreading PB or making fuzz sticks) it will work in a pinch. However, a small blade simply cannot do some of the jobs that a large blade can. Yes, I do carry smaller blades, but that's off topic.


Ok, what grade steel do they use? What hardness?

That's a 6 inch blade, and no it's not going to chop as well as a 12 inch blade. It does however chop quite well for its size, and batons excellent. Great edge retention as well as good stain resistance. You could also try a Busse Battle Mistress. My fat fusion BM chops a lot better than my cold steel machete, and in a pinch can do smaller tasks. I usually strap it to the molle webbing on my pack when I'm out.

It's heavy though, and you're trying to save on weight. Hard to find a tougher chopper.

 

[Geoman888]

Khuki tend to use truck spring steel. So mayby something like 5160. They are differentialy hardened.

 

[Cpl Punishment]

Ok, what grade steel do they use? What hardness?

5160

Differentially hardened -- the "sweet spot" is usually 58-60 towards the spine ends up 50-54.

HI M43:

My fav: HI 20" CAK:

Both come with a chakma (sharpening steel) and a Karda (small knife):

I think of it as a Nepali survival system.

 

[not2sharp]

I have been eyeing the Cold Steel Gurkha Kukri for a long time and haven't yet pulled the trigger. One of the things stopping me is the look of the knife. It just looks a bit evil and "cool", not that I have a problem with that. However, I want the best tool for the job, not just something neat and flashy...

Looking for the one knife that will do it all, is like trying to find the perfect hammer that will take care of all you tool needs. "When all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail." The survival knife concept has always been a bit of a joke; you might "survive", where you would otherwise thrive if you had actually taken a better kit along.

To begin with, there are very few excuses for not taking along one or several pocket knives and/or small fixed blades. These should take care of all your fine cutting needs, and they are handy, safer, and easier to use then a big heavy knife.

Next, learn something about the area you plan to transverse. If brush clearing is a real problem, take along a machete. They are light to carry, have a longer reach, and are easier on the arms then a 2-3 lb super knife. The same goes for wood cutting. If you plan to feed a cord of wood to your camp fire while you build a log cabin, then take an axe along. Even a full size axe weighs little more then a good khukri.

That is not a knock on the khukri, which remains one of my favorite knife-types; the shape is very ergonomic and optimized for fighting/utility/light chopping. But, even so, you should find one that it the right size and build for you and your task. The Cold Steel versions are far from ideal. The flat sided blades tend to bind, while the rubber handles can cause hand blistering and may break away below the tang. It is a heavy tool, and when you swing it, you want something better then a yielding bit of soft rubber to grasp.

With knives, as with all else, everyone has their own preferences, limitations, and objectives. Perhaps, the Cold Steel Gurkha is ideal for you. I would only encourage you to narrow your definition of the "job" before trying to select the best tool; or, like most of us, don't stress, and just buy thing because it looks cool and would make a nice addition to your knife collection.

n2s

 

[ShooterMcgavin]

I always carry more than one knife. That's typically a small folder in a multi-tool (SAK), a medium-sized fixed blade (RC-4), and depending on the trip, either a ~3" locking knife or a small hatchet.

I said I want a knife that can do anything because I think any knife can do little chores like spread PB and slice peperoni. I'm trying to find something that will replace a hatchet, to save some weight there, and maybe take the place of the RC-4 duties also. I mostly want a knife that can baton with ease and cut small trees for a shelter. I am looking for a sort of emergency blade. It would be great if it were also good at making fuzz sticks, notching, making a spear, etc. Clearing brush is not a main chore in my area.

The kukri I'm talking about weighs 22 oz and has a 5/16 inch spine. It's not the light machete-like version that is also made by Cold Steel.

One thing I have read about the HI kukris is that they are inconsistent. Also, the steel is not well regulated (type, heat treat, etc.). It doesn't give me a good feeling to know that the steel in my blade was made to be springy and support a truck, rather than to have knife-like qualities. Lastly, aren't they thicker and heavier than the 22 oz Gurkha Kukri by CS?

Thanks for the help.

 

[not2sharp]

...One thing I have read about the HI kukris is that they are inconsistent. Also, the steel is not well regulated (type, heat treat, etc.). It doesn't give me a good feeling to know that the steel in my blade was made to be springy and support a truck, rather than to have knife-like qualities. Lastly, aren't they thicker and heavier than the 22 oz Gurkha Kukri by CS?...

HI Khukuris are forged at their factory in Nepal, under conditions which we would consider outright primitive. Each example is unique and hand made by a true craftman. Yes, the process sometimes results in a defect, but their knives are very good and their warranty is excellent. Their knives tend to take a very good edge and then put a lot of mass behind it. In short, they work as they should, and will easilly out perform the Cold Steel knife. You should be able to find an example to test for much less then the CS. Give them a try, you will soon see what many of us like about them.

n2s

 

[Cpl Punishment]

Some are heavier, some aren't depends on the model.

The heat treat can be hit and miss, but no more so than production houses like Ontario or Cold Steel.

5160 is actually a very good steel for large blades. Like I said, the sweet spot tends to run 58-60 Rc, which is plenty hard, but the springyness of 5160 is an advantage so the blade doesn't break under heavy use. From the CS website:

What is SK-5 High Carbon Steel?
SK-5 is the Japanese equivalent of American 1080, a high carbon steel with carbon between 0.75%-0.85% and 0.60%-0.90% manganese. As quenched, it has a hardness near Rc 65 and produces a mixture of carbon rich martensite with some small un-dissolved carbides. The excess carbide increases abrasion resistance and allows the steel to achieve an ideal balance of very good blade toughness with superior edge holding ability. Due to these characteristics, this grade of steel has been used traditionally for making a variety of hand tools, including chisels and woodcutting saws, and has stood the test of time and use over many years in many countries. Our working temper for these SK-5 steel knives are RC 57-58.

So, 1080 steel will be softer, have less edge retention and not be as tough as 5160.

At the $299 price tag on the Cold Steel, you could buy several HI kukris.
For a match to the CS's size and weight (17"OAL, 22 ounces), look at the Chitlangi, Chainpuri, and Sirupate blades. For a better utility blade look at the M43 like I posted above. It's heavier, but makes work much quicker (i.e. more effort per swing, but much fewer swings required to get the job done). They tend to be in the 32-35 ounce range and 18" - 18.5" OAL.

 

[AF]

I love Himalayan Imports and I often carry a small one on day hikes but for a single do-it-all backpacking knife I prefer a Becker BK-9 or Kabar Heavy Bowie.

 

[August West]

Yall must backpack different than me, I would suggest a Vic Farmer and a folding saw. I'm old and stove up, joints don't like carrying all that heavy metal. Chris

 

[Shoki]

Wasn't there a picture floating around of a CS Khukri with a tang failure?
I've never seen anyone post pics of a broken HI.

 

[tonym]

You keep mentioning spreading peanut butter, so I am assuming that is a high priority on your list. It will be hard for any of the knives mentioned to fit in a peanut butter jar due to their blade width. But if you definately want a large knife to do most anything, but want to keep the weight down; I would consider a 12" machete. Maybe modified like Pict or Brian Andrews does:thumbup:

Yall must backpack different than me, I would suggest a Vic Farmer and a folding saw. I'm old and stove up, joints don't like carrying all that heavy metal. Chris

Add a 4" belt knife to that and thats is my set up:thumbup: