What's the best fighting khuk in the 18" to 20" range?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Ad
  • Start date Start date
A

Ad

Joined
Mar 9, 2000
Messages
752
Please explain your reasons when putting forth your opinion. Thank you.
 
I only have a 19in Bhudini villager, a 17.5 BGR, a 20in AK, and an 18in Sirupati to compare but I would go with an 18in Sirupati. The 18in Sirupati is neutral balanced and quick in the hand, making it good for draw cuts, but has enough weight and strength for powerful chops and slashes. Others with more khuks and more martial arts experience may have a better choice. Truth be told, any would work in an emergency. Facing a deadly threat even a 20in AK would feel light as a feather.

Another idea might be to simply employ the one you actually use most often. I would probably end up with my BAS because it is the one I tend to have at hand. Even a 15in Khukuri is an awesome knife. And a 15in in the hand is far better than an 18in at home.

OK you guys, stop thinking dirty
:o :D

Patrick Mc
 
That was what my Malla said, when I first unsheathed it. This is not some spiritual pronunciation, or the results of extensive testing - it was the immediate reaction to this blade in my hand, and it has not changed. The Gelbu Special invokes the same feeling, and is a bit lighter, but the slight extra weight of the Malla seems to indicate dismemberment possibilities beyond its' size. Either one would be my "bump in the night" blade.
 
I'd probably opt for a Kobra. It's the lightest of any khukuri and very easy to handle but heavy enough to cause a great deal of misery for an opponent.
 
:D There have been many, many, many threads started with "Which Khukuri would you choose to........." As you can see from the answers in all of them, there is no "One size fits all" around here, but it is plain that Uncle Bill has "many sizes to fit any". Half the fun is getting there (and the Khuks you acquire on the way).
 
With my comparatively limited choices I'd pick my Gelbu Special by Bura. A bit more weight than a Sirupati for Walosi's dismembering, but still fast and straight enough for thrusts. Thrusting with a kuk is something I'm still working with, at this point I don't know for sure if it would be a good move to incorporate, but I feel it would with the straighter blades.
 
AD,
I have a couple of 18",the 18" would not be my pick! Mine would be either a BAS by Durba, or a WW2 16.5"Both move as fast, are easier to weld,great for tight places & can be carried most places in comfort!
jim :cool:
 
Yea, my 15" AK moves well in my hand. I feel comfortable with it for fighting purposes. However, I need something in the 18" to 20" range that is a fighter first and foremost (why, I don't know:D ) I'm seriously thinking about the Malla. I like the 18" WWII, but some of the later versions look like they don't have such a sharp point (I like the sharp point). Anyway, I've got the virus really bad now. Tomorrow, hopefully I'll pick up my 20" AK (I need a big chopper:D ).
 
:
My Chitlangi speaks pure weapon to me although it's 21" plus.
I think Uncle Bill got in a couple of these in the 18" size and I feel that whom ever got them have the epitome of a true weapon in that size range.
I can't begin to imagine how fast they would be since my 21" is incredibly fast!!!!
Finn and I were talking Sunday night and I was extolling the character of the Chitlangi and it's probably gonna be his next purchase as well.:)
Finn was saying how the speed of a longer lighter blade increased in mass the faster it is swung and that's what makes these cut like a much heavier khukuri.
I don't understand things like that much, but it makes since to me.
The YCS and BGRS are also knives that cut like much heavier ones.
The double fullers on the Chitlangi as well as the distal taper add much to the light weight of this khukuri.
My 21" feels so good in my hand that it's like an extension of my arm!!!!

The Chitlangi hasn't been out long enough for many people to have one yet, but I bet that when a few more are out in the field that they will become the favored weapon of everyone who gets one.
And perhaps especially in an 18" size, just a feeling I have.:D
 
My first choice as a pure fighter would be my 12" Sirupati ...only because I have worked out such a neat "reverse grip off the left hip draw" that deploys it sooo quickly... :p

18" to 20" you say? My 20" Sirupati...the one that I got from Terry Sisco and named "Snake". It's way fast for its size, and I have worked out my own KISS versions of a few basic techniques that I'm comfortable with. :)
 
Thanks for all the input, gentlemen. I am also considering the Gelbu Special and the Chitlangi. I kind of like a little extra weight, thus my original desire for the Malla. Uncle Bill, is there a reason why you threw out the Gelbu Special. Is it better for thrusts? For that matter, which of the following- Gelbu Special, Malla, Chitlangi, or Sirupati (all in the 18" to 20" range)- do you feel is best for thrusts? Thank you.
 
Personal preference again, Kobra and then Gelbu Special. It it were not for the weight and size I think the UBE is our best design for thrusting.

Finn is our resident expert on the UBE and maybe he'll be around to toss in a comment or two.
 
Just found the time to take a look at Uncle Bill's form and couldn't help but leave my opinion here.
I have about 30 khuks, mostly HI, but also a couple GH and a few older ones and all are made to be used very effectivelly as weapons, regardless of any other function it may have, from an 11" vilager to my heavy 18th Century. Of the HI line, on the size range you mentioned, I have a Malla, a Sirupati ,a Kobra and that one by Jag & Prem (how is it called, Uncle?) , all of wich would surely get the job done. They balance differently but are very light and controllable and would get the job done. A WW2 is also a very good choice.
Just have it chosen and have it in your hands and you will not regret.
 
Which of the blades we've talked about has the most end-heavy feel? The Malla? Thw WWII? Thank you.
 
Just found the time to take a look at Uncle Bill's form and couldn't help but leave my opinion here.
I have about 30 khuks, mostly HI, but also a couple GH and a few older ones and all are made to be used very effectivelly as weapons, regardless of any other function it may have, from an 11" vilager to my heavy 18th Century. Of the HI line, on the size range you mentioned, I have a Malla, a Sirupati ,a Kobra and that one by Jag & Prem (how is it called, Uncle?) , all of wich would surely get the job done. They balance differently but are very light and controllable and would get the job done. A WW2 is also a very good choice.
Just have it chosen and have it in your hands and you will not regret.
 
Ad,

Uncle is being generous (as usual). I do work with the UBE a lot and will vouch for it's all-around function. It is the best khukuri for thrusting. The standard version with a blade 12.5" x 2" handles much faster than the overall weight would leave you to believe because of the weight distribution. You can tuck (thrust) with about any khukuri well if you practice at it enough.

I classify some blades as "Growlers" - they bring up a powerful, confident, visceral state when handled. The UBE is one of these - so is the Gelbu Special. Speed is great, but it's not everything. Watching a Master "fight", it can appear he/she moves almost casually. You really won't know what khukuri works for you in the way you inquired about until actually trying different designs. Add to that the voice individual blades speak to you with. In general, the lighter the blade, the longer it should be if you want it to cut/chop.

As to light compared to heavier blades :

Comparing the .38 Super or +P+ to the .45 ACP or L.C. - I'll take the .50 AE.
 
Thanks again for all the information. I guess I am getting into an area where the only way to get the answer is to try the different balances on the various blades. Well, I guess I've got a new mission in life. It's the old theory vs. reality bit. By the way, I'm a .45 man.;)
 
:
Ad you now have the right idea. Jump in on the UBDOTD's and aquire yourself some H.I.Khukuri's!!!!
You won't be sorry for any of them you may get as they will all become your favorite for a little while anyway, then you can get an idea of which ones you like the best and then aim to aquire more of that size, style.

Me? I just like 'em all!!!!;)
Don't forget about the HIKV, we dayum sure don't need another so called "researcher" around here.;)
You've seen what's happened to Tsimi.:D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top