Where to start? First HI choice.

A

Aka Zero

Joined
Jan 19, 2010
Messages
57
I have liked knives forever. Make a few even. But finally joined bladeforums because someone said HI had a deal of the day, that I have been watching.

But what would be a good first buy. Kinda split between an all out chopper, and something a bit more pretty. Probably will start with something in the 18"+ range. Anything shorter than a 12" blade would seem a bit small to me.

For pretty I really like the models with the double fullers. The high polish makes them look like they are made of poured water and not metal. Really liked the foxy folly from the image thread, but seems to be out of production. And don't know what other models have the double fullers.

For a strong chopper I really liked one in a thread a few days ago,
Putting a bone cutter to work
Like how the one piece blade/bolster, and the visible tang. (not sure which others are like that) But I figure "bone cutter" maybe be the translated name of a model?

Have a few cold steel khukri machetes, but want the real thing. Just need a little info on what I should get... first. More will likely follow soon.
 
Well, you have a LOT of choices.
One of the things I always recommend is to visit the Himalayan Imports Picture Thread and the The Missing Pages in the HI Catalog threads, and see which of the many options calls to you.

For an all-out chopper, IMO the Chiruwa Ang Khola (CAK) is the reigning champion. The Chiruwa handle is what they call the exposed tang that you mentioned.
The Bonecutters, M43, etc tend to follow that up in the chopper department.

For double fullers, the Foxy Folly is nice, but I have to say, the Dui Chirra is what I consider the nicest looking.

On the lighter end of the spectrum, I've always had a thing for how the Chitlangis look.

Bottom line is, unless you are regularly felling or bucking trees that are over 4-6" in diameter, any of the HI kukris will do. Some will take a little more time than others on the small trees, but if it's mostly kindling (sub 2" diameter) and brush clearing you're after, any of them will make quick work out of it.
 
Looks are very subjective; we had an admirer of the Ganga Ram, recently for example. Conversely, chopping power can be found in the oddest places, as the spiffy-looking Dui Chirra has been noted for its forward balance and cutting power, by some.

Also, for another neat-looking khukuri, take a look at the Salyan, which has a REALLY interesting design at the cho, among other traits:
HIUncleBillMemorialSalyan11ounces12.jpg
 
...if you get the HIKV (HI Khukuri Virus) it's safe to plan on buying one of each and preparing your significant other for that eventaulity :D
 
I have a thing for Chitlangis. Maybe it's more than just a thing. I flat out love 'em.

But I'll have to say my favorite, which is also a double fuller, and so far the only one of it's kind, is the Super CAK by Sgt Khadka.

SuperCAK2.jpg


Not really so much an AK as it is more of a dui chirra chiruwa bhojpur m43 hybrid.
 
The Hanuman AK is a double fullered khukuri that may be in more regular production. Mine is 18", has a good balance to it and chops really well.

The Chitlangi is a double fullered khuk to consider in the more sleek, narrower blade option.

Welcome to the fevered forum. I'm sure you'll be happy, whatever your choice.

Rick
 
Thinking I should go with a serious cutter first. Maybe villager finish.

The chitlangi is growing on me though.

I was a few hours late on a dotd WWII villager finish. Would have been a good start.
 
Aka Zero said:
Thinking I should go with a serious cutter first. Maybe villager finish.

The chitlangi is growing on me though.

I was a few hours late on a dotd WWII villager finish. Would have been a good start.
Click to expand...

Don't be afraid to email Yangdu and ask if she has another of the type you missed in the DOTD. She is most accomodating.
 
Hello!!! I have a few question.Does the blade of the M 43 is full tang and what is the average blade length of that model? Ah...where are my manners...I didn't introduce my self...I'm knife maniac and a beginner knife -maker.
 
Well, another villager WWII popped up, so I am getting that.... The first step down the road to poverty.... starts with anything metal. Guns, knives, cars, and now khuks.

Kinda delayed because I really wanted that 12" bone-cutter. That thing looks awesome.
 
My first, and still favorite, is an 18.5"/ 28oz wood handled WWII. Uncle Bill used to say the WWII was the best mix of tool and weapon there was. I don't think you'll be sorry. Oh, and welcome.

Frank
 
Thanks for the info, and excuse me for the stupid questions about the tang(in the second reply was mentioned that M43 has full tang)...I want to buy a kukri, but I don't know where to star.
 
I wouldn't worry about the hidden tang knives. My WWII is hidden tang and is very strong, I've been chopping away with it for 6 or 7 years. All of the khukuris I've owned have been hidden tangs and I've never had trouble with any of them.

Frank
 
So I am new to this HI game. Paid for khuk, what is an estimate of arrival time?

Don't care if it takes a week, just want to know when I can expect my self present ( I hate surprises. )
 
Antagonist said:
Without doubt.... I love big knives- kharakhulaks(turkhish meaning "black eyers, traditional bulgarian shepherd's knife http://media.snimka.bg/4175/014604575.jpg) khukuris and other knives. The lenght of the blade is approximately 40 cm, the spine is 7-10 mm thick
Click to expand...

Welcome Antagonist. :)

The kharakhulaks is a most interesting blade ...can you tell more us more about any you may have and about what have been their traditional uses please?

Thanks,

bruce
 
Little off-topic
The kharakhulak is a mixture of tool and weapon. It was(and still is) used for clearing branches, cutting food to make fire, decapitating/ killing for food livestock(primary sheep and goats) . Originally it shape derives from the yatagan (forward curve and handle shape). The blade length varies from 30-50 cm, and the thickness 5-10 mm(as far as i know)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top