Which first Khukuri?

K

Khalnath

Joined
Jun 12, 2005
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Well, I'd been wanting a Khuk, and then I found out about this place. There's no doubt in my mind that a HI khuk is the way to go, but I'm not sure exactly which one to get. It'd be primarily a hunting and camping tool, and I'm a pretty big guy (6'3" with broad shoulders and big hands). I'm looking at the Ang Khola, but not sure what length. I like the idea of the Chiruwa, but I hear it transmits a lot more vibration than the standard handles.

So, how about some advice? General pointers for a Khukuri newbie would be welcome also.
 
Hello and welcome.
My personal favorite is the gelbu special. A 21" Gelbu special is the perfect do-everything khukuri.
Its also damn useful if you ever go huntin alligators in Nawlins ;)
 
Okay, why? 21" is probably a little bigger than I'm looking for, and I probably will be chopping wood with it. I was looking more at the 15-18" range.
 
if you feel like readin' try using the search thingy in the menu at top, if you use "first khukri" in the keyword box (include quotes) you'll get alot of advice on the subject....
 
The 16.5" chiruwa AK was my first khuk. It's a nice size for me, but I'm 10" shorter than you. :rolleyes: It's a pretty good chopper, but if you're going to be felling trees, the 18" AK would be a much better choice. Also, if you get a chiruwa handle in horn, the horn will sometimes shrink just a little over a year or two, leaving the tang protruding just a bit. Not a problem if you're handy with a file and sandpaper, just letting you know. Other khukuris in that size range are the WWII at 18", and the Baby Ganga Ram Special that ususally runs about 17". The BGRS is a terrific chopper as well.

One thing that most folks will agree on is that you probably won't buy just one. They seem to be somewhat addictive! Welcome and if you have any more questions just ask. :)

Steve
 
You're right, I probably won't buy just one. :)

But for now, I don't have enough money to buy more than one. ;)

Reading old threads, I'm leaning towards the 18" AK.
 
Either the Chiruwa (my first and still a favorite) or the 18 will give the service you want. FWIW, I am a bit over 6'3" and am near the top of the curve in hand size here. We have a thread with lots of hand measurements...you mght chck that and see where you fall.

.
 
I am your size and my 18" AK is my go to khuk. The 15" models don't fill the hand as well. Mine is probably a bit on the light side for that model. Ask Yangdu to pick one on the light end of the scale and you will not be disappointed. Welcome to the Cantina.
 
Kalnath:

Welcome to the Cantina!

I joined up about a month ago, asking the same question with respect to a khuk as a gift for a friend, with the same general usage of which you speak. My own preferences ran to either the 15" BAS or the 15" AK, but many of the extremely friendly and helpful veterans here offered several other suggestions. I ended up purchasing a 16.5" WWII for my friend and was very pleased with the knife received. I think he will be too, when he receives it in about a month.

OF course, I bought a 15" BAS for myself, and then a Gelbu Special, and a Sirupati, and a Malla, and a . . .

Noah
 
I'm going to second the suggestion of the Chiwura. I recently got Nasty's first one, with the horn handle. Had obviously seen some use, and a very minor amount of horn shrink, but still a very strong chopper and of a reasonable size to perform other random tasks around the campsite (including a desperation prybar in case of necessity). The knife is so well built I can see handing it down to my grandchildren, and I didn't notice any significant vibration problems with the small amount of chopping I did. I am considering a paracord handle wrap, mostly because I like ornamental knotwork, and as the horn handles feel a little slippery to me for field work. That should also help with vibration absorption. From a weight standpoint I don't think I'd want to hike with anything much heavier than the Chiwura either. I am also about your size and build, though I'm still a newcomer to HI khukris, so take all this with a large grain
 
My favorite all around khuks is the 18" WWII, which Uncle Bill recommended to me as a great first khuk (and believe me, when Uncle Bill gave some advice on khuks, you better be listening :D ). I know own a dozen khuks of all shapes and sizes and still think its good for everything. I also like the BAS model as a lighter and smaller one but still handy.
 
I'm with Shann on this one. The 18" WWII is a great khuk for camping/hiking where you know you're going to have split wood or might have to build a shelter. The handle on those are plenty long enough for even the biggest hands. Also, they tend to be lighter that the 18" AK if weight is a factor.

Welcome to the Cantina:)

Jake
 
What they said.

Welcome. If you are among the few who CAN only buy one...no matter which one you select, you will be pleased and marvel at the fact you are holding a blade made half-way around the world by talented hands and minds which would rival anything you've ever had.

The connection sinks into your soul.

Amazing.
 
Welcome, Khalnath.

As you can see, nobody here has opinions about anything. Right.

If you look at the specials offered over the last week or 2, you'll see several villager models. These are the unpolished blade/unfinished wood versions of the khuks. They have been especially well made over the last several months, and they are my favorites (yes, I snagged a couple of them). The BGRS version, as mentioned above, is a great knife, and 18 inch 25 ounce is pretty typical (IIRC).

Obviously, anything in that length/weight is good for chopping. For the 'hunting' part of your requirement, someone else will have to answer. I don't think I would want to dress a deer with an 18" knife.
 
Aardvark said:
Obviously, anything in that length/weight is good for chopping. For the 'hunting' part of your requirement, someone else will have to answer. I don't think I would want to dress a deer with an 18" knife.
Click to expand...

Thats where a Kumar Karda or JKM1 comes in. ;) They make good "hunting" knives to pair with your Khukuri. Or a Karda off a Large Khukuri would do nicely too.

Welcome Khalnath! I recommend you go with a knife in the 15 to 18 inch range. Either a WWII or AK. A 20" Sirupati does a good job chopping too. On trips into the mountains I'll either have my 16.5" WWII or my 20" Sirupati on my belt along with a hunting knife. :)

Heber
 
Given your size, I'd recommend an 18" AK or WWII--you can't go wrong with either model. I prefer the enclosed handles for the exact reason you mention--vibration dampening. If you want something a little smaller, try the 16.5" WWII--most of the chopping power of the larger WWII in a slightly smaller package. Another good bet is the BAS model, though while it will still outchop most other knives, it's not in same class as the 18" AK when it comes to making the wood chips fly.
 
Welcome Khalnath!


First off, don't listen to these guys. All they ever talk about are 15-18" AK's and WWII's. That stuff is all outdated and won't chop a thing.

You need either:

2 Tarwars (one for each hand)

OR

A 30" Sirupati. (when travelling light is important)

Now these are some knives that will do something.


:rolleyes: :D ;)


~ Bamboo ~
 
I got here and asked the same questions.
"I hope you're not trying to find the one perfect khuk," Yvsa wrote to me privately.

The BAS was too small. I'm 5'11" and 185lbs, and have average hands.

The 18" length is the pinnacle of effectiveness for me. You get more leverage, and it is carryable.

Many like the 16.5" Chiruwa AK. I'd prefer a 18" AK, WWll, or Baby Ganga Ram. The M43 is a Dark Horse coming on the outside. I would try for 28 oz.

I cut wood every season for heat.

It is really neat to be wondering which first khuk to buy. What great days those were. You can tell yourself you'll only get one, or a small battery of three which should take care of most uses.


munk
 
munk said:
You can tell yourself you'll only get one, or a small battery of three which should take care of most uses.


munk
Click to expand...

Exactly. My three include a 16 1/2 Chirawa AK, a Pen knife and a Bilton. They do all the jobs I need. I could sub a Kumar Karda, but I like these "bent" blades.

Brian
 
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