Which Khukuri would make the best all around camp knife!

Rene E. Roy

Rene E. Roy

Joined
Oct 4, 1999
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709
Ok Fellow Formites...I need your opinion...Which Khukuri would make the best all around camp knife?...my buddy saw my Kuukuri and wants one.....:D
 
Is he carrying it all day? Is he backpacking or day hiking? Is he driving all day and then setting up camp?

Does he need to cut wood?

munk
 
I have carried my BAS backpacking several times. It worked out well, but after getting the Pen Knife I think I am going to try it out. It is much lighter and for the size wood I cut for fires and stuff it is plenty big.

If weight wasn't a factor I'd go for the smaller Ganga Ram, or WW2, or AK of the same size.
 
all around camp-knife.
so for cooking, digging, light chopping, cutting sticks, skinning hunted animals and easy enough not to be a pain if you have to pack it with tent, sleeping bag etc.?
I´d go for a 13" Pen-knife or a 12" AK. The Pen knife seems more versatile as it is straighter (stabs are easier) and more bellied (easier to cut when you cut meat or vegetables on a flat surface). The 12" Ak (at least mine) is just a little better if it comes to chopping.

If you want to go bigger the BAS is not bad too

If weight and size is not an issue you could get any khuk in the 15-18 inch range (except the light kobras) all will do the job well. With the bigger khuks the karda is large enough to take care of the smaller jobs. With the 12 and 13 inchers I rework the scabbard and take out the loops for karda and chakmak, they are too small for me. result is a light flat packing all around camp knife.

Andreas
 
Alot of variables here indeed! While the 15"AK would do nicely in most regards, the BGRS 17" would be more versatile. A good 18" GS might be my choice. Use one regularily in the kitchen. Cuts/chops anything well even slices tomatoes! Decisions, decisions,,,:)
 
He wants to use it for all aspects...Day Hiking, Camping, Long hikes!
Chopping wood, Clearing brush...everything!
 
18" WWII. That's the original reason I went searching for a khuk. I think it still has the most versatility for chopping, clearing, and protection. The best of a camp ax and machete in one. Plus the small utility knife is perfect for the more delicate work. There are better models for more specific tasks, but if I had to choose one to accompany me into the wilderness, I'd take my WWII. My $0.02.

--Rip
 
Originally posted by RipNTear
Plus the small utility knife is perfect for the more delicate work
Click to expand...
I always forget to mention the kardas.
On the bigger blades these are proper knives unto themselves.
The smaller ones are still useful,
but just better suited for smaller tasks.
Not sure about hardness.
 
I agree with the 18" WWll, or similar blade weighing between approx 25 and 30 oz.




munk
 
Originally posted by ddean
I always forget to mention the kardas.
On the bigger blades these are proper knives unto themselves.
The smaller ones are still useful,
but just better suited for smaller tasks.
Not sure about hardness.
Click to expand...

That's something I have never read before. Has anybody ever tested to see what the hardness on the kardas is?
 
BAS, 16.5" or 18" WWII, maybe a 15" AK. For something a bit smaller, the Pen knife is probably the way to go.
--Josh
 
16.5" WWII. Just big enough to give you that massive, indestructible khukuri feel and chopping power, but small enough to carry around. For the record I'm only 5'7" 145 lbs, and the 16.5" feels just right for me.
 
Originally posted by roycustomknives
He wants to use it for all aspects...Day Hiking, Camping, Long hikes!
Chopping wood, Clearing brush...everything!
Click to expand...

Personally in this case I would recommend a 17"-18" Ganga Ram otherwise known as a BGRS, Baby Ganga Ram Special.:)
If you could get one of the lighter ones it would be near ideal!!!!:D
 
My answer for unknown uses is always the 16.5 WW2 ( as in when things go bump in the night, or for soldiers hesding out to who knows where ) but then I'm 5'4". Those not verically challenged may prefer the 18" WW2 or 15" AK, 18" Sirupati, Gelbu Special, etc.

The 16.5 WW2 is kind of like the 30-06, never a bad choice. Can make do for whatever comes. Once you know what you are up against you can make a better choice for that situation.
 
Roy, sounds to me like your friend needs a couple of knives. But if he can only get one to start with, I'd got for a 15" to 16.5" AK or a 16.5" WWII. I've heared good things about the BAS, I have one, but it needs some repairs before I can properly test it out.

The WWII is a good all around Khukuri. Handling chopping and lighter brush, plus mine slices veggies rather well.

If he could afford 2 Khukuris, I would go with an AK and Sirupati or GS. That way he would have a dedicated chopper and something for the lighter vegitation and kitchen duty.

He should also consider pairing the Khukuri(s) with a smaller fixed blade. The Karda's work okay, but I favor a SOG Field Pup or Older Western Hunting knife along with my Khukuris.
 
I'm partial to the 16.5" WWII or slightly longer Chitlangi. Have used used my 18+" Chit to clear lots of brush and even smallish trees this season.
John
 
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