Which Kuk best for me?

S

Slingadeski

Joined
Aug 14, 2010
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I've been really interested in Kukris, and am wondering what specific type I should get, as there seem to be so many.


A bit about why Im needing one, first of all. I live on the outskirts of Reno. Some gangs and assorted scumbags have moved into the area in the past few years. I've actually had a couple close calls with these people, seeing that I work a graveyard shift and am generally out and about at night when these people are most active. Im not going to be 21 for a few more months, so until then, no packing a firearm. I still do wish to defend myself, and want something I can keep nearby. Not necessarily strapped on my leg, but hidden between the seats, or in a backpack for when Im on a bike.

As a secondary use, I'd probably use it around as a light yard tool. Cutting down noxious weeds/willows/etc. Maybe using it in the kitchen for easy obliteration of coconuts and such. Perhaps even as defense against mountain lions and badgers for when I go hiking. If I want to cut firewood, I'll get something heavier.

As far as my build goes, that is probably an important part in selection. Im about 5'11 and 170. Not lanky but not stalky either. I have fairly large hands and long fingers, but not really meaty/thick hands. I was thinking I should get a more nimble model with longer reach like a Kobra or Chitlangi. I really like the look of the Chitlangi and have heard the handles are amongst the comfiest to use. Though it would be more important that it is balanced and quick to maneuver.

I hear HI makes the best stuff, and Im going to potentially be trusting my life to one of these blades. What do the experts here recommend?
 
First of all, what are the laws like there? Walking around with one in a pack would constitute a concealed weapon most places. Is that legal for you to do? IIRC Nevada has a concealed handgun license (which like you said, you can't get until you're 21). Is it legal to open carry a knife in Reno?

Now, with that said. . .

For more of a defense and light work blade, the sirupate is a good choice, as is the kobra. The Chitlangi is lighter than the big bruisers, but not really a "light" blade. A Gelbu Special is sort of like a lightened chitlangi and may be the better choice.

You might want to look at some of the knives. The Tamang looks superb for what you want. There's also the AK Bowie. If you don't mind having less reach, and less coconut killing potential, the HI Kerambits are really nice.

Don't know the laws there, but if you can get away with it, an Uddha sword or mini Tarwar would do the trick.
 
For your purposes as stated a 15" or 18" sirupate would be ideal. A chitlangi of eqaul length would also be a good choice (plus they are just flat lovely blades).

A Tamang knife would be a more conventional but excellent choice as well.

However you need to look into the local laws first. Up here in my neck of the woods it is perfectly o.k. to carry a kuk on my side as long as it isn't concealed. Some other areas you will be in deep doo doo if you do the same. Some areas it will get you put in prison.

The other concern as far as using a kuk for self defense is where are you going to go to put in the time working with it to make drawing the blade and using it a reflexive rreaction. This is of great importance in combative use of any weapon. When I was in the USMC we would practice with our weapons for hours upon hpurs upon hours, drill upoin drill till we could use them practicaly in our sleep. Before you will be competent to defend yourself with a weapon you must reach the same level of proficiency. Otherwise you may wind up with your own weapon being used on you. Intimidation value is worthless.

This level of proficiency is easily gained with a kukri with regular use and disciplined practice. But it is not attained without the effort required.

Not trying to discourage you. Just want you to look at things realisticaly and go into them with a clear view of what you need to do.

A 15" sirupate is compact, light and fast with amazing cutting ability for a blade it's size. Me I would prefer an 18". With practice you can easily get to where you can draw the blade and strike in one move with devastating effect. But it takes working with the sheath and the blade. Explaining why it was neccessary to nearly chop a man in half to the police is another matter.
 
Knife laws are rather iffy here. No doubt it would raise questions if someone saw me peddling along with a giant sheath on my person, though I don't think it would be illegal unless the police wanted it to be(IE, Im being cross with them, or going into banks/gov't buildings with it). Seeing as I have no priors and have somewhat of a positive rapport with the local police, Im not too concerned. The threat of the hoodlums is definitely more prominent.

I do like the knives, but I've already got a nice Buck which I carry. I still feel under-equipped though, which is why I want to upgrade to a kukri.

I do intend on devoting dedicated practice. At least daily the first month or two, then probably weekly beyond that to stay sharp. I have no disillusionment here. Despite being young, I know buying a big knife won't turn me into Mick Dundee or Rambo. I've seen a person get seriously hurt by their own weapon or tool, with no imminent threat to put pressure on them. In one instance, I managed to disarm a fellow who pulled a knife on me one night after a show, and I don't have any formal training with that kind of thing. Albeit I did get cut, it could have been much worse.

The Chitlangi is really calling out to me. But I don't know if it would be the most practical for this. Just how much slower is it than the Kobra or Sirupate? Seeing as Im in Reno, and the HI shop/HQ is in Reno, would it be possible for me to handle some of the wares before making my decision?
 
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Slingadeski. Easiest way to find out if it is ok or possible for you to drop by Yangdu's place and try out a few blades is to email her. Just click on her sig here on the site and it'll let you email her.
 
For self-defense against ghetto scum, i'd definitely choose Fox Pepper Spray over a khuk. For one, you'll probably be fighting against multiple attackers. For two, you can quickly and easily spray down multiple attackers enough to blind them and get the hell out of dodge. For three, they can't wrestle it away from you and use it to kill you like they could with a khuk. For four, it's small, easily packable and legal to carry, whereas a huge piece of Nepalese steel might be iffy. And for five, if you spray someone you both live to see another day.

If you're in the situation to use your khuk against a human, your life will change forever. Even if you kill him and are cleared criminally (which is an obstacle in itself), baby mama coming after you for money. I learned that if you have a weapon and use it in self-defense, the odds are against you either legally or civilly. That's why i took the course for CCW but decided against it at the end of class.

Edit: Oh, HUGE caveat, though -- some people are simply unaffected by pepper spray. For the vast, vast majority of people though, a blast from Fox Pepper Spray will feel like their face is melting. But the way I look at it, you take out four of the five guys that were going to jump you, you're just throwing down with one guy who wasn't affected. Hope you have heavy hands and a good chin. ;)
 
moogoogaidan said:
For self-defense against ghetto scum, i'd definitely choose Fox Pepper Spray over a khuk.
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Considering the dope they are often on, it may not be effective.
moogoogaidan said:
For one, you'll probably be fighting against multiple attackers. For two, you can quickly and easily spray down multiple attackers enough to blind them and get the hell out of dodge.
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Once you spill one's guts on the pavement, the rest tend to run.
moogoogaidan said:
For three, they can't wrestle it away from you and use it to kill you like they could with a khuk. For four, it's small, easily packable and legal to carry, whereas a huge piece of Nepalese steel might be iffy.
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I didn't live near Reno, but in Elko County, they were pretty easy going on open carry of even very large knives, and dirtbags were at a decided disadvantage, legally.
moogoogaidan said:
And for five, if you spray someone you both live to see another day.
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That's a downside for sure. You just gave someone instruction on how you fight, and incentive to come again.

moogoogaidan said:
If you're in the situation to use your khuk against a human, your life will change forever. Even if you kill him and are cleared criminally (which is an obstacle in itself), baby mama coming after you for money.
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Depends on the law. Problem in NV is that there's different laws for different counties. Ones with a good self-defense law will state that a civil suit cannot be brought against you if you kill someone in a lethal force encounter where the other person is in the wrong. He REALLY needs to look into local laws.
moogoogaidan said:
I learned that if you have a weapon and use it in self-defense, the odds are against you either legally or civilly. That's why i took the course for CCW but decided against it at the end of class.
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Again, it depends.
My State law says that oif I defend myself from attack in any place I am allowed to be (i.e. I'm not the one tresspassing, etc), criminal charges cannot be filed against me, nor can civil suits be brought against me. He needs to speak to a lawyer, and his local D.A.
 
Problem A - you and your's surviving the attack undamaged.
Problem B - dealing with the aftermath.
B does not matter unless A is successful. If A is done then B matters hugely.

Better to deal with the legal aftermath of life protection than have you or your's crippled, raped, maimed or dead.

There are people who pepper spray does not work on. Khukri works on all.
Assuming it is legal I would rather have a Khukri or a framing hammer etc..than spray against multiples.
 
Welcome slingadeski !

Lets not turn this into another prac-tacesque thread please.
The OP has decided what course of action he chooses to take, and is asking for a khukuri recommendation.

The truth be told, slingadeski, only you can decide which khukuri style you like and which one will benefit your needs most. We can only recommend you certain choices based on your stated needs and your physical stature.
If you are looking for a martial arts or defensive type blade, the sirupati, chitlangi, WWII are highly recommended for this task. You mostly want to keep within the range of smaller khukuri (up to 18") to aid in swing recovery should you miss your target.
The 15"- 18" WWII, BAS or even the M-43 khukuri would suit all your needs though, as you could also take it camping and use it for firewood chores. The Siru and Chit are not suited to being choppers due to their thinner blades and lighter weight. They also are not warranted for such tasks.
 
Having watched many Reno 911 episodes there really shouldn't be any thugs roaming around as they have been scared off.
 
Personaly one of the reasons that I chose my M-43 was it's suitability as a weapon. Since in the situation I was living in it was very possible I would have to use it in self defense angainst either human or animal attackers. But I needed it mainly to be an exceptional survival tool, which it is.

Luckily I never had to use it against a human aggressor.
 
Sorry Karda, best defense IMHO is 16 rounds of .45Auto or 31 rounds of 9mm:p
Out in the woods hiking an M43 is probably justifiable. In an urban environment one of the smaller HI Bowie s or R series knives would be more prudent or a small Tarwar if you can hide it. Better to concentrate on not getting in or getting out of the situation in the first place.
Your local laws may vary.
 
My two top picks of H.I. combat blades are my 20" Sirupati by Bura and my Seax by Dil.

But if you're going purely for a khukri, here's a pic of three o' mine I use to demonstrate the size & geometry differences between an Ang Khola, Chitlangi, and Sirupati:

HPIM0934.jpg


The Sirupati is lightweight, quick, and nimble, making it a vicious combat weapon, but it's also tough enough to do some light chopping. The Chitlangi is halfway between the two and has some some of the Ang Khola's power combined with some of the Sirupati's speed & agility.
 
Not really advocating using a blade on another human being, especially if the guy pulls out a gun. If things are really so bad perhaps a change of situation to avoid such circumstances are in order.

Having said that... many of the kukris are designed to be formidable heavy duty choppers and are built quite heavy. Even the 'martial' intended ones can be quite heavy. I just gave a 20" Kobra to my nephew today and was thinking that if an adversary were armored or was a zombie requiring delimbing or beheading to stop then the Kobra would be just the thing.

Otherwise, you would be giving up much speed and quickness of a lighter blade. Try initiating, redirecting, parrying, slashing, thrusting w/ a 30 oz. blade vs a 15 oz. one of similar lengths and you will readily feel the difference. So of the HI designs my recommendation would be for the Tamang which weighs in a about 15oz and 16" long, is relatively straight for redirection and thrust, has a belly for slicing and a decent point for penetration. This is not a duel scenario, but rather a last resort attempt to stop the attack adequately to get away.

Lastly, all this is moot if you don't get adequate training like folks here have said. And even if you get training there is always someone better or just plain luckier on a given day, so the first paragraph would be most prudent.
 
Thanks for all the feedback! It's helped me both narrow down my options.

18" Chitlangi: Really dig the fullered blade on it, and would like the extra durability and chopping power if need be. Though I'd have to handle a lighter blade to see if those factors make up for the loss in speed. So I may go with a Kobra, Gelbu, or Sirupate.

M-43 or WWII: These are pretty cool as well. I might get one down the line if I see the need. Looks like it would be hard to own just one Kukri. <_<

What is a Tamang?
 
Slingadeski said:
Thanks for all the feedback! It's helped me both narrow down my options.

18" Chitlangi: Really dig the fullered blade on it, and would like the extra durability and chopping power if need be. Though I'd have to handle a lighter blade to see if those factors make up for the loss in speed. So I may go with a Kobra, Gelbu, or Sirupate.

M-43 or WWII: These are pretty cool as well. I might get one down the line if I see the need. Looks like it would be hard to own just one Kukri. <_<

What is a Tamang?
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Let me give you some advice about kukri my friend.
The Late Uncle Bill used to say that we do not choose a kukri, a kukri chooses us.

It's fairly obvious that you can't get your mind off of a chitlangi.
I think a kukri may have chosen you.

Another thing is, when you have the right kujkri - again, the one that has chosen you -- it will fit you so well that you will be able to handle it well. At that point you NEED TO TRAIN. That doesn't mean spending thousands of dollars at some dojo. I don't know of anyplace that teaches kukri fighting. Look at something like the book "Kill or Get Killed" (it's available free as a .PDF file, or the book is fairly cheap. It teaches WWII combatives, both armed and unarmed. The techniques are mostly gross-muscle movements that don't require fine motor skills while the adrenaline if being released by the gallon and your blood is pumping so hard you hear your pulse in your ears. The techniques are easy to learn and hard to forget. The knife fighting section will have some applicability to kukri, with some adaptation needed. Most of the unarmed techniques can also be easily adapted to use of the kukri as an extension of your arm.

If you're interested in more, then -- bowing to karda's wishes -- maybe fork over the $10 for a Basic membership, and feel free to PM me about it.
 
Slingadeski said:
Thanks for all the feedback! It's helped me both narrow down my options.

18" Chitlangi: Really dig the fullered blade on it, and would like the extra durability and chopping power if need be. Though I'd have to handle a lighter blade to see if those factors make up for the loss in speed. So I may go with a Kobra, Gelbu, or Sirupate.

M-43 or WWII: These are pretty cool as well. I might get one down the line if I see the need. Looks like it would be hard to own just one Kukri. <_<

What is a Tamang?
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:D Welcome to HIKV!

It looks like a 15 inch 22 ounce villager fit and finish Gang Ram/Bonecutter by Santosh Kami is the order of the day.

Not bad at all!!!:thumbup:

You remind me of myself...wanting to have ONLY one HI khuk...it didn't happen.
 
Alright, so in the name of science and finding out the best style of Kukri for me, I've ordered a few Kukris of various styles/brands.

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A 24" from Sarco. Not expecting this to be much more than a "KLO". Just want to see what it is like to handle a longer blade, and the price was right. Won't feel bad using it as a beater. Might be well suited as a machete replacement.

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An 18" Chitlangi and Service Issue No. 1 from KHHI. The Chitlange style is really calling to me for a protection weapon, and the Service Issue looked like a nice, clean, versatile little blade. This seemed like a cheaper way to get my samplings on, and still have a trusty Nepalese blade after the trials.

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And of course, the DOTD Gang Ram/Bonecutter Hybrid from HI. Blade profile kind of reminds me of an M-43, which I hear is an awesome blade. But lighter. And the sentimental value of the people at HI using it themselves. The villager fit and finish should make for a proper lifetime workhorse. Came at what I feel to be an excellent price as well.

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Please don't chop off my **** for sampling the competitors. Im still expecting the HI to be the cream of the crop, and probably going to go with them once I figure out what I want in my own Ultimate Kukri. That said..

Im planning to work the hell out of all 4 of these blades. So expect a photo-detailed "Khuk-Off" sometime in the next week or two.


x_x
I think Ihas the kukri bug doctor. *hack* *wheeze* *chop*
 
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