Which Kukri for all around camping/wilderness survival use

The one kuk that I own that I feel will do small, yet best for med to larger work, is my M-43 at 28-29 oz.
Yes, it is a bit on the heavy side, it is not as fast, it lacks the almost magic balance of some others and it is what I consider to be the maximum size and weight for a practical kuk that I would carry and use.
On top of that, mine has a malicious character; it's not tolerant of poor form. When I give it the respect and focus it deserves, I hate to say this..... It out classes all the other same size and smaller kuks I own in performance and effect on target.
I consider it my "play time is over, this is business" kuk. I also typically work out with this one.
If you want an M-43, I would suggest perfecting your form with one of the kuks previously mentioned, and then work on acquainting your self with the M-43.
 
No, the WWII is not the M43.
The one I got is the top one in the picture from this thread:http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=491512
8-08-07%20002.jpg

"18 inch 34 ounce standard blade ciruwa style handle WWII by Bura. Satisal wood handle. Non habaki style bolster. Superb rig at $140 YBB."

The WWII actually have a LONGER handle than normal (unlike the M43).

I understand it would be stretching its usefulness, but could the M-43 handle larger/heavier chopping jobs if necessary, like felling a tree?
Click to expand...
No, it really wouldn't be stretching its limits at all, it'll just take a little longer than with the same size AK.
 
Thanks all for answering my questions and helping me understand my choices. I think the WWII is my best choice for an all around kukri. Now I only need to decide if I'll go with the 16" or 18" model. Right now I'm leaning toward the 18" model. I guess my question is if the weight tradeoff between both models results in a significant difference in chopping ability and its ability to serve as a machete.

That been said, I'm curious about the BGRS. The smallest GRS in the HI site is 18". At about 2 pounds is about the same weight as the 18" WWII. Where do I find the BGRS? The HI site says the GRS is a dedicated chopper like the AK. Although the profile suggest "camp knife" and therefore "versatility," that may not be the case. Does any one know how well the GRS and/or the BGRS do as substitute machete?
 
PM,
I have both the bgrs and wwII in 18" and they are super. What I have noticed is that 18" is not too heavy or large for machete type work as long as they are not full tang. The alligator tail that is peened over is fine enough in my experience. It allows for less overall weight and more importantly more weight forward which aids in chopping. In comparing the two blade types they are very similar in use. The wwII may have a bit longer thinner blade (like machete) and the bgrs a bit broader, blunter tipped one. I use both interchangeably. They are my two favorite users by far. That's not to say I don't like the look of others but for overall use I like them the best. I can't really say why, but I like the ganga ram the best. The blunter tip is stronger and it seems a bit more choppy than the wwII...maybe that is why. It was also my first khuk from HI and it has a place in my heart. Bottom line is that both are super and will give you everything a khuk will do. As far as addressing your post...neither will replace a machete. These two are choppers. They can cut like a machete but you would probably do better with a lighter, longer khuk like the sirupate or kobra. They better approximate a machete, but with much better edge holding ability. Good luck with your khuk use. Like me and many others you will probably buy many khukuries, but it is fun to try and buy the most appropriate one first.
 
ganga ram rocks. still, i think if you're gonna dig and hammer with your khuk, stick with abuse-worthy hardware: your cold steels. they're easily replaced and though not as effective or substantial as HI, are servicable. small wrecking bars or crow bars may also be an option to carry with your HI.

still, get a him imp or two. my bgrs villager has a great edge. other knives, including him imps, have come and gone but my bgrs is permanent.
 
I've actually never handled a BGRS, but others rave about them. I do have a full sized GRS, and it is no way shape or form adequate for machete duty. Actually, it can easily take the place of a shorter axe. They generally come in at around 3+ lbs. The BGRS is supposedly a whole different animal:thumbup:

As far as your choice on WWII sizes. It's been awhile since I've handled them side by side, but I believe that you get about a half inch of blade (more or less) and an inch of handle (more of less) when you move up from a 16.5" to an 18". It also depends on your size. If you are around 5'10 or taller, the 18" is great. Our late, great mod Rusty was 5'4" and said that the 16.5" WWII just felt "magical", I believe.
 
Originally posted by Steely_Gunz:

As far as your choice on WWII sizes. It's been awhile since I've handled them side by side, but I believe that you get about a half inch of blade (more or less) and an inch of handle (more of less) when you move up from a 16.5" to an 18". It also depends on your size. If you are around 5'10 or taller, the 18" is great. Our late, great mod Rusty was 5'4" and said that the 16.5" WWII just felt "magical", I believe.
Click to expand...

Thanks, that's something to consider. I'm almost 5'7" and use regular large gloves.
 
Hi Preacher Man,

I have been reading all the post and from what I can come up with, you are more interested in some kind of Machete replacement. right?

If that is the case, I would consider knives more along the lines of a Sirupati or Kobra, they are lighter and therefore faster to use than a WWII or a BAS.

I´m not sure but I think that (at least the Siru) come from a more junlgy part of Nepal than AK and others.

Regards,

Alejandro
 
Originally posted by marenoa:

Hi Preacher Man,

I have been reading all the post and from what I can come up with, you are more interested in some kind of Machete replacement. right?

If that is the case, I would consider knives more along the lines of a Sirupati or Kobra, they are lighter and therefore faster to use than a WWII or a BAS.

I´m not sure but I think that (at least the Siru) come from a more junlgy part of Nepal than AK and others.
Click to expand...

Acrually, I'm looking for an all around camp kukri that will primarily replace a hatchet, but also replace a machete. Basically I'm lookibg for a good chopper, but one not so dedicated to chopping to the point that it cannot perform machete oriented tasks.

You the responces I've gotten, it seems the WWII is the best choice for what I want.
 
Don't overlook the Sirupati's . I just got back from a job in the "sticks" There was heavy vegitation that grew up around the construction site, The brush grows THICK AND FAST in Florida. The heaviest was 4 ft tall and 2" thick, very hard. At this dia it bends and offers little resistance but won't give when stepping on it.

The heavier khuks would not have worked as good as the 20" Sirupati because of the length, quickness while swinginging, and the ability to maintain control with the blade. A machette would be / is too light for those chores.
 
Originally posted by sams:

Don't overlook the Sirupati's . I just got back from a job in the "sticks" There was heavy vegitation that grew up around the construction site, The brush grows THICK AND FAST in Florida. The heaviest was 4 ft tall and 2" thick, very hard. At this dia it bends and offers little resistance but won't give when stepping on it.

The heavier khuks would not have worked as good as the 20" Sirupati because of the length, quickness while swinginging, and the ability to maintain control with the blade. A machette would be / is too light for those chores.
Click to expand...

I did consider a sirupati at first, but I think, and please correct me if I'm wrong, a sirupati don't make for a good replacement hatchet.
 
True. A sirupate though very good at slicing is nowhere near as good at chopping as the more curvy blade profiles.
 
Every model, every style is an animal unto itself. I have used my Sirupati for chopping 3" logs without a hitch. My favorite and worth consideration is a Chitlangi. I like the bell shaped butt and the 22" blade better than my 20" or 25" Sirupati.

An AK chops better, but if you are dealing with light to heavy brush and an occassional log, you can not go wrong with a Sirupati or a Chitlangi.

Of course this is just my opinion of personal experience. :D
 
Let me complicate this a bit more.
Look at a Foxy Folly with the traditional style handle and made by Bura. Beauty AND performance with a thinner edge profile for the light stuff, yet still chops pretty darn well. Not too heavy for the size, in my view.

17" in length and 24-25 oz, Bura is the master, therefore the only one that has the skill set to keep them in this weight I believe.

For all thats good in this world PLEASE don't use it as a shovel though!!!!! It just looks too damn sexy for that.
 
Originally posted by lizzardbone:

Let me complicate this a bit more.
Look at a Foxy Folly with the traditional style handle and made by Bura. Beauty AND performance with a thinner edge profile for the light stuff, yet still chops pretty darn well. Not too heavy for the size, in my view.

17" in length and 24-25 oz, Bura is the master, therefore the only one that has the skill set to keep them in this weight I believe.

For all thats good in this world PLEASE don't use it as a shovel though!!!!! It just looks too damn sexy for that.
Click to expand...

It actually looks interesting. Since this is a special order item I have two questions: 1) How does it compare to the WWII as a chopper? 2) How much is it?
 
I guess it depends on a few factors:

1) How intensive the use of the Khukuri.
2) The size of the Khukuri (i.e. length and thickness) itself.
3) The strength of the user.

I guess the practical size for a highly intensive use Khukuri is within 15" to 17" (i.e. for an ordinary Asian) or 16" to 18" (i.e. for an ordinary American). In this case 16 1/2" is a shared practical size for all. Anyhow the thickness must be limited to about 1/4" or the most is 5/16". While the weight is about 1 lb to 1 1/2 lbs.

The longer the blade the better it's reachability anyhow it will add wight and the heavier it is the faster it will get us tired.

Two models which come across my mind that might be the best are 15" BAS and 16 1/2" WW II.

If you have the size to handle a heavy Khukuri then I guess you can always push the length to 17" or 18" provided you have to take care of it's thickness. I am positive that the spine thickness of 1/4" or 5/16" is the fovourable one nowadays.

Mohd.
 
Preacher Man said:
It actually looks interesting. Since this is a special order item I have two questions: 1) How does it compare to the WWII as a chopper? 2) How much is it?
Click to expand...

Preacher, Yangdu put up a nice Foxy Folly today and I'm surprised it's still here with its $145.00 price tag!!!!:eek: It fits right in with the requirements you have specified for what you want. It won't be a hell on wheels totally dedicated chopper because of its lighter weight but it will make an excellent all around camp and survival knife.:thumbup: :cool: :D
To have a really perfect tool system get rid of the existing karda and chakmak and pick up a nice Scandi Knife from Ragnar and a ferrocium rod to strike sparks to make a fire with and it will be good to go!!!!

I agree that digging with any kukri isn't really the thing to do except in cases of extreme necessity as it will dull down the edge perceptibly! :grumpy: The tip of the kukri is intentionally left softer than the sweet spot so as to either roll, deform, or bend instead of chipping the edge or breaking the point. The back area of the blade is left softer for similar reasons.
Methinks you wouldn't be unsatisfied with this kukri should you be able to snag it.:thumbup: :D

Yangdu said:
17 inch 24 ounce Foxy Folly by Bura. Bayar wood handle. All fittings are brass. Take this beauty home today for $145 YBB.

10-16-07%20003.jpg

10-16-07%20004.jpg

10-16-07%20005.jpg
Click to expand...
 
It has more of a weaponesque feel to it compared to my hell for strong 16.5 WWII by Sher, and FEELS lighter even though it physicaly weighs more. Chops about as well as my WWII except the WWII chops "cleaner", meaning the WWII throws wood chips better. The Folly just doesen't clear the chips as well for me, and it sticks every once in a while. Different edge geometry is all.

Little bit more expensive than the others, but it is more labor intensive to make as well.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top