Which one to buy?

WadeF

WadeF

Joined
Apr 12, 2000
Messages
2,116
I keep telling myself I should pick up a real khukris sometime, but I have no idea which one to get. I'm about 6'1, 170lbs. What size and model is generally recommended for general use? I'd prefer function and toughness over looks. Just looking for someone to get me started in the right direction.
 
Lots of choices. I like the 17" Foxy Folly or the Baby Ganga Ram Special, aka 18" BGRS.

And welcome to the Psycho Ward. The Cantina is on the other side o' the tracks.;) :D
 
Be careful! You will become addicted! They are all great but I started with a 16.5" Chiruwa Ang Khola. Chiruwa means full tang. Awesome chopper for the size.
 
Hard to beat the 15" AK, the 16.5" WWII or the BAS. Don't worry, you won't be able to hurt any of them (I sure couldn't, and I tried), and you won't be able to stop at one either, so the one you decide to get first really isn't too terribly important.
 
The 18" GS should fit your needs. It's big enough to do some serious work without being overly unwieldy. Then again, the baby Ganga Ram Special is a nice knife also. I own the first one ever made. Given that you're 6'1" though I still think the GS would be the better fit.
 
Run!

It is too late for many of us but you can still save yourself. Do not look at the website, dont click on the fascinating history links, don't...

But if you insist, I think the best chance of a "general purpose" khukuri would be a 15" British Army Service (BAS) model or a 16.5" World War II model.

For me, I've always found the 18" Sirupati to be the one I would want to carry most of the time. Some of the folks here swing around 1" thick khukuris too, so your choice may differ :)

(Last chance: My wife insist that I warn you before I supply this link)
http://himalayan-imports.com/khuk1.html
 
I think you should go with an 18" knife. An AK or a GRS either one would be good. Those are the stoutest, and great choppers. For a fighter get a sirupate or a chitlangi. I've got chit fever right now. It doesn't really matter. Once you hold one of these babies, you are hooked and will get more. Welcome!!!
 
Welcome, Wade:)

I'm going to say the 16.5" WWII if you want something packable, but at your size and reach I would lean toward the 18" WWII. I'm 5'11 and 175# and the 18" WWII is really hard to beat. It would be a good starter khuk that will still give you plenty of umph to chop. Like most of the guys said, you probably won't stop at one. Be sure to check out the Deals of the Day that happen 3 or 4 times week as Yangdu has time. They tend to crop up here around 2-5pm eastern time. Sometimes earlier some times later.
BTW, huge new grounds fan here. You guys keep up the good work. If it wasn't for that site, i might actually get some work done:D
Once again, welcome:)

Jake
 
I only have one at this point, a 15" BAS by Bura. I haven't used it much,
but I did chop down some sapplings and it rocked right through em.
I would also like an 18" AK Villager, and a 9" Khadka.

DaddyDett
 
I started with a 15" BAS. Then I got a 12" sirupati for my son. Then I got a 16.5" WWII. HELP MEEEEE!!! Oh, wait, don't bother, nevermind. I'm OK now. I can quit anytime I want. Really. Just watch. You'll see.
 
I'd say 15-18" for your first.

A Baby Ganga Ram Special (BGRS, or just GRS) at about 17" would probably be perfect for you. Either WWII would probably work well for you, too.

18" AK might be a little heavier than you want to start with.
18" Chitlangi is a good choice, but it'll be on the light side (not a bad thing).
15" AK might suit you, too.

My recs:
BGRS 17"
18" WWII
BGRS 15"
15" AK
16.5" WWII...

If you were smaller, I'd probably not suggest the longer WWII, but you can handle it, can't you? :)

Welcome!

John
 
"Now, wood or horn? " WadeF

Oh Lord.... Wade, open a new thread for that one.


munk
 
WadeF said:
Thanks for everyone's input! Now, wood or horn? :)
Click to expand...

Totally up to you, Wade. Wood is probably the most favorite by a small margin. It typically has the most amount of grip right out of the box. Also the wood the kamis use on the handles is beautiful stuff. with some sanding and several coats of oil they just pop to the eye. Wood is my choice (behind antler;))
However, horn is great because it's exotic. It's water buffalo. A lot of people like the sleek shine of the horn. Also, if the horn is too slick in hand, then just take some sandpaper to it. It'll be just as grippy as wood and have a neat dull satin finish.
So either or. Cracking hasn't been a big issue in over a year. However, a would suggest that you oil a wood handle with a few coats of your favorite oil (Tru, Danish, etc). Also, horn handles seem to like a product called Hooflex. You can find it at most feed stores in the horse section. 7 or 8 bucks and it'll last you forever.
If Yangdu happens to post some "villager" models during the next deal of the day, you might try one of those. They are made by HI. The only difference is that they don't have a mirror polished blade and the handle is left a little rougher. They are great user khuks, cost a little less, and gives the do-it-yourselfer a chance to try out all kind of experiments on the handle and blade. They even have the same lifetime warranty:)

Happy sharking
Jake
 
Let's put it this way, Wade. I think I've successfully resisted the more virulent strains of HIKV because my first khuk was so danged good.

Villager, 16 1/2" WWII, horn handled. There are better khukuries for heavy chopping, and better for fighting, and for cutting light materials (like grass, or vines), or for carrying without getting in the way. But mine does most of those things well, and my prime tasks (chopping 3-4" softwood, and splitting kindling) very well indeed. Much better than the (good) tools I've used for this in the past, which I've now retired or given away.

As funds permitted, I've bought other HI knives, and doubtless I'll buy more. The Sarge knife I have is amazing. I want a chitlangi or gently curving Siru 'cause I like how they look. I'll want an old-fashioned leaf-bladed khuk, and a BAS for the history in the designs. I'll probably get other khukuries to give away, and two to keep as coming-of-age gifts for my sons.

But I've beat the hell out of that WWII - and wanted to, since it performed so well. By looking at it, you'd never see how much work it has done ... you'd just see a solid, well respected tool ... with decades of life in it yet.

Tom.
 
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