How do you know which Khukri is right for you? Of course, none will be perfect to the point of the be all to end all, but is there a chart somewhere that gives an idea of length, width, weight, and such so if you buy one it will give you the best understanding of what they are all about? I am not in a position to actually try different sizes, but I like the concept enough to not just purchase one just to collect. Is there a difinitive site? I did go to the main HI site, but it is vague on the purpose of different styles. It did pique my interest in the knife and its history though. Thanks.
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Which one?
- Thread starter Bumppo
- Start date
- Joined
- Mar 7, 2002
- Messages
- 759
Here's a link to the Khukuri Faq's that does a comparison on sizes and shapes.
http://www.himalayan-imports.com/faq/physics/Khukuri_Dynamics.html
I've found though that there is variation between the same models. I have one 15" AK that is my absolute favorite and another that I really don't like much. I think the right Khuk will eventually find you. Sometimes you'll find you have a preference to a certain Kami's style or models.
This is the link to the main FAQ's page.
http://www.himalayan-imports.com/faq/
http://www.himalayan-imports.com/faq/physics/Khukuri_Dynamics.html
I've found though that there is variation between the same models. I have one 15" AK that is my absolute favorite and another that I really don't like much. I think the right Khuk will eventually find you. Sometimes you'll find you have a preference to a certain Kami's style or models.
This is the link to the main FAQ's page.
http://www.himalayan-imports.com/faq/
Bumppo,
How about giving us an idea of what you want to do with a khuk, trail clearing, farm chores, hiking, martial arts, ect. This bunch is quick to offer good advice. For a good all-rounder it's hard to beat a 15" Ang Khola, it was my first & is still my favorite.
Uplander
How about giving us an idea of what you want to do with a khuk, trail clearing, farm chores, hiking, martial arts, ect. This bunch is quick to offer good advice. For a good all-rounder it's hard to beat a 15" Ang Khola, it was my first & is still my favorite.
Uplander
- Joined
- May 9, 2002
- Messages
- 12,684
Khuks are like dogs, they pick their masters
:thumbup:
That said, any idea of what you are looking for in a khuk and what kind of work you will be doing with it is the first step. HI makes over a dozen different styles of khuks, and each of them will vary between between individual samples.
We're all very happy to help try to pair you up with your ideal tool. Just let us know what you are looking for
:thumbup:That said, any idea of what you are looking for in a khuk and what kind of work you will be doing with it is the first step. HI makes over a dozen different styles of khuks, and each of them will vary between between individual samples.
We're all very happy to help try to pair you up with your ideal tool. Just let us know what you are looking for
If getting only one, choice depends on what you'd use it for most.
Basic choice to start with is between the profile of blade that's orientated towards slicing (for instance a sirupate) and the chopping type - those with a more outward curvature of the blade, and tend to be a bit heavier than the slicers.
Some kukris can do both things well, but probably not do either function as well as a more specialised shape would.
Basic choice to start with is between the profile of blade that's orientated towards slicing (for instance a sirupate) and the chopping type - those with a more outward curvature of the blade, and tend to be a bit heavier than the slicers.
Some kukris can do both things well, but probably not do either function as well as a more specialised shape would.
- Joined
- Jan 28, 2006
- Messages
- 7,035
Definitely figure out what you're going to do with it. My first was a custom order 20" Chiruwa Ang Khola. It is also my favorite, despite having bought several others. Why?
What I wanted it to do:
1.) Replace my BFK.
2.) Replace my machete.
3.) Replace my hatchet.
To fulfill these needs:
1.) Any kukri can replace other big knives. An "itty bitty, tiny" 12" kuk, still has 7-8 inches of blade, angled for better chopping.
2.) This would indicate a Sirupate or Kobra.
3.) This precludes a Sirupate or Kobra. I decided I cut far more wood than soft vegetation, so the ability to keep up with, or exceed the hatchet took priority. This indicated an Ang Khola.
I chose a 20 incher because the hatchet it was to replace is a Snow & Neally Penobscot Bay Kindling Axe, which is 18" long, with a 1.75 pound Hudson Bay style head -- a hatchet that is very difficult to outdo in chopping.
I chose the Chiruwa style because HI offers to replace it with two if you break it, and I have this Tim, the Tool Man, Taylor fascination with overbuilding and overkill.
In the end I got a kukri that can outchop anything I own outside of a full sized axe, can do everything the big knife could do, and do some things better. While it isn't as good on soft vegetation as the machete, it does remarkably well, and a change in technique makes it nearly as good.
IMO, I got lucky. My other kukris are very, very good, but this one fits me, and what I want to do perfectly.
As for carrying it, yes it's big, not real good on a belt, at least not on one that is unsupported. In a belt-and-suspenders rig, it's much better. However, I've taken to carrying it with a shoulder strap, baldric style, works very well. I can bear the weight better, and don't notice it nearly as much. I even find it faster to get into action this way.
As far as it being too big for fine work, yes, it is. But remember they come with the Karda for fine work. While the karda isn't as hard as I'd like, it does get very sharp, and is very easy to sharpen, so it balances out.
What I wanted it to do:
1.) Replace my BFK.
2.) Replace my machete.
3.) Replace my hatchet.
To fulfill these needs:
1.) Any kukri can replace other big knives. An "itty bitty, tiny" 12" kuk, still has 7-8 inches of blade, angled for better chopping.
2.) This would indicate a Sirupate or Kobra.
3.) This precludes a Sirupate or Kobra. I decided I cut far more wood than soft vegetation, so the ability to keep up with, or exceed the hatchet took priority. This indicated an Ang Khola.
I chose a 20 incher because the hatchet it was to replace is a Snow & Neally Penobscot Bay Kindling Axe, which is 18" long, with a 1.75 pound Hudson Bay style head -- a hatchet that is very difficult to outdo in chopping.
I chose the Chiruwa style because HI offers to replace it with two if you break it, and I have this Tim, the Tool Man, Taylor fascination with overbuilding and overkill.
In the end I got a kukri that can outchop anything I own outside of a full sized axe, can do everything the big knife could do, and do some things better. While it isn't as good on soft vegetation as the machete, it does remarkably well, and a change in technique makes it nearly as good.
IMO, I got lucky. My other kukris are very, very good, but this one fits me, and what I want to do perfectly.
As for carrying it, yes it's big, not real good on a belt, at least not on one that is unsupported. In a belt-and-suspenders rig, it's much better. However, I've taken to carrying it with a shoulder strap, baldric style, works very well. I can bear the weight better, and don't notice it nearly as much. I even find it faster to get into action this way.
As far as it being too big for fine work, yes, it is. But remember they come with the Karda for fine work. While the karda isn't as hard as I'd like, it does get very sharp, and is very easy to sharpen, so it balances out.