why chose an HI kukri over an ontario kukri?

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yoyobeerman

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Is there a reason I should shell out up to 200 USD for an HI kuk, when I could spend 50 USD on an Ontario survival and combat kukri? Also how hard is the blade above and below the sweet spot of an HI kukri? And if someone could tell me where it is, preferably with a picture that would be excellent. Would it be possible to request the whole thing hardened? You know just to minamize the risk of the blade rolling. I also need to know which model of kuk to go with if I plan on using it mainly on brush, but not exclusively. I want a good camping blade, that's not to heavy, but heavy enough to use on wood, I also have a 100 USD budget. Thanks in advance, and sorry for the barrage of questions! :) *EDIT* is there a quallity reason that I should not go with a kukripalace kukri instead? *EDIT* http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...ordered-a-15-inch-AK!?p=12389976#post12389976 If you could visit this link and help me with some HI khuk related stuff, well... That would be awesome. *EDIT* this thread is now defunct. HI for life!!
 
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Take a looks at the KLUVK and ugly villager models that sometimes come up as a DODT
 
I buy most all of my HI kukris from DOTD (deal of the day) threads. Most for less than 100.

The Ontario is a good kukri but even in the same universe as a HI blade.
 
yoyobeerman said:
Is there a reason I should shell out up to 200 USD for an HI kuk, when I could spend 50 USD on an Ontario survival and combat kukri?
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The Ontario and others of its like are not khukuri, they are "khukuri like objects" or KLO's as we usually refer to them.
Just because one puts a bit of a curve in the blade or somewhat shapes it "like" a khukuri does not make the blade a khukuri.
As not2sharp pointed out, it isn't even made of the same tough spring steel, 1095 is a good steel, but 5160 is better for tough usage. You get what you pay for....

yoyobeerman said:
Also how hard is the blade above and below the sweet spot of an HI kukri? And if someone could tell me where it is, preferably with a picture that would be excellent. Would it be possible to request the whole thing hardened? You know just to minamize the risk of the blade rolling.
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The tip is usually unhardened to prevent breakage/shattering if one accidentally hits something hard, the sweet spot is usually 56-58Rc for chopping and the belly is usually softer for ease of sharpening, as this part if the blade is for slicing/draw knifing and should ever be used for chopping. The location of the sweet spot can be found here: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...mited-Lifetime-Warranty?p=6930491#post6930491

yoyobeerman said:
I also need to know which model of kuk to go with if I plan on using it mainly on brush, but not exclusively. I want a good camping blade, that's not to heavy, but heavy enough to use on wood, I also have a 100 USD budget. Thanks in advance, and sorry for the barrage of questions! :)
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There are many styles of khukuri. Many designed for specific usage. To have attributes of many khukuri in one, it will have to sacrifice in other areas. If you want a khukuri that will clear brush but still be able to do chopping, the WWII model would likely be your best choice.


yoyobeerman said:
*EDIT* is there a quallity reason that I should not go with a kukripalace kukri instead?
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HI is well known for quality of fit and finish and for toughness as the best. HI also has the best warranty and customer service.
If you have issues with quality or defects from the others, you will have to return your purchase to Nepal.(that is if you are within their 21 day warranty period) Our Retail end of the business is located in Reno, Nevada.

Many answers to questions you may have can be found here: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...me-to-Read-the-Himalayan-Imports-Link-Library
 
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If you have the opportunity, handle some real khukuris, not just pieces of steel stamped out with the silhouette of a khukuri made to trade on the name.

Reviewers of these KLO's are amazed that they are (!!!!) as thick as 1/4". In Khukuri World that makes them anorexic.

Save enough to buy a quality piece. Poor quality remains long after "cheap" price is forgotten.
 
Yoyobeerman,
As Karda and the others have said, the American made blades are NOT khukuris. Also, this is the HI forum, so it would be downright disrespectful to recommend another Nepalese brand here. I'll tell you this: KukriPalace isn't an option.
 
On 6/28 there was a DOTD post with a 15" Ang Khola for $75.

To get a beautiful blade complete with sheath, chakmak, and karda for $75 is a real steal.
 
Dirtbiker said:
On 6/28 there was a DOTD post with a 15" Ang Khola for $75.

To get a beautiful blade complete with sheath, chakmak, and karda for $75 is a real steal.
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Yea, your right. And I don't really mind paying more for HI instead of KH, because I know love and prayer has gone into it. Plus it helps improve the lives of the Kamis(?)
 
Now your getting the picture. Accept no 2nd rate substitutes. I was lucky and got steered here by a wise friend I've never met so I didn't have to sort through the wannabe's to find the real deal.
I need search no further.
 
yoyobeerman said:
Yea, your right. And I don't really mind paying more for HI instead of KH, because I know love and prayer has gone into it. Plus it helps improve the lives of the Kamis(?)
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Kamis have it hard that's true especially these days. Most are moving to the big city for better conditions and jobs.
The Ontario survival and combat kukri and Himalayan Imports (HI) Kukris. I owned the Ontario Kukri and it was a good one for sure it mimicked the traditional Nepali Kukri's blade and used a modern approach to the handle. Not my style but it worked well. This one is good for having a light blade.
It is very true the HI Kukri (let's say the KLVUK) is made of better tougher steel, is differently hardened, and convexed edge is great for wood. So if you can get one at the same price or more you just got a great deal. That's a no brainier. So I recommend the KLVUK or the Cadillac of Service Number 1's the HI BAS. Albeit the BAS usually cost more.
BAS Kukri.jpg
 
I have another Nepalese khukuri as well as the Ka-Bar "kukri" one that I had purchased before I bought one from Himalayan Imports. The difference between them is honestly nothing short of astonishing.. I bought the 6/6 15'' Ang Khola blem by Tirtha for $60 and even with the blemished handle, I'm still (beyond) in awe of it.

I wouldn't even consider purchasing another large blade from any other company.
 
Also real kukri are stick tang while modern ones might be full tang.

you want a stick tang believe it or not.
 
My answer is simple: because kukris from HI rock!

Buy one from DOTD and you'll never look back.
 
yoyobeerman:

You're in luck -- if you're fast enough. Today's DOTD includes three AKs within your price range. The 16.5" CAK would be best, in my opinion. It's a powerful chopper in a reasonable weight, and by a well-respected kami.

-- Dave
 
sweetcostarica said:
. . . The Ontario survival and combat kukri and Himalayan Imports (HI) Kukris. I owned the Ontario Kukri and it was a good one for sure it mimicked the traditional Nepali Kukri's blade and used a modern approach to the handle. Not my style but it worked well. This one is good for having a light blade.
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Respectfully, the Ontario "kukri" in no way mimics a traditional khukuri except in silhouette. It is stamped from steel sheet and edged by stock removal. That means its sides are flat and parallel. Thus makes it more likely to stick if chopped deeply into hard wood as compared to the traditional khukuri.

A traditional khukuri is forged. It's sides are not parallel. It's edge is convex. It is far thicker and heavier for its length. It is optimized for performance, not speed of production on an assembly line.
 
Why HI? Because where else can you get something handmade, with this attention to detail, that when you hold it in your hand it feels like a living thing. All for around $65

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