why chose an HI kukri over an ontario kukri?

[wildmanh]

Why choose one over the other when you can choose both!

The H.I. Khukri's are a great example of a more traditional Khukri updated for western users. The Ontario is a good example of an American designed KLO. If you can, get both and have fun!

 

[HoosierQ]

I made this mistake. I have an HI 15" BAS, Rajkumar. I fancied, for some reason, the KLO made by Condor called the Kukri Machete. Asked for one for Christmas and got it. $40. It even has a cho.

Well, there's just no comparison. It feels completely wrong in the hand. 1075 steel which is good for machetes and choppers. Distal taper which is nice. None helps the feel. It feels wrong. I am almost ashamed but I share here so others will not repeat.

Only a real Khukuri is a Khukuri. I will never purchase another KLO again as long as I live. I have no beef with Condor, they make great machetes. I hope to own both a WWII and an M43 someday and both will be HI...or I just won't have another.

It really is that different.

 

[Cotherion]

HoosierQ, u are referring to the Heavy Duty version of the Condor Kukri which is 14.5 inches long and 5/16 thick right and not the earlier thin el cheapo version?

 

[cj65]

I do not like to eat Mexican food at Taco Bell or even El Torito. I would prefer a strip mall no name Mexican restaurant where the food is much more authentic than a watered down version. This is just my analogy as to the "Why" question. Also, I feel good about supporting the Kami's and this sub forum in general.

 

[sweetcostarica]

Here's a dictionary definition to keep things clear:
Mimic:
To take on the appearance of.

Respectfully, the Ontario "kukri" in no way mimics a traditional khukuri except in silhouette.

You are of course correct in detail except for when you said of the traditional Nepali Kukri: "It is far thicker and heavier for its length".

Actually of all the traditional Kukris I've owned, seen, and handled the Ontario kukri is almost on the money for thickness (1/4 inch) and weight (18 ounces) in comparison if we are talking about the average ones at 12 inch blade length. These are the factors I was talking of but should have been more specific. The Devils in the details. So even though the Ontario does perform well and is a fair blade (thanks to some of it's Kukri qualities) it's no "Kukri" compared to the traditional ones or some Himalayan Imports models like Jroden5446's Kukri pictured above. This is as you stated point by point too Thomas Linton. That's the main reason I sold my Ontario Kukri and bought a traditionally made in Nepal Kukri to replace it.