gruntmedik
Gold Member
- Joined
- Mar 12, 2009
- Messages
- 1,684
The top khuk here is an 18" 19 oz Gelbu Special. The black handled one is a WWII, and the bottom is a BAS. Kinda shows the thickness.
-
The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
Price is$300$250 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/ - Order as many as you like, we have plenty.
Woman needs help choosing the right knife!
- Thread starter knifes101
- Start date
- Joined
- Mar 26, 2002
- Messages
- 2,845
My recommendations, based on your request:
1. Kobra - lightest weight, and appropriate for grass/shrubs up to a few inches
2. Gelbu Special - because I like the Gelbu
3. Sirupati - 18" to start, or 20" if you must. 20" will be more tiring
4. BAS - Good starter khuk for things like coconuts. Much shorter than the others on the list, so you won't easily be able to substitute this for a machete.
5. TARWAR - more of a sword. You'd have to use this 2-handed. 1-handed use is possible, but tiring.
**** Khuks vary in weight. Ask Yangdu to pick out the lightest (or best balanced) example of the model you choose.
**** Hand size is important. If your hands are on the smaller side, most khuks will work for you (Nepalis tend to have smaller hands than the typical American male). If you have large hands, the larger khuks will be fine, but the handles on the 15-16" models will be an acquired taste
**** Sharpen your khuk. This will dramatically enhance performance on lighter materials. If you regularly use machetes, sharpening knowledge shouldn't be a problem.
IMO, the Sirupati is a good chopping blade. You chop more with speed and leverage than with the sheer mass of heavier khuks. Also, the "light" HIs are still build heavier than most production knives billed as choppers.
Good luck making a choice. When you get it, post a review!
1. Kobra - lightest weight, and appropriate for grass/shrubs up to a few inches
2. Gelbu Special - because I like the Gelbu
3. Sirupati - 18" to start, or 20" if you must. 20" will be more tiring
4. BAS - Good starter khuk for things like coconuts. Much shorter than the others on the list, so you won't easily be able to substitute this for a machete.
5. TARWAR - more of a sword. You'd have to use this 2-handed. 1-handed use is possible, but tiring.
**** Khuks vary in weight. Ask Yangdu to pick out the lightest (or best balanced) example of the model you choose.
**** Hand size is important. If your hands are on the smaller side, most khuks will work for you (Nepalis tend to have smaller hands than the typical American male). If you have large hands, the larger khuks will be fine, but the handles on the 15-16" models will be an acquired taste
**** Sharpen your khuk. This will dramatically enhance performance on lighter materials. If you regularly use machetes, sharpening knowledge shouldn't be a problem.
IMO, the Sirupati is a good chopping blade. You chop more with speed and leverage than with the sheer mass of heavier khuks. Also, the "light" HIs are still build heavier than most production knives billed as choppers.
Good luck making a choice. When you get it, post a review!
Welcome to someone else in the pacific!
Remember the khuk that calls to you is the one you want.
The model I choose (or choose me) is the YCS.
I use it one trees, brush, firewood, scrub, vines and in the kitchen!
The model you choose will discolour over time, even though i clean mine after each use it is developing a patina of stains.
You might want to consider a WW2 model, these are tools as well as weapons and possibly more tools than weapons, whereas the M43 is probably more of a weapon tool, or maybe a militerised tool?
As for a hunter well maybe a pen knife would be what you want, the big belly on it would probably skin well and there is enough weight to cleave through a breastbone, or remove a head, plus you could carry it all day in the bush without a problem, that or the Brit army knife would work well.
Whatever one you choose, do pay attention to the safety thread, keep it clean and well oiled and enjoy!
Remember the khuk that calls to you is the one you want.
The model I choose (or choose me) is the YCS.
I use it one trees, brush, firewood, scrub, vines and in the kitchen!
The model you choose will discolour over time, even though i clean mine after each use it is developing a patina of stains.
You might want to consider a WW2 model, these are tools as well as weapons and possibly more tools than weapons, whereas the M43 is probably more of a weapon tool, or maybe a militerised tool?
As for a hunter well maybe a pen knife would be what you want, the big belly on it would probably skin well and there is enough weight to cleave through a breastbone, or remove a head, plus you could carry it all day in the bush without a problem, that or the Brit army knife would work well.
Whatever one you choose, do pay attention to the safety thread, keep it clean and well oiled and enjoy!
I'm going to further the recommendation for a Bolo, if you find one. It's closest in type/shape to what you're used to, but probably a far superior work to a factory-made machete.
As for the WWII vs M43 debate, the key elements are that A) the M43 is about 2 inches bigger, and B) that it has a curved handle, while the WWII's is straight. That makes the WWII slightly easier to carry, while the straight handle and "hatchet" grip that may go with it, is more familiar to Westerners.
Having said that, I bought the M43, and do not find it cumbersome at all. It certainly does not produce the fatigue of the 22" machetes I used previously.
As for the WWII vs M43 debate, the key elements are that A) the M43 is about 2 inches bigger, and B) that it has a curved handle, while the WWII's is straight. That makes the WWII slightly easier to carry, while the straight handle and "hatchet" grip that may go with it, is more familiar to Westerners.
Having said that, I bought the M43, and do not find it cumbersome at all. It certainly does not produce the fatigue of the 22" machetes I used previously.
- Joined
- Jan 28, 2006
- Messages
- 7,035
Well, then you should probably go for that.
I think it was Uncle Bill that used to say that you don't find the right kukri, it finds you.
As for your hunter friend. . .
A Bura Bowie:
Or AK bowie:
Would probably do him well.
- Joined
- Jun 13, 2006
- Messages
- 3,724
KOOOO-BRAAAAAA!!!
(wanted an excuse to type-shout "BOOOONNE-CUTTERRRR!" again, but, well it ain't the right khuk fer the job.)
I'd say probably an 18 or 20" Kobra for you, being the lightest offering with any reach, and your male neighbour could probably use a similarly sized sirupate or chitlange (similar reach, more heft).
(wanted an excuse to type-shout "BOOOONNE-CUTTERRRR!" again, but, well it ain't the right khuk fer the job.)
I'd say probably an 18 or 20" Kobra for you, being the lightest offering with any reach, and your male neighbour could probably use a similarly sized sirupate or chitlange (similar reach, more heft).
I have not come across the bone cutter for sale on the site. Where do I find it? Even if it is not appropriate for the job I am still curious to check it out.
- Joined
- Aug 28, 2004
- Messages
- 216
I don't believe bonecutters are in the catalog at this time. They tend to come up in the DOTD you can check one out here http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=668349
That bura bowie is really pretty, I love the handle! But I have not seen this on the site for sale!
- Joined
- Aug 28, 2004
- Messages
- 216
Another one that comes up as a DOTD best to contact Yangdu if you're interested
- Joined
- Aug 28, 2004
- Messages
- 216
She's usually very prompt about answering but as with all things some days are busier than others
- Joined
- Jan 28, 2006
- Messages
- 7,035
You might was to peruse the thread titled "Missing pages of the HI catalog".
I dare say, most of the models are not on the HI website, but offered on the forums here.
I dare say, most of the models are not on the HI website, but offered on the forums here.
knifes 101 ,
I live in Florida and the vegetation sounds very similar. I had the same delimna. I have and used many HI khukries. For Florida light weeds and vines I use a 18" Kobra. I bought an 18 " Gelbu Special and it works but the Kobra is better for the lighter grass and bushes. At work the 2" saplings down by the water, I use my 20 " Sirupati.
I strongly sugest a Kobra although it is stated "Not for Heavy Use or Chopping".
The Kobra is sooo much lighter swinging I urge you to look at this option. All the best.
Jim S
I live in Florida and the vegetation sounds very similar. I had the same delimna. I have and used many HI khukries. For Florida light weeds and vines I use a 18" Kobra. I bought an 18 " Gelbu Special and it works but the Kobra is better for the lighter grass and bushes. At work the 2" saplings down by the water, I use my 20 " Sirupati.
I strongly sugest a Kobra although it is stated "Not for Heavy Use or Chopping".
The Kobra is sooo much lighter swinging I urge you to look at this option. All the best.
Jim S
- Joined
- Sep 21, 2008
- Messages
- 95
I recommend an M-43....
Mainly because it's the only HI kukhuri I own... If it's too heavy for you your friend/neighbor would LOVE it!!
Welcome!!