Khukuri! But which one?

Originally posted by Bodaciouschief
Does the blade metal go all the way to the bottom of the handle on all of these?
2nd

I second this question. I know the Chiruwa's butt-cap is wielded onto the tang of the blade as to make it nearly indestructible, but what about the sirupate? Can I have one of them made with a Chiruwa style handle?

I second the opinions of a few of the posts on here in regards to handling a knife before picking it. While you may not be able to get to AZ to do so, possibly call the company and ask about return policy. If you can narrow it to 2, order both then return the one that does not feel right for you.

I have collected and used MANY knives both large and small over the years. I also started and run a custom knife and gun site for collectors/gunsmiths/knifemakers. A very important question, especially if your looking to use this blade a lot is does the tang go completely to the end of the handle, as in full tang? This is very important because in a chopping scenario you could very well lose your blade and possibly incur a serious injury if it is not a full tang knife.

The steel is also important. Again, if you are using this blade a lot then you will need something you can easily sharpen and know how to sharpen. Many of the knives I use on a daily basis are 01 or D2 type steels and can be easily brought back to hair popping sharp with either a strop, or in some cases I have just used the belt I was wearing at the time. Tool steels tend to rust a lot easier in humid environments....I live in GA as well and have dealt with it for a long time. My go to "coating" has always been Renaissance Wax. It is easily polished in and does not gather dust or whatever as oil/petrol type products will. You have to apply it every now and then, but it will keep ANYTHING from rusting. Those types of steel are typically high carbon so they rust quickly if not cared for properly. If your scabbard is leather, DO NOT store it in the scabbard.....it will only take on more moisture and rust the edge. The mirror polish on these blade will help though.

I could go on and on, but I don't really know your use for this type of knife. As a collector I have had many different knives in my hands. I can say if you wait a couple months you should go to BLADE show in Atlanta. It is the largest knife show in the world and numerous custom knifemakers bring their stuff to show/sell. It is at the Galleria in Atlanta in June I believe this year. It would be a great place to really check out a lot of different style knives and pick the appropriate one for you. The custom knives tend to be a bit pricier though, so if that is what you choose then be prepared to spend a bit more.

Either way.....good thread.....always like to see another fellow knife enthusiast.

reply to post by boot2theface


depends on your purposes. for utility, i'd recommend the ones with wider blades, because for chopping wood, they are better.
i have one, and if you ask me, I'd say the first one, but it really depends on you. I'd check it out firsthand though, instead of ordering it from the net.
good luck though. they are awesome tools. If I could choose one thing I could bring with myself into the woods, that would be it. maybe a crossbow, but the khukri is better.

My vote goes to the Sirupate I got the current British service issue and one of the shorter jungle models. Fantastic knives to use and just to appreciate. I'd recommend taking a look on Khukuri Palace. They're based in Nepal and I have only fantastic things to say about their knowledge and customer service

All Himalayan Imports knives with hidden tangs have peened pommels, as far as I know. It's a very strong method to secure a handle to a knife. I remember reading that they also use an industrial strength adhesive to keep the handle in place, as an added measure.
For what it's worth, I have a couple of dozen "battle ready" swords, and, most of them utilize the peened pommel for securing their respective handles.

Also, trying before buying is excellent advice.
There's no substitute for actually feeling the heft and dimensions of a given knife, first hand.
Barring that, HI has an excellent return policy, IIRC, and, they will replace the knife if you manage to break it.
Now, this was years ago when I read this, so, you may want to look it up just to make sure.
HI has a sub-forum of it's own over on BladeForums.com in the "Manufacturer's" section. I haven't been there in several years, so, it couldn't hurt to double check.

The kukri is a famous blade!

Unfortunately, it is so unwieldy for anything but ambushes you might as well carry a farmer's scythe.

KA-BAR FTW

reply to post by boot2theface


i would go with the WWII one because of the broad end but thats just what i like in a kukri

Originally posted by CX
I've used the Cold Steel Kukri Machete for a couple of years now, have added some tight rubber bike tubing on it for better grip. Does the job nicely.

www.coldsteel-uk.com...

CX.

Edit: Aplogies, forgot that you aren't looking for other options, i'll leave the advice to someone else who knows more about them. They look too nice to use as much as i do, at least with my Cold Steel one it takes a god beating and it's no loss if i mark it.

edit on 25/3/12 by CX because: (no reason given)

You must be referring to the LTC(Light Terrain Chopper)..I have the (discontinued) ATC ( All Terrain Chopper)...It's a beautiful piece but hardly cheap or something to be used with disdain,,,,I love mine as a fighting weapon ....I have a Gerber hatchet for bushes

I'd say be careful buying from overseas due to quality issues...you get what you pay for

After looking at the pics I'd have to say none of them.
I've an old WWII one that my grandfather brought back from his time in Burma and its more rounded on the back of the blade. Those ones look too angular and I'd imagine the balance isn't all that great.
Get an old one if you can.

When fighting hypothetical zombies, it is good to have a khukuri in your main hand.

But what would be a good implement to hold in your off-hand? Some sort of shield, smaller parrying knife, hatchet? thoughts?