Do we have any Khukuri fans here?

[Billy]

My interest in large FB choppers and tomahawks has been growing lately, and I have really fallen in love with Khuks. I'm not talking about production stuff (although the Spyderco folder and Rock Salt are both at the very top of my Christmas list), but the real deal made by kamis in Nepal. I have yet to purchase my first, but am really looking forward to it. Something about the history, handmade nature, religious significance and just overall "magic" of these blades is very attractive to me. Kind of a "spiritual" knife if ever there was one.

So, if you have one (or several) post up about it/them and as always, pics are a plus!

[Doc Pyres]

Not to hijack this thread, but did someone say Tomahawk? :D

And IMHO, the Khukuri is one of the best blade designs ever. I used to have a real Nepalese one when I was a kid. Now that I think about it, it was probably my first-ever blade!

[buferoe]

hi there,

Yep, i am a Kukhri fan.
I own a Cold Steel Gurkha Kukhri in Carbon V steel.
And I like it very much.


kind regards,

Werner

[DMgangl]

I've always loved blades with good curves. I also have to agree that the Khukuri
is probably the best design for a fixed blade.

Sadly I only own a cold steel khukuri machete for camping. I plan on getting a good Gurkha Khukuri, but I have a few Spydercos higher on the wants list.

DMgangl

[TCSpyder]

I purchased one of these and I was not impressed. The black coating covered the bevel. I had to run a ceramic rod over it to get rid of it and put a decent edge on it. Even after a good edge was applied, it didn't cut well. There were a lot of nicks in it after chopping some elephant ears and other brush. I think the steel was not heat treated properly or maybe they should have used 1095. Cold Steel also put a lame sticker on the blade which was also a pain to remove with goo gone. Big fan of the blade style and the Ghurkas though.

[FLYBYU44]

I wouldn't mind getting one someday.

[Billy]

I purchased one of these and I was not impressed. The black coating covered the bevel. I had to run a ceramic rod over it to get rid of it and put a decent edge on it. Even after a good edge was applied, it didn't cut well. There were a lot of nicks in it after chopping some elephant ears and other brush. I think the steel was not heat treated properly or maybe they should have used 1095. Cold Steel also put a lame sticker on the blade which was also a pain to remove with goo gone. Big fan of the blade style and the Ghurkas though.

This was my point about some of the production Khuks. From what I understand, the Nepalese kamis use leaf springs from things like Mercedes and Toyota trucks since they are already work-hardened, then differentially heat treat them so they have a "sweet spot" around the belly (where the blade would make contact during chopping) that is harder than the very tip and the part nearest the ricasso. Very nearly indestructible blades made for really hard work. Read Cliff Stamp's review/comparo of a HI Ang Khola and you will see just how tough and durable these knives are compared to most other hard use, large fixed blades (except maybe the Busses). Plus, they can be purchased for relatively little $$.

I have really become fascinated by these blades and plan on getting a few in various styles and sizes after the holidays. :D :D

[girlyMANN]

You have to physically hold a Nepali made khukri in your own hands to know just how short changed buying a US production replica.
Raw power is felt in it's hefty weight because of the really thick stock used to ground a Nepali khukri.
One important thing though, if you're buying for use make sure you go to a brick and mortar store in order to pick out a handle that fit's your hand/grip best.
Because most of the handles are made to fit the hands of small built people.
I assure you, no two handles would feel like a 100% alike.

[TCSpyder]

These would be perfectly ideal for khukuris. They are usually made from 5160 steel, which is a great alloy. Leaf springs have been bent and worn, so the carbides are more uniform. Ranger Knives use this steel. Easy to resharpen, doesn't chip, and easy to heat treat as well. You can do it in a your bar-b-q grill.

[Billy]

Well, I couldn't wait until after the holidays and pulled the trigger on a 15" HI Ganga Ram Special. It's what they call a "villager" fit and finish, so a little rougher around the edges but supposed to be a real working khuk. Will post pics once I get it.

[Billy]

Gave it a little workout today. I have had a christmas palm dead in my front yard for a few months now and decided to hack it down with khuk. Man, this thing chops like crazy. It sure was fun!

[Billy]

Then got some coconut water as a quick refreshment... :D

[DMgangl]

Nice blade, I envy you. Right now a couple of folders are at the top and have priority over a large chopper. But that does look sweet what kind of sheath came with it?

DM