Kukris - A General Thread

I have a preference to wedge grind, which in my case is cosmetic. As performance goes, I can’t tell the difference. As for cutting wood, I’ve never gone deep enough in a single cut to reach a chirra. Either that or have cut clean through. As for food I’ve only cut up hard dog food for a then puppy. Again, not going deep enough to reach a chirra. I prefer a thinner bladded bowie with a straight blade (actually with a slight belly) for food in general as they and my cutting board agree better.  In my opinion it's what you like. 

A fuller near the edge means a wide edge angle, a stabile edge with "niku" but not easy to get sharp.
One of my kukris has it and I named it the "plow".
I like the blades without fuller or small fullers at the spine better. 

 Would that be your Assam Rifles Kukri?

Thats a good distinction to be aware of, fullers across the belly or spinefuller. 

My Kukri could stand to be lighter. It's amazing as a tool, I would take it as my only cutting tool in the woods comfortably, but slightly less weight, plus the look, would only make it nicer

To your question were you should buy, I have my opinions but I am not sure they are that relevant right about now. You are very correct that there are many options to choose from. But on the topic on what type and manufacturer to choose from, you could have a look at this. About traditionalism, some manufacturers even use CNC. I do not think powertools affects the overall durability negative, unless you manage to take away to much steel or mess it up with excessive heat.

What type of Khukuri?


Of course I cant say what you should buy, but these things may be good to consider. I am assuming we are talking about Khukuris made in Nepal.

What shall it do? Slicing? Carving? Chopping? Souvenir or on display? Would a historic repro be of interest?

Would you like to go traditional, or modern?

Budget?

Weight preference?

Any special type/model/pattern?

Partial tang, sticktang or fulltang (modern).

Handle, wood, horn, metal?

Karda and chakmak?

Will it be used in deserts, snow or forests?




What manufacturer or retailer to buy from.


Not meant as info on what type of Khukuri to get.

While this seems like an overly long list to consider, I think it illustrates that it may be not one or two things but many that determines why we would buy, or not buy from anyone. Some may think a few of these points are very important, and some highly irrelevant. But here we go. In no particular order.

Functionality and/or use. Is it strictly for just owning one of these blades in the collection or will it be used and for what? A collector may want a accurate replica of an MK2, an outdoor enthusiats may want a "villager", or handguard and micarta. What will be the most important aspects for a user? The blades should straight up work as tools if they will be used as such. Tempering, hardening, fitting sheaths, balance and handling. This not only reflects the companys knowledge but how well they transmit that into practise. If possible handle the Khukuri beforhand. Nothing beats the feeling in the hand and arm.

Fit and finish. Good fit and retention of scabbard, no warping of blade. No sharp edges that digs into the hand.

Quality. Dont think I need to say more about this. You would like something that holds up, right? A good Khukuri will last a lifetime, the handle, may not. A fancy highpolished blade, may be a terrible user. Some Khukuris look similar, but are not.

Esthetics or likeness of historical replica. Much about the look but also construction of it. A good looking Khukuri, may only be just that. Good looking. While estetics may not be everything, few wants an ugly Khukuri. If its done after a historical pattern like the MK 3, how well is it done, including scabbard? Details matters, high precision and skill in decoration. If its a repro, after what Khukuri was it made? How are the resemblence put side by side? If accuracy is important you should really see the original and the newly made together, some make khukuris that have very little resemblence with its original.

Location, were do they ship from. It dictatates, S/H, custom charges and taxes. How long it will take from order to recieving it. Some also like the idea of supporting local business. May also affect how easy it is with returns and replacements. Some companies dont ship to certain countries.

Price, of course important. Sure we dont want to pay more then necessary, who wants? But consider the social commitment some companies puts into communitys, I for sure are willing to pay higher prices to know that artisans involved get proper pay for their work. Working hard should be rewarded. Actually, I would discourage from buying the cheapest. Either the quality of steel, tempering, hardening is bad, or, the artisans making it have earned near to zero. Nepal is a poor country were some people are being taking advantage off. Please dont support this. This is something different then individuals or companies trying to rip people of with inflated prices. Thats a totally different story.

Customer service, is it easy to get in contact with them? Are they nice in responding to questions? This is important. When its hard getting in touch with them, it turns me of. Its so crucial before, and after a purchase. If you are having a dispute, how will they work to resolve it? Because mistakes can happen with any manufacturer. Warped, blades, cracked handles, loose buttcaps etc.

Ethics, morals. Yes. The Khukuri business is very competative and hard. Sometimes this is noticed and sometimes its not, but once and a while conflicts floats up to the surface. And things gets heated. How a manufacturer conducts him/herself is paramount. How a company comments and acts upon competition and critique. A manufacturer sets the tone of conduct in a profound way, literally setting the standards. So I think their behaviour is important, and how do they treat their employees?
Can the manufacturer back up big claims? Khukuris are sometimes marketed with huge portions of hyperbole. Some focus more on marketing, then anything else. There is a lot of stories circulating in Khukuri adverts, what is their in-depth knowledge on the subject? Or are stuff being made up? If they have been the official supplier to British Gurkhas, what year? Ask for documentation. Can you trust them only because they say the steel is 5160? Does it even matter?

Availability. Its always nice not waiting several months, it could be necessery and worth it but I would like to avoid it. With customization, its unavoidable. In a hurry getting a Khukuri, buy something in stock. My tip is, never be in a hurry, plan long ahead.

Options/Customization. Yes, perhaps I want a longer blade, changing the spine thickness or anything else. Very important point since I like doing changes on designs. Also what materials are available? Different options of types of steel? New or recycled? Some manufacturers are into traditional Khukuris, others likes the challenge of a custom, some try and do everything at the same time and up all over the place. Different manufacturers have different focus, whats your flavour?

Design and ideas: Are they into antique designs and making research in these or making their own new ones? How are their designs executed? Do they use other designers work without their permission? Thinking of some of the work of Andrew Lucas and Daniel Murray-Lake that are being copied.

Reviews: Read as many reviews as possible. From different sources. Good ones, bad ones. Dont be in a hurry, do research.

I am very hesitant giving advice because I know what may be the best choice for me, may not be the best for another. Lets say it like this, different people need and appreciate different Khukuris. And what I think is very important, no company makes everything the best and every company can experience different problems. Ok so thats the disclaimer, here we go. 

HI

Pros: Been around a long time, still reffered to today. Had a lot of knowledgable people pass through their cantina, these people have been driving the Community forward. Their forum have deals of the day, those usually sells fast and HI have a dedicated fanbase. Have left a deep impression in the community. Probably no company can get a Khukuri to a US adress faster then HI.


Neutral: Heavily aimed towards the US market. An American take on Khukuris. Ships from the US. Also sells other blades. Pricey. Price isnt everything if its by free choice we pay more and its for good causes, therfore neutral.


Cons: In general heavy thick blades with big handles for powerlifters. Not really an option for other locations then the US. Last years there have just come up so many other options. While still on the market, not as relevant they once were.

Have sold all I had with the exception of one.

For me not an option mostly because of their fondness of big chunky blades.


Kailash

Pros: The cool new kids on the block, wide variety of options and customization, a very easy ordering system. Good communication and customer service. Open to new ideas, customization is their thing. Orange micarta handle anyone?


Neutral: A modern take on Khukuris in terms of design and materials that many are found of. Kydex and Micarta. Dont supply karda and chakmak unless upon request. Also sells other blades.


Cons: May be percieved to be modern for some, to far away from traditions, their standard scabbards (dap) dont feel or look as sturdy as competitors but seem to have improved.


For me I am mostly into traditional Khukuris but for blades with Micarta, Kailash does a very good job.



Heritage Knives/Kilatools

Pros: A scholarly approach to things. Very much needed since Khukuris sometimes are marketed and sold with very strange claims and a handful of myths. Uses new steel. Great source of knowledge on Gurkha history and Khukuris. Focus on Khukuris as working tools. Have managed to put focus on whats really the most important things when it comes to Khukuris.


Neutral: Aims at balancing tradition and modernity. Also sells other blades. One retailer in the EU.


Cons: A young company. Time builds experience. Although makes customs, it is with tradition in mind. May be to traditional for some. Not as evolved or easy customization process as others (just scrolling and clicking options). Missing Micarta as options, perhaps in the future?


For me, not my only choice but my first.



KHHI

Pros: They have been around quite a while, many options and good availability. An easy way to get into the Khukuriworld. Depots in several locations worldwide.


Neutral: Not the best, not the worst. Have physical shops in Kathmandu.


Cons: Poor execution of historical patterns, seem to focus alot on other things then Khukuris. Mediocre in quality and build, somewhat of a lottery. Quantity over quality. Have used designs and photos without reffering to its source. Unreliable on the history of Khukuris. 


For me not an option anymore, have sold all I got.


Listen to more then me.   

Another manufacturer are Khotang Handicraft, but I dont have much experience of them.

Lots to digest and consider, that is a very nice breakdown Simpleman and I appreciate it.

Murffy I will check GGK out too. Do you have any personal experience with them that you might share?

Brother Nathaniel, as you've probably seen, has some spectacular examples of Purna's work (GGK). This 11-inch sirupate is kind of plain jane but fit and finish is flawless as far as I can tell and it's silly sharp. Also quite light weight (407 grams). Purna seems to like light kukris. At $42 (+$40 shpping), it's hard to beat. Also his karda's and chapmak's are large and well made compared to say, EGKH.



I have it's 15" big brother which is a definite limb-lopper and another one on the way -- his WWII battalion repro -- and I'm contemplating a custom.