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Post by Unit731 on Feb 28, 2012 17:37:29 GMT
Can someone tell me why it wouldn't be a good idea to choose a Windlass Kukri over a Khukuri House Kukri? I am aware the build quality is much better with KH, but at 29.99$ for shipping and 40$ with customs, I would rather buy the Windlass made Kukri from reliks, or even a Cold Steel Kukri. I hear Windlass quality (when it comes to the kukri) is no where near KH quality, but I also hear that they are decent knives. I am looking at this one: www.reliks.com/merchant.ihtml?pid=2151Full tang, riveted handles and to my knowledge, crap sheath. That bit is okay, as I want to modify this weapon anyway. Thoughts?
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Post by Elheru Aran on Feb 28, 2012 17:58:34 GMT
I understand that Windlass is the official supplier of kukris to the Indian Army Gurkha regiments and they assert that these are the exact same kukris. I've had one for several years and it's performed quite competently. The main issue I've found with it is that it blunts fairly quickly; I don't think the edge is hardened like a KH khukuri would be. Otherwise, it's a superb blade.
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Post by Unit731 on Feb 28, 2012 18:31:03 GMT
Excellent. I shall purchase one of these fine knives then. I don't intend on using it as a machete or anything, so the blunting shouldn't be too big an issue.
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Sébastien
Senior Forumite
Retired Moderator
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Post by Sébastien on Feb 28, 2012 18:50:17 GMT
I had one of these back in 2008, it was one of my first blades. I since sold it to one of my friends. It is a nice enough product. It is quite sturdy and well-made for its price. I had some fun backyard cutting sessions with it. My only gripe was that the edge dulled after a few good backyard cuts (but it wasn't too hard to resharpen, plus kukris aren't very sharp blades in the first place). Also, it looked like a lower-grade, mass-produced weapon compared to my HI Kukri (which is about thrice the price tho'). BTW here's my review of that product, I think it was my 2nd review ever on SBG ; sbgswordforum.proboards.com/inde ... hread=6561 In the end, I think it is a good product for its price.
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Post by randomnobody on Feb 28, 2012 20:15:26 GMT
I've never been very taken with Windlass' offering; always seems lackluster and even somewhat shoddy to me, and reviews I've read seldom indicated otherwise. Granted, for the pricepoint, I wouldn't expect much more. I'm curious about the alleged army contract, though, as just about everybody selling kuks says the same thing. My first kuk I picked up from a table at a local gun show for $30. Only indication of origin was a cardboard sign that just said "Made in Nepal." I've gathered since that it's probably an older (by now, especially) KH model. It's mostly sat on its display rack ever since, but it has and has kept a mean edge; I just can't vouch for how many cuts it's good for. I also have a KH sirupate, bought from the classifieds here, and it's a great knife, too. KH and HI both share the downside of shippig costs, especially when buying direct. Shipping a big knife anywhere from Nepal is not cheap. I've found very few vendors stateside, never-mind Europe or elsewhere, that carry the full line of either, and those that do roll in the shipping costs to the base item price. If you're okay with something that looks kind of like a kukri, and mostly acts kind of like a kukri, the Windlass model will hold you over until you've saved for something better. I'd avoid Cold Steel altogether; as big knives, or glorified machetes, their models are decent, if not overpriced, but I'd rather spend less on the real thing than so much more on a copy. TFW has a model that I'd rate alongside HI and upper-end KH but it looks very Cold Steel, if that aesthetic is what you're into. Anywho, let us know what you think of the Windlass when you get it.
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Post by Unit731 on Feb 28, 2012 22:54:29 GMT
Thanks guys. This is what I have gathered, based on reviews and what is mentioned here:
Windlass- Crappy sheath and soft metal, but is similar to an authentic Kukri
Cold Steel- Stay away from the expensive Kukri and the Machete, while an okay machete, makes a crappy Kukri.
So Windlass it is (until I can afford a KH, TFW or a HI). Thanks everyone. I will be sure to post my impressions when ever it arrives (got to order it and everything first),
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Sébastien
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Retired Moderator
Posts: 2,967
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Post by Sébastien on Feb 29, 2012 17:13:36 GMT
If you have the extra money, I suggest you go for an HI or TFW. I saw a few bad reviews and comments about KH on bladeforums, so I'd pass over their products.
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Post by Unit731 on Mar 1, 2012 22:59:50 GMT
I definitely will if I do get extra cash. I decided to wait till I get some more money. Is the Condor Kukri Machete any good? Also, I saw this on HI's website: yhst-7333098713883.stores.yahoo. ... upati.html I like the design. Would it perform well as an outdoors knife? Like to chop vines and willows (sticks, not trees)? How would it fare as a fighting knife?
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Post by randomnobody on Mar 1, 2012 23:32:19 GMT
The Condor machete will probably be just as good as any of Condor's machetes; that is to say, a great machete...but I guess it will suffice as a kukri.
HI's 12-inch is a bit small for me, as kukris go; especially if my memory is correct in that they list their measurements as overall, rather than blade length. Still ought to be a good little knife, though. Vines, small willows, maybe. Probably a bit tough, but it'd likely manage.
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