Hi community,
im looking for stores who offer high quality kukuri,
not the entry level stuff that you can buy almost everywhere
There is a
huge number of manufacturers out there, many does pretty much the same thing. So perhaps it wont matter that much if there are no other considerations to think of. I am not sure I can answer who makes entry level stuff because many has a wide range of blades, from entry to more advanced. So I will just go ahead and mention a few that I think often are discussed, this is by no means a complete list.
HI ("The American Khukuri")
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 ("Modern Khukuris made in Nepal")
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. A member here posted an experience that wasnt to good, dont know what happened to that but since then I am more apprehensive of Kailash.
For me I am mostly into traditional Khukuris but for modern ones, Kailash are good.
Heritage Knives/Kilatools ("Khukuris as tools")
Pros: A scholarly approach to things. Very much needed since Khukuris often 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.
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?
A good choice most of the time.
Tora blades "Revival of the Traditional Khukuri"
Pros: When they came into the market things were pretty much "sharpened crowbars", then Tora started a discussion about things like weight and balance and now the industry is better because of them. Heavily copied.
Neutral: Makes Khukuris in batches, often appreciated but may involve long waiting time.
Cons: No customs whatsoever. If this company sounds interesting though, do more research on it before.
Not really my cup of tea.
KHHI ("The largest Khukuri House")
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, 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 source on the history of Khukuris.
For me not an option anymore, have sold all I got.
Listen to more then me.