KHHI’s GI1 Kukri
May 22, 2022 16:59:28 GMT
Post by pgandy on May 22, 2022 16:59:28 GMT
Part 1
This is KHHI’s version of the first kukri to be standardized as issue to the Gurkhas. As this turned out to be too long for one read I’ve broken it into 2 parts. There is a history at the end for those interested in that sort of thing.
For the record I have no connection with KHHI other than being a satisfied paying customer and paid the asking price with my money.
General Overview
I chose this model as I was looking for something different. I liked the graceful lines and by default it came with much of what I wanted such as a partial stick tang, unpolished blade, 7 mm thick. My general impression on arrival is that I liked it. This kukri is well balanced for good handling, fast, and easily controlled. It should make a good large GP kukri. Everything is a trade-off though and to get those qualities it is lighter and has less blade presence than the others of its size making me question the chopping abilities. That seems to be good but not as great as others I have. I do not consider that a prime issue as it does excel with handling. I had only cut the standard back yard targets until this morning due to no real work available. This morning I forced the issue by introducing it to my front garden. Other tools would have been otherwise used such as shears, or a smaller kukri but I wanted to try this one. It easily handled the tasks, an over kill if anything.
The kami was Kumar Rasaily, is relatively new comer to KHHI starting there in 2020 although he had been working as such since 2011. Being handmade I suspected variations. Shucks, if I wanted something like the one made before it and will look like the one to follow I would have bought something like CS offers. Rasaily does not seem to have the pride of workmanship of the other kamis I’ve dealt with before from KHHI. The grind on the edge is not symmetrical leaving the cutting edge off centre. One side has a very visible convex grind while the other is convexed but a straight edge is needed to realize it. Also when viewing from the top the point is off centre due to the above. This does not interfere with cutting. Functionality is not affected, it’s only psychological and it drives me up the wall.
The other issue comes from the fact that my machetes continually out cut my kukris. This time in an attempt to close the gap I specified 7 mm thick blade although that was the default and a super sharp edge. As for thickness I was not expecting 7 mm dead on. I don’t know KHHI’s tolerances but I think 7.7 mm is excessive at 10% oversize and closer to an 8 mm blade. The real issue is the super sharp edge, which KHHI will put on at request but voids the warranty as it’s thinner towards the cutting edge. I’ve never seen one to compare, but I see no difference to their default edge. The photo shows that edge compared to an Aitihasik the nearest thing I have to it. I cannot accurately measure the patti but eye balling it they appear the same. I can measure the thickness and both measure 4 mm thick at the top of the patti. It appears that I only succeeded in voiding my warranty and not getting what I specified
Comparing the GI1’s edge, on your left, with that of the Aitihasik’s. You can also see the questionable convex edge on the GI1. Rasaily’s stamp “O” is visible on the GI1’s blade.
It carries more comfortably in the military style than my other kukris, the style most westerners prefer. With that carry I find that the tip can drag in the mud, which can easily enough be washed off. This means that it will also come into contact with cement and other abrasive surfaces damaging the leather. It has no chape, which I find of little importance to me as I do not use that carry.
Part 2 and the history of the originals to follow soon.
This is KHHI’s version of the first kukri to be standardized as issue to the Gurkhas. As this turned out to be too long for one read I’ve broken it into 2 parts. There is a history at the end for those interested in that sort of thing.
For the record I have no connection with KHHI other than being a satisfied paying customer and paid the asking price with my money.
General Overview
I chose this model as I was looking for something different. I liked the graceful lines and by default it came with much of what I wanted such as a partial stick tang, unpolished blade, 7 mm thick. My general impression on arrival is that I liked it. This kukri is well balanced for good handling, fast, and easily controlled. It should make a good large GP kukri. Everything is a trade-off though and to get those qualities it is lighter and has less blade presence than the others of its size making me question the chopping abilities. That seems to be good but not as great as others I have. I do not consider that a prime issue as it does excel with handling. I had only cut the standard back yard targets until this morning due to no real work available. This morning I forced the issue by introducing it to my front garden. Other tools would have been otherwise used such as shears, or a smaller kukri but I wanted to try this one. It easily handled the tasks, an over kill if anything.
The kami was Kumar Rasaily, is relatively new comer to KHHI starting there in 2020 although he had been working as such since 2011. Being handmade I suspected variations. Shucks, if I wanted something like the one made before it and will look like the one to follow I would have bought something like CS offers. Rasaily does not seem to have the pride of workmanship of the other kamis I’ve dealt with before from KHHI. The grind on the edge is not symmetrical leaving the cutting edge off centre. One side has a very visible convex grind while the other is convexed but a straight edge is needed to realize it. Also when viewing from the top the point is off centre due to the above. This does not interfere with cutting. Functionality is not affected, it’s only psychological and it drives me up the wall.
The other issue comes from the fact that my machetes continually out cut my kukris. This time in an attempt to close the gap I specified 7 mm thick blade although that was the default and a super sharp edge. As for thickness I was not expecting 7 mm dead on. I don’t know KHHI’s tolerances but I think 7.7 mm is excessive at 10% oversize and closer to an 8 mm blade. The real issue is the super sharp edge, which KHHI will put on at request but voids the warranty as it’s thinner towards the cutting edge. I’ve never seen one to compare, but I see no difference to their default edge. The photo shows that edge compared to an Aitihasik the nearest thing I have to it. I cannot accurately measure the patti but eye balling it they appear the same. I can measure the thickness and both measure 4 mm thick at the top of the patti. It appears that I only succeeded in voiding my warranty and not getting what I specified
Comparing the GI1’s edge, on your left, with that of the Aitihasik’s. You can also see the questionable convex edge on the GI1. Rasaily’s stamp “O” is visible on the GI1’s blade.
It carries more comfortably in the military style than my other kukris, the style most westerners prefer. With that carry I find that the tip can drag in the mud, which can easily enough be washed off. This means that it will also come into contact with cement and other abrasive surfaces damaging the leather. It has no chape, which I find of little importance to me as I do not use that carry.
Part 2 and the history of the originals to follow soon.
