I enjoy your informative videos. I have recently purchased a Condor Heavy Kukri Knife and it is an impressive knife. Now that I own one it is easy to see why the Kukri style/design is so highly regarded all around the world.
I am in total agreement on the kukri. I have a 18.5" aul one that is brass and steel. It is highly polished and I keep it for show. My 2nd one is a 16" length that is my work horse. My third is the Cold Steel Rajah II folding kukri-shaped heavy blade and I keep it in my possibles or bugout bag. I was suprized how good it keeps an edge and I really like it. I would never have paid what they ask for it though but got it as a Christmas gift from my oldest son. I LOVE KUKRIS!! (but a parang is a close 2nd)
Great minds think alike ; ) I used to hate Kukris for 2 reasons: one, was that I just could not believe one knife could be so effective in combat, chopping a head or an arm off in one swipe and two, the Kukris in the US at the time were not the real deal. But after I bought Kukris that were made in Nepali and were made in the traditional way I began to fall in love like you with the Kukri. This is the most multi-purpose big knife I have ever used, period. I am glad you have found this to be true too tinkerrbill. Life is good.
No problem. That why I do these video to help folks decide what works best for them. I personal absolutely love the traditional Kukri for the many things it does well. I'm happy you have found the Kukri type that does what you want well. God bless.
Thanks Mr. Miller. I lived and almost stayed in Costa Rica three years ago so I bought lots of Machetes to test. Good Machetes and Parangs are actually cheap and relatively easy to get. Most work well. The Kukris I have bought from overseas are a little harder to get and cost about $100 - $150 USD each. The HI and Tora Kukri have high resale. If you buy one that you don't like just eBay it. So it's an investment in their case. I recommend to you Kukri or a real Parang for camp & adventuring.
If you want a good Kukri go for the EGKH AEOF Kukri from Ex Gurkha Kukri house in Nepal. It's almost 2 pounds of hand forged 5160 high carbon leaf spring steel with rosewood handles. It's almost an inch thick on the spine and very sharp. I love mine!
I lived in El Salvador for two years and I loved seeing people machetes. I bought a couple of normal imacasa machetes but am deciding for what to have for here in the rocky mountains.
Most of what H.I. has to offer feel to me like little more than sharpened crow bars. For a balanced, effective Kukri, I will choose a Tora Blade product every time.
yeah but HI are made under the old ways of the traditions, meaning heavy duty, they have to be both knives and choppers, ALSO THEY HI KUKRI IS MADE FROM TRUCK LEAF SPRINGS FROM INDIA, NOT CROWBARS, LOL
My only kukri I have is a forged one that was made in india, it's seems to be a bit more traditional (starts at 1/4" thick then has a distill taper) it also has a peened tang. It preforms quite decently and has served me well. You made an excellent video, have a nice day :)
Kukri is the jack of all trades, but the master of none. I own an HI AK and it's nice, but prefer more specialized tools. N/A has many different habitats. I live and do extended field work at high elevation in the Northern Rockies. In my AO the advantages of long blades are of little use. Saws are a 1 trick pony and blades aren't super durable. I prefer a well designed belt axe. They fell, split, and limb very effectively. Also far more durable than the other options.
Bellotto is thicker and has better heat treating than most other machetes. I like this brand too. Specifications Country of Origin: Brazil Total Length: 17 inch Blade Length: 12 inch Blade Thickness: 2.2 mm Weight of Machete: 1 lb Blade Composition: Made from High-Carbon Steel
at first i thought i was seeing things , looked 3 times , that gerber has a not so good weld as a fix! but if it its warrenty , and it holds edge no problem . Very suprised to see such a repair
Thanks Kiran Limbu. I sold the Himalayan Imports Sirupate in this video and kept the lighter more traditional Tora Sirupate above. I think the Kukri is the best all round knife in the World. But I bet you have one already and know this. Enjoy the day.
Thanks for the quick reply and great advice! I'll be ordering the Battalion model following your awesome videos. Like the idea of purchasing a Kydex sheath in the future too. Keep up the good work. Cheers Hamish
Your kind words made my day, thanks. The Tora WW Battalion Kukri is a great fighting and utility Kukri. Tora made an excellent working copy of the real thing. It has 5160 Spring Steel and it is heat treated to about 58 to 59 RC. You made a good choice. Take care of yourself. sweetcostarica
I have to disagree with the axe comment here. When in the wild, a saw is a much more "efficient" way to chop wood. It is more energy efficient in both carry and use (way lighter, wastes less wood, and cuts quickly), and one is much less likely to seriously injure oneself with a saw, which is a serious concern when far from medical attention. I've seen a lot of guys cut themselves badly with hatchets. I'm not saying axes don't have their place, I just don't think one's backpack is it.
Thanks The Woodsman. I read your other comment and you're right marketing and truth stretching is a real problem in the knife industry especially with the Kukris coming out of Nepal these days. I am trying to keep things fun and informative because if camping, hiking, and bushcraft isn't enjoyable then why do it. Happy Easter!
sweetcostarica Happy Easter. Where did you live in CR? All of my family is from there. My father lives in Liberia. But he has 15 brothers and sisters, so much of the country is covered by my family. I like it in Liberia. Especially along the beaches, Hermosa, Jaco, Tamarindo, and my favorite is Manuel Antonio. I love the country. I love this country too, but it's going down hill fast... :( Oh yeah, thank you for serving. I salute you
The Woodsman I lived in a suburb East of San Jose called San Pedro for one month. The plan was to teach there but I traveled to Alaska, receiving a job ofter. Actually, I was born in Cincinnati, Ohio and have no connections to Costa Rica but I like the people and country a lot. Liberia Canton in Guanacaste is a nice place too, wish I had a chance to see that part of Costa Rica. You are a blessed man Greg Chacon. Take care.
Hello, I'm from Brazil. I enjoyed the first knife you showed the brand Bellotto. Tramontina I know, but it is not a brand specialist hunting knives and machetes, etc.. It is a very simple brand, specializing in kitchen cutlery. The blades of the machete and hunting knives wear out easily in a short time. Now I will look for that brand Bellotto, because it seems to be more expert.
I like your videos so please don't take offense.... Splitting square sawn logs end to end only happens at home. At home I'd use a maul. In the back country with rough cut pieces it's better to split down the side. Also, batoning (made popular by tv) just isn't sound practice. If you made a poor tool choice then found yourself in a bad situation... you do what you gotta do. However I wouldn't consider it a preferred technique.
I thought the Silky Ono small axe looked like a meat cleaver too. It is a unique hatchet from Japan because it is more of a western style. It is promoted as ideal for cutting, pruning, tool making, splitting firewood, light felling/shelter making, and splitting a carcass down the backbone. It will be tested. Silky Ono Edge Width:4.7" Overall Length: 12" Handle: Genki Rubber Grip Weight: 1.7 lbs (788 grams) w/o Sheath (2.09 lbs with sheath) Blade Material: SKS-51 Stainless Steel Made in Japan
I agree with you IIDASHII in short term activities where only chopping is needed. The saw blade must be sharp & you should have replacement blades for it when it gets dull or breaks. Sharping a saw is very hard. In long term use the axe is much better "when in the wild". The axe does a lot more than just chop. In a survival situation I would take the axe because it is easy to sharpen and is multipurpose. The saw only cuts through wood, it is more of a specialized tool. Every pack can use an axe.
sweetcostarica If you were in a survival situation and you have to buck a tree because there are no more branches nearby it will take a lot more energy to do with an axe than it will with even a dull saw. There is no replacement for a saw, can't say the same for the axe. I'd rather have a saw and my knife than an axe and my knife. Maybe a khukuri and a saw if I ever get my hands on one :) Having said that I love axes and carry one (heavy tomahawk) as well as a 10 inch folding saw. I don't know what you replied to but why choose when these two tools work together so well?
I see what you mean. These Parang's have wonderful multi-purpose blades. Their design is my second favorite. I love the CS Heavy Machete too. It is like that ugly Junk Yard dog that isn't pretty but does the job although specialized as you have said Cliff.
i was looking for a good tool for bilding shelter and to use as a work horse , spliting wood etc , i think i'll go whit a wide spine Kukri , tkx a lot for the info.
I have several ways for the 2 style of Kukri I have (polished and blacken unfinished blades). 1st method is traditional - 3 kinds of Oil - First and foremost I use the thinner USP/FCC (food) Grade Mineral Oil Secondly, While I was in Japan we used Choji oil, made for swords, Thirdly Ballistol Gun Oil is sometimes used by me. It works well too. 2nd method is a dry method - Wax - I use micro-crystalline wax polish i.e. Renaissance Wax on polished blades and sometimes on the wooden handles.
Ide avoid battoning with anything that has a rat tail tang. The chance of a failure is somewhat small because they are good steel but thats still a lot of stress to put on a relatively small area.
As for Hi... I respect tradition, but adaptation can be of benefit. Bruce Lee showed that with martial arts. If nothing else, it's nice to have choices to fit different needs.
Interesting difference if you look at the CS heavy machete vs the second parang, the sweep/curvature of the blades is completely opposite in direction.
Nice collection and a good video! I'm a bit surprised about not mentioning Condor although it's the same factory as Imacasa of course. But Condor makes some thick spine machetes for when weight is not a problem. Also the Martindale British Army Machete has a thick spine. Good use of the wooden hammer as a 'chicken stick'. Sure an ax is very good for splitting wood and some axes even for felling or carving but we are talking about processed wood that stands on a chopping block by itself like in a big base camp or when car camping. Weight is no issue in those cases. I have that same feeling with the (very) thick spine kukris. Too much weight for their function to carry around. The thinner ones (up to 5mm spine) can be very useful big knives but because of the shape of the blade the sheath usually sucks. When I go into the bush (even the boreal forest) I find myself carrying a big knife with straight blade (bowie style) or a small (12 to 14 inch) machete with a good sheath, next to my food prep knife of course. Atb from Holland
The Martindale is a top machete. I use it for home defense though because in N. America it is too light for our hardwoods. In South & Central America it's perfect. The Bear Grylls Parang is actually great. I think the blade is too thin BUT it works well on wood and handles well. Also new this for 2013 check out the Condor's Bushcraft Parang. It isn't out yet but it looks like the perfect Parang for N. America (IMO). Here's the link to traditional Kukris you asked for: torablades (w's and com)
You have at least 3 knives on my want list ... I saw a long martindale machete at a flea market for 15 dollars and didn't buy it I regret lol ... What are your thoughts on the gerber parang? I'm looking to get a parang for my collection soon I also am interested in the ray meats one you have. Thnx
Interesting, I would love to visit you and see how things are done in Kenya with your Panga machetes. Thanks for your comment. Have a great day A M Productions.
A panga is usually just an every day tool for cutting brush and small trees also can be used for building shelters the tip has quite a huge amount of damage when hacking down a tree but it also serves as a good piercing tip 😀
Tora Blades is based in London, England and Himalayan Imports is based in Reno, Nevada USA. My suggestion is to visit a village that has a local Kami and have him make you a Kukri to your specifications. That's how the Nepalis do it and that's as real as it gets. You will be in Nepal after all. Warning: stay away from the tourist shops in the city. Those Kukris are for foreigners and the export market not real use.
I have many khukuri but I love some of my Filipino style blades, they have tons of designs, most are made for fighting as well. Though if I would an all around knife/blade the khukuri is for me.
A correctly heat treated, properly balanced, and traditionally weighted Nepali Kukri is an amazing tool. I can not believe it took me 48 years to find this out. Second best is the Parang. They are multi functional big knives too. Philippine knives are good. No doubt about that.
Silky saws are nice. The axe looks more like a meat cleaver. Would be surprised if it can bite much deeper than the primary bevel, but if it does the lack of cheek will make it prone to sticking. The short length will hamper velocity and thus power. I wouldn't expect great performance given the design, but would be interested to see how it does if you decide to get one. I appreciate the closer look you provide by sharing your collection.
I agree with the benefits of adaptation. If you study Kukri history you can see this adaptation taking place and today in Nepal it's completed with the traditional Kukri. Due to the Kukri Boom in the West we see export models not used in Nepal. These tourist/export Kukri are not the best examples of quality Kukris. For example the weights of 2,3, or 4 lbs, the overly thick spines, the poor balance, etc. This is an egress from the all round trad. design & so they are really just heavy choppers.
Hi there, I really liked your review of the Battalion Torah blades Kukri. As an ex British army soldier I'm after buying one of these knives for use outdoors here in Norway but was wondering what you thought of the Battalion Kukris sheath. Do you think that it would hold up getting wet occasionally? Thanks Hamish
Hello Hamish, Ex US Navy man here so I know about wet conditions and wet gear. The traditional Kukri leather sheath can hold up but you need to have a regular maintenance schedule. That schedule should include a general cleaning, an overnight mineral oil soak, and finally a rub down with Kiwi Dubbin Shoe Grease. or You can make or have someone else make a Kydex sheath for your Kukri. This type of sheath is almost maintenance free. It is the type I like the most but I use the traditional Nepali sheath until it wears out. Hope that helps you. Enjoy Norway.
Actually, Himialyan Imports is based in Nepal - Well The knife makers are and I can get you the Kamis names, but you are correct in that H.I. is run out of Nevada. I believe after Bill passed away, his wife took over. I don't know anything about Tora as I had never heard of them, but I can check them out and see if they come out of Nepal. My friend Saroj Tamang will meet me at the airport so I am covered on places to go. I will visit the Gurkha regiment while I am there.
I'm not so sure the Kukri is designed based on the guillotine, the blade forward design I think is made so you can keep your wrist at a comfortable natural angle and the kukri hits, which also makes it have a leading point rather than a trailing point like most straight knives.
JeepJeep234 I agree with you 100% that the kukri design is not based on the guillotine. That is why I said the design is *like* the French Guillotine. See minute 6:48 for what I said. The point I am making is the angle of the kukri makes it much more an efficient cutter & chopper in a *similar* way to the guillotine's 45 degree angled blade. This is a quote that was inspired by the same comparison if I remember correctly that Old Jimbo used when he was discussing the Nepali kukri. I agree with him but he gets the credit for it. Sorry for your confusion. You gave you view on why you think the design evolved by saying "I think". The real reason the the kukri was angled down the way it is... *is unknown*. Unknown even to the kamis that make it. It is just traditional and it works the best for what it is. Good guess though. Stay frosty.
Khukuri is a weapon of choice for every nepalese. And it is believed that our ancestors based the design from the shape of a leaflet. The small arch on the lower edge , near the handle of khukuri is there to prevent any kind of fluid reaching to user's hand. Like blood from animals while cutting the meat or enemies during warfare or plant sap or in rain. so that the liquid doesn't reach the palm of user and the strong grip on khukuri is maintained at all times. thanks for mentioning the khukuri
Cameron Reid You are correct Cameron Reid as you have found out in real life use. The notch in the kukri will not stop liquid from getting on the handle of the big knife. Ajay Karki is only guessing about why kukri have kaudis/kaudas. The real reason for these "notches: near the handle at the end of the blade is *unknown* even to the Nepalis & Indians.
Sorry, I'm more of a traditionalist when it comes to cutting tools. As I said they works best for my use. But most Kukri manufacturers are international. My faovarite Kukri maker at this time is Tora Blades they have a full-tang MKII WW2 style up for per-order. You should do a word search and that will get you plenty of hits. Hope you find a tool that works for you.
Fiskars SUCK in very cold weather. When I was teaching in Alaska I saw many discarded Gerber/Fiskars axes with the crappy plastic handle broken. I was surprised how many Gransfors Bruk and Wetterlings axes I saw considering how much they cost, but when you have to trust your equipment to work in the worst conditions, you pay for quality.
It is too bad those folks discarded their Fiskars axes. Fiskars have a lifetime guarantee. All they needed to do was sent the broken axe in to Fiskars and in about 6 weeks you get a brand new axe. I don't doubt that in very cold weather Fiskars my crack. I am sure many axes crack in those conditions. If you can afford the boutique axes go for it. I see no problem using either wood or polymer handled axes. It all depends on what your doing and what you like. Have a great day.
A "lifetime warranty" does you no good when you're out in the woods with a broken tool!! Besides, factories do a lifetime warranty knowing that the majority of people won't take advantage of it.
Art Copeland You are right, i.e. if your polymer axe, polymer Mora, polymer snowshoes, etc. break while on the trail, any kind of warranty is no good at that time. So hopefully you are wise and listened to the "pros" in bushcraft/survival and have other tools (knife, machete, saw, etc.) to temporary replace the broken axe. If you are deep in the woods with a polymer axe or even a wood axe without other sharp tools and skills to survive any type of mishap with it, then *you are a danger to yourself & maybe others.* The good thing is *broken Fiskars are rare.* If one does break you will get a replacement. I know one person who received their replacement after a small crack appeared on their Fiskars X series axe. If you don't take advantage of a free replacement warranty IMO you should be horse whipped by your spouse. Just saying.
sweetcostarica You are probably correct that there won't be a great number of broken Gerber axes, but in my time in the Alaska bush on the coast of the Bering Sea I saw only one that survived, and it was one the family kept inside to use in the house. My other problem with them is that they have poor steel compared to Wetterlings, Council Tool Velvicut, and Gransfors Bruk. Even my old Collins I got as a Webelo at 11 held a better edge than a Gerber does. If one likes the plastic handle because of its feel, that's their choice and it's fine. They probably won't live in places like Kotlik or Unalakleet, where weather kills all but the hardiest. However, With my old Collins still hanging around, and my Gransfofrs Bruk I bought when I went back up to Alaska to teach, I have the axes I need. If I do buy another, it would probably be a Velvicut or a Hults Bruk. I can't justify spending a little less to get much lower quality.
Rodger Pitts It seems the problem is as you said yourself: "Fiskars SUCK in very cold weather." I have used several Fiskars & given them to a hunter friend of mine. We have not had any break in the Anchorage weather. But it has been truly mild these last two (2) Winters. In any case, Fiskars do have soft steel & are not really made for very long heavy-duty applications. My friends & I don't use axes for heavy-duty wood work much. We use chain saws and don't split much either, we find the correct diameter branches to avoid splitting. Fiskars are extremely popular for a few good, if not great reasons/facts: - They out chop & out split any wood handled axe, any axe period - They are lighter in weight - They cost 1/3 to 1/5 the cost of boutique axes (Wetterlings, Council Tool Velvicut, and Gransfors Bruk) - They are the ultimate hiker &/or campers axe Again, it all depends on what your doing and what you like.
I wonder what the difference in required force to split a piece of wood would be with two blades of the same weight and size, but one is highly polished and one has more of a rough hammered look like your tora sirupate
+Troy Guinn Good question but with kukris the most important factor in effectiveness is: - how it was made (traditional, factory method like in WW2, high or low skilled kami, etc.), - for what reason it was made (for locals, for tourist, for soldiers, for ceremonies, etc.), - and what role is it for (food prep., fighting, parade, farming, etc.). Minor differences in kukris are just that, in my opinion of course.
1st Gerber Legendary Blades company is a maker of consumer knives and multitools *headquartered in Tigard, Oregon, United States,* within the Portland metropolitan area. Currently Gerber is a sub-division of Fiskars Brands Inc, owned by the Fiskars company of Finland. Gerber was established in 1939 by Pete Gerber. 2nd The name of the American parang is *made overseas in China* is Bear Grylls Parang or Bear Grylls Survival Parang. The name *Griyls is not correct.* 3rd Bear Grylls was born on June 7, 1974 in Isle of Wight, England as Edward Michael Bear Grylls. He is a producer and actor, known for Man vs. Wild (2006), The Island with Bear Grylls (2014) and Bear Grylls: Surviving the Island (2014). Bear Grylls Trivia: - Served in the British Special Air Services (SAS) - Climbed Mount Everest. - Black Belt in Karate. - Broke his back in three places on a parachuting jump over Southern Africa. - In June 2005, Grylls broke a world record by hosting a dinner party at a table suspended below a hot air balloon at 24,500 feet. - Is an avid skydiver. - Led the first unassisted crossing of the frozen North Atlantic Ocean in an open, rigid inflatable boat. - Grylls owns an island on the Welsh coast, which includes a nature reserve, and lives on a converted barge on the River Thames with his wife Shara and their sons Jesse and Marmaduke. - Founded the first mountaineering club at Eton College. - Son of Sir Michael Grylls and Lady Sarah Grylls. - Educated at Eaton House, Ludgrove School, Eton College, and Birkbeck, University of London School of Continuing Education. Thanks for watching Harry.
The traditional Kukri was designed for cutting bamboo and wood no bigger than a normal human arm. The Khukuri Houses and many 2 to 3 lbs Himalayan Imports Kukris are westernized and not used in Nepal for real work. In Nepal for wood bigger than an arm they use axes. I like your belt axe option and am looking at a Silky Ono (their new western style belt axe).
You and Tora are the only entities that I know of that equate thick blades with tourist Khukuris. In fact, after reading the history of the blade, it's clear that there was no one Khukuri standard even hundreds of years ago. Some were thick, some thin. Some long, some short. Some thick and short or thing and long and vice-versa. To take one particular variant of a Khukuri and elevate it as the standard of what a Khukuri should be isn't historically accurate.
Thanks Speedy's Workshop. There are a lot of good choices for woodcraft out there. I like comparisons because they give folks a true idea of a product with out the hype and marketing. Happy Cinco De Mayo!
You can buy traditional kukri even cheaper than that, also sometimes you will get one free from a Nepali friend. *_But..._* Getting to Nepal or to your Nepali friend will cost you $1,000 USD to $2,000 USD (round trip) depending on the date. So ordering online is pretty much the smart way to go.
Sorry, I have tried Cold Steel Gurkha kukri, Ontario's Kukri, a few other western kukri-like blades, and have now only use the Nepali made kukris, mainly Tora Blades for their traditional weights & excellent handling qualities.
+J Nichols That would be the *Villager models.* Tora Villagers are fantastic. That is what their design is aimed at: 1st chopping wood & 2nd utility. Military designs are aimed at: 1st fighting & 2nd utility. Please contact Tora Blades for their next batch of villager models as right now I see only their military kukris on sale. With one exception: - The Tora Kiranti Sirupate Kukri (Pre-order - Eta Oct 2016). This one is good at chopping & utility duties too. But it might not be your style.
sweetcostarica thanks for answering! if you don't mind me asking, what's the general difference between a utility kukri and a fighting kukri? the sirupate seems like it would be better for fighting given it has a longer, thinner blade, and the military models seem like they'd be better for chopping wood given that they're larger near the tip, but from your comment it seems like I have things backwards.
J Nichols *The difference* fighting kukri: - balance: weight toward the handle = fast maneuvering - lightweight: for ease of carry & all day use For a villager - Balance: forward heavy for the chop - medium to heavy weight: for wood splitting, food prep. & animal beheading. The sirupate "style" kukri is a favorite of Gurkha for a combat weapon but they used any kukri that passed the above standards.
There's no way a hatchet will out chop a big knife. I have over 30 years experience using both. The right big knife will chop the same as any hatchet. The Kukri is one of them.
sweetcostarica well,, it's not much of an opinion when the statement was based on over 30 years of actual experience. Have a good Thanks Giving also. Thanks for the video.
sweetcostarica I strongly agree with that dude. A proper camp axe beats it in chop tho. It's all in the flick and the belly. Lose the gloves. Much respect to you. Thanks for vids
Hello- You seem a lot more knowledge able this compared to me. Please if you can help me with a recommendation on a good kukri style for camping & clearing brush. I'm a college student and don't have a huge budget but want something worth while. I will be camping a lot this summer. Im looking for a tool that can clear brush, smaller logs, cut down branches for firewood. I was going to purchase the Cold Steel or KA-Bar or Ontario Kukri. The Ontario was going to be the one i purchased before i watched you video. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
I am happy to help but it is just one man's opinion. You said: - college student = presently poor - want something that works - need something for Summer camping - need a tool to clear brush, smaller logs *(logs are axe work),* cut down branches for firewood. Kukris are for light to medium duty work. I usually recommend a traditional kukri to folks but they are out of your price range and take a while to get here from Nepal. The Cold Steel Gurkha Kukri (not the Plus version or San Mai version) would be perfect for you except for it's $170 USD price. I think you are on the right track with the *The Ontario OKC Kukri* 6420 at *$65 USD* on Amazon. It is very similar to traditional kukris except in it's handle of course. Another choice that works and is an OK value is *KA-BAR Becker BK-21 Reinhardt* at *$130 USD* on eBay. This is more pricy but you get more capability over the Ontario. The bad thing to the Ontario & Ka-Bar is their terrible sheaths. The sheaths are cheap & low quality to keep the price down. Cold Steel has the best sheath (IMO).
Exactly! But if it means buying some cheap product that will break or will not do the job... I will not purchase it & wait for a quality tool I will not be cutting down big logs exactly. Just dead tree branches/sticks to be able to fit them in the campfire. The primary job for this tool. I've seen a lot of reviews on the Cold Steel Gurkha Kukri & like it despite the price tag lol Do you know if there is any decent ones from? Khukuri trade or EGKH? These are the ones on Amazon prime. But I'm reading mixed reviews on these about the soft steel or not balanced correctly. Just dont know much about it. As of right now I think the Ontario is my best option but considering the Cold Steel Gurkha Kukri if you think the Ontario will not last me? Again! Thx for your time & reply!
The kukri design is for light to medium duty supplications. It is really just a big knife that has about a 30 to 40 degree down angle. So I'm glad to hear you will not be cutting down big logs. That is a waste of time & energy (wrong tool). EGKH, Khukuri House, even Himalayan Imports are mainly tourist kukris. So for really using the big knife they don't work well. OK, a nothing cheap, that will break easily, & is up to the jobs you mentioned? The best kukri for you is (IMO): *The Cold Steel Gurkha Kukri* (CSGK). I had two (2) CSGK and just sold them because I am moving. They sold for about $150 USD each, used. These CSGK hold their value and are worth the cost. *The catch is their retail price.*
Thanks for the advice... Looks like I will be speeding a bit more but happy to hear it performs well. I found the Cold steel for $155 on amazon. www.amazon.com/Cold-Steel-Gurkha-Kraton-Handle/dp/B001PYSNAO. This is the correct one? right? I really want to have the Kukri for all my car-camping. I have a truck & want to be able to clear brush & shrubs & dead tree branches to be able to fit into the campfire.
+Colombiano671 Sorry, I sold the HI Sirupate about a month after this video. I don't have the measurements but in any case no two (2) HI kukris are the same. Happy New year brother!
+sweetcostarica because i was wanting a kukri close to the originals but i dont want to wait for months to get a tora kukri...you compared a tora kukri with a cold steel kurki and said the tora was better due to preference but is the cold steel kukri better then lets say a HI 15 inch sirupate kukri?
+Colombiano671 Hi, the measurement I took in the video of the HI Sirupate is the blade measurement only (12.3 inches). That is the length from bolster to tip. The Cold Steel Gurkha kukri is well liked in the outdoor community. It is tougher than the Tora & the HI because of it's semi-full tang construction. It is not hand made and so has different characteristics than traditional blades but if does work well in kukri type duties. I do recommend the Cold Steel Gurkha Kukri although it is expensive. *Historical note*: Gurkhas when they could not get kukris have used Parangs instead. So if you can not get a Tora now get a Parang while you wait. I recommend... AKC Mail Order Knives: SICUT Parang or Lombok for about $72 USD.
+sweetcostarica thank you soo much :) your the best i was looking at the HI 15 inch sirupate since it weighs around 1lb but i will get the cold steel G.K
MY INFO: Condor Tool & Knife’s parent company, *_Imacasa was formed in the 1980’s_* when the company decided to sell the Central and South America operations to local investors. In *_2004 Imacasa_* decided to develop a line of knives and tools for the North American and European outdoor markets. *_Condor Tool & Knife was born._*
+sweetcostarica bowies are pretty good all a round . Used for chopping ,camp , fighting, 1800 they where a go to frontier blade. many 9 -14 blades 1/4 inch thick blade will go thru almost any task. They have a vast history in Americas foundation from the early start to modern times .
+Lamont “Bigbore54” Albin If the title was not about the kukri I would have mentioned James "Jim" Bowie knife or James Black's Arkansas Toothpick knife, Trade knives, or other great US knives. Actually, I had Cold Steel Bowies and they where fine but I sold them as I was not impressed by there balance and lessor multi-role capabilities. I find the kukri a much better tool. Plus, as in the video I love the chopping foreign blades. Have a great day.
Thanks for making my day TheJurzeker. I love light comedy. It is good to laugh at others & yourself sometimes. It is healthy. Back to serious things; I am glad you liked this video (thumbs up) and I hope you get outdoors and enjoy this wonderful big knife. Have an awesome day!
![The FEARED Kukri! [What You NEED To Know]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/w6ZIY2i1t2s/mqdefault.jpg)
i felt soo good that you people are talking about my national weapon kHUKURI.....i felt myself proud being NEPALI
prakash upreti from usa. Amazing blades, amazing people.
I'm honored to have one.
I spread good word of Nepali history, ghurhka, and kukuri
A good knife wielded by very courageous soldiers.
Love it! Looking to purchase my first khukri blade and this was helpful. Thanks
I enjoy your informative videos. I have recently purchased a Condor Heavy Kukri Knife and it is an impressive knife. Now that I own one it is easy to see why the Kukri style/design is so highly regarded all around the world.
The music at the end was used in 2001: A Space Odyssey, and is commonly associated with that movie, but its actually named Also Sprach Zarathustra.
I am in total agreement on the kukri. I have a 18.5" aul one that is brass and steel. It is highly polished and I keep it for show. My 2nd one is a 16" length that is my work horse. My third is the Cold Steel Rajah II folding kukri-shaped heavy blade and I keep it in my possibles or bugout bag. I was suprized how good it keeps an edge and I really like it. I would never have paid what they ask for it though but got it as a Christmas gift from my oldest son. I LOVE KUKRIS!! (but a parang is a close 2nd)
Great minds think alike ; )
I used to hate Kukris for 2 reasons: one, was that I just could not believe one knife could be so effective in combat, chopping a head or an arm off in one swipe and two, the Kukris in the US at the time were not the real deal.
But after I bought Kukris that were made in Nepali and were made in the traditional way I began to fall in love like you with the Kukri.
This is the most multi-purpose big knife I have ever used, period. I am glad you have found this to be true too tinkerrbill.
Life is good.
No problem. That why I do these video to help folks decide what works best for them. I personal absolutely love the traditional Kukri for the many things it does well.
I'm happy you have found the Kukri type that does what you want well.
God bless.
I like how you just gave up on the mallet @ 6:00 & just swung the khukuri with attached log. LOL
Thanks Mr. Miller. I lived and almost stayed in Costa Rica three years ago so I bought lots of Machetes to test. Good Machetes and Parangs are actually cheap and relatively easy to get. Most work well.
The Kukris I have bought from overseas are a little harder to get and cost about $100 - $150 USD each. The HI and Tora Kukri have high resale. If you buy one that you don't like just eBay it. So it's an investment in their case.
I recommend to you Kukri or a real Parang for camp & adventuring.
If you want a good Kukri go for the EGKH AEOF Kukri from Ex Gurkha Kukri house in Nepal. It's almost 2 pounds of hand forged 5160 high carbon leaf spring steel with rosewood handles. It's almost an inch thick on the spine and very sharp. I love mine!
Junk compared to Tora, or Himalayan imports. I have one from each company including kukuri house, which is not even close to an inch thick lol
Joe Marks ever think maybe u and him have a different one?
Super Moon This and also Khukuri House (KHHI) is not the same as Ex Gurkha Khukuri House (EGKH)
I lived in El Salvador for two years and I loved seeing people machetes. I bought a couple of normal imacasa machetes but am deciding for what to have for here in the rocky mountains.
Most of what H.I. has to offer feel to me like little more than sharpened crow bars. For a balanced, effective Kukri, I will choose a Tora Blade product every time.
yeah but HI are made under the old ways of the traditions, meaning heavy duty, they have to be both knives and choppers, ALSO THEY HI KUKRI IS MADE FROM TRUCK LEAF SPRINGS FROM INDIA, NOT CROWBARS, LOL
My only kukri I have is a forged one that was made in india, it's seems to be a bit more traditional (starts at 1/4" thick then has a distill taper) it also has a peened tang. It preforms quite decently and has served me well.
You made an excellent video, have a nice day :)
Where did you buy it?
Antique store
+Jack Hadaki where?
Michigan
Kukri is the jack of all trades, but the master of none. I own an HI AK and it's nice, but prefer more specialized tools. N/A has many different habitats. I live and do extended field work at high elevation in the Northern Rockies. In my AO the advantages of long blades are of little use. Saws are a 1 trick pony and blades aren't super durable. I prefer a well designed belt axe. They fell, split, and limb very effectively. Also far more durable than the other options.
Bellotto is thicker and has better heat treating than most other machetes. I like this brand too.
Specifications
Country of Origin: Brazil
Total Length: 17 inch
Blade Length: 12 inch
Blade Thickness: 2.2 mm
Weight of Machete: 1 lb
Blade Composition: Made from High-Carbon Steel
at first i thought i was seeing things , looked 3 times , that gerber has a not so good weld as a fix! but if it its warrenty , and it holds edge no problem . Very suprised to see such a repair
I like this video. Thumbs-up from me.
Thanks Kiran Limbu. I sold the Himalayan Imports Sirupate in this video and kept the lighter more traditional Tora Sirupate above. I think the Kukri is the best all round knife in the World. But I bet you have one already and know this.
Enjoy the day.
Thanks for the quick reply and great advice! I'll be ordering the Battalion model following your awesome videos. Like the idea of purchasing a Kydex sheath in the future too. Keep up the good work.
Cheers
Hamish
Your kind words made my day, thanks. The Tora WW Battalion Kukri is a great fighting and utility Kukri. Tora made an excellent working copy of the real thing. It has 5160 Spring Steel and it is heat treated to about 58 to 59 RC.
You made a good choice. Take care of yourself.
sweetcostarica
I have to disagree with the axe comment here. When in the wild, a saw is a much more "efficient" way to chop wood. It is more energy efficient in both carry and use (way lighter, wastes less wood, and cuts quickly), and one is much less likely to seriously injure oneself with a saw, which is a serious concern when far from medical attention. I've seen a lot of guys cut themselves badly with hatchets. I'm not saying axes don't have their place, I just don't think one's backpack is it.
Again, very good video. I really appreciate your knowledge and expertise on blades. Thanks...
Thanks The Woodsman. I read your other comment and you're right marketing and truth stretching is a real problem in the knife industry especially with the Kukris coming out of Nepal these days.
I am trying to keep things fun and informative because if camping, hiking, and bushcraft isn't enjoyable then why do it.
Happy Easter!
sweetcostarica Happy Easter. Where did you live in CR? All of my family is from there. My father lives in Liberia. But he has 15 brothers and sisters, so much of the country is covered by my family. I like it in Liberia. Especially along the beaches, Hermosa, Jaco, Tamarindo, and my favorite is Manuel Antonio. I love the country. I love this country too, but it's going down hill fast... :(
Oh yeah, thank you for serving. I salute you
The Woodsman I lived in a suburb East of San Jose called San Pedro for one month. The plan was to teach there but I traveled to Alaska, receiving a job ofter. Actually, I was born in Cincinnati, Ohio and have no connections to Costa Rica but I like the people and country a lot.
Liberia Canton in Guanacaste is a nice place too, wish I had a chance to see that part of Costa Rica. You are a blessed man Greg Chacon.
Take care.
Hello,
I'm from Brazil. I enjoyed the first knife you showed the brand Bellotto. Tramontina I know, but it is not a brand specialist hunting knives and machetes, etc.. It is a very simple brand, specializing in kitchen cutlery. The blades of the machete and hunting knives wear out easily in a short time. Now I will look for that brand Bellotto, because it seems to be more expert.
I like your videos so please don't take offense.... Splitting square sawn logs end to end only happens at home. At home I'd use a maul. In the back country with rough cut pieces it's better to split down the side. Also, batoning (made popular by tv) just isn't sound practice. If you made a poor tool choice then found yourself in a bad situation... you do what you gotta do. However I wouldn't consider it a preferred technique.
Good information.
I thought the Silky Ono small axe looked like a meat cleaver too. It is a unique hatchet from Japan because it is more of a western style. It is promoted as ideal for cutting, pruning, tool making, splitting firewood, light felling/shelter making, and splitting a carcass down the backbone.
It will be tested.
Silky Ono
Edge Width:4.7"
Overall Length: 12"
Handle: Genki Rubber Grip
Weight: 1.7 lbs (788 grams) w/o Sheath (2.09 lbs with sheath)
Blade Material: SKS-51 Stainless Steel
Made in Japan
I am going to Nepal this December and will check out Tora blades and H.I. while I am there.
I agree with you IIDASHII in short term activities where only chopping is needed. The saw blade must be sharp & you should have replacement blades for it when it gets dull or breaks. Sharping a saw is very hard.
In long term use the axe is much better "when in the wild". The axe does a lot more than just chop. In a survival situation I would take the axe because it is easy to sharpen and is multipurpose. The saw only cuts through wood, it is more of a specialized tool. Every pack can use an axe.
sweetcostarica If you were in a survival situation and you have to buck a tree because there are no more branches nearby it will take a lot more energy to do with an axe than it will with even a dull saw. There is no replacement for a saw, can't say the same for the axe. I'd rather have a saw and my knife than an axe and my knife. Maybe a khukuri and a saw if I ever get my hands on one :) Having said that I love axes and carry one (heavy tomahawk) as well as a 10 inch folding saw. I don't know what you replied to but why choose when these two tools work together so well?
I see what you mean. These Parang's have wonderful multi-purpose blades. Their design is my second favorite.
I love the CS Heavy Machete too. It is like that ugly Junk Yard dog that isn't pretty but does the job although specialized as you have said Cliff.
i was looking for a good tool for bilding shelter and to use as a work horse , spliting wood etc , i think i'll go whit a wide spine Kukri , tkx a lot for the info.
I have several ways for the 2 style of Kukri I have (polished and blacken unfinished blades).
1st method is traditional - 3 kinds of Oil
- First and foremost I use the thinner USP/FCC (food) Grade Mineral Oil
Secondly, While I was in Japan we used Choji oil, made for swords,
Thirdly Ballistol Gun Oil is sometimes used by me. It works well too.
2nd method is a dry method - Wax
- I use micro-crystalline wax polish i.e. Renaissance Wax on polished blades and sometimes on the wooden handles.
Ide avoid battoning with anything that has a rat tail tang. The chance of a failure is somewhat small because they are good steel but thats still a lot of stress to put on a relatively small area.
Thanks for the info. Have a great trip!
Nice collection you have .
As for Hi... I respect tradition, but adaptation can be of benefit. Bruce Lee showed that with martial arts. If nothing else, it's nice to have choices to fit different needs.
Interesting difference if you look at the CS heavy machete vs the second parang, the sweep/curvature of the blades is completely opposite in direction.
Nice collection and a good video! I'm a bit surprised about not mentioning Condor although it's the same factory as Imacasa of course. But Condor makes some thick spine machetes for when weight is not a problem. Also the Martindale British Army Machete has a thick spine. Good use of the wooden hammer as a 'chicken stick'.
Sure an ax is very good for splitting wood and some axes even for felling or carving but we are talking about processed wood that stands on a chopping block by itself like in a big base camp or when car camping. Weight is no issue in those cases.
I have that same feeling with the (very) thick spine kukris. Too much weight for their function to carry around. The thinner ones (up to 5mm spine) can be very useful big knives but because of the shape of the blade the sheath usually sucks.
When I go into the bush (even the boreal forest) I find myself carrying a big knife with straight blade (bowie style) or a small (12 to 14 inch) machete with a good sheath, next to my food prep knife of course.
Atb from Holland
The Martindale is a top machete. I use it for home defense though because in N. America it is too light for our hardwoods. In South & Central America it's perfect.
The Bear Grylls Parang is actually great. I think the blade is too thin BUT it works well on wood and handles well. Also new this for 2013 check out the Condor's Bushcraft Parang. It isn't out yet but it looks like the perfect Parang for N. America (IMO).
Here's the link to traditional Kukris you asked for:
torablades (w's and com)
I gotta admit mate, you have one beautiful collection, great video as well, I ordered my tora the other day, cant wait for it.
+Zack Dixon hey buddy what's that neat blade in your profile pic? A fallen oak forge??
+TOP KEKTUS nah mate, its a zombie tools kukri, its a bit pricey but looks awesome
Zack Dixon yeah i figured that out in time ^^ but thanks anyways
You have at least 3 knives on my want list ... I saw a long martindale machete at a flea market for 15 dollars and didn't buy it I regret lol ... What are your thoughts on the gerber parang? I'm looking to get a parang for my collection soon I also am interested in the ray meats one you have. Thnx
i live in kenya and we own a panga altho ours are much longer then the one you have just shown i can buy them at my local market called nakumat
Interesting, I would love to visit you and see how things are done in Kenya with your Panga machetes.
Thanks for your comment.
Have a great day A M Productions.
thanks you can check out my video on mine that i just posted
A panga is usually just an every day tool for cutting brush and small trees also can be used for building shelters the tip has quite a huge amount of damage when hacking down a tree but it also serves as a good piercing tip 😀
Tora Blades is based in London, England and Himalayan Imports is based in Reno, Nevada USA. My suggestion is to visit a village that has a local Kami and have him make you a Kukri to your specifications. That's how the Nepalis do it and that's as real as it gets. You will be in Nepal after all.
Warning: stay away from the tourist shops in the city. Those Kukris are for foreigners and the export market not real use.
I have many khukuri but I love some of my Filipino style blades, they have tons of designs, most are made for fighting as well. Though if I would an all around knife/blade the khukuri is for me.
A correctly heat treated, properly balanced, and traditionally weighted Nepali Kukri is an amazing tool. I can not believe it took me 48 years to find this out.
Second best is the Parang. They are multi functional big knives too. Philippine knives are good. No doubt about that.
I love all of my Kukri's.
Silky saws are nice. The axe looks more like a meat cleaver. Would be surprised if it can bite much deeper than the primary bevel, but if it does the lack of cheek will make it prone to sticking. The short length will hamper velocity and thus power. I wouldn't expect great performance given the design, but would be interested to see how it does if you decide to get one. I appreciate the closer look you provide by sharing your collection.
I agree with the benefits of adaptation. If you study Kukri history you can see this adaptation taking place and today in Nepal it's completed with the traditional Kukri.
Due to the Kukri Boom in the West we see export models not used in Nepal. These tourist/export Kukri are not the best examples of quality Kukris. For example the weights of 2,3, or 4 lbs, the overly thick spines, the poor balance, etc. This is an egress from the all round trad. design & so they are really just heavy choppers.
Heck, try it with green white oak.
handmade parang's its good and looking strong!
So true, _great steel/heat treating_ on the Bidor & the handmade traditional parang.
Hi there,
I really liked your review of the Battalion Torah blades Kukri. As an ex British army soldier I'm after buying one of these knives for use outdoors here in Norway but was wondering what you thought of the Battalion Kukris sheath. Do you think that it would hold up getting wet occasionally?
Thanks
Hamish
Hello Hamish,
Ex US Navy man here so I know about wet conditions and wet gear. The traditional Kukri leather sheath can hold up but you need to have a regular maintenance schedule.
That schedule should include a general cleaning, an overnight mineral oil soak, and finally a rub down with Kiwi Dubbin Shoe Grease.
or
You can make or have someone else make a Kydex sheath for your Kukri. This type of sheath is almost maintenance free. It is the type I like the most but I use the traditional Nepali sheath until it wears out.
Hope that helps you. Enjoy Norway.
Actually, Himialyan Imports is based in Nepal - Well The knife makers are and I can get you the Kamis names, but you are correct in that H.I. is run out of Nevada. I believe after Bill passed away, his wife took over.
I don't know anything about Tora as I had never heard of them, but I can check them out and see if they come out of Nepal.
My friend Saroj Tamang will meet me at the airport so I am covered on places to go. I will visit the Gurkha regiment while I am there.
I'm not so sure the Kukri is designed based on the guillotine, the blade forward design I think is made so you can keep your wrist at a comfortable natural angle and the kukri hits, which also makes it have a leading point rather than a trailing point like most straight knives.
JeepJeep234 I agree with you 100% that the kukri design is not based on the guillotine. That is why I said the design is *like* the French Guillotine. See minute 6:48 for what I said.
The point I am making is the angle of the kukri makes it much more an efficient cutter & chopper in a *similar* way to the guillotine's 45 degree angled blade.
This is a quote that was inspired by the same comparison if I remember correctly that Old Jimbo used when he was discussing the Nepali kukri. I agree with him but he gets the credit for it.
Sorry for your confusion.
You gave you view on why you think the design evolved by saying "I think". The real reason the the kukri was angled down the way it is... *is unknown*. Unknown even to the kamis that make it. It is just traditional and it works the best for what it is. Good guess though.
Stay frosty.
Khukuri is a weapon of choice for every nepalese. And it is believed that our ancestors based the design from the shape of a leaflet.
The small arch on the lower edge , near the handle of khukuri is there to prevent any kind of fluid reaching to user's hand. Like blood from animals while cutting the meat or enemies during warfare or plant sap or in rain. so that the liquid doesn't reach the palm of user and the strong grip on khukuri is maintained at all times.
thanks for mentioning the khukuri
Cameron Reid You are correct Cameron Reid as you have found out in real life use. The notch in the kukri will not stop liquid from getting on the handle of the big knife. Ajay Karki is only guessing about why kukri have kaudis/kaudas.
The real reason for these "notches: near the handle at the end of the blade is *unknown* even to the Nepalis & Indians.
Sorry, I'm more of a traditionalist when it comes to cutting tools. As I said they works best for my use.
But most Kukri manufacturers are international. My faovarite Kukri maker at this time is Tora Blades they have a full-tang MKII WW2 style up for per-order.
You should do a word search and that will get you plenty of hits.
Hope you find a tool that works for you.
Thanks for the good video
I love your vids. I have the beast from the kukri house, which care do you have with your blades in ragards of oil or lubricants?
Fiskars SUCK in very cold weather. When I was teaching in Alaska I saw many discarded Gerber/Fiskars axes with the crappy plastic handle broken. I was surprised how many Gransfors Bruk and Wetterlings axes I saw considering how much they cost, but when you have to trust your equipment to work in the worst conditions, you pay for quality.
It is too bad those folks discarded their Fiskars axes. Fiskars have a lifetime guarantee. All they needed to do was sent the broken axe in to Fiskars and in about 6 weeks you get a brand new axe.
I don't doubt that in very cold weather Fiskars my crack. I am sure many axes crack in those conditions. If you can afford the boutique axes go for it. I see no problem using either wood or polymer handled axes. It all depends on what your doing and what you like.
Have a great day.
A "lifetime warranty" does you no good when you're out in the woods with a broken tool!! Besides, factories do a lifetime warranty knowing that the majority of people won't take advantage of it.
Art Copeland You are right, i.e. if your polymer axe, polymer Mora, polymer snowshoes, etc. break while on the trail, any kind of warranty is no good at that time.
So hopefully you are wise and listened to the "pros" in bushcraft/survival and have other tools (knife, machete, saw, etc.) to temporary replace the broken axe.
If you are deep in the woods with a polymer axe or even a wood axe without other sharp tools and skills to survive any type of mishap with it, then *you are a danger to yourself & maybe others.*
The good thing is *broken Fiskars are rare.* If one does break you will get a replacement. I know one person who received their replacement after a small crack appeared on their Fiskars X series axe.
If you don't take advantage of a free replacement warranty IMO you should be horse whipped by your spouse.
Just saying.
sweetcostarica You are probably correct that there won't be a great number of broken Gerber axes, but in my time in the Alaska bush on the coast of the Bering Sea I saw only one that survived, and it was one the family kept inside to use in the house.
My other problem with them is that they have poor steel compared to Wetterlings, Council Tool Velvicut, and Gransfors Bruk. Even my old Collins I got as a Webelo at 11 held a better edge than a Gerber does. If one likes the plastic handle because of its feel, that's their choice and it's fine. They probably won't live in places like Kotlik or Unalakleet, where weather kills all but the hardiest. However, With my old Collins still hanging around, and my Gransfofrs Bruk I bought when I went back up to Alaska to teach, I have the axes I need. If I do buy another, it would probably be a Velvicut or a Hults Bruk. I can't justify spending a little less to get much lower quality.
Rodger Pitts It seems the problem is as you said yourself:
"Fiskars SUCK in very cold weather."
I have used several Fiskars & given them to a hunter friend of mine. We have not had any break in the Anchorage weather. But it has been truly mild these last two (2) Winters.
In any case, Fiskars do have soft steel & are not really made for very long heavy-duty applications. My friends & I don't use axes for heavy-duty wood work much. We use chain saws and don't split much either, we find the correct diameter branches to avoid splitting.
Fiskars are extremely popular for a few good, if not great reasons/facts:
- They out chop & out split any wood handled axe, any axe period
- They are lighter in weight
- They cost 1/3 to 1/5 the cost of boutique axes (Wetterlings, Council Tool Velvicut, and Gransfors Bruk)
- They are the ultimate hiker &/or campers axe
Again, it all depends on what your doing and what you like.
Thank you brother
I wonder what the difference in required force to split a piece of wood would be with two blades of the same weight and size, but one is highly polished and one has more of a rough hammered look like your tora sirupate
+Troy Guinn Good question but with kukris the most important factor in effectiveness is:
- how it was made (traditional, factory method like in WW2, high or low skilled kami, etc.),
- for what reason it was made (for locals, for tourist, for soldiers, for ceremonies, etc.),
- and what role is it for (food prep., fighting, parade, farming, etc.).
Minor differences in kukris are just that, in my opinion of course.
gerber is German Bear Griyls is a commissioned officer in the British Army 23 SAS reserve regiment
1st
Gerber Legendary Blades company is a maker of consumer knives and multitools *headquartered in Tigard, Oregon, United States,* within the Portland metropolitan area. Currently Gerber is a sub-division of Fiskars Brands Inc, owned by the Fiskars company of Finland. Gerber was established in 1939 by Pete Gerber.
2nd
The name of the American parang is *made overseas in China* is Bear Grylls Parang or Bear Grylls Survival Parang. The name *Griyls is not correct.*
3rd
Bear Grylls was born on June 7, 1974 in Isle of Wight, England as Edward Michael Bear Grylls. He is a producer and actor, known for Man vs. Wild (2006), The Island with Bear Grylls (2014) and Bear Grylls: Surviving the Island (2014).
Bear Grylls Trivia:
- Served in the British Special Air Services (SAS)
- Climbed Mount Everest.
- Black Belt in Karate.
- Broke his back in three places on a parachuting jump over Southern Africa.
- In June 2005, Grylls broke a world record by hosting a dinner party at a table suspended below a hot air balloon at 24,500 feet.
- Is an avid skydiver.
- Led the first unassisted crossing of the frozen North Atlantic Ocean in an open, rigid inflatable boat.
- Grylls owns an island on the Welsh coast, which includes a nature reserve, and lives on a converted barge on the River Thames with his wife Shara and their sons Jesse and Marmaduke.
- Founded the first mountaineering club at Eton College.
- Son of Sir Michael Grylls and Lady Sarah Grylls.
- Educated at Eaton House, Ludgrove School, Eton College, and Birkbeck, University of London School of Continuing Education.
Thanks for watching Harry.
This guy sounds like Murphy's Muskets dude. And I mean, like I actually suspect it is really him.
The traditional Kukri was designed for cutting bamboo and wood no bigger than a normal human arm. The Khukuri Houses and many 2 to 3 lbs Himalayan Imports Kukris are westernized and not used in Nepal for real work. In Nepal for wood bigger than an arm they use axes.
I like your belt axe option and am looking at a Silky Ono (their new western style belt axe).
If I buy a kukri, you've pretty much persuaded me to buy a Tora.
Tora Blades are the best (IMO) & after the recent large earthquake Tora built a new factory. Their kukris are even better than before.
You and Tora are the only entities that I know of that equate thick blades with tourist Khukuris. In fact, after reading the history of the blade, it's clear that there was no one Khukuri standard even hundreds of years ago. Some were thick, some thin. Some long, some short. Some thick and short or thing and long and vice-versa. To take one particular variant of a Khukuri and elevate it as the standard of what a Khukuri should be isn't historically accurate.
Awesome info!!!
Thanks Speedy's Workshop. There are a lot of good choices for woodcraft out there. I like comparisons because they give folks a true idea of a product with out the hype and marketing.
Happy Cinco De Mayo!
good vid, thanx
Dry soft wood. Try it with teak or ebony.
well i need to look in the net for the kukri , i'm looking for a full tang , anny idea on some web site for a canadian custumer ?
I think you can buy traditional khukri in india for probably 10 or 15 dollars
You can buy traditional kukri even cheaper than that, also sometimes you will get one free from a Nepali friend.
*_But..._* Getting to Nepal or to your Nepali friend will cost you $1,000 USD to $2,000 USD (round trip) depending on the date.
So ordering online is pretty much the smart way to go.
Nice.
We South East Asians pronounce parang as Pah-Rung
I heard that before. Thanks for the tip.
Have a most excellent day!
sweetcostarica you too!
I say Fried Rice you say Nasi-Goring.
Khukuri 😍
Parang the made indonesia so good
What do you think of Zombie Tools Vakra ? It's a well made and balanced "American Kukri" ?
Sorry, I have tried Cold Steel Gurkha kukri, Ontario's Kukri, a few other western kukri-like blades, and have now only use the Nepali made kukris, mainly Tora Blades for their traditional weights & excellent handling qualities.
leaf spring is Hard can cut nails
Tora for the win!
which tora blades model kukri do you believe is most effective for chopping wood and general utility purposes?
+J Nichols That would be the *Villager models.* Tora Villagers are fantastic.
That is what their design is aimed at: 1st chopping wood & 2nd utility.
Military designs are aimed at: 1st fighting & 2nd utility.
Please contact Tora Blades for their next batch of villager models as right now I see only their military kukris on sale. With one exception:
- The Tora Kiranti Sirupate Kukri (Pre-order - Eta Oct 2016).
This one is good at chopping & utility duties too. But it might not be your style.
sweetcostarica thanks for answering! if you don't mind me asking, what's the general difference between a utility kukri and a fighting kukri? the sirupate seems like it would be better for fighting given it has a longer, thinner blade, and the military models seem like they'd be better for chopping wood given that they're larger near the tip, but from your comment it seems like I have things backwards.
J Nichols *The difference*
fighting kukri:
- balance:
weight toward the handle = fast maneuvering
- lightweight:
for ease of carry & all day use
For a villager
- Balance:
forward heavy for the chop
- medium to heavy weight:
for wood splitting, food prep. & animal beheading.
The sirupate "style" kukri is a favorite of Gurkha for a combat weapon but they used any kukri that passed the above standards.
sweetcostarica okay, thanks
There's no way a hatchet will out chop a big knife. I have over 30 years experience using both. The right big knife will chop the same as any hatchet. The Kukri is one of them.
I the context of the weights being equal (big knife & hatchet), *I disagree* but I respect your opinion.
Have a very Happy Thanksgiving!
sweetcostarica well,, it's not much of an opinion when the statement was based on over 30 years of actual experience. Have a good Thanks Giving also. Thanks for the video.
sweetcostarica I strongly agree with that dude. A proper camp axe beats it in chop tho. It's all in the flick and the belly. Lose the gloves.
Much respect to you.
Thanks for vids
Have you tested The Kukris from Wessex Blades?
+ogarzabello No I have not.
Hello-
You seem a lot more knowledge able this compared to me. Please if you can help me with a recommendation on a good kukri style for camping & clearing brush.
I'm a college student and don't have a huge budget but want something worth while. I will be camping a lot this summer. Im looking for a tool that can clear brush, smaller logs, cut down branches for firewood.
I was going to purchase the Cold Steel or KA-Bar or Ontario Kukri. The Ontario was going to be the one i purchased before i watched you video. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
I am happy to help but it is just one man's opinion. You said:
- college student = presently poor
- want something that works
- need something for Summer camping
- need a tool to clear brush, smaller logs *(logs are axe work),* cut down branches for firewood.
Kukris are for light to medium duty work. I usually recommend a traditional kukri to folks but they are out of your price range and take a while to get here from Nepal. The Cold Steel Gurkha Kukri (not the Plus version or San Mai version) would be perfect for you except for it's $170 USD price.
I think you are on the right track with the *The Ontario OKC Kukri* 6420 at *$65 USD* on Amazon.
It is very similar to traditional kukris except in it's handle of course.
Another choice that works and is an OK value is *KA-BAR Becker BK-21 Reinhardt* at *$130 USD* on eBay.
This is more pricy but you get more capability over the Ontario.
The bad thing to the Ontario & Ka-Bar is their terrible sheaths. The sheaths are cheap & low quality to keep the price down. Cold Steel has the best sheath (IMO).
Exactly! But if it means buying some cheap product that will break or will not do the job... I will not purchase it & wait for a quality tool
I will not be cutting down big logs exactly. Just dead tree branches/sticks to be able to fit them in the campfire. The primary job for this tool. I've seen a lot of reviews on the Cold Steel Gurkha Kukri & like it despite the price tag lol
Do you know if there is any decent ones from? Khukuri trade or EGKH? These are the ones on Amazon prime. But I'm reading mixed reviews on these about the soft steel or not balanced correctly. Just dont know much about it.
As of right now I think the Ontario is my best option but considering the Cold Steel Gurkha Kukri if you think the Ontario will not last me?
Again! Thx for your time & reply!
The kukri design is for light to medium duty supplications. It is really just a big knife that has about a 30 to 40 degree down angle. So I'm glad to hear you will not be cutting down big logs. That is a waste of time & energy (wrong tool).
EGKH, Khukuri House, even Himalayan Imports are mainly tourist kukris. So for really using the big knife they don't work well.
OK, a nothing cheap, that will break easily, & is up to the jobs you mentioned? The best kukri for you is (IMO):
*The Cold Steel Gurkha Kukri* (CSGK).
I had two (2) CSGK and just sold them because I am moving. They sold for about $150 USD each, used. These CSGK hold their value and are worth the cost. *The catch is their retail price.*
Thanks for the advice... Looks like I will be speeding a bit more but happy to hear it performs well.
I found the Cold steel for $155 on amazon. www.amazon.com/Cold-Steel-Gurkha-Kraton-Handle/dp/B001PYSNAO.
This is the correct one? right?
I really want to have the Kukri for all my car-camping. I have a truck & want to be able to clear brush & shrubs & dead tree branches to be able to fit into the campfire.
For your kind information it's not kukri , it's called "khukuri " from Nepal .
I figure just go with an KH 3 Chirra Kukuri.
@sweetcostarica what size is the HI kukri listed as on the page? is it 12inches overall?
+Colombiano671 Sorry, I sold the HI Sirupate about a month after this video. I don't have the measurements but in any case no two (2) HI kukris are the same.
Happy New year brother!
+sweetcostarica happy new year and thanks i appreciate it i was wondering if the measurement you took was of the total length or just the blade length
+sweetcostarica because i was wanting a kukri close to the originals but i dont want to wait for months to get a tora kukri...you compared a tora kukri with a cold steel kurki and said the tora was better due to preference but is the cold steel kukri better then lets say a HI 15 inch sirupate kukri?
+Colombiano671 Hi, the measurement I took in the video of the HI Sirupate is the blade measurement only (12.3 inches). That is the length from bolster to tip.
The Cold Steel Gurkha kukri is well liked in the outdoor community. It is tougher than the Tora & the HI because of it's semi-full tang construction. It is not hand made and so has different characteristics than traditional blades but if does work well in kukri type duties.
I do recommend the Cold Steel Gurkha Kukri although it is expensive.
*Historical note*: Gurkhas when they could not get kukris have used Parangs instead. So if you can not get a Tora now get a Parang while you wait. I recommend...
AKC Mail Order Knives: SICUT Parang or Lombok for about $72 USD.
+sweetcostarica thank you soo much :) your the best i was looking at the HI 15 inch sirupate since it weighs around 1lb but i will get the cold steel G.K
Immacasa owns Condor
MY INFO:
Condor Tool & Knife’s parent company, *_Imacasa was formed in the 1980’s_* when the company decided to sell the Central and South America operations to local investors.
In *_2004 Imacasa_* decided to develop a line of knives and tools for the North American and European outdoor markets.
*_Condor Tool & Knife was born._*
The SEA parang is Ray Mears copied the style, is not the RM's style.cos the parang use in SEA more than a hundred years.
Why do you allways Hide your hands in all your posts, are you a master Criminal or something ?
Switch to 4:25 if you don't wanna waste time on some useless machetes.
Wow 😮😮😮😮👍👍👍💞💞💞🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵
Exclusiva para matar.Sem comparações!!!!
Stronger than any knife out there?!?!? Clearly youhavenot handled a Bark River JX5 vengeful one in CPM 3v powdered steel lol
Trash bark river
"Mears" ... iPad auto correct :)
It is cheaper.
It is not kukri. It is khukuri. Please correct it.
+Emerjas Gurung Language police are banned on my page. Sorry.
+Emerjas Gurung bro, nepalese doesn't use the latin alphabet... spelling is irrelevant.
+Emerjas Gurung both is correct... your post is irrelevant.
If anything Kukri is more correct because it's a more efficient phonetic approximation of the nepalese.
The word is khukuri
Bear grillis lololilol
BG Junk.
no BOWIE KNIFE WITH A GOOD 10 blade 1/4 thick
+Lamont “Bigbore54” Albin Not sure what you are trying to say here. Can you try again and communicate in complete sentences.
Thanks.
+sweetcostarica bowies are pretty good all a round . Used for chopping ,camp , fighting, 1800 they where a go to frontier blade. many 9 -14 blades 1/4 inch thick blade will go thru almost any task. They have a vast history in Americas foundation from the early start to modern times .
+sweetcostarica thought you might have mentioned the bowie as its America most known blade and copied worldwide from past to present
+Lamont “Bigbore54” Albin If the title was not about the kukri I would have mentioned James "Jim" Bowie knife or James Black's Arkansas Toothpick knife, Trade knives, or other great US knives.
Actually, I had Cold Steel Bowies and they where fine but I sold them as I was not impressed by there balance and lessor multi-role capabilities. I find the kukri a much better tool. Plus, as in the video I love the chopping foreign blades.
Have a great day.
+sweetcostarica just thought it was a good comparison as they are some of the most used bush blades of history
Youve played a little too much ocarina of time dude, pronounce it right
Thanks for making my day TheJurzeker.
I love light comedy. It is good to laugh at others
& yourself sometimes. It is healthy.
Back to serious things; I am glad you liked this video (thumbs up)
and I hope you get outdoors and enjoy this wonderful big knife.
Have an awesome day!