Thank you very much (in Elvis voice) Boy was it cold though. The gloves made the Kukri slip in my hands a little. Nice working blade. It only loss a little sharpness after the test but sharpened up quickly on sandpaper and mousepad.
really like the knife. the size and weight lt iooks about right. any problems with gloved hands. glade you brought up the saws.muched overlooked tool. i would also add a set of ratching pruming shears, the work great. good film thanks for posting it. okie
These KLVUK are like the staying, "It's better to be a Plain Jane than the prettiest girl in class". If you know the answer to this then you will pick this new-ish HI knife for your go to tool of choice. I think for their value, their toughness, effectiveness, and no nonsense style everyone should have one.
Thank you Forgivenessdaily. There are knives like the SOG Force and Schrade Extreme Survival Knife, basically the 7 to 10 inchers, straight or slightly curved blades that look cool but really are "in-between knives that are not so good with small tasks and don't have the length or girth to chop well. This KLVUK is the smallest Kukri I use and it does well as a survival blade. Combined with a Mora and a saw, Bushcraft or Camping just got a lot easier. Enjoy your Kukri my friend.
Thanks The Vadumee. It is always best to avoid chopping frozen wood because it can get as hard as rock and will chip your blade. But this is an extreme test of Himalayan Imports (HI) blades. The high quality of HI products is amazing compared the the Chinese and Taiwanese made ones. Don't get me wrong they have some really good stuff too. It's just that I find HI and also Tora Blades to be the best these days.
When I moved to Alaska 3 years ago I needed a different type of knife. In Alaska the axe is king but too much for my hiking/camping needs. So I by accident I discovered the Kukri. There are 2 ways I find works well for sharpening Kukris. 1st way is with sandpaper (Note: these are CZcams videos): Type in the search box: "Easy way of Sharpening a kukri (Tora Kukri)" The next way is by Self Preservation Strategies: Type in the search box: "Kukri sharpening.mpeg" Hope you learn a lot. Take care.
"any problems with gloved hands" YES! It was difficult at first with the blue gloves because they are kind of big and have liners in them. These made the Kukri slip side to side. There was no fear of the knife slipping straight out of my hand though. If you notice at minute 2:56 the gloves change to Mechanic gloves for more control. Pruming shears...I heard that before from junglecrafty. Will look into it. Thanks okie.
You said: "I have been thinking about getting myself another one". There is a Kukri boom that has been going for a few years now but these are export or tourist Kukri. There are made in Nepal but for foreigners and so are not made in the traditional way with the right weights, lengths, blade design, etc. Tora Blades are good ($95 -$140 USD). They cost a little more because they are working replicas of real Kukris. Himalayan Imports has some traditional Kukri (like in my video) and is cheaper.
Hello and thanks for the video... So you're a newbie here to AK, huh? How are you and your family getting along here so far? I've lived in Anchorage for a total of 19 years all together; with being stationed at Fort Rich for 4 years back in the 80's when I was one of the luck enlisted NCO's chosen from Fort Bragg to be reassigned to the arctic to start up an airborne/scout unit for the newly activated 6th ID at Rich; I had so much fun and loved being in AK so much I moved back here to call it home after retiring, instead of going back home where I am from in Georgia. Fort Benning of course, I grew up in a special operations kind of family :-) Anyway I'm a big time gun guy and I'm just getting into Kukri's and big knifes, I've trained and trained with South Korean's Fujian's, Gurkha's and a host of other Nation's special forces soldiers who I've always though carried way better knives than the M9, Ka-bar or SOG knives that I've carried while on active duty. One of the things that I wish I had done while on active duty and traveling all over the world was to pick up some of the knives of the countries that I visited instead of testing out the beer and other things that a young, single combat arms soldier love to do, if you know what I mean :-) You've go some very nice Kukris and other knives and you seem to know your stuff when it comes to talking intelligently about them. I am interested in starting a collection; but, don't want to break the bank acquiring a few to start. Where would you suggest would be the best place to pick up a few Kukris to start a collection and move up to the more expensive ones; where I am getting the best value for my money? Before finding your videos I saw a video from a guy who was saying to be careful of buying Kukris made from spring steel; but; during my researching of them, it seems that the better made and authentic ones are handmade in Nepal from spring steel. Now mind you that I am still wrapping my brains around the whole types of steel that knifes are made out of and talking to the local knife guys at Sportsman's warehouse and cabela's it seems that a lot of companies have made up their own ratings for the kind of steel that a knife is made out of and most of the time the type of steel doesn't really mean anything to me because it sounds more like a marketing pitch thanks anything else. Thanks again for your videos, especially doing them in the cold; I've been at Rabbit Creek range shooting many times shooting and showing off a new gun that I have bought with the kids when it's -15 degrees out and trying to film a video, so I know how hard it can be filming in the cold. :-)
One of the best steels for big knives is 5160 spring steel. This is a really great steel for large knives because it is stringy and very durable. "5160 makes a very durable tough knife and is suitable for any knife that needs to hold an edge and be impact resistant such as swords and bowie knives." - Said by Alloys, Metals & Steel Resource Specialists. Very informative video on the 5160 Spring Steel: czcams.com/video/0UpWSdoscMk/video.html So ignore folks that say 5160 Spring Steel is not good. They don't know what they are talking about. Almost all the South East Asian countries use this steel. They recycle it from old truck & car springs for their traditional knives. I have a parang with a hole in the blade from where the bolt went through it. You said: "Where would you suggest would be the best place to pick up a few Kukris to start a collection and move up to the more expensive ones; where I am getting the best value for my money?" OK, Try to get a "Deal of the Day" kukri from Himalayan Imports through their forum (HI Forum). I used to buy traditional blades from there. They have great prices for some nice knives ($60 to $90 USD). Then move up the one of the Tora Blades replica blades ($145 to $190 USD). These kukris are amazing IMO, very balanced, good natural weight, and many are hollow ground. Thanks for your compliments and service! Merry Christmas & Happy New Year
Cool deal... Thanks for the speedy response and expert information. It looks like shipping times are a bit lengthy due to the knifes being made on order and coming from overseas. That's okay, I'm in no rush to get mines; also, the company you suggested had some pretty good package deals and they offer a military discount. I think that I'm going to enjoy my set of knifes for years to come. Also, you are most welcomed, It was my pleasure to have served... The years that I spent in the military were some of the best years of my life, next to watching my girls grow up :-) Thanks again for the video and information; you and your family have a Merry Christmas and a safe start to the New Year.
If I may ask when did you first start getting into the Kukri blades. I have been thinking about getting myself another one. Any suggestions for sharpening? Cheers!
You got a really nice belly on yours! Don't take this as me hating on my blade, but it looks like more of a cross between that and a siru. Still, the KLVUK is one of my favorite blades.
+Bill Melater No, problem. The KLVUK is more of a rough BSI Service No. 2. And the original BSI was designed more as a utility/all round knife than a fighter. So I can see why if is your favorite.
+sweetcostarica I think I talked to you before on this. My HI CAK came in and it is a monster chopper and does its job well, BUT it is on the heavy side, so I'm looking for something in between the CAK and KLVUK. Anything in HI or Tora you'd recommend?
If efficiency in chopping & splitting are what you want and it should be a tool thats between a HI KLVUK and the HI CAK? That is very easy a actually what the locals in Nepali are using today: An axe is the blade you need, specifically the *Gransfors Bruks, Small Forest Axe* - $145 USD But this will most likely do a better, faster job that any kukri. Just my view for what I've seen.
+sweetcostarica Thanks for the info, but I've got an axe and a saw for real chopping/cutting. The question was about a kukri, since I'm looking for something to take out hunting with me to handle brush as well as limbs. Not really looking to chop down trees.
Bill Melater I see where your going. Unfortunately, I don't recommend larger kukris for two reasons: - Much past the *effectiveness* of a HI KLVUK (which is really a BSI) they are not that good at brush, vines, and limbs i.e. too heavy for that. Although in SE Asia the tools of choice for this kind of work are specially made kukris (thinner, longer, lighter), bolos, parang, goloks, etc. Basically beefed up machetes. - Much past the *size* of the HI KLVUK you will get stared at and avoided by folks once they see you. You'll have many awkward moments. My recommendation is not a kukri or an axe. Now that I really know want your need is. For brush, vines, and limbs get one of these fantastic tools: A Haglof Swedish Brush Axe ($55 USD) or A Silky Saws Yoki Chopper ($70 USD They both are on Amazon.com Historical note: The special kukri made for brush, vines, and limbs are called Jungle kukris. BUT if you absolutely want a kukri the only true one made today (IMO) is Tora Blades' *Tora Jungle (Jangala) Kukri.* It cost $200 USD and you have to pre-order it. Which means a long, long wait (3 to 6 months).
Thank you very much (in Elvis voice)
Boy was it cold though. The gloves made the Kukri slip in my hands a little.
Nice working blade. It only loss a little sharpness after the test but sharpened up quickly on sandpaper and mousepad.
Awesome Field test. Khukri blades are the bomb. I have used mine for about a year now and prefer it almost more than an axe.
Cheers!
really like the knife. the size and weight lt iooks about right. any problems with gloved hands. glade you brought up the saws.muched overlooked tool. i would also add a set of ratching pruming shears, the work great. good film thanks for posting it. okie
Awesome info. Thank you for all your help I'll give Tora Blades a look.
Cheers!
These KLVUK are like the staying, "It's better to be a Plain Jane than the prettiest girl in class". If you know the answer to this then you will pick this new-ish HI knife for your go to tool of choice.
I think for their value, their toughness, effectiveness, and no nonsense style everyone should have one.
Thank you Forgivenessdaily. There are knives like the SOG Force and Schrade Extreme Survival Knife, basically the 7 to 10 inchers, straight or slightly curved blades that look cool but really are "in-between knives that are not so good with small tasks and don't have the length or girth to chop well.
This KLVUK is the smallest Kukri I use and it does well as a survival blade. Combined with a Mora and a saw, Bushcraft or Camping just got a lot easier.
Enjoy your Kukri my friend.
Thanks The Vadumee. It is always best to avoid chopping frozen wood because it can get as hard as rock and will chip your blade. But this is an extreme test of Himalayan Imports (HI) blades.
The high quality of HI products is amazing compared the the Chinese and Taiwanese made ones. Don't get me wrong they have some really good stuff too. It's just that I find HI and also Tora Blades to be the best these days.
When I moved to Alaska 3 years ago I needed a different type of knife. In Alaska the axe is king but too much for my hiking/camping needs. So I by accident I discovered the Kukri.
There are 2 ways I find works well for sharpening Kukris. 1st way is with sandpaper (Note: these are CZcams videos):
Type in the search box: "Easy way of Sharpening a kukri (Tora Kukri)"
The next way is by Self Preservation Strategies:
Type in the search box: "Kukri sharpening.mpeg"
Hope you learn a lot. Take care.
"any problems with gloved hands" YES! It was difficult at first with the blue gloves because they are kind of big and have liners in them. These made the Kukri slip side to side. There was no fear of the knife slipping straight out of my hand though. If you notice at minute 2:56 the gloves change to Mechanic gloves for more control.
Pruming shears...I heard that before from junglecrafty. Will look into it. Thanks okie.
Nice to see these blades getting some exposure on YT.
You said: "I have been thinking about getting myself another one".
There is a Kukri boom that has been going for a few years now but these are export or tourist Kukri. There are made in Nepal but for foreigners and so are not made in the traditional way with the right weights, lengths, blade design, etc.
Tora Blades are good ($95 -$140 USD). They cost a little more because they are working replicas of real Kukris.
Himalayan Imports has some traditional Kukri (like in my video) and is cheaper.
Fantastic job Man!
I reall enjoyed your video. coincidentally i too live in anchorage ak and love khukri hit me up man
Hello and thanks for the video... So you're a newbie here to AK, huh? How are you and your family getting along here so far? I've lived in Anchorage for a total of 19 years all together; with being stationed at Fort Rich for 4 years back in the 80's when I was one of the luck enlisted NCO's chosen from Fort Bragg to be reassigned to the arctic to start up an airborne/scout unit for the newly activated 6th ID at Rich; I had so much fun and loved being in AK so much I moved back here to call it home after retiring, instead of going back home where I am from in Georgia. Fort Benning of course, I grew up in a special operations kind of family :-)
Anyway I'm a big time gun guy and I'm just getting into Kukri's and big knifes, I've trained and trained with South Korean's Fujian's, Gurkha's and a host of other Nation's special forces soldiers who I've always though carried way better knives than the M9, Ka-bar or SOG knives that I've carried while on active duty. One of the things that I wish I had done while on active duty and traveling all over the world was to pick up some of the knives of the countries that I visited instead of testing out the beer and other things that a young, single combat arms soldier love to do, if you know what I mean :-)
You've go some very nice Kukris and other knives and you seem to know your stuff when it comes to talking intelligently about them. I am interested in starting a collection; but, don't want to break the bank acquiring a few to start.
Where would you suggest would be the best place to pick up a few Kukris to start a collection and move up to the more expensive ones; where I am getting the best value for my money? Before finding your videos I saw a video from a guy who was saying to be careful of buying Kukris made from spring steel; but; during my researching of them, it seems that the better made and authentic ones are handmade in Nepal from spring steel. Now mind you that I am still wrapping my brains around the whole types of steel that knifes are made out of and talking to the local knife guys at Sportsman's warehouse and cabela's it seems that a lot of companies have made up their own ratings for the kind of steel that a knife is made out of and most of the time the type of steel doesn't really mean anything to me because it sounds more like a marketing pitch thanks anything else.
Thanks again for your videos, especially doing them in the cold; I've been at Rabbit Creek range shooting many times shooting and showing off a new gun that I have bought with the kids when it's -15 degrees out and trying to film a video, so I know how hard it can be filming in the cold. :-)
One of the best steels for big knives is 5160 spring steel. This is a really great steel for large knives because it is stringy and very durable.
"5160 makes a very durable tough knife and is suitable for any knife that needs to hold an edge and be impact resistant such as swords and bowie knives." - Said by Alloys, Metals & Steel Resource Specialists.
Very informative video on the 5160 Spring Steel:
czcams.com/video/0UpWSdoscMk/video.html
So ignore folks that say 5160 Spring Steel is not good. They don't know what they are talking about. Almost all the South East Asian countries use this steel. They recycle it from old truck & car springs for their traditional knives. I have a parang with a hole in the blade from where the bolt went through it.
You said: "Where would you suggest would be the best place to pick up a few Kukris to start a collection and move up to the more expensive ones; where I am getting the best value for my money?"
OK, Try to get a "Deal of the Day" kukri from Himalayan Imports through their forum (HI Forum). I used to buy traditional blades from there. They have great prices for some nice knives ($60 to $90 USD).
Then move up the one of the Tora Blades replica blades ($145 to $190 USD). These kukris are amazing IMO, very balanced, good natural weight, and many are hollow ground.
Thanks for your compliments and service!
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year
Cool deal... Thanks for the speedy response and expert information.
It looks like shipping times are a bit lengthy due to the knifes being made on order and coming from overseas. That's okay, I'm in no rush to get mines; also, the company you suggested had some pretty good package deals and they offer a military discount. I think that I'm going to enjoy my set of knifes for years to come.
Also, you are most welcomed, It was my pleasure to have served... The years that I spent in the military were some of the best years of my life, next to watching my girls grow up :-)
Thanks again for the video and information; you and your family have a Merry Christmas and a safe start to the New Year.
If I may ask when did you first start getting into the Kukri blades. I have been thinking about getting myself another one. Any suggestions for sharpening?
Cheers!
You got a really nice belly on yours! Don't take this as me hating on my blade, but it looks like more of a cross between that and a siru. Still, the KLVUK is one of my favorite blades.
+Bill Melater No, problem. The KLVUK is more of a rough BSI Service No. 2. And the original BSI was designed more as a utility/all round knife than a fighter.
So I can see why if is your favorite.
+sweetcostarica I think I talked to you before on this. My HI CAK came in and it is a monster chopper and does its job well, BUT it is on the heavy side, so I'm looking for something in between the CAK and KLVUK. Anything in HI or Tora you'd recommend?
If efficiency in chopping & splitting are what you want and it should be a tool thats between a HI KLVUK and the HI CAK?
That is very easy a actually what the locals in Nepali are using today:
An axe is the blade you need, specifically the *Gransfors Bruks, Small Forest Axe* - $145 USD
But this will most likely do a better, faster job that any kukri.
Just my view for what I've seen.
+sweetcostarica Thanks for the info, but I've got an axe and a saw for real chopping/cutting. The question was about a kukri, since I'm looking for something to take out hunting with me to handle brush as well as limbs. Not really looking to chop down trees.
Bill Melater I see where your going. Unfortunately, I don't recommend larger kukris for two reasons:
- Much past the *effectiveness* of a HI KLVUK (which is really a BSI) they are not that good at brush, vines, and limbs i.e. too heavy for that. Although in SE Asia the tools of choice for this kind of work are specially made kukris (thinner, longer, lighter), bolos, parang, goloks, etc. Basically beefed up machetes.
- Much past the *size* of the HI KLVUK you will get stared at and avoided by folks once they see you. You'll have many awkward moments.
My recommendation is not a kukri or an axe. Now that I really know want your need is. For brush, vines, and limbs get one of these fantastic tools:
A Haglof Swedish Brush Axe ($55 USD)
or
A Silky Saws Yoki Chopper ($70 USD
They both are on Amazon.com
Historical note: The special kukri made for brush, vines, and limbs are called Jungle kukris.
BUT
if you absolutely want a kukri the only true one made today (IMO) is Tora Blades' *Tora Jungle (Jangala) Kukri.* It cost $200 USD and you have to pre-order it. Which means a long, long wait (3 to 6 months).
Boy...that thing ain't worth a shit is it. I think I'd carry a small axe and a belt knife. You'd get more versatility with similar weight.
I agree.