Hey there Matt! Thanks so much for taking the time to share your thoughts and your help over the past year dialling in the specs of this blade. The team are so happy to hear that you're glad with the final result. It's awesome that you've picked up on some of the changes we've been making but we've still got plenty to improve on not only in specs and detailing but also in having a wider range of historical blades available. If anybody has questions- let me know and I'll help out as best as I can :) Some Notes Distal taper: You're definitely right that on a lot of fixed blades there's no taper at all. Aside from not being as critical on smaller blades it's also a lot cheaper and simpler to leave it out when working with sheet steel and stock removal processes. For forging and working from thicker stock though it doesn't add much effort to the process at all- likely a big part of why it was so commonplace on pre industrial blades. The universal benefit to distal taper is about spreading stress throughout the blade- even on smaller knives. The thinner sections near the tip have a chance to bend before they pass the load to thicker parts closer to the handle. This incrementally dissipates stress and makes for a blade that's much less likely to permanently bend or snap than a blade with no taper an isoaltes stress at the handle/ricasso. For medium sized fixed blade a lack of distal taper is often regarded as a benefit for a chopping blade as it helps keep the weight forwards, giving more chopping power. If you apply distal taper for strength reasons though you can then control the chopping balance by creating a broader blade with a pronounced belly. And would you look at that! That's exactly what khukuris do. Butt Plate: The decoration on the butt plate is our logo and the makers mark of the smith that made the blade. The butt plate is one way in which the blade differs from historical examples. A hidden tang (more period correct and specified on the actual blade this is based off) allows for a lower weight and a slightly more intensified chopping balance. However it also can come loose as it shrinks, is more prone to cracking and the results can be catastrophic for the end user. Historically these hidden tang blades were often rehandled! For us we spec a through tang to ensure the blade is at the minimum level of durability and reliability that's expected for a modern made khukuri. With this said though- if you'd like it 100% accurate we can absolutely do a hidden tang. You just need to keep the handle oiled and fed and avoid big impacts. We've been trialling it on our micarta wrapped handles with great results innl terms of balance. Handle length and engraving: The engraving is a little tricky to get done but matches the original much better and really helps the look of the piece. For the blade that this is original is based off the 5.5"and the middle placement of the handle ring is historically accurate. The grip position is a bit strange but I think it's intended to be used a 3 and 1 hand grip (either back for chopping or forward for control) with a 2 and 2 grip in the centre for a compromise. Dap fit: Great to see you pick up on the connection between blade shape and dap fit. typically broader, bendier blades and those with wider bellies tend towards higher retention while narrower, straighter blades tend towards a looser fit. These daps are quite organic- they're almost living, breathing objects. As a result they can be very sensitive to temperature and moisture. A key thing to keep in mind is that the leather is shrunk around the wood and grabs super tightly- as a result the condition of the leather can make a big impact on the tightness of the dap. If it's tight try some mineral oil or leather conditioner to relax the grip. If it's loose you can try soaking the exterior in water then sitting it in the sun or in front of a heater. Another option is to glue a piece of felt or sized piece of leather into the throat of the blade. You can get a nice snug fit when fullly inserted but then have a nice loose action for the rest the draw. Take care, Andrew and the team at Kailash
Hey guys! I'm wondering what type of steel you are using for your Kukris - they're simply the most beautiful modern Kukris I've seen but I'm looking for something I can have faith in as well as admire. I've been searching your site for 15 minutes with a friend who warned me that the absence of that info was something I should take seriously and I'm hoping you can shed some light - maybe we missed it on your site?
@@GoDSkRiLLa69 Yes, you missed it. It is under grind types. Most smiths in Nepal use 5160 off of old truck leaf springs. Here is a cut and paste off their website. Our knives are made out of differentially hardened 5160 steel that has been put through a three stage normalisation and tempering process. This results in an incredibly tough and durable steel, so our standard grind should not be underestimated in terms of strength. With a meaty primary and secondary bevel, this grind is stout enough to stand up to chopping and batoning through all forms of wood, fresh bone and ice while still having chopping and slicing performance as a design priority. If your tang allows for prying and digging then this grind should be able to stand up as well as the spine. If the spine or tip bends when prying then bend it right back- our differential heat treat should allow for many straightenings before fatigue becomes a concern. I don't work for Kailash, I just buy too many of their blades.
@@semperfi1000 WOW! Thank you very much, mate! I really appreciate it. Seems like the right buy for me, and with the price point like that I'm seriously considering buying two - thanks again for the tip!
@semperfi1000 Thanks very much for the help :) And yes- we use upcycled 5160. Over our 8 years of operation it's proven to be a very tough and dependable blade steel with an extremely low failure rate across all of our different models and tang styles.
My father-in-law was a tank driver in Patton's 3rd Army. At one point his group was deployed with a group of Gurkhas, all carrying kukris. He asked to see one of the knives, the Gurkha drew the Kukri and handed to him, he examined it, was impressed, and handed it back. Before the Gurkha re sheathed the knife, he drew the blade across his hand inflicting a deep cut, blooding the blade. Needless to say my father-in-law was aghast, the Gurkha calmly explained that the blade was never drawn in war without drawing blood.
@@alexb7272 have you thought that the guy might just be trying to fuck with him like it might be a thing of machismo oh, look at me I never draw my blade without spilling blood to hype himself up as being scary
I've wanted one of these knives ever since I started hearing the stories of the Nepalese guys in Iraq/Afghanistan performing feats that seemed completely super human.
This would be a great opportunity to pursue an interview with the manufacturers. Get more context from someone that is of the region about the role of the kukri locally and what they've done to be able to try and revive the traftion and how it's impacted their community.
@scholagladiatoria if you can make it so, I'd love for you to "Lindybeige" it, take video, get some sponsors from outdoor companies to make sure you're kitted out, share your historical and archeological knowledge especially things you learn, maybe get in training and slarring with Nepalesemartial artists,....I know I'd chip into a kickstarter or Go Fund Me to get authentic, high level content like that, with the way you engage professionals like Todd's workshop and bring academic rigor while making your content accessible you'd be a great martial arts and weaponry alternative to what David Attenburough does for Nature communication.
So pleased with my 2 Kailash khukuri. I have a Salyani and a 3 fuller Angkhola. On the latter, you can choose different blade length, finish, tang and grind; handle material and length; hardware material, all in all over 9,000 combinations of that model alone, and then 5 there’s sheaths to choose from……
Thanks for the support! The number of combinations sure does add up- Luckily though if you don't keep stock blades you just have to take it one knife at a time :) Unluckily though the complexity of the website backend takes up the extra load- it can be a real beast at times!
Awesome vid - I've got a 17.5" kukri that was given to my great uncle in either WW2 or Malaya (family stories differ and he has passed on). Awesome to see that they still get made in the size!
I have a HSI kukri from kailash blades and it’s amazing. It has an amazing balance, beautiful wood, nice copper fittings, and a very comfortable handle. I’m very happy with it and the sheath is very nice quality. I couldn’t recommend them more.
we tend not to consider modern replicas as interesting as the antiques, but i feel like in the future this kind of work will be appreciated. like, 1000ys from now our people will say "ha! look, in the early 21st century there was a reinassance of the ancient weapons, look at that kukri! isn't it beautiful?" i know, we might as well be fully extinct by then, but i like to fantasize.
This is a beautiful notion. Often in khukuri circles modern blades are viewed through an entirely different lens for collecting and devalued vs historical blades. There's so much good work coming out of the country these days and I hope in future it's valued in a similar way.
Awesome to see some coverage of Kukri style blades, they really are an amazing combination of tool and weapon, capable of fulfilling both roles rather well. Also thanks for putting Kailash on my radar, definitely going to have to order one!
I have four blades from kailash and I love them all. One of them is a salyani, and it's an absolutely gorgeous blade, though it might be a bit long and fine for serious use. Also worth noting that the salyani specific traditional scabbard is incredibly pretty.
my uncle owns 2 or 3 knives that are even too gorgeous to look at, you'll feel afraid to ruin them haha! why should we work so hard if we can't enjoy a little piece of art?
My 15inch, heavy-duty grind Fort Williams from Kailash Blades doesn't move so nimbly, but I feel like it could chop a brick house in half so I'll take that compromise. I usually walk the woods with a 9 inch panawal from them though.
Oh, still watching the video and I noticed my panawal has another different version of the butt cap that is similar to the first one you got, but it is much taller so there's some nice rounding. It's gorgeous imo.
Beautiful implement! I love the decorations on the spine of the blade. As a newbie smith myself i have come to realize how bloody hard it is to get that kind of stuff right, or just blade making in general.
2 days ago I got a 10" blade with a WWII panawal handle from GK&CO for my camping gear instead of a hatchet. When I was ordering it, I thought the blade might be too small but was I wrong. The thing is a beast. It has some small blemishes but overall, an incredible tool and piece of art.
LIVING BEING IS OUR RACE, MANKIND IS OUR RELIGION, HINDU,MUSLIM,SIKH,CHRISTAIN, THERE IS NO SEPARATE RELIGION ALMIGHTY GOD KABIR is the father of all souls that JESUS, MOHAMMAD, GURU NANAK, VEDH was telling in BIBLE, QURAN, GURU GRANTHA SAHEB .. In OLD Orthodox Jewish Bible KABIR is mentioned...KABIR means (GREAT or MIGHTY GOD) in hebrew...but when translated in different languages translator removed KABIR word Quran written in arabic has also KABIR word....KABIR means THE GREAT in arabic. In vedh also KABIR is mentioned.... GURU NANAK himself described that LORD KABIR is his Guru and Lord KABIR met him..and in GURU GRANTHA SAHEB Guru Nanak called Lord kabir as kartar (GOD) Just by reading holy books it is impossible to get depth knowledge of Holy text because we are just a living beings.. In vedhas also KABIR is mentioned...our brain isnot capable and doesnot understands the secrets behind the words and world.....GURU NANAK, JESUS AND MOHAMMAD were aware of LORD KABIR but later followers were not able to get depth knowledge
I have several kailash blades, all very nice and extremely usable. I've tested them on all types of material and use them often without any real issues. The last mutiny I received is a work of art, same carving, similar overall design.... absolutely beautiful! I can't recommend them enough, Andrew is knowledgeable and great to deal with and shipping is ridiculously fast after the blades complete.
It's great that you co-operate with Kailash to produce such gorgeous knives. Personally, I would go for a smaller kukri - more a tool than a weapon, as I camp a lot. Kudos to the thought and consideration that goes into the design and build.
I've been looking to get my hands on a Kukri for a while now, so it's great to hear about a reliable, high-quality manufacturer! Went in planning to get a Sayani, but then their Chitlange changed my mind at the last second, so now I'm getting one of those.
I've been keeping my eye on Kailash and I'm certainly picking up one of theirs soon. Maybe a plain one (a tool) and something fancier. Love their options for customization, extra sheaths, etc.
Wow, what an amazing endorsement of Kailash Blades! I just ordered my very first khukuri last week, an 11" Angkhola Ek Chirra from Kailash. The more I read and researched, the more impressed I became. In fact, I went back and ordered a 7" mini from them a few days after my first order. I was in need of a large 6" belt knife to use around the property and in the woods, then I decided their 7" mini should be even more efficient at applications typical for that size western knife. I'm really curious about their smaller to medium size Sirupate as well.
you're dying for any kukri knife, sooooo much passion & love. I like your style of videos they are PHENOMENAL & AWESOME & OUTSTANDING & INFORMATIVE! So please, keep it up and coming and rocking it🤘😉🙃🤙
Dammit Matt, every time I feel like I'm getting some control over my kukri-cravings, you make another video about them! You make such a good case... that Salyani is just gorgeous... Aaargh!!!🤣
First off, I LOVE your videos Matt! You're awesome man! I already ordered a Scourge Anniversary from Kailash and awaiting that blade. I had my eye on the Salyani for a while, but was hesitant on pulling the trigger. Definitely getting one now! Take care sir! Wishing you the best and thank you!
My father in law has a photo of his father during the war sacrificing a bull with a LARGE kukri shaped blade. The photographer even managed to capture him mid blow as he beheaded the animal.
It's done every year during Dashain! There's some truly massive khukuri designed for ensuring the best buffalo sacrifice you can. Take care, Andrew and the team at Kailash
These go straight on my wishlist! I have a Cold Steel Gurka Kukri Plus for camping it chops and it splits wood amazingly. I mention it because I am very greatful for its guard, unconventional as it may be. I love its modern design but I sure as shit wouldn't hang it on the on the wall like could with one of these.
I also have a Khukuri, but mine is from Nepal, with the half guard. And yes I think when I am chopping and clearing brush this summer it will be very nice to have. Its not historical, but for what I need, its a very good Khukuri, with a 12 inch long blade. And if I needed to defend myself, I would hot hesitate to do so with said knife.
They have some great designs at attainable prices, for sure. I like the modern knives a lot, although that huge kukri does make me feel a certain kind of way
Hey Matt! I first wanna express my graditute for this explaining video on the Nepalese Kukri. I really wanna say how good of a cut that was on the bottles, it looked so cool. Look quite skilled tbh. I sincerely wish you a good day Matt 😄
I accidentally chopped through a 1.5-liter water bottle--with the edge of my hand. It was a clean-cut bottle--done with an empty hand. Another man was trying to goad me into throwing the first punch so that he and his buddies had reason to stomp me--and I swatted at a water bottle to indicate a direction I was moving in. I'm not sure if brandishing a kukri would have been more impressive. I appreciate edged weapons, but the best fight is one that never happens. My accident was lucky. It's still impressive to watch someone slice a plastic water bottle with a large, sharp knife. Thanks for the presentation--I learned something new.
Very nice video. I have been considering getting a Kurki for quite some time already but was not sure which manufacturer I should go for. Kailash's Kukri really looks amazing and the price is superb as well. I will get the Salyani soon.
That's great to hear! Feel free to reach out if you're in need of any guidance between models and options. There's a lot of decisions to make and it can sometimes be a bit overwhelming. Take care, Andrew and the team at Kailash
I know that having two antique kukris doesn't make one an expert but the two antique kukris that I purchased from Atlanta Cutlery both have three fingers above, one below handle rings. Nice to know that if I wanted to have Kailash to make it that way I can.
Hey there douglas- We can definitely custom space your handle rings for you. I also have an atlanta cutlery cache khukuri and it's an interesting note you make regarding handle sizing. A 3 and 1 grip does fit me better on mine also. I feel though that it was intended as a 2 under 2 over grip but designed for a very small (19th century nepalese) hand. On many early khukuris the handle ring can be quite far back towards the pommel- sometimes 2/3rds of the way back or more. While a 3 and 1 grip would help explain this somewhat unusual proportioning another explanation is that they were designed to be held further backwards to accentuate chopping power. The "dead space" at the front of the handle is much lighter and focuses weight higher up the blade than the alternative of extending the blade down to meet the hand for a given overall length. Finally on some of these blades the bolster area and the "dead space" of the handle behind it is very broad- potentially too broad for modern hands let alone 19th c nepali hands. With this in mind the wider area at the front here could aid the handle ring in stopping the handle from sliding forwards in use. My interpretation is based on the accepted notion that khukuris are held with a 2 under and 2 over grip. But a quick search of photographs and depictions of gurkhas quickly shows some examples of blades being held with the index finger around the bolster and the handle ring either in between the ring and pinky fingers or below the hand entirely. I wonder if @scholagladiatoria has encountered any historical written examples that verify the 2 under 2 over as "universally correct" across various times? Or perhaps any counterexamples that discuss other grip options. Could be material for a video. Take care, Andrew and the team at Kailash
@@kailashblades great info there on handle ring location! I ordered my last one with a long handle and the ring slightly rearward for these exact reasons, it fits my hand so much better when in actual hard use.
I have two Kailash Kukri's, both are fantastic knives. The one thing I reccomend is not getting the 5 inch handles, unless you have extra large hands; the handle locks into your hand, when it is shorter, because of the swell at the end.
I also prefer a shorter grip, though I have to concede that a lot of the earlier hanshee examples in museums and collections to have longer slimmer grips, which IMHO makes them worse as tools, but perhaps better as weapons in certain scenarios.
I have several, I prefer the longer handles, it offers more grip options. I can choke up to do carving or detailed chopping and I can choke back to get more powerful chopping done. I've used mine fairly extensively and found that while a smaller grip may be preferable for combat, for field use the longer handle is more versatile and comfortable. Just my experience.
Having done knife restoration since the sixties I really highly recommend Picards Antique Leather Dressing for the sheaths it is simply the best I have ever found.
Metal lovingly crafted into the shape of happiness. 😀 You teased a bit of cutting in the early parts. Will there be any cutting videos with any of these?
I own three Kukris from Himalayan Imports - I prefer the smallest, as they are beefy blades, with very thick spines and little distal taper. They’re excellent tool knives, but I’ve always wanted a slimmer, fighting-knife Kukri. I’ll check out Kailash, thanks Matt
HI make some very solid knives and I'm sure they'll keep serving you well for a long long time. If you do need any help or guidance with the options we have just let me know and I'd be happy to help out :) Take care, Andrew and the team at Kailash
Our best importer in Germany with a own Smithy in Nepal died a View Month ago. He endet importing. Rest in Peace. Please trust Mat Easton. Maybe he can Profide as good Kukris as Michael did. I trust him.
Damn they are gorgeous! I have one for many years which I believe is antique. It's beautiful, with the horn handle and still its original wooden scabbard. The leather is completely cracked and withdrawn but the kukri itself is in perfect condition. I have always regretted not knowing its history. Would it be possible to send you a picture? I'm sure you could tell me more about It. Thank you Matt 😉
So excited I put in an order for there Regent Bowie, I own three of there Khukuri and there all incredible. So hopefully/undoubtedly there wild west knife will be of similar quality. Ps one HSI smacked a piece of quartz and the edge was not damaged dulled but perfectly fine.
I love these blades. I have a folding one by Cold Steel that fits in my pocket. Then I have a large regular one for my house for clearing bush Edit: Time to save up and buy one from this company.
@@genghiskhan6809 no problem. I own a dozen knives and took me a while to figure out which ones I wanted to carry EDC, which I wanted to leave in my car and which are laying around my house. I have a couple of guns too but I prefer to have a knife on me always
@@Berengier817 Same bruh. Knives are so ridiculously useful for so many things even in a modern urban setting. I also want to get some guns too but that will have to wait for some time as my wallet needs some extra padding.
@@genghiskhan6809 In the meantime you should take some comfort in the fact that blades, in general, are better at clearing brush than firearms are... 😉
Thanks very much for the interest! Feel free to reach out if you're in need of any guidance with the different models or options we have on offer. Take care, Andrew and the team at Kailash
i bought a flea market kukri with the scabbard and 2 little knives, it was in 2 pieces - the scabbard was and i used a bicycle innertube to coat it instead of leather and when it came to sealing the bottom of it i used a patch and glue from a bicycle repair kit. its worked fine for the last 10-12 years
@@richardmcginnis5344 I've got a cheapo kukri machete from the flea market back in 2005. I've still got it and it still works like a charm. There's something about the blade shape that just works wonderfully.
The full length versions have roots in oversized khukuris that are used for sacrifice during Nepali festivals. International sales of such blades likely dates back to the 1980s and without the sacrificial function they tended to be more slender sirupates to retain some feel in hand. The 21" and up chitlanges are an extension of that concept as the straighter spine, tapered tip and fullering of the blade style lends itself well to such extreme lengths from a martial arts perspective- however it's an example of us responding to customer demand rather than replicating something that existed historically. Take care, Andrew and the team at Kailash
Hey Matt i have been eyeballing your collection of antique Japanese swords behind you for a couple of years now and my question is, could you do a show and tell video about your antique Japanese swords please?
I have a Khukuri with a 15 inch long blade with the full tang. Its a lovely chopper. Got mine from Khukuri House Thamel. Yes its big and heavy, but I'm not weakling. I use the weight to do the work, and I just guide the blade to where it needs to be.
Is the way Matt pronounces "Kay-lash" the correct way? Seems sort of Anglo-mangled but I'm not even sure. After all, the original spelling from centuries ago may have been Anglo-mangled as well.
It's a great question. I'd say it's within the range of what could be considered correct for an english speaker. I pronounce it with an "ai" like "sky" rather than like "daily" but it's in the ballpark. The other team members make 2 small but notable changes. The "a" in "lash" is very soft almost like the "u" in "put". The "a" like "hat" doesn't really exist in nepalese. Secondly they pronounce the "sh" not like "wash" but as an aspirated "s". When nepalese is transcribed from devanagari into the English Alphabet the letter "h" tells the speaker to put a little breath out when pronouncing the consonant. Not a full vowel sound, but just a little tap. As a result Kailash sounds a little more like "KAI-LASSeh" This aspirated consonant is also in the name of the capital city- Kathmandu. Or as it is spoken by a nepali "KUH-TehMUHNDOO" I have heard people on youtube attempt this aspirated pronunciation before and they get 5 stars for effort- however it's generally less understandable to nepali ears than what Matt has done here. Take care, Andrew and the team at Kailash
This is probably beyond what most people want, but I'm often left wondering what the edge geometry is like. If I knew the thickness of the blade at the start of the bevel and knew the breadth of the bevel, I'd have a good idea of the edge angle, even without a visual aid. Even better, I imagine you could probably quite easily create a little visual to show the edge cross section with that data. Just an idea!
The couple I’ve bought from a different company where horrible as a tool because of that. The Ka-bar after sharpening is fantastic because they are so much thinner. Would love to find a more traditional version with the thin ka-bar edge geometry 👍🏼
The actual geometry can vary a lot from model to model or even between the same model made by different smiths. The grinds in nepal are done freehand on bench grinders which can make the standardisation or even measurement of such convex edges quite a challenge. As @D Goodman mentions though, poor geometry can have an extremely significant impact on the performance of the blades themselves and is the reason many western customers buy one from some of the larger companies and swear them off for good. We're actually 3/4 of the way through implementing a smith aid/QC system that allows us to more tightly control the edge geometry. If it proves suitably consistent then we'll publish some extracted measurements on our website- it's a great idea :) Take care, Andrew and the team at Kailash
@Kailash Blades realistically they likely are close enough because exact measurements aren’t necessary. The issue I’ve ran across is that the grinds get thick so fast that the ones I have are more like a poor hatchet and they should be ground like a stout knife. A fat spine is fine but the cutting area needs to be thin enough to penetrate to be useful as a tool. Most I think are built today with no thought given to be a good tool and just sold to collectors that may go out and wack on a stump a few times. Quality tools that work efficiently and effectively are very difficult to find today. Especially machetes which is what a kukri really is, half knife half machete. Most made today are half machete have axe and not good at either. Not yours specifically because I haven’t tried one but if you decide to make a thin edged slicer I certainly will! 👍🏼
@@dgoodman1484 It's a common issue for sure. To a lot of american consumers teh thickness of the blade is a big draw card and so nepalese makers adapted to create knives that are designed to look impressive first and cut second. We grind all our knives to function first and foremost and even have a performance level grind for those looking for cutting capability above durability. If you seardh EternalWing on youtube you'll find a video of a blade with a performance grind slicing vegetables then chopping through australian hardwood. Take care, Andrew and the team at Kailash
What a gorgeous thing. If I weren't from the tribe of the poors and resident in a soft currency backwater I'd be on one of those Kailiash replica's like a fat kid on a biscuit. I have a Khukri House WW2ish pattern example which is a lumpish proletarian thing by comparison.
My only reservation with the kukri as a fighting knife is the lack of a guard, unlike the Bowie. For general utility work, as Matt demonstrates, it's great. But as Matt himself says, when knife fighting, "take the hand".
The Salyani is listed under their "Traditional" models. They have a few models listed in their "Modern" section that include forward guards (the "Scourge" comes to mind). There's always the option to customize one of their existing models (possibly any of them), to fine to it to your individual needs and preferences as well. I placed my first order with them last week and made a small mistake on my order form. I emailed them to request a change and had a response very quickly that they'd take care of it. They're truly outstanding when it comes to customer service.
2:07 Himalayan 4 chops can cut that twig. Depends on your hunger to kill as well. This is not a status symbol but rather a hunger symbol...how hard you are willing to survive.
I really love Kukris. Still, I'm a bit split on their usefulness. Yes, they are amazing choppers, but Bowie- and Tanto-style blades would be better for combat and both have their own merits when it comes to bushcraft tasks (being able to use the point, having a flat section on the blade, potentially splitting wood by batoning, etc.)
@@scholagladiatoria Would be fun to watch Matthew wear himself out trying to break one, though... 😉 Probably do “wonders” for his sword-elbow too! 👨🏼⚕️🤪
I am just wondering about the chop and reach mechanics of that "XL" kukri. I would have imagined a blade with bend further down the blade and not so close in for what is effectively a short sword.
The benefit of having the bend occur earlier in the blade is to maximise the length which is optimally angled. This angle helps to hook moving material and also helps the edge to bite and hack deeply into what you're cutting. Have a look at an ayudha katti for a similarly close bend. Take care, Andrew and the team at Kailash
Hi Matt, great video always very informative - but maybe you need to state if these are sent free to you from Kailash/Andrew to test and review? Also without testing other makers along side the ones offered for free by Kailash your reviews would be a lot less bias. I would love to see you test the Salyani offered by other markers from Nepal vs Kailash - but this means you need to buy them first ! If Kailash have any more free blades available please send them to me 🙂
So these Kukri's were official gear ? Because you say Mark 1 and Mark 2 ect. That's new for me I always assumed that each Gurkha brought his own personal Kukri to service but it does make sense why should this not be part of his official and traditional gear.
By around 1900, kukris were being issued by the regiment, like rifles and bayonets. Going back into the 19th century it seems to have varied - sometimes the commanding officer or nobleman in some cases in India, of the regiment provided them for the men. But often they would have brought their own kukri.
There is CZcams video of present day Ghurkas being presented with their Khukris at the end of training. I would assume it was so in the past. It was very inspirational how the troops reacted.
Hi Matt, what do you think of the Kukri's from Tora Blades? The model I have has the curved handle and 13 inch blade, same shape profile as what you showed, It's a rat tail tang with the metal butt cap.
My grandfather, who was a merchant marine his entire life, once showed me a "Gurkha" knife that I now know was some type of kukri. This was when I was a child in the early '60's and he told me that the knife could not be re-sheathed without blood - he cut himself (lightly) before he put it away. I wish I knew more.
@@gypsyboomer It's an old myth but lots of people believe it. That story has been told a thousand times by a thousand people. I served in the British Army and spent some time with the Royal Gurkha Rifles. They were frequently asked for their opinion on the validity of this fantasy practice and they thought it was ridiculous. Even so, it still does the rounds.
@@christopherduke8935 Maybe a myth. There is, of course, more to the story. I remember seeing him 5 maybe 6 times. Grandfather was born 1902, came US in 1906, went to sea circa 1920, died in '76, was many places I know nothing about. He may have chosen it as a way to impress a 10 yo boy, but he did draw blood and wipe the blade before he re-sheathed it. I didn't touch it then, haven't seen it since, so maybe a just a story.
@@gypsyboomer why should you accept your grandfather's word? He likely didn't have access to Nepalese people admitting that it was a pisstake all along
Yes, the Gurkhas have served in the British Army (well the HEIC before 1857) since 1817 continuously. They were engaged extensively in both world wars and are still a famous part of the British Army today.
I just wish they would use other form of paiement than paypal... also I wish that notch on the blade could be made to be used as a bottle opener... just for the joke... I would still use the spin of a knife none the less.
I know you’ve said before that no one knows but do you think the cho could be used for stopping swords? Say you block and the blade slides towards your hand, theoretical the cho could catch their blade. Maybe maybe not.
complete off-topic (and I have no idea why my mind went there), but for some reason I thought of the videogame Far Cry 4, where the protagonist routinely runs people entirely through with a Kukri (bulletproof vest and everything). Now - the Far Cry series is known for being pretty outlandish and not giving much regard to realism, but how very unrealistic would you say it is to stab through an (supposedly) army-grade bullet-proof vest with a Kukri? I think it cannot be done.
Hey there Matt!
Thanks so much for taking the time to share your thoughts and your help over the past year dialling in the specs of this blade. The team are so happy to hear that you're glad with the final result. It's awesome that you've picked up on some of the changes we've been making but we've still got plenty to improve on not only in specs and detailing but also in having a wider range of historical blades available. If anybody has questions- let me know and I'll help out as best as I can :)
Some Notes
Distal taper:
You're definitely right that on a lot of fixed blades there's no taper at all. Aside from not being as critical on smaller blades it's also a lot cheaper and simpler to leave it out when working with sheet steel and stock removal processes. For forging and working from thicker stock though it doesn't add much effort to the process at all- likely a big part of why it was so commonplace on pre industrial blades. The universal benefit to distal taper is about spreading stress throughout the blade- even on smaller knives. The thinner sections near the tip have a chance to bend before they pass the load to thicker parts closer to the handle. This incrementally dissipates stress and makes for a blade that's much less likely to permanently bend or snap than a blade with no taper an isoaltes stress at the handle/ricasso. For medium sized fixed blade a lack of distal taper is often regarded as a benefit for a chopping blade as it helps keep the weight forwards, giving more chopping power. If you apply distal taper for strength reasons though you can then control the chopping balance by creating a broader blade with a pronounced belly. And would you look at that! That's exactly what khukuris do.
Butt Plate:
The decoration on the butt plate is our logo and the makers mark of the smith that made the blade. The butt plate is one way in which the blade differs from historical examples. A hidden tang (more period correct and specified on the actual blade this is based off) allows for a lower weight and a slightly more intensified chopping balance. However it also can come loose as it shrinks, is more prone to cracking and the results can be catastrophic for the end user. Historically these hidden tang blades were often rehandled! For us we spec a through tang to ensure the blade is at the minimum level of durability and reliability that's expected for a modern made khukuri. With this said though- if you'd like it 100% accurate we can absolutely do a hidden tang. You just need to keep the handle oiled and fed and avoid big impacts. We've been trialling it on our micarta wrapped handles with great results innl terms of balance.
Handle length and engraving:
The engraving is a little tricky to get done but matches the original much better and really helps the look of the piece. For the blade that this is original is based off the 5.5"and the middle placement of the handle ring is historically accurate. The grip position is a bit strange but I think it's intended to be used a 3 and 1 hand grip (either back for chopping or forward for control) with a 2 and 2 grip in the centre for a compromise.
Dap fit:
Great to see you pick up on the connection between blade shape and dap fit. typically broader, bendier blades and those with wider bellies tend towards higher retention while narrower, straighter blades tend towards a looser fit. These daps are quite organic- they're almost living, breathing objects. As a result they can be very sensitive to temperature and moisture. A key thing to keep in mind is that the leather is shrunk around the wood and grabs super tightly- as a result the condition of the leather can make a big impact on the tightness of the dap. If it's tight try some mineral oil or leather conditioner to relax the grip. If it's loose you can try soaking the exterior in water then sitting it in the sun or in front of a heater. Another option is to glue a piece of felt or sized piece of leather into the throat of the blade. You can get a nice snug fit when fullly inserted but then have a nice loose action for the rest the draw.
Take care,
Andrew and the team at Kailash
Hey guys! I'm wondering what type of steel you are using for your Kukris - they're simply the most beautiful modern Kukris I've seen but I'm looking for something I can have faith in as well as admire. I've been searching your site for 15 minutes with a friend who warned me that the absence of that info was something I should take seriously and I'm hoping you can shed some light - maybe we missed it on your site?
Awesome job!
@@GoDSkRiLLa69 Yes, you missed it. It is under grind types. Most smiths in Nepal use 5160 off of old truck leaf springs. Here is a cut and paste off their website. Our knives are made out of differentially hardened 5160 steel that has been put through a three stage normalisation and tempering process. This results in an incredibly tough and durable steel, so our standard grind should not be underestimated in terms of strength. With a meaty primary and secondary bevel, this grind is stout enough to stand up to chopping and batoning through all forms of wood, fresh bone and ice while still having chopping and slicing performance as a design priority. If your tang allows for prying and digging then this grind should be able to stand up as well as the spine. If the spine or tip bends when prying then bend it right back- our differential heat treat should allow for many straightenings before fatigue becomes a concern. I don't work for Kailash, I just buy too many of their blades.
@@semperfi1000 WOW! Thank you very much, mate! I really appreciate it. Seems like the right buy for me, and with the price point like that I'm seriously considering buying two - thanks again for the tip!
@semperfi1000 Thanks very much for the help :)
And yes- we use upcycled 5160. Over our 8 years of operation it's proven to be a very tough and dependable blade steel with an extremely low failure rate across all of our different models and tang styles.
Kailash's prices are so affordable for the quality of the work they produce.
I'm a broke ass college student, and I've bought two. They're great.
Beautiful work, across the board.
Would love some south Asian swords from them
Oh, my wallet is not happy with me.
I can't have nice money.
Because I have to have nice steel.
There was a time when I searched for steel. Steel meant more to me than gold or jewels.
Oh, wait.....that time is now. Nothing has changed.
My father-in-law was a tank driver in Patton's 3rd Army. At one point his group was deployed with a group of Gurkhas, all carrying kukris. He asked to see one of the knives, the Gurkha drew the Kukri and handed to him, he examined it, was impressed, and handed it back. Before the Gurkha re sheathed the knife, he drew the blade across his hand inflicting a deep cut, blooding the blade. Needless to say my father-in-law was aghast, the Gurkha calmly explained that the blade was never drawn in war without drawing blood.
@@alexb7272 have you thought that the guy might just be trying to fuck with him like it might be a thing of machismo oh, look at me I never draw my blade without spilling blood to hype himself up as being scary
I ran into the same thing with them when station in Bahrain
what a fake story hahhaah
Nonsense story ...!!!
That’s the code that Fremen fedaykin follow in the science fiction novel Dune, regarding their sacred crysknives.
I've wanted one of these knives ever since I started hearing the stories of the Nepalese guys in Iraq/Afghanistan performing feats that seemed completely super human.
Proud owner of kb kukri. Great tool
Thanks for the support!
I have three Kailash blades. Great work. I recommend.
Thanks for the support :)
Kukri fan here! Love celebrating their perfection.
This would be a great opportunity to pursue an interview with the manufacturers. Get more context from someone that is of the region about the role of the kukri locally and what they've done to be able to try and revive the traftion and how it's impacted their community.
I'd like to take a trip out to Nepal, definitely.
Great idea!
@scholagladiatoria if you can make it so, I'd love for you to "Lindybeige" it, take video, get some sponsors from outdoor companies to make sure you're kitted out, share your historical and archeological knowledge especially things you learn, maybe get in training and slarring with Nepalesemartial artists,....I know I'd chip into a kickstarter or Go Fund Me to get authentic, high level content like that, with the way you engage professionals like Todd's workshop and bring academic rigor while making your content accessible you'd be a great martial arts and weaponry alternative to what David Attenburough does for Nature communication.
Would definitely be up for it! We can organise a videocall or if you're in the Himalayas help out with connections and trip planning.
So pleased with my 2 Kailash khukuri. I have a Salyani and a 3 fuller Angkhola. On the latter, you can choose different blade length, finish, tang and grind; handle material and length; hardware material, all in all over 9,000 combinations of that model alone, and then 5 there’s sheaths to choose from……
Thanks for the support!
The number of combinations sure does add up- Luckily though if you don't keep stock blades you just have to take it one knife at a time :)
Unluckily though the complexity of the website backend takes up the extra load- it can be a real beast at times!
Awesome vid - I've got a 17.5" kukri that was given to my great uncle in either WW2 or Malaya (family stories differ and he has passed on). Awesome to see that they still get made in the size!
Nice of Lucy to let you play with her new kukri.
Shhhhhush
Someone could be in trouble here...! 😁
I have a HSI kukri from kailash blades and it’s amazing. It has an amazing balance, beautiful wood, nice copper fittings, and a very comfortable handle. I’m very happy with it and the sheath is very nice quality. I couldn’t recommend them more.
Thanks so much for sharing your experiences! It's great to hear that we're doing well- we're still going to keep on improving wherever we can though.
we tend not to consider modern replicas as interesting as the antiques, but i feel like in the future this kind of work will be appreciated. like, 1000ys from now our people will say "ha! look, in the early 21st century there was a reinassance of the ancient weapons, look at that kukri! isn't it beautiful?"
i know, we might as well be fully extinct by then, but i like to fantasize.
This is a beautiful notion. Often in khukuri circles modern blades are viewed through an entirely different lens for collecting and devalued vs historical blades.
There's so much good work coming out of the country these days and I hope in future it's valued in a similar way.
@@kailashblades keep up with the good stuff guys ;)
Awesome to see some coverage of Kukri style blades, they really are an amazing combination of tool and weapon, capable of fulfilling both roles rather well. Also thanks for putting Kailash on my radar, definitely going to have to order one!
I have four blades from kailash and I love them all. One of them is a salyani, and it's an absolutely gorgeous blade, though it might be a bit long and fine for serious use. Also worth noting that the salyani specific traditional scabbard is incredibly pretty.
Which scabbard it that? The website offers Salyani rubbed leather and a traditional dap. Which one?
@@btrenninger1 The Salyani rubbed leather
@@xthetenth Thanks!
my uncle owns 2 or 3 knives that are even too gorgeous to look at, you'll feel afraid to ruin them haha! why should we work so hard if we can't enjoy a little piece of art?
Thanks for the support! It's great to see the community pop up and share their experiences :)
Take care,
Andrew and the team at Kailash
My 15inch, heavy-duty grind Fort Williams from Kailash Blades doesn't move so nimbly, but I feel like it could chop a brick house in half so I'll take that compromise. I usually walk the woods with a 9 inch panawal from them though.
Oh, still watching the video and I noticed my panawal has another different version of the butt cap that is similar to the first one you got, but it is much taller so there's some nice rounding. It's gorgeous imo.
Beautiful implement! I love the decorations on the spine of the blade. As a newbie smith myself i have come to realize how bloody hard it is to get that kind of stuff right, or just blade making in general.
Thanks very much- the decorations on this one can be a challenge even for our most experienced smiths- it's just so thin!
2 days ago I got a 10" blade with a WWII panawal handle from GK&CO for my camping gear instead of a hatchet. When I was ordering it, I thought the blade might be too small but was I wrong. The thing is a beast. It has some small blemishes but overall, an incredible tool and piece of art.
LIVING BEING IS OUR RACE, MANKIND IS OUR RELIGION, HINDU,MUSLIM,SIKH,CHRISTAIN, THERE IS NO SEPARATE RELIGION
ALMIGHTY GOD KABIR is the father of all souls that JESUS, MOHAMMAD, GURU NANAK, VEDH was telling in BIBLE, QURAN, GURU GRANTHA SAHEB
.. In OLD Orthodox Jewish Bible KABIR is mentioned...KABIR means (GREAT or MIGHTY GOD) in hebrew...but when translated in different languages translator removed KABIR word
Quran written in arabic has also KABIR word....KABIR means THE GREAT in arabic.
In vedh also KABIR is mentioned....
GURU NANAK himself described that LORD KABIR is his Guru and Lord KABIR met him..and in GURU GRANTHA SAHEB Guru Nanak called Lord kabir as kartar (GOD)
Just by reading holy books it is impossible to get depth knowledge of Holy text because we are just a living beings.. In vedhas also KABIR is mentioned...our brain isnot capable and doesnot understands the secrets behind the words and world.....GURU NANAK, JESUS AND MOHAMMAD were aware of LORD KABIR but later followers were not able to get depth knowledge
I have several kailash blades, all very nice and extremely usable. I've tested them on all types of material and use them often without any real issues. The last mutiny I received is a work of art, same carving, similar overall design.... absolutely beautiful! I can't recommend them enough, Andrew is knowledgeable and great to deal with and shipping is ridiculously fast after the blades complete.
It's great that you co-operate with Kailash to produce such gorgeous knives. Personally, I would go for a smaller kukri - more a tool than a weapon, as I camp a lot. Kudos to the thought and consideration that goes into the design and build.
I've been looking to get my hands on a Kukri for a while now, so it's great to hear about a reliable, high-quality manufacturer! Went in planning to get a Sayani, but then their Chitlange changed my mind at the last second, so now I'm getting one of those.
I've been keeping my eye on Kailash and I'm certainly picking up one of theirs soon. Maybe a plain one (a tool) and something fancier. Love their options for customization, extra sheaths, etc.
Wow, what an amazing endorsement of Kailash Blades! I just ordered my very first khukuri last week, an 11" Angkhola Ek Chirra from Kailash. The more I read and researched, the more impressed I became. In fact, I went back and ordered a 7" mini from them a few days after my first order. I was in need of a large 6" belt knife to use around the property and in the woods, then I decided their 7" mini should be even more efficient at applications typical for that size western knife. I'm really curious about their smaller to medium size Sirupate as well.
Just had my MK1 Fort William from Kailash (as a result of this channel) - what a superb thing and brilliant value for money.
It's an absolute workhorse of a knife, yes. If I had to take one large knife on a survival situation, that would probably be it.
Thanks for the review(s) that directed me to it!
you're dying for any kukri knife, sooooo much passion & love.
I like your style of videos they are PHENOMENAL & AWESOME & OUTSTANDING & INFORMATIVE!
So please, keep it up and coming and rocking it🤘😉🙃🤙
Dammit Matt, every time I feel like I'm getting some control over my kukri-cravings, you make another video about them! You make such a good case... that Salyani is just gorgeous... Aaargh!!!🤣
First off, I LOVE your videos Matt! You're awesome man! I already ordered a Scourge Anniversary from Kailash and awaiting that blade. I had my eye on the Salyani for a while, but was hesitant on pulling the trigger. Definitely getting one now! Take care sir! Wishing you the best and thank you!
I have a Sirupate pattern from Kailash and I love it! It’s handier than a standard pattern and beautiful to boot.
Thanks for the shoutout!
Hope it treats you well for many years to come.
Take care,
Andrew and the team at Kailash
The curve of khukuri and its balance that creates when you hold on hand gives so comfort and confidence is amazing…..,,,
Just ordered my own Salyani from Kailash, thank you kind sir!
Thanks for the support :)
My father in law has a photo of his father during the war sacrificing a bull with a LARGE kukri shaped blade. The photographer even managed to capture him mid blow as he beheaded the animal.
That's a good, clean sacrifice - one strike kills the animal without unnecessary pain. No pulling the guts out of something still moving.
It's done every year during Dashain! There's some truly massive khukuri designed for ensuring the best buffalo sacrifice you can.
Take care,
Andrew and the team at Kailash
No way! I've been wanting a blade from Kailash for so long, glad to see you post this video!
My World War 2 MK2 example tapers from 6.82MM at the hilt to 3.35MM at the tip it is a great tool and quite graceful.
These go straight on my wishlist!
I have a Cold Steel Gurka Kukri Plus for camping it chops and it splits wood amazingly. I mention it because I am very greatful for its guard, unconventional as it may be. I love its modern design but I sure as shit wouldn't hang it on the on the wall like could with one of these.
I also have a Khukuri, but mine is from Nepal, with the half guard. And yes I think when I am chopping and clearing brush this summer it will be very nice to have. Its not historical, but for what I need, its a very good Khukuri, with a 12 inch long blade. And if I needed to defend myself, I would hot hesitate to do so with said knife.
I love kukhri style knives , excellent mix of utility and offensive capabilities
Sorry Mat. "Why would you whittle with this?" made me laugh. I might get one from Kailash for RP purposes.
Amazing video, I worked with Gurkhas for 10yrs. Top men
They have some great designs at attainable prices, for sure. I like the modern knives a lot, although that huge kukri does make me feel a certain kind of way
I've had my eye on a sirupate or chitlange from Kailash Blades for a while now, I really gotta start saving for one of these beauties!
Hey Matt! I first wanna express my graditute for this explaining video on the Nepalese Kukri.
I really wanna say how good of a cut that was on the bottles, it looked so cool.
Look quite skilled tbh.
I sincerely wish you a good day Matt
😄
I accidentally chopped through a 1.5-liter water bottle--with the edge of my hand. It was a clean-cut bottle--done with an empty hand. Another man was trying to goad me into throwing the first punch so that he and his buddies had reason to stomp me--and I swatted at a water bottle to indicate a direction I was moving in. I'm not sure if brandishing a kukri would have been more impressive. I appreciate edged weapons, but the best fight is one that never happens. My accident was lucky.
It's still impressive to watch someone slice a plastic water bottle with a large, sharp knife. Thanks for the presentation--I learned something new.
Very nice video. I have been considering getting a Kurki for quite some time already but was not sure which manufacturer I should go for. Kailash's Kukri really looks amazing and the price is superb as well. I will get the Salyani soon.
That's great to hear! Feel free to reach out if you're in need of any guidance between models and options. There's a lot of decisions to make and it can sometimes be a bit overwhelming.
Take care,
Andrew and the team at Kailash
I know that having two antique kukris doesn't make one an expert but the two antique kukris that I purchased from Atlanta Cutlery both have three fingers above, one below handle rings. Nice to know that if I wanted to have Kailash to make it that way I can.
Hey there douglas- We can definitely custom space your handle rings for you.
I also have an atlanta cutlery cache khukuri and it's an interesting note you make regarding handle sizing. A 3 and 1 grip does fit me better on mine also. I feel though that it was intended as a 2 under 2 over grip but designed for a very small (19th century nepalese) hand. On many early khukuris the handle ring can be quite far back towards the pommel- sometimes 2/3rds of the way back or more. While a 3 and 1 grip would help explain this somewhat unusual proportioning another explanation is that they were designed to be held further backwards to accentuate chopping power. The "dead space" at the front of the handle is much lighter and focuses weight higher up the blade than the alternative of extending the blade down to meet the hand for a given overall length. Finally on some of these blades the bolster area and the "dead space" of the handle behind it is very broad- potentially too broad for modern hands let alone 19th c nepali hands. With this in mind the wider area at the front here could aid the handle ring in stopping the handle from sliding forwards in use.
My interpretation is based on the accepted notion that khukuris are held with a 2 under and 2 over grip. But a quick search of photographs and depictions of gurkhas quickly shows some examples of blades being held with the index finger around the bolster and the handle ring either in between the ring and pinky fingers or below the hand entirely. I wonder if @scholagladiatoria has encountered any historical written examples that verify the 2 under 2 over as "universally correct" across various times? Or perhaps any counterexamples that discuss other grip options. Could be material for a video.
Take care,
Andrew and the team at Kailash
@@kailashblades great info there on handle ring location! I ordered my last one with a long handle and the ring slightly rearward for these exact reasons, it fits my hand so much better when in actual hard use.
@@apocosy Great to hear!
I have two Kailash Kukri's, both are fantastic knives. The one thing I reccomend is not getting the 5 inch handles, unless you have extra large hands; the handle locks into your hand, when it is shorter, because of the swell at the end.
I also prefer a shorter grip, though I have to concede that a lot of the earlier hanshee examples in museums and collections to have longer slimmer grips, which IMHO makes them worse as tools, but perhaps better as weapons in certain scenarios.
I have several, I prefer the longer handles, it offers more grip options. I can choke up to do carving or detailed chopping and I can choke back to get more powerful chopping done. I've used mine fairly extensively and found that while a smaller grip may be preferable for combat, for field use the longer handle is more versatile and comfortable. Just my experience.
@@apocosy I always pair my kukri with a smaller knife, like a Mora or a folding knife, that might explain the difference in preference
Having done knife restoration since the sixties I really highly recommend Picards Antique Leather Dressing for the sheaths it is simply the best I have ever found.
Metal lovingly crafted into the shape of happiness. 😀
You teased a bit of cutting in the early parts. Will there be any cutting videos with any of these?
A good question! would love to see how it stacks up vs the mk1
Curse you, Matt Easton. Now I'm going to have to see if I can buy another kukri.😄
I own three Kukris from Himalayan Imports - I prefer the smallest, as they are beefy blades, with very thick spines and little distal taper. They’re excellent tool knives, but I’ve always wanted a slimmer, fighting-knife Kukri. I’ll check out Kailash, thanks Matt
HI make some very solid knives and I'm sure they'll keep serving you well for a long long time. If you do need any help or guidance with the options we have just let me know and I'd be happy to help out :)
Take care,
Andrew and the team at Kailash
Our best importer in Germany with a own Smithy in Nepal died a View Month ago. He endet importing. Rest in Peace. Please trust Mat Easton. Maybe he can Profide as good Kukris as Michael did. I trust him.
Damn they are gorgeous! I have one for many years which I believe is antique. It's beautiful, with the horn handle and still its original wooden scabbard. The leather is completely cracked and withdrawn but the kukri itself is in perfect condition. I have always regretted not knowing its history. Would it be possible to send you a picture? I'm sure you could tell me more about It. Thank you Matt 😉
Great breakdown of information.
I do prefer the traditional models over the service issue types.
So excited I put in an order for there Regent Bowie, I own three of there Khukuri and there all incredible. So hopefully/undoubtedly there wild west knife will be of similar quality. Ps one HSI smacked a piece of quartz and the edge was not damaged dulled but perfectly fine.
Thanks for the shoutout :)
Hope the knives keep treating you well :)
I love these blades. I have a folding one by Cold Steel that fits in my pocket.
Then I have a large regular one for my house for clearing bush
Edit:
Time to save up and buy one from this company.
Mine me not as I copy your setup
@@genghiskhan6809 no problem. I own a dozen knives and took me a while to figure out which ones I wanted to carry EDC, which I wanted to leave in my car and which are laying around my house.
I have a couple of guns too but I prefer to have a knife on me always
@@Berengier817 Same bruh. Knives are so ridiculously useful for so many things even in a modern urban setting. I also want to get some guns too but that will have to wait for some time as my wallet needs some extra padding.
@@genghiskhan6809 In the meantime you should take some comfort in the fact that blades, in general, are better at clearing brush than firearms are... 😉
Thanks very much for the interest!
Feel free to reach out if you're in need of any guidance with the different models or options we have on offer.
Take care,
Andrew and the team at Kailash
i love kukuris. there my favourite knife.
Oh man! I want one.
I want more! :-)
@@scholagladiatoria Yeah, ‘cause you don’t wanna fight over which one is from your collection or Lucy’s (one would assume...)! 😂
Thanks for making this video
I absolutely love those “banana curve” kukris. I would love to have one, mine is a service style.
i bought a flea market kukri with the scabbard and 2 little knives, it was in 2 pieces - the scabbard was and i used a bicycle innertube to coat it instead of leather and when it came to sealing the bottom of it i used a patch and glue from a bicycle repair kit. its worked fine for the last 10-12 years
it was kind of hard to stretch it over the thing but it worked out really nice in the end
@@richardmcginnis5344 I've got a cheapo kukri machete from the flea market back in 2005. I've still got it and it still works like a charm.
There's something about the blade shape that just works wonderfully.
Beautiful work, definitely going to buy from them in the near future
I keep looking at the CHITLANGE they make. I don't know if its historical but a sword length Kukri just looks cool.
The full length versions have roots in oversized khukuris that are used for sacrifice during Nepali festivals. International sales of such blades likely dates back to the 1980s and without the sacrificial function they tended to be more slender sirupates to retain some feel in hand. The 21" and up chitlanges are an extension of that concept as the straighter spine, tapered tip and fullering of the blade style lends itself well to such extreme lengths from a martial arts perspective- however it's an example of us responding to customer demand rather than replicating something that existed historically.
Take care,
Andrew and the team at Kailash
@@kailashblades thx for the information
Hey Matt i have been eyeballing your collection of antique Japanese swords behind you for a couple of years now and my question is, could you do a show and tell video about your antique Japanese swords please?
Im quite happy with the size of my chopper tbh but I consider getting a second one to play with
Nice.
I have a Khukuri with a 15 inch long blade with the full tang. Its a lovely chopper. Got mine from Khukuri House Thamel. Yes its big and heavy, but I'm not weakling. I use the weight to do the work, and I just guide the blade to where it needs to be.
Is the way Matt pronounces "Kay-lash" the correct way? Seems sort of Anglo-mangled but I'm not even sure. After all, the original spelling from centuries ago may have been Anglo-mangled as well.
It's a great question. I'd say it's within the range of what could be considered correct for an english speaker. I pronounce it with an "ai" like "sky" rather than like "daily" but it's in the ballpark.
The other team members make 2 small but notable changes. The "a" in "lash" is very soft almost like the "u" in "put". The "a" like "hat" doesn't really exist in nepalese. Secondly they pronounce the "sh" not like "wash" but as an aspirated "s". When nepalese is transcribed from devanagari into the English Alphabet the letter "h" tells the speaker to put a little breath out when pronouncing the consonant. Not a full vowel sound, but just a little tap. As a result Kailash sounds a little more like "KAI-LASSeh" This aspirated consonant is also in the name of the capital city- Kathmandu. Or as it is spoken by a nepali "KUH-TehMUHNDOO"
I have heard people on youtube attempt this aspirated pronunciation before and they get 5 stars for effort- however it's generally less understandable to nepali ears than what Matt has done here.
Take care,
Andrew and the team at Kailash
The Filipino Itak or Bolo is a great one too.
Pretty and affordable
I might have to pick one up
This is probably beyond what most people want, but I'm often left wondering what the edge geometry is like. If I knew the thickness of the blade at the start of the bevel and knew the breadth of the bevel, I'd have a good idea of the edge angle, even without a visual aid. Even better, I imagine you could probably quite easily create a little visual to show the edge cross section with that data. Just an idea!
The couple I’ve bought from a different company where horrible as a tool because of that. The Ka-bar after sharpening is fantastic because they are so much thinner. Would love to find a more traditional version with the thin ka-bar edge geometry 👍🏼
The actual geometry can vary a lot from model to model or even between the same model made by different smiths. The grinds in nepal are done freehand on bench grinders which can make the standardisation or even measurement of such convex edges quite a challenge. As @D Goodman mentions though, poor geometry can have an extremely significant impact on the performance of the blades themselves and is the reason many western customers buy one from some of the larger companies and swear them off for good. We're actually 3/4 of the way through implementing a smith aid/QC system that allows us to more tightly control the edge geometry. If it proves suitably consistent then we'll publish some extracted measurements on our website- it's a great idea :)
Take care,
Andrew and the team at Kailash
@@dgoodman1484 mentioned you in the reply above :)
@Kailash Blades realistically they likely are close enough because exact measurements aren’t necessary. The issue I’ve ran across is that the grinds get thick so fast that the ones I have are more like a poor hatchet and they should be ground like a stout knife. A fat spine is fine but the cutting area needs to be thin enough to penetrate to be useful as a tool. Most I think are built today with no thought given to be a good tool and just sold to collectors that may go out and wack on a stump a few times. Quality tools that work efficiently and effectively are very difficult to find today. Especially machetes which is what a kukri really is, half knife half machete. Most made today are half machete have axe and not good at either. Not yours specifically because I haven’t tried one but if you decide to make a thin edged slicer I certainly will! 👍🏼
@@dgoodman1484 It's a common issue for sure. To a lot of american consumers teh thickness of the blade is a big draw card and so nepalese makers adapted to create knives that are designed to look impressive first and cut second. We grind all our knives to function first and foremost and even have a performance level grind for those looking for cutting capability above durability. If you seardh EternalWing on youtube you'll find a video of a blade with a performance grind slicing vegetables then chopping through australian hardwood.
Take care,
Andrew and the team at Kailash
This channel is sonfreshing I glad I found it.
What a gorgeous thing. If I weren't from the tribe of the poors and resident in a soft currency backwater I'd be on one of those Kailiash replica's like a fat kid on a biscuit. I have a Khukri House WW2ish pattern example which is a lumpish proletarian thing by comparison.
Was used to kill the masters in Meereen.
GoT Season 4
Thanks!
My only reservation with the kukri as a fighting knife is the lack of a guard, unlike the Bowie. For general utility work, as Matt demonstrates, it's great. But as Matt himself says, when knife fighting, "take the hand".
The Salyani is listed under their "Traditional" models. They have a few models listed in their "Modern" section that include forward guards (the "Scourge" comes to mind). There's always the option to customize one of their existing models (possibly any of them), to fine to it to your individual needs and preferences as well. I placed my first order with them last week and made a small mistake on my order form. I emailed them to request a change and had a response very quickly that they'd take care of it. They're truly outstanding when it comes to customer service.
2:07 Himalayan 4 chops can cut that twig. Depends on your hunger to kill as well. This is not a status symbol but rather a hunger symbol...how hard you are willing to survive.
Would love a review/history lesson on the Chitlange.
yeah
I really love Kukris. Still, I'm a bit split on their usefulness. Yes, they are amazing choppers, but Bowie- and Tanto-style blades would be better for combat and both have their own merits when it comes to bushcraft tasks (being able to use the point, having a flat section on the blade, potentially splitting wood by batoning, etc.)
Thanks for the video ⚔️
In my experience, a lot of pocket knives have distal taper. Most traditional slipjoints do. Also, newer 'EDC' knives like Spyderco.
Big Kukri Energy
Used both a kukri and short machete for work in the woods. Still prefer the machete.
I have never pushed a kukri to failure. That would be fun.
In general, I'd say that they would bend a lot before breaking. Traditionally, most of them were only edge quenched.
@@scholagladiatoria Would be fun to watch Matthew wear himself out trying to break one, though... 😉
Probably do “wonders” for his sword-elbow too! 👨🏼⚕️🤪
Is that scabbard from kailash? I have a kailash salyani and was looking to change the scabbard
Yes, they have various scabbard options now.
I wish somebody would come out with a good quality replica of the Moro barong.
You need to show the kukri up close. I got one marked 1917 . Trying to find details about it.
I am just wondering about the chop and reach mechanics of that "XL" kukri. I would have imagined a blade with bend further down the blade and not so close in for what is effectively a short sword.
The benefit of having the bend occur earlier in the blade is to maximise the length which is optimally angled. This angle helps to hook moving material and also helps the edge to bite and hack deeply into what you're cutting. Have a look at an ayudha katti for a similarly close bend.
Take care,
Andrew and the team at Kailash
I just wish the Kailash blades came with a Korda and Chakmak.
Hi Matt, great video always very informative - but maybe you need to state if these are sent free to you from Kailash/Andrew to test and review?
Also without testing other makers along side the ones offered for free by Kailash your reviews would be a lot less bias.
I would love to see you test the Salyani offered by other markers from Nepal vs Kailash - but this means you need to buy them first !
If Kailash have any more free blades available please send them to me 🙂
So these Kukri's were official gear ? Because you say Mark 1 and Mark 2 ect. That's new for me I always assumed that each Gurkha brought his own personal Kukri to service but it does make sense why should this not be part of his official and traditional gear.
By around 1900, kukris were being issued by the regiment, like rifles and bayonets. Going back into the 19th century it seems to have varied - sometimes the commanding officer or nobleman in some cases in India, of the regiment provided them for the men. But often they would have brought their own kukri.
There is CZcams video of present day Ghurkas being presented with their Khukris at the end of training. I would assume it was so in the past. It was very inspirational how the troops reacted.
Martindale still makes machetes with distal taper
I have 3 kailash kukris. I won't buy any other brand anymore.
Im getting a pair of fighting kukri made now by a local Blacksmith 😂 i cant wait!
thanks
Hi Matt, what do you think of the Kukri's from Tora Blades? The model I have has the curved handle and 13 inch blade, same shape profile as what you showed, It's a rat tail tang with the metal butt cap.
My grandfather, who was a merchant marine his entire life, once showed me a "Gurkha" knife that I now know was some type of kukri. This was when I was a child in the early '60's and he told me that the knife could not be re-sheathed without blood - he cut himself (lightly) before he put it away. I wish I knew more.
That's a neat story, but either your grandpa was pulling your leg, or he was suffering from the after-effects of having his own leg pulled.
@@tstodgell perhaps, but why should I accept your word?
@@gypsyboomer It's an old myth but lots of people believe it. That story has been told a thousand times by a thousand people.
I served in the British Army and spent some time with the Royal Gurkha Rifles. They were frequently asked for their opinion on the validity of this fantasy practice and they thought it was ridiculous. Even so, it still does the rounds.
@@christopherduke8935 Maybe a myth. There is, of course, more to the story. I remember seeing him 5 maybe 6 times. Grandfather was born 1902, came US in 1906, went to sea circa 1920, died in '76, was many places I know nothing about. He may have chosen it as a way to impress a 10 yo boy, but he did draw blood and wipe the blade before he re-sheathed it. I didn't touch it then, haven't seen it since, so maybe a just a story.
@@gypsyboomer why should you accept your grandfather's word? He likely didn't have access to Nepalese people admitting that it was a pisstake all along
Did the Nepalese fight for the british in World War I?
Yes, the Gurkhas have served in the British Army (well the HEIC before 1857) since 1817 continuously. They were engaged extensively in both world wars and are still a famous part of the British Army today.
They did and were formally part of the british indian army after 1857.
Nepalis are tough folk.
Idea is to less bend and use the wrist and to hook and gather, like a sickle.
I just wish they would use other form of paiement than paypal...
also I wish that notch on the blade could be made to be used as a bottle opener... just for the joke...
I would still use the spin of a knife none the less.
I know you’ve said before that no one knows but do you think the cho could be used for stopping swords? Say you block and the blade slides towards your hand, theoretical the cho could catch their blade. Maybe maybe not.
complete off-topic (and I have no idea why my mind went there), but for some reason I thought of the videogame Far Cry 4, where the protagonist routinely runs people entirely through with a Kukri (bulletproof vest and everything). Now - the Far Cry series is known for being pretty outlandish and not giving much regard to realism, but how very unrealistic would you say it is to stab through an (supposedly) army-grade bullet-proof vest with a Kukri? I think it cannot be done.