You know I used to dislike Kukri knives as a boy because I didn't believe the stories I heard of them chopping off heads & arms in one swipe. But as an adult I found out the stories were really true and the Gurkhas were one reason for the effectiveness of this blade. I do like Parangs, Bolos, Goloks, etc. but I like the "traditional" Kukri the best for an all round big knife. Thanks again for commenting VietNormbo.
sweetcostarica tora blades are overpriced. GK&CO make blades that are just as well built as the over priced Tora blades. You are clearly biased and my guess is tora pays you money to promote Their products. You are like a glock fanboy
Sorry it took me so long to answer you Mraussieadventurer on this question. The Kukri I would recommend over all is the Indra 32 cm villager Kukri. It's length (32 cm) and its weight (18 oz to 21 oz) make it pretty much ideal for an all round knife. Also this model is very, very popular among Tora users and fans. So just like a restaurant that is always busy vs the one that has few patrons you know which Kukri to get from it's sells numbers.
They really are some of the Best looking and have real tips like a war blade should have Tora Blades are serious replica knives,,,Gonna start My saving,,,I'm beginning to see Your point about over built blade when it comes to Kukri/Khukuri knives,,,Peace and Happiness
Also, to learn what a real and great handling kukri is like look at the online museums or visit museums which have historic khukuris/kukris like the ones in the London & Kathmandu. You stay happy & blessed too.
You showed a sirupate that was quite similar to TB sherpa sirupate. But the one in the video is rather small, while the Tb sherpa sirup ate has a blade length of 39 cm.
Hi bro, thank u for your intro of all your collections!!! Wat a beautiful collection of yours!! 32cm havildar looks awesome!!! Thank u for your demo as well... most videos I watched are quite boring as the owners unwrapping their blades & talking more than demo!!!
My Dad was in Burma with Gurkhas fighting at his side. Great stories. He gave me a Kukri that he was given by a Gurkha friend. It was stolen. Which kukri was the one with the full, handled sized, tang that is visible on the handle? Thinking about getting one to sort of replace what was stolen, but want the strongest one possible.
The strongest tang for a knife handle is the full-tang. That tang is found on Military Kukris: the MK2, the MK3, and the MK4. Many tourist export models from Khukuri House, Himalayan Imports, and others make mostly full-tang Kukris/knives. The best traditional production full-tang Kukri (IMO) is the Tora Blades MK2 because it is a replica of the original in weight, balance, and measurements. Hope you find a tool that works best for you.
sweetcostarica Thanks, Checking them out now. BTW, my Dad had told me about the water buffalo ceremony. He also said that if it wasn't for the Gurkhas and the Kachins, he would still be trying to hack his way through the jungle. Best soldiers he ever witnessed.
DannoCrutch I love hearing things like your Dad's experiences. Thanks for sharing some amazing true stories. Sounds like your Dad was an interesting person too. Have a Happy New Year.
CZcams doesn't allow links so here's the site just ad .com: torablades Be prepared to wait for goodness. It can take 6 weeks for delivery or longer in extreme cases. These are real Kukris not the "Kukri Boom" type the are shipped to the West by Kukri Houses and many Himalayan Imports Kukris. Himalayan Imports does have good high quality Kukris but they are making so many non-practical overly heavy and thick tourist/export type Kukris these days you have to pick & chose good ones.
The Tora Military Line are close replicas of actual military Kukri used in battle by Gurkhas and the Nepali Army. Examples are the Havildar in this video, the BSI, the WW2 Sirupate, etc. Village Kukris are blades "generally designed after the ones used by Nepali farmers or people who use the Kukri for general tasks. These type of Kukris are not standardized to an extent. Tora's villagers weigh & are dimensionally very close to what you would find a person in using Nepal today. Good Luck.
Thanks Cliff. Admittedly I was too lazy to find some hard wood. Wish I did get some hard wood because the heat treat could have been tested better on the Kukris I used. The Indra has the best treatment but the WW2 Sirupate I'm not sure of. Just wanted to plug Tora Blades for their hard efforts to make traditional Kukris. Love your tests very much but your are too knowledgeable for me. When my girlfriend and I watch your videos I have to make condescending comments in order not to lose face.
Thanks for the useful video. Can you explain why the Battalion model is a personal favorite for you? Do you like it more than the Haldivar, for example?
+Christopher Layne Yes, I like the Tora Battalion Issue (especially the latest version) & similar Tora Indra 32cm kukri better because I like their weights & balance more. But mainly because I have more experience using them. Others may like the Tora Haldivar kukri like the Sargent (Haldivar) it is named after for identical reasons.
DixieRebel557 It is not your fault with all the hype and false advertising from the Khukuri Houses and other Nepali kukri makers. Who could blade you for making a mistake most kukri buyers have made: *buying a tourist blade thinking it was a real kukri used by Gurkhas & Villagers in Nepal.* The big secret in exported kukris is that Kukris sold to Westerners are mostly of the tourist variety. Himalayan Imports (HI) have nice kukris but their main line of kukris are overweight and too thick in the spines also. They are basically just choppers not multi-purpose big knives like real Nepali ones. Although sometimes you can fine a great traditionally inspired HI kukri. Tora Blades kukri are the real deal as they are replica kukris and I can't say enough good things about that small company. I hope you can return that KH kukri for your money back. God Bless.
Sweet Costa Rica. I see that you and I have similar taste's in blades. I really like the Havildar and battalion Kukri's. How many Kukri's do you own at this time?
Unfortunately, I am moving very far away so I have sold many of my kukris. I have had 14 kukris at one time & many parangs, bolos, goloks, short & long swords, one Rapier, 40 to 50 small knives (3 to 6 inches) a couple of full size bowies, a katana or two, and so on. As far as presently, I own seven (7) kukris - 6 Toras, & 1 antique GAK for IMA.
Yes, February 2nd, 2018 I will move to North Carolina to my father's & mother's hometown. Many of my family members are getting too old & passing away so I am just moving to be there for them. Just one of those things in life that the heart makes the decision for you.
Using any sharp tool at dusk or at night is a big no, no. *Not safe!* Tora Blades had/have villager models that have blades that are unfinished/unpolished but I do not know if they are still making them. Please contact the Seller directly (see Tora Blades . com).
Do you think a full-tang version is important for hard use? I would imagine it can only help, but I think the traditional ones have always been rat-trail tangs, and they were used hard.
Since most folks are not from Nepal or Indonesia or South East Asia, we have no idea how to use a kukri i.e.: - Proper grip - Proper technique - What was it originally designed to cut - What wood do you chop & what do you NOT chop - Is the kukri used to precess food - Is the kukri good to use all day without tiring *But regarding your question* - the kukri was never designed to be a heavy-duty chopper. I was designed, like the parang, golok, an others to chop hard bamboo. It is a light to medium duty cutter/chopper. Hence the most popular by far traditional handle designs for it are the hidden tang (past #1) & the stick tang (today's #1 in Nepal). Full-tangs were introduced by the West and are not a favorite with the Nepalis or even the Military. Full-tang are a very popular handle design for tourist kukris only. Then what do the Nepali (or the S.E. Asians) use for hard use/heavy-duty applications in wood?? *The axe.* Past & present.
Thanks, that makes sense. I have thought sometimes about what timber they have to deal with in the himalayan region. I think some is above tree line, some is bamboo, like you said, and I know rhododendrons are native to that area. Not sure about hardwood trees. I know there is also jungle in Nepal, so I would imagine splitting wood is an important part of life for building and fuel in some places. In higher elevations, I know certain villages rely on yak/buffalo chips more than wood for fuel.
+All the tea in China Great comment just now. You mentioned the himalayan region. That is where the axe is the most popular for wood. The kukri was/is a popular tool - for self-defense against Nepali neighbors. Everyone wore their kukri for protection. Like the Wild West in America, folk were suspicious of the guy down the street and for good reason.
at what angle should the blade strike the wood/limb is the belly striking flat against whatever surface? or is it cuting at an angle biting into the surface? there is a picture on google showing the way a kukri, machete, and other type of tools cut into material...
Hi, I was curious, of all models you displayed, what is the one you used for chopping? I always find myself looking at all youtube review videos and never buy anything as I can't seem to trust myself buying a KH or HI... then I wait few months and my search continues again. So today is exactly like any other time I research kukri and I just found out about Tora kukris... and in all the models available, I wouldn't know what to buy. Maybe you can guide me, as you seem very knowledgeable and have quite the collection. I'd be using a kukri in the woods in northern canada to chop wood for fire and shelter, to replace the need for an axe... we dont necessarely have big fat trees as I live quite north up there! (northern alberta) Thank you for your time, keep doing what you are doing, it is pretty interessing to watch your videos and I'll subscribe for more. Hoping to hear from you! Cheers!
Simpolicious Hi, the design of the kukri is really aimed at multi-purpose use. That means it will be a "Jack of all Trades and Master of None". The only exception is for a fighting tool. In combat/fighting the kukri is hard to beat for a short sword or long knife in effectiveness. In Nepal they don't use a kukri to chop anything larger than a human arm and that arm size wood is usually chopped only in an emergency. So the average kukri really is for light chopping and light splitting. For this kind of work I recommend the Indra 32 cm kukri or the Tora Kiranti/Purba Sirupate Kukri. Both are villager kukris that are really great workers.
sweetcostarica Thanks for your quick reply! I find that most of the kukri shown by Simon when he compares tourist kukri vs villagers..that most of his villagers kukri arent polished.. a bit like an Ontario kukri (if i remember correctly).. then you go on his site and see his ''original kukri'' replicas and there are all polished lol... as for chopping trees up here, we got a lot of really small diameter trees here and lots of pine. I just think the kukri would be an awesome replacement for plenty of knives to take in the bush! I almost bought the ''Afghan Gurkha'' issued kukri, dunno your thoughts about that one, with the full tang, wood handle and brass rivets..for around 50$. Cant remember who made that one thought.
Simpolicious About the shiny Toras. The kukris on Simons site are mostly military models and those are almost always "finished" blades. Tora Blades sells their kukris in Batches (a least in the past). A bout 1 & a 1/2 years ago Simon had many villager unfinished (black) bladed kukris for sell. They were popular. But you are right in hinting that in Nepal villager kukris are mostly not polished. I think if you are just working with small diameter trees and pines the kukri and a good folding saw should be all you need to get the work done. Happy Memorial Day!
Alright,thanks for replying me. I am thinking of purchasing the WW1 battalion regimental issue khukuri or the Havildar khukuri. Which 1 do you recommend?
Gerald Tew That is a hard one as the kukri's basic design is pure versatility especially compared to other large knives. But I think the closest multi-purpose kukri is the *BSI Service No.2.* This kukri was designed by the military to be an all round kukri for the soldier. They also made it shortish (10 inch blade) to make it less of a fighter since modern weapons are much more reliable and effective with their high rate of fire.
You know I used to dislike Kukri knives as a boy because I didn't believe the stories I heard of them chopping off heads & arms in one swipe. But as an adult I found out the stories were really true and the Gurkhas were one reason for the effectiveness of this blade.
I do like Parangs, Bolos, Goloks, etc. but I like the "traditional" Kukri the best for an all round big knife.
Thanks again for commenting VietNormbo.
sweetcostarica tora blades are overpriced. GK&CO make blades that are just as well built as the over priced Tora blades. You are clearly biased and my guess is tora pays you money to promote Their products. You are like a glock fanboy
Awesome the Havidar will be my next from Tora to go with my MK1 and MK2 I have coming. Thanks for the nice review.
Sorry it took me so long to answer you Mraussieadventurer on this question.
The Kukri I would recommend over all is the Indra 32 cm villager Kukri. It's length (32 cm) and its weight (18 oz to 21 oz) make it pretty much ideal for an all round knife. Also this model is very, very popular among Tora users and fans. So just like a restaurant that is always busy vs the one that has few patrons you know which Kukri to get from it's sells numbers.
Even though that is a fairly soft wood, that is decent cutting ability considering the very light swings on the branches.
Thanks for all of your work , sir. I am interesting on traditional Kukri.
Can you please do a review of the Havildar? I ordered one but would love to see more of yours.
Can you do a review of the Havildar? I am thinking of ordering one :)
I will be getting a large thick sharp kukri soon from nepal
I thought that too. It is from the bottom of a huge Christmas tree from work - Douglas Fur.
They really are some of the Best looking and have real tips like a war blade should have Tora Blades are serious replica knives,,,Gonna start My saving,,,I'm beginning to see Your point about over built blade when it comes to Kukri/Khukuri knives,,,Peace and Happiness
Also, to learn what a real and great handling kukri is like look at the online museums or visit museums which have historic khukuris/kukris like the ones in the London & Kathmandu.
You stay happy & blessed too.
Could you do a review on the WW Batallion Kukri?
You showed a sirupate that was quite similar to TB sherpa sirupate. But the one in the video is rather small, while the Tb sherpa sirup ate has a blade length of 39 cm.
Nice blades
Thanks for uploading, and I love your knives but especially your 'Elephant' Foot chopping block!
Yes, from what I hear Tora makes the real deal kukris
Dang. Im about to order one, I just can't decide which I want first :p they're all too beautiful
very good, tora's are outstanding. alot of the other company's make a kind of sharpened crowbar. loved the ice train . okie
Hi bro, thank u for your intro of all your collections!!! Wat a beautiful collection of yours!! 32cm havildar looks awesome!!!
Thank u for your demo as well... most videos I watched are quite boring as the owners unwrapping their blades & talking more than demo!!!
Thanks very much. I don't like entire videos on just an unboxing either. Not interesting.
Stay safe & Happy upcoming Holidays.
Thanks okie. I agree with everything you said ;)
great vid man! You know your kukris man!
My Dad was in Burma with Gurkhas fighting at his side. Great stories. He gave me a Kukri that he was given by a Gurkha friend. It was stolen. Which kukri was the one with the full, handled sized, tang that is visible on the handle? Thinking about getting one to sort of replace what was stolen, but want the strongest one possible.
The strongest tang for a knife handle is the full-tang. That tang is found on Military Kukris: the MK2, the MK3, and the MK4. Many tourist export models from Khukuri House, Himalayan Imports, and others make mostly full-tang Kukris/knives.
The best traditional production full-tang Kukri (IMO) is the Tora Blades MK2 because it is a replica of the original in weight, balance, and measurements.
Hope you find a tool that works best for you.
sweetcostarica Thanks, Checking them out now. BTW, my Dad had told me about the water buffalo ceremony. He also said that if it wasn't for the Gurkhas and the Kachins, he would still be trying to hack his way through the jungle. Best soldiers he ever witnessed.
DannoCrutch I love hearing things like your Dad's experiences. Thanks for sharing some amazing true stories. Sounds like your Dad was an interesting person too.
Have a Happy New Year.
CZcams doesn't allow links so here's the site just ad .com:
torablades
Be prepared to wait for goodness. It can take 6 weeks for delivery or longer in extreme cases.
These are real Kukris not the "Kukri Boom" type the are shipped to the West by Kukri Houses and many Himalayan Imports Kukris. Himalayan Imports does have good high quality Kukris but they are making so many non-practical overly heavy and thick tourist/export type Kukris these days you have to pick & chose good ones.
What is the maximum blade length of a kukri before it becomes cumbersome and loses its versatility?
The Tora Military Line are close replicas of actual military Kukri used in battle by Gurkhas and the Nepali Army. Examples are the Havildar in this video, the BSI, the WW2 Sirupate, etc.
Village Kukris are blades "generally designed after the ones used by Nepali farmers or people who use the Kukri for general tasks. These type of Kukris are not standardized to an extent. Tora's villagers weigh & are dimensionally very close to what you would find a person in using Nepal today.
Good Luck.
Oh Wow can it cut Toothpicks too?
Thanks Cliff. Admittedly I was too lazy to find some hard wood. Wish I did get some hard wood because the heat treat could have been tested better on the Kukris I used. The Indra has the best treatment but the WW2 Sirupate I'm not sure of.
Just wanted to plug Tora Blades for their hard efforts to make traditional Kukris.
Love your tests very much but your are too knowledgeable for me. When my girlfriend and I watch your videos I have to make condescending comments in order not to lose face.
Thanks for the useful video. Can you explain why the Battalion model is a personal favorite for you? Do you like it more than the Haldivar, for example?
+Christopher Layne Yes, I like the Tora Battalion Issue (especially the latest version) & similar Tora Indra 32cm kukri better because I like their weights & balance more. But mainly because I have more experience using them. Others may like the Tora Haldivar kukri like the Sargent (Haldivar) it is named after for identical reasons.
I wish I had known about tora blades and Himalayan imports before I spent 100 dollars on my kukri house kukri.
DixieRebel557 It is not your fault with all the hype and false advertising from the Khukuri Houses and other Nepali kukri makers. Who could blade you for making a mistake most kukri buyers have made: *buying a tourist blade thinking it was a real kukri used by Gurkhas & Villagers in Nepal.*
The big secret in exported kukris is that Kukris sold to Westerners are mostly of the tourist variety. Himalayan Imports (HI) have nice kukris but their main line of kukris are overweight and too thick in the spines also. They are basically just choppers not multi-purpose big knives like real Nepali ones. Although sometimes you can fine a great traditionally inspired HI kukri.
Tora Blades kukri are the real deal as they are replica kukris and I can't say enough good things about that small company. I hope you can return that KH kukri for your money back.
God Bless.
DixieRebel557 Don't feel bad I have 2 KH khukuris, they're still handsome knives imo, but I'm really looking forward to getting my hands on a tora.
Sweet Costa Rica.
I see that you and I have similar taste's in blades. I really like the Havildar and battalion Kukri's. How many Kukri's do you own at this time?
Unfortunately, I am moving very far away so I have sold many of my kukris. I have had 14 kukris at one time & many parangs, bolos, goloks, short & long swords, one Rapier, 40 to 50 small knives (3 to 6 inches) a couple of full size bowies, a katana or two, and so on.
As far as presently, I own seven (7) kukris - 6 Toras, & 1 antique GAK for IMA.
Yes, February 2nd, 2018 I will move to North Carolina to my father's & mother's hometown.
Many of my family members are getting too old & passing away so I am just moving to be there for them.
Just one of those things in life that the heart makes the decision for you.
can you get blades that aren't mirror polished. think it would reflect light at night when I use it.
Using any sharp tool at dusk or at night is a big no, no. *Not safe!*
Tora Blades had/have villager models that have blades that are unfinished/unpolished but I do not know if they are still making them. Please contact the Seller directly (see Tora Blades . com).
Yes, but most of the really rare and interesting Kukris have be snapped up. Go to eBay, ACC, and IMA websites.
Do you think a full-tang version is important for hard use? I would imagine it can only help, but I think the traditional ones have always been rat-trail tangs, and they were used hard.
Since most folks are not from Nepal or Indonesia or South East Asia, we have no idea how to use a kukri i.e.:
- Proper grip
- Proper technique
- What was it originally designed to cut
- What wood do you chop & what do you NOT chop
- Is the kukri used to precess food
- Is the kukri good to use all day without tiring
*But regarding your question* - the kukri was never designed to be a heavy-duty chopper. I was designed, like the parang, golok, an others to chop hard bamboo. It is a light to medium duty cutter/chopper. Hence the most popular by far traditional handle designs for it are the hidden tang (past #1) & the stick tang (today's #1 in Nepal).
Full-tangs were introduced by the West and are not a favorite with the Nepalis or even the Military. Full-tang are a very popular handle design for tourist kukris only.
Then what do the Nepali (or the S.E. Asians) use for hard use/heavy-duty applications in wood?? *The axe.* Past & present.
Thanks, that makes sense. I have thought sometimes about what timber they have to deal with in the himalayan region. I think some is above tree line, some is bamboo, like you said, and I know rhododendrons are native to that area. Not sure about hardwood trees. I know there is also jungle in Nepal, so I would imagine splitting wood is an important part of life for building and fuel in some places. In higher elevations, I know certain villages rely on yak/buffalo chips more than wood for fuel.
+All the tea in China Great comment just now. You mentioned the himalayan region. That is where the axe is the most popular for wood.
The kukri was/is a popular tool - for self-defense against Nepali neighbors. Everyone wore their kukri for protection. Like the Wild West in America, folk were suspicious of the guy down the street and for good reason.
at what angle should the blade strike the wood/limb is the belly striking flat against whatever surface? or is it cuting at an angle biting into the surface? there is a picture on google showing the way a kukri, machete, and other type of tools cut into material...
I'm just a user not a scientist. I use my kukris like a heavy duty short machete. I was an easy transition.
Hope that helps.
Hi, I was curious, of all models you displayed, what is the one you used for chopping? I always find myself looking at all youtube review videos and never buy anything as I can't seem to trust myself buying a KH or HI... then I wait few months and my search continues again.
So today is exactly like any other time I research kukri and I just found out about Tora kukris... and in all the models available, I wouldn't know what to buy.
Maybe you can guide me, as you seem very knowledgeable and have quite the collection. I'd be using a kukri in the woods in northern canada to chop wood for fire and shelter, to replace the need for an axe... we dont necessarely have big fat trees as I live quite north up there! (northern alberta)
Thank you for your time, keep doing what you are doing, it is pretty interessing to watch your videos and I'll subscribe for more. Hoping to hear from you! Cheers!
Simpolicious Hi, the design of the kukri is really aimed at multi-purpose use. That means it will be a "Jack of all Trades and Master of None". The only exception is for a fighting tool. In combat/fighting the kukri is hard to beat for a short sword or long knife in effectiveness.
In Nepal they don't use a kukri to chop anything larger than a human arm and that arm size wood is usually chopped only in an emergency. So the average kukri really is for light chopping and light splitting.
For this kind of work I recommend the Indra 32 cm kukri or the Tora Kiranti/Purba Sirupate Kukri. Both are villager kukris that are really great workers.
sweetcostarica Thanks for your quick reply! I find that most of the kukri shown by Simon when he compares tourist kukri vs villagers..that most of his villagers kukri arent polished.. a bit like an Ontario kukri (if i remember correctly).. then you go on his site and see his ''original kukri'' replicas and there are all polished lol...
as for chopping trees up here, we got a lot of really small diameter trees here and lots of pine. I just think the kukri would be an awesome replacement for plenty of knives to take in the bush!
I almost bought the ''Afghan Gurkha'' issued kukri, dunno your thoughts about that one, with the full tang, wood handle and brass rivets..for around 50$. Cant remember who made that one thought.
Simpolicious About the shiny Toras.
The kukris on Simons site are mostly military models and those are almost always "finished" blades. Tora Blades sells their kukris in Batches (a least in the past). A bout 1 & a 1/2 years ago Simon had many villager unfinished (black) bladed kukris for sell. They were popular.
But you are right in hinting that in Nepal villager kukris are mostly not polished.
I think if you are just working with small diameter trees and pines the kukri and a good folding saw should be all you need to get the work done.
Happy Memorial Day!
sweetcostarica Thank you for the info! Happy Memorial Day to you too!
Is the WW Battalion regimental issue khukuri shown in this video a WW1 or WW2 Battalion Regimental issue khukuri?
It is a replica of a *WW1* Battalion Regimental issue khukuri.
Alright,thanks for replying me. I am thinking of purchasing the WW1 battalion regimental issue khukuri or the Havildar khukuri. Which 1 do you recommend?
Gerald Tew I think:
- WW1 battalion for work, pure light to medium duty work
- Tora Havildar khukuri for light camp work & self-defense type duties.
+sweetcostarica Alright,thank you. Which 1 of the Tora blades khukuri is the most versatile khukuri?
Gerald Tew That is a hard one as the kukri's basic design is pure versatility especially compared to other large knives.
But I think the closest multi-purpose kukri is the *BSI Service No.2.* This kukri was designed by the military to be an all round kukri for the soldier.
They also made it shortish (10 inch blade) to make it less of a fighter since modern weapons are much more reliable and effective with their high rate of fire.
Where can I get one?