- Joined
- Mar 31, 2022
- Messages
- 64
I started really getting interested in khukuris about 2 years ago. The basic form, geometry and efficiency of the blades in general really intrigued me. I looked at some of the modern, mass produced offerings and, they just didn't do it for me. I decided, if I'm going to splurge for a traditional khukuri, then I want an authentic, Nepalese khukuri. So I've spent the last two years researching different makers online and what they had to offer. I had almost decided on a Panawal from a different maker, but I kept coming across references to, and YouTube videos of, Kailash Blades. Okay, scrap my previous plan and research what makes Kailash different from other makers. What I found truly impressed me: each and every traditional model is thoroughly designed from the ground up to maximize performance, durability and the user's experience. Then there's the basic company philosophy of not only crafting the best khukuris possible, but also treating their people with dignity, respect, and helping them succeed in life and give their families the best lives possible - that alone earned my support.
So, fast forward through a year or so of comparing different models and deciding what I needed a khukuri for. I'd still gone into this with the intent to order a Panawal, but the more I read and saw, the more I liked the broader bellied, "fish head" type designs. I guess I split the difference, I decided to order an 11" Angkhola Ek Chirra with full tang, satin blade, performance grind, steel hardware (and pins), large forest camo micarta handle and an OD kydex sheath. This will be my woods work knife for light to moderate chopping, trail clearing, and whatever else I come across.
That leads to today: I kept seeing references to the mini khukuris, mostly on Bushcraft USA, and reading how handy and efficient they were. Seems the general consensus is 7" is the sweet spot there, which is also recommended on the Kailash site. With my ideal western style large knife being a 6" blade (I'm 5'-10", 145 lbs - definitely not a big guy), the 7" size sounds perfect as a large belt knife for handling the smaller duties in the woods and during yardwork.
So... they haven't even started on my Angkhola yet and I just ordered a 7" mini. Slightly different configuration than my first order: satin finish, copper hardware, Indian rosewood handle, medium handle length, Performance grind, desert kydex sheath and an additional brown, traditional dap.
I'll try to post pics when they arrive, though I'll need to find a good photo hosting site unless we can upload photos directly. I'm a long time lurker but just recently decided to start posting.
Jack
So, fast forward through a year or so of comparing different models and deciding what I needed a khukuri for. I'd still gone into this with the intent to order a Panawal, but the more I read and saw, the more I liked the broader bellied, "fish head" type designs. I guess I split the difference, I decided to order an 11" Angkhola Ek Chirra with full tang, satin blade, performance grind, steel hardware (and pins), large forest camo micarta handle and an OD kydex sheath. This will be my woods work knife for light to moderate chopping, trail clearing, and whatever else I come across.
That leads to today: I kept seeing references to the mini khukuris, mostly on Bushcraft USA, and reading how handy and efficient they were. Seems the general consensus is 7" is the sweet spot there, which is also recommended on the Kailash site. With my ideal western style large knife being a 6" blade (I'm 5'-10", 145 lbs - definitely not a big guy), the 7" size sounds perfect as a large belt knife for handling the smaller duties in the woods and during yardwork.
So... they haven't even started on my Angkhola yet and I just ordered a 7" mini. Slightly different configuration than my first order: satin finish, copper hardware, Indian rosewood handle, medium handle length, Performance grind, desert kydex sheath and an additional brown, traditional dap.
I'll try to post pics when they arrive, though I'll need to find a good photo hosting site unless we can upload photos directly. I'm a long time lurker but just recently decided to start posting.
Jack