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The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
Price is $300 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/ - Order as many as you like, we have plenty.
Best Khukuri You've Ever Used?
- Thread starter Wolfeye
- Start date
- Joined
- May 9, 2002
- Messages
- 12,605
Check out the HI forum. I'm going to say a solid 70% of what the kamis produce isn't found on the website. They do a lot of cool stuff, and if you contact Ms. Yangdu Martino, she'll be more than happy to have something custom made.
My personal opinion, I'd start with a real deal traditional khuk first. There is a reason they have been made the way they have been made for centuries. A KLVUK is a great way to get into a khuk like one might find in Nepal. It's very well made, light enough to swing all day, and inexpensive enough that if you bigger it up learning to swing it you won't cry too much
If you want to go with a bruiser, a variation of the chiruwa AK is a tank.
From there, try some of the more exotic models.
Stop by the subforum and ask any questions you have. Some of the finest ladies and gentlemen I have ever had the pleasure of knowing have been found hanging around there
My personal opinion, I'd start with a real deal traditional khuk first. There is a reason they have been made the way they have been made for centuries. A KLVUK is a great way to get into a khuk like one might find in Nepal. It's very well made, light enough to swing all day, and inexpensive enough that if you bigger it up learning to swing it you won't cry too much
If you want to go with a bruiser, a variation of the chiruwa AK is a tank.
From there, try some of the more exotic models.
Stop by the subforum and ask any questions you have. Some of the finest ladies and gentlemen I have ever had the pleasure of knowing have been found hanging around there
- Joined
- Sep 15, 2013
- Messages
- 5,648
I'll be the odd one here and recommend KHHI Khukuri House. Not as high quality made as HI's and customer service might be not nearly as good, but you can have them for lower prices shipped worldwide, with many models, sizes and shapes already available to try out
They have also a custom-made khukuri option, under your specs, but their current offering include all imaginable types, shapes and uses.
You'll get addicted in your search for the perfect one, and hopefully find out which size, thickness, shape and category of this awesome blade style you prefer
They have also a custom-made khukuri option, under your specs, but their current offering include all imaginable types, shapes and uses.
You'll get addicted in your search for the perfect one, and hopefully find out which size, thickness, shape and category of this awesome blade style you prefer
- Joined
- Mar 13, 2015
- Messages
- 86
Tora. Long wait times. Incredibly attractive products that are basically replicas of carried Gurkha kukris. By which I mean provenanced antiques, used in the World Wars of the last century, weighed and measured & reproduced by hand by Kami in Nepal
- Joined
- Mar 6, 2015
- Messages
- 88
I don't know about the best or HI blades and will admit they are beautiful pieces. But my reasoning won't let me go high end for one when my raw Angkhola does does all I need/expect without so well . And my AEOF is no slouch either . Not nearly as refined but hard use bullet proof tools . I only own the two but if I had to choose I'd take the Angkhola . But be prepared for learning curve to "SAFELY" !!! and efficiently use this tool .
- Joined
- Jun 13, 2006
- Messages
- 3,724
For me it's a tie between my Tora Highland and Sgt. Khadka Bonecutter.
- Joined
- Mar 20, 2006
- Messages
- 51
I have 4 KH blades and 2 on order which should be arriving tomorrow. I have a Zombie Tools Vakra which is probably the best one of the lot. Very nice bladework they do.
I have a Zombie Tools Vakra which is probably the best one of the lot. Very nice bladework they do.
shortwinger
Gold Member
- Joined
- Apr 7, 2010
- Messages
- 1,082
I'm going to give two answers. One path you can take is to get a traditionally made Nepalese kukri, and even in this, I would recommend a tradition model versus the endless "marketing" models claiming to be the military issue to each war or movie/video game replicas. Going the traditional way and purchasing something like a Jungle/Service No 1 model will show you what a Kukri is, how it feels, how it behaves, and it's balance and feel. It will either make you fall in love with the kukri or decide to go back to a straight blade. After getting used to working with this first kukri its use and carriage will guide you to make a more refined choice that meets your needs. After taking this route you will probably see the novelty of some of these marketing models and you will find that the traditional models are traditional because they beat out other models over centuries. Your choice of companies to get this traditional kukri from will be a personal choice and usually boils down to the website you like the most rather than real quality. For me I love HI, Tora, GK, NKH and Kukri Palace. All of these are places I have had positive experiences with.
The second answer is for the person that doesn't care a bit about tradition, they just want a blade. In that case I would tell you to avoid wasting your time and money and just get the best non traditional kukri on the market, the real Cold Steel Gurkha Kukri. The other posts talking about a $30 CS Kukri are not talking about the Kukri, they are talking about the Kukri machete. This is not a Kukri, it is a machete.
Good luck!
The second answer is for the person that doesn't care a bit about tradition, they just want a blade. In that case I would tell you to avoid wasting your time and money and just get the best non traditional kukri on the market, the real Cold Steel Gurkha Kukri. The other posts talking about a $30 CS Kukri are not talking about the Kukri, they are talking about the Kukri machete. This is not a Kukri, it is a machete.
Good luck!
Last edited:
Bill Siegle
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
- Joined
- Oct 3, 2000
- Messages
- 6,731
I'm a fan of the HI kukris for traditional styles. For other versions, I like the KaBar offerings in their Kukri and Becker BK21. Pretty big fan of my custom Kukris that I make too of course
shortwinger
Gold Member
- Joined
- Apr 7, 2010
- Messages
- 1,082
Sorry I forgot to mention your blades Bill. A Siegle kukri is still on my bucket list but I would have to blow out a wall if I get one more Kukri!
First congratulations on deciding to add one of the best blade designs ever created into your tool set, you will not be disappointed.
If you want the short answer it's Himalayan Imports models.
Long answer ahead. Warning word vomit ahead, though you might learn something, my experience with different Khukuri manufactures from good to best.
Going to leave out what people call KLO's(Khukuri like objects) and stick to Khukuri made in Nepal by hand by Kami's. Though if you want to know about KLO's I've owned just ask, they are CS Kukri Machete, CS Sk5 Gurkha Kukri, Ontario Kukri Knife, and Windlass Kukri.
EGKH also known as Ex Gurkha Khukuri House:
In fourth place, you should recognize this place, they have over half a dozen names they go under, pretty sure they are the ones with a huge presence on Amazon and that big online auction site. I have only owned one Khukuri from them but that was enough for me. It was a Silver sheathed Kothimora which is basically just a BAS(British Army Service) model with a fancy sheath. It was okay, good if not mediocre, bottom of the barrel without hitting the garbage pile. When I ordered my Khuk from them asked for a slight alteration for the sheath which they agreed to and they never did it so they lost any future business from me.
KHHI also known as the Khukuri House:
In Third place The Khukuri House, they have about two or three websites they operate and have a sizable customer base, they probably have the largest amount of kami's working for them and probably the most available models that you can order from any Khukuri website. Good prices with a caveat, shipping which I'll explain at the end. They also offer Custom knife services which are reasonably priced. I have owned one of their Khuk's(A GI4) which was decently good for a khuk if a bit heavy, I actually have three semi-custom models from them on order if that tells you anything. When I got into the custom orders the owner himself took care of me and offered me a deal on an additional Khuk when my original order was for two semi custom khuk's. He was a class act and very helpful with all my questions and requests. They also have a very nice Warranty in place which I believe is 1 year replacement and after that free repair service. Only thing that sucks about this company is it's shipping, their international shipping can be expensive around 30-50 USD which I think they even charge if they need to ship you a replacement.
Tora Blades
In second place is Tora Blades, owned and operated by a Martial Artist and Khukuri history buff and it shows. He contracts out models to very highly skilled Kami and all these models are based off of historical antiques and are made to exact specifications/dimensions. You won't find any westernized heavy big handled khukuri here, only traditional khukuri which actual Gurkha's and people of Nepal would use. Lightweight Khukuri which are mostly military designs with some village ones mixed in. They arguably have the best designs since they are all based on classics. If you were a martial artist, soldier, or needed a light khukuri for camping/hiking/bushcraft I would recommend Tora. I have owned two of them being the MKII and the GAK(Goorkha Army Kukri) and both had exemplary blades. Now into the negative and why they are not tied or beating first place. First of all fit and finish sucked on both my kukri, MKII's blade has a sizable mar on it while the GAK's handle had chips missing from handle and end cap was dented. They have no warranty to speak of and customer service isn't that great, you get what you pay for and that's about it. Also their pictures of models show a mirror finish but both my models came with a satin finish which should be considered. They also do not treat their handles or leather sheaths which even KHHI does. Also these khukuri are expensive cheapest being $110 going to over $200. So why do they beat out KHHI? Basically their blades and designs are superior. The GAK model despite it's flaws is still one of my favorite all time Khukuri's though probably going to sell the MKII.
Himalayan Imports
Come on you knew it was coming from the start. First place goes to the Venerable Himalayan Imports. Owned by the lovely lady Yangdu which is affectionately known on the boards as Auntie. This family owned and operated Khukuri business is probably the most well known and supported maker of Khukuri around. To put it simply, HI sells works of art that double as hardcore tools. I have had many of their models and have always been impressed by their craftsmanship, fit&finish, and performance. Out of all the Khukuri manufacturer's I've owned more HI Khukuri than any other and will always turn to them first for any future purchases and will always be my first recommendation to those looking to get into getting a Khukuri. I've had a Chiruwa Ang Khola(CAK), M43, Ang Khola(AK), KLVUK, BAS, Dui Chirra and currently have a fox folly in the pipe. These Khukuri are beautiful with most having a mirror finish that is just awe inspiring. They have many models to choose from the affordable lightweight rugged villger type Khukuri like the KLVUK to the monstrous AK/CAK which has been sometimes known to reach 1/2" thickness and has earned the moniker the "unbreakable knife". If you go to their website you will find their prices are considerably high compared to EGKH or KHHI and in league with Tora at around $200 and above for some models but believe me when I say they are worth every cent and are extremely affordable when you consider what the price would be for the same hand made knife if it were made domestic. They also have a nice warranty though you will want to read up specifics on it since not all models have the same coverage. They have amazing customer service and strive to make sure you are happy with your purchase. What sets them apart is their DOD on this forum also known as Deal of the Day, Yangdu will post sale items on the HI sub forum and these prices can reach downright absurd levels beating out the competition prices when selling blems or used knives and even still considerable discounts on normal items. Now sadly onto the negative and it truly pains me to say anything negative about this great company, the warranty is limited to what it covers and is non transferable. Also I would personally not do a custom order if you want exact specifications, I have tried and ended up returning it because it did not match up to what I wanted and have read of other similar experiences. The kami do their best work when they are making Khukuri to their specifications, as it should be for artists. Also most of their Khukuri tend to run heavy and are made to more western tastes of having large handles and being overbuilt. I personally like the handles but the weight has proven too much for me on occasion having to return/sell an M43/AK/CAK cause they were just way too heavy for me. Also they are addicting as hell to collect, they have a certain allure or magic to them that is extremely hard to resist. They also have a very rabid and loyal fan base and I say that in the most respective way possible...so yeah...don't cut me!
So in closing if I were to recommend a Khukuri company it would be KHHI second and HI first. If you want a custom Khukuri KHHI, if you want the best khukuri possible with matching warranty get an HI.
If you want a personal recommendation on models if KHHI a semi custom Mccurdy Kukri to your specifications and if HI a 15" Ang Khola or 15" BAS or anything pretty much from DOD.
If you want the short answer it's Himalayan Imports models.
Long answer ahead. Warning word vomit ahead, though you might learn something, my experience with different Khukuri manufactures from good to best.
Going to leave out what people call KLO's(Khukuri like objects) and stick to Khukuri made in Nepal by hand by Kami's. Though if you want to know about KLO's I've owned just ask, they are CS Kukri Machete, CS Sk5 Gurkha Kukri, Ontario Kukri Knife, and Windlass Kukri.
EGKH also known as Ex Gurkha Khukuri House:
In fourth place, you should recognize this place, they have over half a dozen names they go under, pretty sure they are the ones with a huge presence on Amazon and that big online auction site. I have only owned one Khukuri from them but that was enough for me. It was a Silver sheathed Kothimora which is basically just a BAS(British Army Service) model with a fancy sheath. It was okay, good if not mediocre, bottom of the barrel without hitting the garbage pile. When I ordered my Khuk from them asked for a slight alteration for the sheath which they agreed to and they never did it so they lost any future business from me.
KHHI also known as the Khukuri House:
In Third place The Khukuri House, they have about two or three websites they operate and have a sizable customer base, they probably have the largest amount of kami's working for them and probably the most available models that you can order from any Khukuri website. Good prices with a caveat, shipping which I'll explain at the end. They also offer Custom knife services which are reasonably priced. I have owned one of their Khuk's(A GI4) which was decently good for a khuk if a bit heavy, I actually have three semi-custom models from them on order if that tells you anything. When I got into the custom orders the owner himself took care of me and offered me a deal on an additional Khuk when my original order was for two semi custom khuk's. He was a class act and very helpful with all my questions and requests. They also have a very nice Warranty in place which I believe is 1 year replacement and after that free repair service. Only thing that sucks about this company is it's shipping, their international shipping can be expensive around 30-50 USD which I think they even charge if they need to ship you a replacement.
Tora Blades
In second place is Tora Blades, owned and operated by a Martial Artist and Khukuri history buff and it shows. He contracts out models to very highly skilled Kami and all these models are based off of historical antiques and are made to exact specifications/dimensions. You won't find any westernized heavy big handled khukuri here, only traditional khukuri which actual Gurkha's and people of Nepal would use. Lightweight Khukuri which are mostly military designs with some village ones mixed in. They arguably have the best designs since they are all based on classics. If you were a martial artist, soldier, or needed a light khukuri for camping/hiking/bushcraft I would recommend Tora. I have owned two of them being the MKII and the GAK(Goorkha Army Kukri) and both had exemplary blades. Now into the negative and why they are not tied or beating first place. First of all fit and finish sucked on both my kukri, MKII's blade has a sizable mar on it while the GAK's handle had chips missing from handle and end cap was dented. They have no warranty to speak of and customer service isn't that great, you get what you pay for and that's about it. Also their pictures of models show a mirror finish but both my models came with a satin finish which should be considered. They also do not treat their handles or leather sheaths which even KHHI does. Also these khukuri are expensive cheapest being $110 going to over $200. So why do they beat out KHHI? Basically their blades and designs are superior. The GAK model despite it's flaws is still one of my favorite all time Khukuri's though probably going to sell the MKII.
Himalayan Imports
Come on you knew it was coming from the start. First place goes to the Venerable Himalayan Imports. Owned by the lovely lady Yangdu which is affectionately known on the boards as Auntie. This family owned and operated Khukuri business is probably the most well known and supported maker of Khukuri around. To put it simply, HI sells works of art that double as hardcore tools. I have had many of their models and have always been impressed by their craftsmanship, fit&finish, and performance. Out of all the Khukuri manufacturer's I've owned more HI Khukuri than any other and will always turn to them first for any future purchases and will always be my first recommendation to those looking to get into getting a Khukuri. I've had a Chiruwa Ang Khola(CAK), M43, Ang Khola(AK), KLVUK, BAS, Dui Chirra and currently have a fox folly in the pipe. These Khukuri are beautiful with most having a mirror finish that is just awe inspiring. They have many models to choose from the affordable lightweight rugged villger type Khukuri like the KLVUK to the monstrous AK/CAK which has been sometimes known to reach 1/2" thickness and has earned the moniker the "unbreakable knife". If you go to their website you will find their prices are considerably high compared to EGKH or KHHI and in league with Tora at around $200 and above for some models but believe me when I say they are worth every cent and are extremely affordable when you consider what the price would be for the same hand made knife if it were made domestic. They also have a nice warranty though you will want to read up specifics on it since not all models have the same coverage. They have amazing customer service and strive to make sure you are happy with your purchase. What sets them apart is their DOD on this forum also known as Deal of the Day, Yangdu will post sale items on the HI sub forum and these prices can reach downright absurd levels beating out the competition prices when selling blems or used knives and even still considerable discounts on normal items. Now sadly onto the negative and it truly pains me to say anything negative about this great company, the warranty is limited to what it covers and is non transferable. Also I would personally not do a custom order if you want exact specifications, I have tried and ended up returning it because it did not match up to what I wanted and have read of other similar experiences. The kami do their best work when they are making Khukuri to their specifications, as it should be for artists. Also most of their Khukuri tend to run heavy and are made to more western tastes of having large handles and being overbuilt. I personally like the handles but the weight has proven too much for me on occasion having to return/sell an M43/AK/CAK cause they were just way too heavy for me. Also they are addicting as hell to collect, they have a certain allure or magic to them that is extremely hard to resist. They also have a very rabid and loyal fan base and I say that in the most respective way possible...so yeah...don't cut me!
So in closing if I were to recommend a Khukuri company it would be KHHI second and HI first. If you want a custom Khukuri KHHI, if you want the best khukuri possible with matching warranty get an HI.
If you want a personal recommendation on models if KHHI a semi custom Mccurdy Kukri to your specifications and if HI a 15" Ang Khola or 15" BAS or anything pretty much from DOD.