- Joined
- Jul 22, 2005
- Messages
- 4,360
You may have seen this before, so I'm just going to throw it up here in case anyone is browsing.
Kukris . Many do not know much about them, except that sometimes they can be down right expensive. Im a machete nut, but Ive wanted to try out a Kukri for a while. About a year ago, RobG on the forums sent me a Himalayan import Kukri to re-sharpen. It was pretty hard, but after I got the edge, I had to try it out. I was completely impressed with its chopping power. This Cold Steel Kukri machete is now the second Kukri that I had the pleasure of trying out.
Cold Steel has been getting a lot of press associated with their hype on some of their other knives, but Ive been more interested in their more economical knives. I found that the Latin machete was too flimsy, so when I was waiting for this Kukri machete, I was worried that it would be the same. I was pleased to find a solid design and a thick spine, an overall design that could take a beating.
Kukri Machete Specs:
Weight: 16 oz.
Thickness: 2.75mm
Blade: 13"
Overall: 18"
Suggested Retail Price: $24.99
The weight of the Kukri machete is great, not too heavy or unwieldy; it doesnt put stress on the forearm like heavy chopping models Ive worked with. Albeit a little getting used to, but once you find that sweet spot on the blade that makes the notorious Kukri chop, it really shines once the technique has been mastered.
The handle is of a more contemporary Kukri design, lacking the rings, tang caps and buttons of more classic Kukris and being made out of a checkered thermoplastic. I was disappointed in the texture of the handle, but I found that about 3 seconds with some 80-grit sandpaper took the harsher checkering down. There is horizontal jigging along the sides of the handle, they did not present a problem like the checkering did. The polypropylene handle itself stood up to abuse and drops; high temperatures at the edge of the fire; and salt and other chemicals very well. There was no discoloration, fading, or abrading of any of the finer edges due to use or rattling around in the back of the Jeep.
The blade edge, like any large chopping tool in this price range, needed a tiny bit of a touch up when I received it. It had a modest edge, but I chose to use a hand sanding pad to work it back to the bevel it was set at. You could easily use a file too. About two seconds with a diamond hone would also give it a biting edge. It took the edge from the sanding pad very well, and was easy to work with. Even those without belt sanders could produce a fine working edge on this blade. I couldnt resist the temptation though, the edge took to screaming sharp after a belt sanding treatment. It only took half the time to get a good edge that other factory choppers take. The bevel was set well from the factory. The Kukri has a black coating, which did very well to protect it. Even in the salty environment of the Florida Keys, the rust was very minimal.
The Sheath is a Taiwan sheath, and does well to hold the knife safely. Thats about it though, as it becomes tangled when you try to take the knife out of the sheath or wear it on your belt. This Kukri might be a good candidate for a PVC sheath as well. Maybe a baldric rigging of some sorts would help facilitate this type of knife.
Kukris . Many do not know much about them, except that sometimes they can be down right expensive. Im a machete nut, but Ive wanted to try out a Kukri for a while. About a year ago, RobG on the forums sent me a Himalayan import Kukri to re-sharpen. It was pretty hard, but after I got the edge, I had to try it out. I was completely impressed with its chopping power. This Cold Steel Kukri machete is now the second Kukri that I had the pleasure of trying out.
Cold Steel has been getting a lot of press associated with their hype on some of their other knives, but Ive been more interested in their more economical knives. I found that the Latin machete was too flimsy, so when I was waiting for this Kukri machete, I was worried that it would be the same. I was pleased to find a solid design and a thick spine, an overall design that could take a beating.
Kukri Machete Specs:
Weight: 16 oz.
Thickness: 2.75mm
Blade: 13"
Overall: 18"
Suggested Retail Price: $24.99
The weight of the Kukri machete is great, not too heavy or unwieldy; it doesnt put stress on the forearm like heavy chopping models Ive worked with. Albeit a little getting used to, but once you find that sweet spot on the blade that makes the notorious Kukri chop, it really shines once the technique has been mastered.
The handle is of a more contemporary Kukri design, lacking the rings, tang caps and buttons of more classic Kukris and being made out of a checkered thermoplastic. I was disappointed in the texture of the handle, but I found that about 3 seconds with some 80-grit sandpaper took the harsher checkering down. There is horizontal jigging along the sides of the handle, they did not present a problem like the checkering did. The polypropylene handle itself stood up to abuse and drops; high temperatures at the edge of the fire; and salt and other chemicals very well. There was no discoloration, fading, or abrading of any of the finer edges due to use or rattling around in the back of the Jeep.
The blade edge, like any large chopping tool in this price range, needed a tiny bit of a touch up when I received it. It had a modest edge, but I chose to use a hand sanding pad to work it back to the bevel it was set at. You could easily use a file too. About two seconds with a diamond hone would also give it a biting edge. It took the edge from the sanding pad very well, and was easy to work with. Even those without belt sanders could produce a fine working edge on this blade. I couldnt resist the temptation though, the edge took to screaming sharp after a belt sanding treatment. It only took half the time to get a good edge that other factory choppers take. The bevel was set well from the factory. The Kukri has a black coating, which did very well to protect it. Even in the salty environment of the Florida Keys, the rust was very minimal.
The Sheath is a Taiwan sheath, and does well to hold the knife safely. Thats about it though, as it becomes tangled when you try to take the knife out of the sheath or wear it on your belt. This Kukri might be a good candidate for a PVC sheath as well. Maybe a baldric rigging of some sorts would help facilitate this type of knife.
