Recommendation? Does the Khukuri House make high quality knives?

[Stahlmann]

I'm in the market for a kukri the size of those currently issued to present day Gurkhas serving in the British Army. I notice the Khukuri House has some advertised for sale and they seem to have a good reputation. Does anyone here have any first hand experience with their instruments? Thank you.

 

[43Tinman]

My opinions on the subject.

KHHI
Pros: They have been around quite a while, many options and good availability. An easy way to get into the Khukuriworld.

Neutral: Not the best, not the worst. Have physical shops in Kathmandu. Depots in several locations.

Cons: Rather poor execution of historical patterns, seem to focus alot on other things then Khukuris. Mediocre in quality and build, somewhat of a lottery. Quantity over quality. Uses designs and photos without reffering to its source.

For me not an option anymore, have sold all I got.

 

[justjed]

Kailash Blades probably has what you are looking for, check them out.

 

[Stahlmann]

My opinions on the subject.

KHHI
Pros: They have been around quite a while, many options and good availability. An easy way to get into the Khukuriworld.

Neutral: Not the best, not the worst. Have physical shops in Kathmandu. Depots in several locations.

Cons: Rather poor execution of historical patterns, seem to focus alot on other things then Khukuris. Mediocre in quality and build, somewhat of a lottery. Quantity over quality. Uses designs and photos without reffering to its source.

For me not an option anymore, have sold all I got.

Thanks for your reply. I really appreciate it. I've wanted a kukri for quite some time. I finally figured out what size I want -- about 15-16" overall. I wanted one from Nepal but they're so cloaked in mystery with so many conflicting opinions that I'll probably just forego one at this point. Thanks again.

 

[43Tinman]

Oh no , but I understand its quite confusing, were are you based? In the US you have Himalayan Imports, not my choice because geography and they tend to make heavier, chunkier blades but they are made in Nepal and they have a following. They are here on the forum and often have deals of the day, within the US you could have a khukuri within a week. Yes it tends to be a bit confusing depending on budget and other preferences. So if you are in the US, you could atleast check them out. If you are EU-based I have other options. My "full" review of Himalayan imports. And even if you dont buy one now, dont forget about these curved blades, buying one perhaps many years from now.

HI
Pros: Been around a long time, still reffered to today. Had a lot of knowledgable people pass through their cantina, these people have been driving the Community forward. Their forum have deals of the day, those usually sells fast and HI have a dedicated fanbase. Have left a deep impression in the community. Probably no company can get a Khukuri to a US adress faster then HI.

Neutral: Heavily aimed towards the US market. An American take on Khukuris. Ships from the US. Also sells other blades. Pricey, yes I write that under neutral. If it goes to the artisans and their community, it cant be a drawback. Price isnt everything if its by free choice we pay more and its for good causes, therfore neutral.

Cons: In general heavy thick blades with big handles for powerlifters. Not really an option for other locations then the US. Last years there have just come up so many other options. While still relevant, not as relevant they once were.

Have sold all I had with the exception of one. For me not an option mostly because of their fondness of big chunky blades and international shipping that I cant justify.

 

[Stahlmann]

Oh no , but I understand its quite confusing, were are you based? In the US you have Himalayan Imports, not my choice because geography and they tend to make heavier, chunkier blades but they are made in Nepal and they have a following. They are here on the forum and often have deals of the day, within the US you could have a khukuri within a week. Yes it tends to be a bit confusing depending on budget and other preferences. So if you are in the US, you could atleast check them out. If you are EU-based I have other options. My "full" review of Himalayan imports. And even if you dont buy one now, dont forget about these curved blades, buying one perhaps many years from now.

HI
Pros: Been around a long time, still reffered to today. Had a lot of knowledgable people pass through their cantina, these people have been driving the Community forward. Their forum have deals of the day, those usually sells fast and HI have a dedicated fanbase. Have left a deep impression in the community. Probably no company can get a Khukuri to a US adress faster then HI.

Neutral: Heavily aimed towards the US market. An American take on Khukuris. Ships from the US. Also sells other blades. Pricey, yes I write that under neutral. If it goes to the artisans and their community, it cant be a drawback. Price isnt everything if its by free choice we pay more and its for good causes, therfore neutral.

Cons: In general heavy thick blades with big handles for powerlifters. Not really an option for other locations then the US. Last years there have just come up so many other options. While still relevant, not as relevant they once were.

Have sold all I had with the exception of one. For me not an option mostly because of their fondness of big chunky blades and international shipping that I cant justify.

Thanks again for your input. I have indeed heard of H.I. It's a bit difficult to differentiate between their different blades on their website based on the information they provide. I think I would go with a "British Army Service" (BAS) were I to order one today. I have yet to see BASs advertised on sale on their forum, although I don't check the H.I. forum all that often. I suppose they're an option if I ever get serious once again to own a kukri.

Anyway, thanks again for your inputs. It certainly added to my knowledge base...

 

[Kailash Blades]

Hey there Stahlmann- if you're still looking we make a khukuri in the style of the current service issue.

Modern Service Issue – Kailash Blades

kailashblades.com

Your choice of handle material, finish and sheath plus better quality steel than what the new recruits are getting these days
If you need any guidance don't be afraid to reach out.
Take care,
Andrew and the team at Kailash.

 

[Stahlmann]

Hey there Stahlmann- if you're still looking we make a khukuri in the style of the current service issue.

Modern Service Issue – Kailash Blades

kailashblades.com

Your choice of handle material, finish and sheath plus better quality steel than what the new recruits are getting these days
If you need any guidance don't be afraid to reach out.
Take care,
Andrew and the team at Kailash.

Thank you kindly for your response I will take a close look at your wares.

Do your Modern Service Issue Kukris ship with a karda and chakmak? Thanks.

 

[Kailash Blades]

Thank you kindly for your response I will take a close look at your wares.

Do your Modern Service Issue Kukris ship with a karda and chakmak? Thanks.

No, we don't include them by default as they're not enjoyed by everyone and increase costs/ width of sheath. We can easily make you a high quality pair though with heat treat and matching hardware/handle material. Once you've placed an order just send me a dm and I'll organise it. It'll be another 15 usd.
Take care,
Andrew

 

[Stahlmann]

No, we don't include them by default as they're not enjoyed by everyone and increase costs/ width of sheath. We can easily make you a high quality pair though with heat treat and matching hardware/handle material. Once you've placed an order just send me a dm and I'll organise it. It'll be another 15 usd.
Take care,
Andrew

Hi Andrew;

So it is +15 usd for the different sheath and the karda and chakmak? Thanks.

Also, I am having trouble differentiating between Indian Rosewood and White Rosewood? Thanks again.

 

[Kailash Blades]

Hi Andrew;

So it is +15 usd for the different sheath and the karda and chakmak? Thanks.

Also, I am having trouble differentiating between Indian Rosewood and White Rosewood? Thanks again.

It's +15 usd for a pair of matching karda and chakmak, and as part of that price we upgrade whatever sheath you've chosen (dap, stacked leather, kydex) to be able to hold them.
There is a bug on our options info page for white rosewood so that's understandable haha! I'll work on fixing it.

White rosewood as seen here is slightly browner than cream. It's a bit softer than indian rosewood and not as naturally resistant to insect attack (not an issue when cared for)

Indian rosewood can be a wide range of colours from rusty chocolate through to a deep beetrooty brown. Here's some examples.
It is harder and a bit more resistant to rot and bugs naturally. Here's two examples at far ends of the spectrum.

 

[Stahlmann]

It's +15 usd for a pair of matching karda and chakmak, and as part of that price we upgrade whatever sheath you've chosen (dap, stacked leather, kydex) to be able to hold them.
There is a bug on our options info page for white rosewood so that's understandable haha! I'll work on fixing it.

White rosewood as seen here is slightly browner than cream. It's a bit softer than indian rosewood and not as naturally resistant to insect attack (not an issue when cared for)

Indian rosewood can be a wide range of colours from rusty chocolate through to a deep beetrooty brown. Here's some examples.
It is harder and a bit more resistant to rot and bugs naturally. Here's two examples at far ends of the spectrum.

Thanks again for the insights, Andrew...

 

[Kailash Blades]

Thanks again for the insights, Andrew...

No worries at all- Reach out if you need any help