Is a 16.5" CAK to heavy for backpacking?

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Jun 14, 2012
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Hello, this is my first post on blade forums (or any forum). I've been reading and re-reading many many posts about himalayan imports products and I am sure that I want one, just having trouble narrowing it down. A little about me; I'm 5'7"-5'8" less then 150 lbs. I'm in pretty good shape but I don't want anything too heavy. My first and only khukuri is a large model from khukuri house that I absolutely love, but at 21" oal and 2 lbs 4 oz, it's just to big for to be practical for trecking. It's a great car camping/local chores knife, but I definately couldn't swing it all day clearing brush.

danzilla1


I am drawn to the CAK because of it's chopping power and apparent indestructibility, however due to the weight I'm thinking a WWII or even a 15" AK might be better suited for my needs. I'll be using it mostly for chopping related camp chores but I want a powerfull all-arounder.

Another draw to the CAK is that I am a broke student so the "buy both" solution is not an option here. I'll have to sell my "de-limber" to fund a slightly more practical blade, so having the toughest khukuri available as my only big blade is somewhat of a reassurance.

I know this topic has been disscussed many a time here on the forum, but I was hoping some experienced backpackers, or anyone that uses there khukuri's for extended periods could weigh in on the issue of wieght vs strength and other things to consider.

Thanks
 
What kind of backpacking are we talking about? If you're doing Appalachian trail style, long distance, high elevation backpacking, I would bring just a SAK or a Mora if you want a fixed blade. If you're blazing a trail I suppose a smaller khuk is a good tool but I know when Im out there Im counting ounces and thats a ridiculous tool. Try a Mora companion or SAK Trekker.
 
My views & experiences maybe considered to be somewhat heretical: For Hiking, it is either my 12" Bura Pen Knife, or more frequently it is a 13" CAK. Mere toys. I know.:rolleyes:
 
Thanks for the response HardTripper, as a kid when backpacking with my dad we usually just had a 6 inch fixed blade and a couple pocket knives so I know a big knife isn't necessary on a well planned trip. This would be more for a bushcraft type scenario, where I will be processing a lot of wood. The khukuri on a backpacking trip would mostly be for chopping fun and piece of mind in case i had to build a shelter or stab a sasquatch.
 
Welcome UncleDan,

I'm not much bigger than you (bigger around maybe a little ) and i find the 16.5" CAK to be perfect for my trekking, camp and chopping needs.
A khukuri makes a great backpacking blade, don't let anybody tell you different. Although mine does weigh in at 27 oz, i don't find the weight bothersome at all. If you want to drop a little more weight you could also think about a normal Ang Khola instead of the Chiruwa, or a WWII.
 
Thanks for all the replies. I think when I have the cash saved up I'll be checking the DOTD's for lighter CAK's.
 
it really depends on how much you want to carry. I normally don't take khuks backpacking but I have a 20 oz 15" Baby Ganga Ram that works pretty well. A 15" Sirupate is a good weight too.

Anything over 1 lb though I really have to want to bring it.
 
In this weight range, it's more about the carry system than anything. With a comfortable sheath and support platform for that sheath, you won't notice even a 30 oz blade until you need it.

YMMV, but look into drop leg platforms and custom kydex sheaths.
 
What kind of backpacking are we talking about? If you're doing Appalachian trail style, long distance, high elevation backpacking, I would bring just a SAK or a Mora if you want a fixed blade. If you're blazing a trail I suppose a smaller khuk is a good tool but I know when Im out there Im counting ounces and thats a ridiculous tool. Try a Mora companion or SAK Trekker.
Amen.

Many experienced hikers and campers know you can go into the woods with just a 4 inch knife and survive. My favorite demonstaters of this is the Dual Survival guys below. But you need to have the knowledge and skill to be able to do it right.
dual-survival 1.jpg
What big blades are for is to make those outdoor chores easier, more efficient, and less tiring. Since weight is a huge factor my opinion is to go with the lightest Kukri you feel comfortable with and moving up from there. Eventually you will figure out which is right for you and have fun all the way to that point :thumbup:. Remember to add the weight of the sheath.


Siru U.B..jpgPicture from bladeforums.com
My prejudiced these days is for an 18 inch Sirupate at 21 ounces but those villager ugly/cute Kukris are turning my head.
 
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I would recommend the British Army Service model. Much lighter and still very effective for most camping tasks.
 
Thanks everyone I think I'll either be going with the lightest CAK I can find or maybe just a 15 inch AK. I am drawn to the "full flat tang" however so I'm leaning towards chiruwa models.
 
Hi UncleDan, a Lighter CAK sounds like a good idea to me. I've packed a 16.5" WWII would out any trouble so I don't see a problem with a CAK.
 
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