Yo Helmut,
Just a suggestion, I own a beautiful 25" Kobra made by Vim (Nepalese Flag Kami) and among all the swords, short-swords, and long-knives I own (at least a dozen by the latest count), it still feels quite forward-balanced and a little on the heavy side. Now it can chop like a beast, even compared to my longer katanas (just holding it will give you a sense of its power like this thing can decapitate a bull in one stroke) and due to its blade geometry can hold its own against pretty much any big mean chopper. BUT...if you want something that feels very lively and martial (compared to, let's say, a Philipino handmade Ginunting or a Kris or other Kali weapons designed to be swung at high speeds almost like a whip in the hands of a trained fighter), I suggest that you ask Auntie Yangdu to have the kamis craft you a Kobra made with a thinner blade (by my eye, probably even 50% thinner would still be acceptable). It could be that Kami Vim had made mine a little on the beefy side on purpose (to compete with Sher the Tiger
, but as the Kobra is still a khukuri at its core, the forward-balance will be an inherent trait. You'll need to have one made with a thinner blade to alter that feel. Rest assured that it can be accomplished, however. Just compare a Foxy Folly to a Dui Chirra, for example, and you'll see what I mean. I am sure others will chime in with their experience as well.