Kukri compared to a machete or cane knife...

I

ICEAGE

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Apr 1, 2007
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I'm from South Louisiana, I've grown up using machetes and cane knives on hunting, fishing, and camping trips.


I may possibly be doing a bit of clearing in some woods soon and I've always used sickles, cane knives, and machetes. (Think chopping brush, briers, small branches, ect.) to make trails for 4 wheelers.

How would a Kukri compare to these? I've seen a lot of pictures and heard talk of using them as a chopping tool, but for firewood and such. But how do they do cutting through brush and briers? Also keep in mind this may include 5 or 6 hours of swinging, so I suppose weight and comfort could be an issue.



Any recommendations for a moderately priced serious work Kukri? I'm thinking of the Cold Steel one since its cheap and has good reviews. I don't wanna spend too much money on something that's going to go through serious work, and probably spend a good deal of its time strapped to a 4-wheeler.


Thanks.
 
A real kukri is more akin to a hatchet than a machete or cane knife, imo. Typically much heavier. The ones from reputable makers also have differential hardening, the edges being much harder than the spines, allowing for high edge retention where it's critical and toughness where it's needed. Machetes tend to be uniformly thin and soft. Cane knives even thinner. Either much less expensive than a well made kukri from a reputable maker, at least Stateside.

HI usually has good user kukris available. Be warned, they are hand forged and fitted. As such they tend to look less cosmetically "perfect" than kukris mass produced by larger manufacturers. But they're generally very nice objects to behold in their own right.
 
I cleared some palmettos and lighter brush out by my road earlier this evening with my HI sirupate. Better than any machete,but if you are working for five hours straight it may be better to use a machete. It really depends on the diameter of the stuff you're cutting.
 
Himalayan imports has deal posts everyday in the afternoon (Eastern time) you can find a great deal
 
If you were going to go with an HI khuk I'd go with one of the thin lighter versions.

Several good choices include the sirupati, chitlangi and my favorite the Gelbu Special.

But I think for just clearing light brush your better off with something like a golok. Although a khuk can work well for light brush something lighter would be better if you're swinging it for a long time.
 
The Sirupate or Kobra are best for light brush, but a recurve blade is more of a chopper, and I'd agree a golok would probably be the best all-around tool if you're doing mostly light work.
 
I own two Khukuries. Both are effective blades for clearing brush.
However, if I knew I was going to be clearing brush (small trees, limbs, branches, overgrowth, bushes, etc.) for 5-6 hours and had access to an ATV, I'd use a small chainsaw.
Hell of a lot less effort & a much faster tool.
My larger blades are in-a-pinch woods tools, used for quick and light work as needed, or emergency purposes if a more efficient tool isn't along when something needs cutting.

I can't imagine deliberately using one for that long, or that much work, unless I'm over-imagining the nature of your question.

Denis
 
Thanks guys, I'll probably start looking around to see if I can find a deal from HI. I've a few months time before I'll need it.


A chainsaw will be used on the heavier stuff, but I probably won't be the one using it :p Going to be bit of work on 400+ acres.


Gonna have to build ATV trails and areas to hunt. Around here usually clear out an open area to build a "box stand" and 3 or 4 shooting lanes that are 10 to 15 feet wide, 100-150 yards long.


Factor in I'll probably be making 2 or 3 for myself and 2 or 3 for someone else, and yeah, its a GOOD deal of work gonna be going down on weekends.


Its all good though, at the days end I'll be able to build shelters and use primitive wilderness techniques. :D
 
ilbruche said:
If you were going to go with an HI khuk I'd go with one of the thin lighter versions.

Several good choices include the sirupati, chitlangi and my favorite the Gelbu Special.

But I think for just clearing light brush your better off with something like a golok. Although a khuk can work well for light brush something lighter would be better if you're swinging it for a long time.
Click to expand...

I concur.

a golok or a machete of some sort would be more comfortable for the job..:cool:

Doesn't mean you shouldn't get a khuk though:cool:
 
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