Kukri - Full tang VS Stick tang

D

Dodi

Joined
Apr 24, 2009
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Hi guys! I am immensely grateful to all the fine people who have advised me on what kind of blade to get. Based on the feedback my attention was diverted from a CS Recon scout San Mai to a CS RS SK-5 to a Kukri! Of course my mind is set on getting a Kukri now.:)

I would appreciate if you guys could advise further on what kind of kukri to get. I have seen full tang ones and the traditional stick tang ones available online. Please advise on the pros and cons of both! Also the ones available here in the UK only have spine of 7mm tapering to a 3mm tip and are only available with a stick tang...do you reckon they will be any good!!?

I really like the look of this one available in the UK :

https://torablades.com/shop/index.php?_a=viewProd&productId=48

but am worried about the tang. Should I get one from Nepal with a full tang:confused:
 
You should jump over to Himalayan Imports in the manufacturer's section of this forum for starters. The rat tail tangs are supposed to be just as strong as the full tangs, I have both and find no difference in reliabilty. Some say the full tang sends more shock during chopping, but I have not found that to be a problem with my 16.5 inch Chiruwa Ang Khola. Get one from HI and you will not be sorry.
 
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All my khuks have been hidden tangs. I don't worry about any of them, they're tough as nails. I've been using the 18" WWII for over six years and have total confidence in it.

Frank
 
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Stick tangs are technically not as strong as the full tang, but more than strong enough, unless u are going to try to climb a mountain with it or something really nuts, a rat tail should be more than enough, with regards to HI vs Tora, they are both extremely good blades for the buck and you will be very happy with either.
 
The place where you have the most critical failures in big choppers like this is right up at the front of the handle, usually where there are sudden transitions in shape that create stress risers. Actually, in this case the "stick" tangs are at the full thickness of the blade and gradually taper down to the threaded area at the end, where the "full" tangs are pounded flat to fill out the necessary height of the handle, which in turn makes them thin from side to side for most of the length of the handle. Now, I won't argue that the handles having much more tang area to hold on to in the full tang setup is a bad thing---I imagine they hold on at least as well as the hidden tangs. Then again, I've never seen a hidden tang khuk bent to one side or the other at the handle juncture, where I've noticed it on a couple of exposed tangs.

These two tangs are from a pair of similarly-sized HI khuks (and no the handle didn't fall off the bottom one, it's still waiting for a handle ;) ). The above is the exposed tang version, and the bottom a concealed tang. It was a little difficult getting them to stay lined up on top of each other and work the camera at the same time, but you get the idea.They mic out at 0.14" and 0.27" thick, respectively at the point where the brass ends and horn begins on the upper one.

 
One more vote for Himalayan Imports. I have the UBE which is a stick tang ( a big stick tang) but it feels damn near bullet proof. I sold a certain "obese, bring together, warring, woman" knife because of the UBE.
T
 
Tora offers 2 kukri models with full tang. The forces model and the MII world war model.
The thickness of Tora blades is not a concern. if you can break any model of Toras Kukri your abusing it beyond what any knife should endure.

HI also is a near indestructible kukri. I own both and like both. Personally i like Toras products better. Just because HI insists on including features in their blades that just don't appeal to me.
 
If you intend to use your khuk in ways which are normal to its purpose, the hidden tang model is plenty strong. If you intend to pound the blade into the trunk of a tree point first with a hammer and then stand on the handle, get the full tang.

In my own use of my khuks, I have found that I prefer the stick tang models. IMO, they are better balanced for chopping, and produce less hand fatigue during use.

Andy
 
First is definitely go with Himalayan Imports. Second the tang doesn't make much difference I have a couple M-43 which use the flat tang that have been used for VERY hard use with no ill effects whatsoever. I also have a few kuk's which have the traditional tang which are more comfortable in the hand. My newest is a 15" Ang Khola and it is an amazing knife. While on some knife designs you may find a lack of strength in this type of tang, that is certainly not the case with the H.I. Kukri's.

My recommendation goes to the M-43 due to my experience it provides the best design in respect to chopping force and efficiency as well as defensive or combat consiserations.
 
My 18" WW2 is a beast.The stick tang on that Kukri is thicker than any of the full tang bush knives I own.I'm totally confident in it's ability to take anything I can throw at it.
 
Dodi. That is similar in design to a M-43. The m-43 just attaches the handle differently.

You shouldn't have any problems due to handle design and the m-43 pattern is an improvement over the WWII patterns.

I can't say anything about the quality of Torablades products for I haven't had the opportunity to handle any. I do know that several folks in the UK have ordered from Yangdu at Himalayan Imports without problems. Except customs in the UK messing with the kukri's.
 
'...my mind is set on getting a Kukri now...worried about the tang. Should I get one from Nepal with a full tang..."
- Dodi

it is written that a full tang has got more strength goin' for it.
as some have so correctly attested here, the rat tail tangs have never given way, as yet.
but to put it bluntly, you'll never know when $&!## happens!
it's a matter of preference i suppose.
but just so you remember that a full tang of equal size and length would weigh more, and definately adds to the overall initial laid down cost as well.
but i firmly believe goin' full tang would put to rest every worry you have now about the kukri's blade coming apart from the handle, one fine usin' day well into the future...
 
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t1mpani said:
Actually, in this case the "stick" tangs are at the full thickness of the blade and gradually taper down to the threaded area at the end, where the "full" tangs are pounded flat to fill out the necessary height of the handle, which in turn makes them thin from side to side for most of the length of the handle.

They mic out at 0.14" and 0.27" thick, respectively at the point where the brass ends and horn begins on the upper one.
Click to expand...

A most informative post t1mpani. :thumbup: I have more full tangs than stick types but after reading your posts that will probably change in the future.

All points considered, both tang types have stood the test of time. Find the model and make of Khuk that satisfy's your chopping requirements and which appeals to your eye the most.

It is not as if you have to stop at just having one Khukuri. :p
 
i prefer H.I. but tora offers top quality blades too.sirupate/simon is good to deal with. main factor for decision would be what style/model is wanted.i have over 20 h.i.s and one tora and would not turn down either..
 
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