Kukri, which one and what are they best used for

S

soapboxpreacher

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Apr 3, 2010
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I had a CS Kukri and was massively disappointed with it. Handle was terrible and caused massive hotspots. The blade was dull from the factory and super caked with powder coat like I have never seen before. I am considering giving the kukri another look but I wonder what it is truly used for? It seems like a design for hacking, slashing, and chopping. Like a machete. The shape is odd and looking at it, I would think it would be a terrible camp knife. Too big to curve, skin, feather stick, etc. It just seems limited. And batoning...I have no idea? But if I where to get one what would you guys recommend? There are a lot our there. I would like to keep it under 80 bucks as well. Something with a sharp edge right from the factory if possible.
 
personally I love my CS cheapo khukuri, at first it chipped a little, rolled the edge when hitting the ground of course.. then I convexed the whole blade, I've used this knife extensively and its hit the ground numerous times, no chipping, no rolling, cuts through paper like a knife. It's by far the best money I've spent on a knife..

I posted a machete thread yesterday and a lot of people were bashing it, I'm wondering if perhaps there was a bad batch??? Mines been great..

I thought my Marbles Bolo machete was junk upon first use, it chipped in numerous places, I've convexed it and its a great chopper, still I think the CS metal is better at least on mine, thicker too..

The khukuri is designed for chopping/defense I believe, there are a lot to choose from, I have been refreshed as of late I did a little chopping review and I will say stay away from the real heavy khuks, they aren't worth it.. period.. but if you want I have some Himalayan Imports you can buy!!;)

I say put a convex on you CS Khuk and you'll see what I'm talking about, if you don't like the handles sand them down a couple mils, and hand wrap/epoxy them with denim micarta.. !!!
 
You sound like you may not like the kukri.This may be a blade for you to walk away from.Next I know there are good kukris being made in several places.I have a 17 inch one that has served me well.It came sharp and really holds up well doing the task I bought it for.It is a Gurkha Kukri brand.I would warn you to buy a full tang with a handle that will hold up.Watch out for the claims that we are the sole maker of the kukri for the ........... army.The truth may be there are several makers of these who are making them for the Indian and British armies.Kurkis are often made in small shops all over India,Nepal,and Pakistan.They are part of daily life in countries where they have been used for hundreds of years.I bet the guy in India only uses the official approved kukri when he needs to cut the head off a goat.
 
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For me the khuk is a work knife. I use mine just about exclusively for clearing brush and cutting back branches. I haven't ever tried to use mine for kitchen duty or skinning game or the like.

As work knives, if you really need such a thing, they are supreme.

Andy
 
Check out Himalayan Imports in the manufacturers thread, they're amazing. They can do every task you pondered a kukri couldn't do.
 
I wouldn't judge the shape/use of a kukri based on a $15 cold steel product. I didn't like my $15 one either but when I bought the SK-5 Gurkha Kukri from CS I was much more impressed with the chopping power.
 
The Condor Khukri is the highest performance chopper I own, and the blade is only 13 inches. It truly sails through dry wood-I've put axes to shame with it.
 
If you grasp the forward part of the blade in your hand, you have a decent skinning tool - along the lines of an ulu.

It works well as a draw knife.

It is an effective chopper on most branches and small tree trunks. It is made in more elongated versions for areas with softer, springy materials to cut.

The angle pulls the material back into the cutting arc (Think of a scythe). It is not an accident. (A properly set-up axe has an edge that angles back slightly to achieve the same effect.)

It traditionally comes with a small knife for delicate work.
 
Pick the weight properly. A military style kukri is about 24 oz and is capable of cutting heavy brush and small trees. Pick lighter ones for lighter cutting.
 
The Condor has my attention. The edge is razor sharp. I have a few condor machete and really love them!!! Price seems very good just over 20 bucks. Someone also recommended the S&W...I was shocked. But have heard it is tough, great handle, Made in the USA as well as razor sharp!!!
 
From what I've seen and read, the KaBar Kukri seems like it would be a great 'water tester' to see what type of kukri you like. It's more robust than the machete type kukris, but not nearly as heavy as the CS SK5 and HI type kukris. I know it's on my short list of 'wants'.
 
TheLastDaze said:
personally I love my CS cheapo khukuri, at first it chipped a little, rolled the edge when hitting the ground of course.. then I convexed the whole blade, I've used this knife extensively and its hit the ground numerous times, no chipping, no rolling, cuts through paper like a knife. It's by far the best money I've spent on a knife..

I posted a machete thread yesterday and a lot of people were bashing it, I'm wondering if perhaps there was a bad batch??? Mines been great..

I thought my Marbles Bolo machete was junk upon first use, it chipped in numerous places, I've convexed it and its a great chopper, still I think the CS metal is better at least on mine, thicker too..

The khukuri is designed for chopping/defense I believe, there are a lot to choose from, I have been refreshed as of late I did a little chopping review and I will say stay away from the real heavy khuks, they aren't worth it.. period.. but if you want I have some Himalayan Imports you can buy!!;)

I say put a convex on you CS Khuk and you'll see what I'm talking about, if you don't like the handles sand them down a couple mils, and hand wrap/epoxy them with denim micarta.. !!!
Click to expand...

I love my CS Kukri Machete - get a magnum and sharpen the h*ll our of it! :D
 
LastDaze, I have had great luck with my Marble Bolo, very sharp and I have beat it like ike to tina. It batons and chops well! It was really cheap and I know the sheath (included) comes with a cheap stone but I kinda like it.
 
cziv said:
I love my CS Kukri Machete - get a magnum and sharpen the h*ll our of it! :D
Click to expand...

Yeah sharpen would have helped but honestly...I dont want to have to do that! And it still doesnt change the hotspot handle. Had it and just didnt like it. I am pretty much leaning on the Condor.
 
I never was a big fan of the Khukuri but some people swear by them. They say they are great choppers and great for clearing brush and weeds.
 
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