The Khukuri, a review of a wonder tool

Betonov · 03-21-15, 05:34 PM

Most of you know what a khukuri or kukri is. If you don't, click here.

Some of you also know I bought myself one for my recent birthday.

The blade is 24cm or 10 inches long with a sturdy indian rosewood handle. Handmade in Nepal with the mandatory wood and leather sheath and the traditional chakmak and karda.

The Spine is almost a centimeter thick and I used to baton the knife trough some of the tougher logs. A big no-no with a normal knife.
The spine continues into a handle wide tang all the way to the butt, secured aditionally with two rivets. The butt or puchchar is also a reinforced rivet so it can be used to crack wallnuts or skulls.

The karda is a small 5cm knife used for finer cuts like skining an animal, cutting a roap etc... same metal, same indian rosewood handle.
The chakmak is the same as the karda only without the sharpened edge. It is used to maintain the knife and to sharpen the blade. Usefull also as a firestarters with ferorods.

The sheath has a riveted in leather belt strap for easy carry. Unfortunately the sheath swayes with your steps and your left hand is reminded frequently that there's a knifes handle swaying there.

So let's see what does it do. It can split firewood in your shed or in my camping site

This one was a clean cut, the birch was nice and dry.

The birch at my camp site needed to be forced apart by batoning the knife trough with another log. The knife handled the abuse like an AK-47.

That was last week. Tonight I decided to to a chop and slice test.

This was a recently fell hornbeam branch, about 10-13cm in diameter.

It took me 15 minutes to chew trough. Someone with a stronger hand would do it in under 10 minutes.

I then proceded to go on my knees and dig a hole

A kukri can be a small shovel. Not an entrenching tool but capable of making a dakota fire pit

I then cleaned the knife and found no damage despite literally digging trough stones.

After cleaning was the chef Ramsey test

Ramsey would hang me by my youknowhat for having a carrot like that in the pantry.

So an onion, a carrot and an apple walk into a kukri

If you can't see from here how thinly it slices...

...observe the light shining trough this carrot slice. Apologies for the bad picture, the camera refused to zoom to what I wanted and was more interested in the wall behind.

Coulnd't find a nice steak with bone to show it cutting meat. Sorry. Maybe some other day.

And all this after I chopped trough a tree and dug a hole without sharpening in between. Only cleaning.

So, is it as good as an axe for chopping, a shovel for digging and my santoku knife for cooking ??
NO. But it's perfect for light traveling campers and survival. Plus it looks so good. It's an exceptional knife with average efficiency for other non-knife uses.

As a westerner I was also shocked, shocked I say that this masterpiece was made by (for us) primitive methods.

The entire thing is made from a steel spring leaf of a mercedes truck by a Nepaleese in sandals sitting on the ground, where the fan used to cool themselves is about the most complex machinery.
Here's a video about it

Of course, nothing is perfect, not even a khukuri.
The steel used is not stainless and will start to rust if not kept dry and the sheath is very hard to clean and the wooden core will spunge in water. So if go for a swim the sheath and knife will have to be dried separately as soon as possible.
I have an old sock and a candle to wax the knife after use to protect it from moisture and keep it out of the sheath when not in use.
Also every sheath is made specificaly to every knife so once the sheath gets destroyed, you can't order a new one.

I bought it from this site: http://www.thekhukurihouse.com/
This model: http://www.thekhukurihouse.com/catal...id=313733fe4d5
My order was processed in a week and then sent via DHL. They informed me via email during every step and the DHL tracking number was also not missing. Top notch service that does not dissapoint.

One more thing. My kukri was christened The Honey Badger.
Because, well, you know...

Schroeder · 03-21-15, 06:26 PM

I'm sure that thing is totally forbidden in Germany....

Rockstar · 03-21-15, 06:31 PM

Who is that peasant looking fellow at the top? He looks like he gets to eat more than those fellas making the knife.

Excellent review, makes me want to get one.

Torplexed · 03-21-15, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rockstar

Excellent review, makes me want to get one.

I'm dumping my Swiss Army Knife right now.

mapuc · 03-21-15, 07:40 PM

It's forbidden in Denmark and Sweden-I'm 99 % sure

Some funny stuff-the "knife" made me think Klingon.

Markus

Platapus · 03-22-15, 07:18 AM

Perhaps someone here can help me with my Khukuri Konundrum.

I have two Khukuri knives. One is an antique and the other is a contemporary manufacture. I am having a hard time finding a bracket where I can hang Khukuri knives on the wall.

There are plenty of hangers for swords and for smaller knives, but I can't find anything suitable and nice for my Khukuris.

Any suggestions or can anyone recommend a website that sells such hangers?

Jimbuna · 03-22-15, 08:22 AM

Great review and photos Anze

One question though....who is that crazy looking madman modelling the knife in the first shot?

Betonov · 03-22-15, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jimbuna

One question though....who is that crazy looking madman modelling the knife in the first shot?

Its Franz Joseph I. in His early years

Observe the hat and glasses

Quote:

Originally Posted by Platapus

Perhaps someone here can help me with my Khukuri Konundrum.

Any suggestions or can anyone recommend a website that sells such hangers?

E-bay has some under kukri stand and they're not that expensive
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw...Text=&_sacat=0

The producer itself has some products available
http://www.thekhukurihouse.com/catal...p?id=3630f45c9

But judging by the picture, it's easy enough to make one at home or find someone that has a little woodworrking knowledge. Even modified for wall hanging.

You just gave an idea for my next DIY

And I need to edit my review, I confused beech with birch wood

Aktungbby · 03-22-15, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jimbuna

One question though....who is that crazy looking madman modelling the knife in the first shot?

Now that you mention it there is a wicked 'gleam' in his eye at that......RUN!

Jimbuna · 03-22-15, 10:58 AM

Oh, I think we all know who did all of the running at York

Platapus · 03-22-15, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Betonov

E-bay has some under kukri stand and they're not that expensive
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw...Text=&_sacat=0

The producer itself has some products available
http://www.thekhukurihouse.com/catal...p?id=3630f45c9

Thanks for the links. If I can't find a wall hanger, some of those stands look pretty nice

em2nought · 03-22-15, 03:06 PM

What do the two relief cuts just at the end of the blade before the tang do? Stop the flow of liquid(er blood)? The thing that looks sort of like a bottle opener. Maybe for standing in a pot? Every Khukuri has them from what I've just noticed.

The square engraved plate is for direct mounting on the wall it looks like. You could put a floating shelf on your wall to hold those samurai style stands otherwise.

Found it(kaura or kaudi), it's for blood to drip off so it doesn't soil your hilt, or also to catch the blade of your enemy

Betonov · 03-22-15, 04:40 PM

I should have added this

It's meant so that blood doesn't soil the handle and I'll test it as a bottle opener one of these days

STEED · 03-22-15, 04:53 PM

[QUOTE=Betonov;2299586]

Mr Psycho for the month of March.

Damn I forgot to buy my Mr Psycho calender 2015.

Betonov · 03-22-15, 05:04 PM

I'm coming for ya STEED, I'll give your skull to Jim so he can drink honey schnaps out of it

03-21-15, 05:34 PM	#1
Betonov Navy Seal Join Date: May 2009 Location: Slovenia Posts: 8,647 Downloads: 26 Uploads: 0	The Khukuri, a review of a wonder tool Most of you know what a khukuri or kukri is. If you don't, click here. Some of you also know I bought myself one for my recent birthday. The blade is 24cm or 10 inches long with a sturdy indian rosewood handle. Handmade in Nepal with the mandatory wood and leather sheath and the traditional chakmak and karda. The Spine is almost a centimeter thick and I used to baton the knife trough some of the tougher logs. A big no-no with a normal knife. The spine continues into a handle wide tang all the way to the butt, secured aditionally with two rivets. The butt or puchchar is also a reinforced rivet so it can be used to crack wallnuts or skulls. The karda is a small 5cm knife used for finer cuts like skining an animal, cutting a roap etc... same metal, same indian rosewood handle. The chakmak is the same as the karda only without the sharpened edge. It is used to maintain the knife and to sharpen the blade. Usefull also as a firestarters with ferorods. The sheath has a riveted in leather belt strap for easy carry. Unfortunately the sheath swayes with your steps and your left hand is reminded frequently that there's a knifes handle swaying there. So let's see what does it do. It can split firewood in your shed or in my camping site This one was a clean cut, the birch was nice and dry. The birch at my camp site needed to be forced apart by batoning the knife trough with another log. The knife handled the abuse like an AK-47. That was last week. Tonight I decided to to a chop and slice test. This was a recently fell hornbeam branch, about 10-13cm in diameter. It took me 15 minutes to chew trough. Someone with a stronger hand would do it in under 10 minutes. I then proceded to go on my knees and dig a hole A kukri can be a small shovel. Not an entrenching tool but capable of making a dakota fire pit I then cleaned the knife and found no damage despite literally digging trough stones. After cleaning was the chef Ramsey test Ramsey would hang me by my youknowhat for having a carrot like that in the pantry. So an onion, a carrot and an apple walk into a kukri If you can't see from here how thinly it slices... ...observe the light shining trough this carrot slice. Apologies for the bad picture, the camera refused to zoom to what I wanted and was more interested in the wall behind. Coulnd't find a nice steak with bone to show it cutting meat. Sorry. Maybe some other day. And all this after I chopped trough a tree and dug a hole without sharpening in between. Only cleaning. So, is it as good as an axe for chopping, a shovel for digging and my santoku knife for cooking ?? NO. But it's perfect for light traveling campers and survival. Plus it looks so good. It's an exceptional knife with average efficiency for other non-knife uses. As a westerner I was also shocked, shocked I say that this masterpiece was made by (for us) primitive methods. The entire thing is made from a steel spring leaf of a mercedes truck by a Nepaleese in sandals sitting on the ground, where the fan used to cool themselves is about the most complex machinery. Here's a video about it Of course, nothing is perfect, not even a khukuri. The steel used is not stainless and will start to rust if not kept dry and the sheath is very hard to clean and the wooden core will spunge in water. So if go for a swim the sheath and knife will have to be dried separately as soon as possible. I have an old sock and a candle to wax the knife after use to protect it from moisture and keep it out of the sheath when not in use. Also every sheath is made specificaly to every knife so once the sheath gets destroyed, you can't order a new one. I bought it from this site: http://www.thekhukurihouse.com/ This model: http://www.thekhukurihouse.com/catal...id=313733fe4d5 My order was processed in a week and then sent via DHL. They informed me via email during every step and the DHL tracking number was also not missing. Top notch service that does not dissapoint. One more thing. My kukri was christened The Honey Badger. Because, well, you know...

03-21-15, 06:26 PM	#2
Schroeder Navy Seal Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Banana Republic of Germany Posts: 6,170 Downloads: 62 Uploads: 0	I'm sure that thing is totally forbidden in Germany.... __________________ Putting Germ back into Germany.

03-21-15, 06:31 PM	#3
Rockstar In the Brig Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Zendia Bar & Grill Posts: 12,614 Downloads: 10 Uploads: 0	Who is that peasant looking fellow at the top? He looks like he gets to eat more than those fellas making the knife. Excellent review, makes me want to get one. Last edited by Rockstar; 03-21-15 at 06:46 PM.

03-22-15, 07:18 AM	#6
Platapus Fleet Admiral Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 19,360 Downloads: 63 Uploads: 0	Perhaps someone here can help me with my Khukuri Konundrum. I have two Khukuri knives. One is an antique and the other is a contemporary manufacture. I am having a hard time finding a bracket where I can hang Khukuri knives on the wall. There are plenty of hangers for swords and for smaller knives, but I can't find anything suitable and nice for my Khukuris. Any suggestions or can anyone recommend a website that sells such hangers? __________________ abusus non tollit usum - A right should NOT be withheld from people on the basis that some tend to abuse that right.

03-22-15, 08:22 AM	#7
Jimbuna Chief of the Boat Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: 250 metres below the surface Posts: 190,432 Downloads: 63 Uploads: 13	Great review and photos Anze One question though....who is that crazy looking madman modelling the knife in the first shot? __________________ Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something. Oh my God, not again!!

03-21-15, 07:40 PM	#5
mapuc CINC Pacific Fleet Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Denmark Posts: 20,535 Downloads: 37 Uploads: 0	It's forbidden in Denmark and Sweden-I'm 99 % sure Some funny stuff-the "knife" made me think Klingon. Markus

03-22-15, 10:58 AM	#10
Jimbuna Chief of the Boat Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: 250 metres below the surface Posts: 190,432 Downloads: 63 Uploads: 13	Oh, I think we all know who did all of the running at York __________________ Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something. Oh my God, not again!!

03-22-15, 03:06 PM	#12
em2nought Ocean Warrior Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 3,485 Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	What do the two relief cuts just at the end of the blade before the tang do? Stop the flow of liquid(er blood)? The thing that looks sort of like a bottle opener. Maybe for standing in a pot? Every Khukuri has them from what I've just noticed. The square engraved plate is for direct mounting on the wall it looks like. You could put a floating shelf on your wall to hold those samurai style stands otherwise. Found it(kaura or kaudi), it's for blood to drip off so it doesn't soil your hilt, or also to catch the blade of your enemy __________________ em2nought is ecstatic garbage! Last edited by em2nought; 03-22-15 at 03:15 PM. Reason: asked and answered

03-22-15, 04:40 PM	#13
Betonov Navy Seal Join Date: May 2009 Location: Slovenia Posts: 8,647 Downloads: 26 Uploads: 0	I should have added this It's meant so that blood doesn't soil the handle and I'll test it as a bottle opener one of these days

03-22-15, 04:53 PM	#14
STEED Lucky Jack Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Down Town UK Posts: 27,695 Downloads: 89 Uploads: 48	[QUOTE=Betonov;2299586] Mr Psycho for the month of March. Damn I forgot to buy my Mr Psycho calender 2015. __________________ Dr Who rest in peace 1963-2017. To borrow Davros saying...I NAME YOU CHIBNALL THE DESTROYER OF DR WHO YOU KILLED IT!

03-22-15, 05:04 PM	#15
Betonov Navy Seal Join Date: May 2009 Location: Slovenia Posts: 8,647 Downloads: 26 Uploads: 0	I'm coming for ya STEED, I'll give your skull to Jim so he can drink honey schnaps out of it