[G.A.Pster]

I’ve read on here that the HI imports are highly recommended, but they have shiny blades and wooden or horn handles.
I want one with a non reflective finish and a plastic or rubber handle.

Do I have any options besides cold steel?

Thanks.

[Rupestris]

Ka-Bar makes one.
http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=KA1249

Becker knives offered one when they were made by Camillus called the Machaxe.
http://playground.sun.com/~vasya/camillus003.jpeg

Good luck finding one of those and be prepared to put out some coin when/if you do.

And there's the chinese S&W Kukri.
http://www.outdoorpros.com/Prod/Smith-Wesson-SWBH-Bush-Hog-Kukri-Black-Blade-Plain-Nylon-Sheath/9770/Cat/19

HTH,
Chris

[JShirley]

GA, you could always take the option I did with the 19" HI I carried at Fort Lewis, and wrap the handle with grip tape. Nice and spongy: great grip.

You can also treat the blade the way E-Tool blades are kept. Degrease, dry, and spray with flat enamel spray. Touch up every now and again, as needed.

John

[mole]

My brother has one from HI and also has the K-bar. He was quite pleased with the k-bar, but I think it gave him some blisters so you might have to modify the handle anyway.

[JShirley]

Himalayan Imports users call modern "interpretations" Khukri-Like Objects (KLOs). There are reasons the khukri's handle is shaped as it is.

[NDN-MAN]

I got one from BUDK.com it was made in INDIA. They come slightly dull. ( Cheaper to import them dull. Sharp they cost more.) because they are considerd wall art.

However they are wall art you can use. 1/4" thick and easy to use. If you get one be carefull. Mine cuts through most anything I swing at.

Hope this helps and don't let the $19.99 price fool you they are great knives. And if you don't like it PM me and I'll buy it from you.

[JShirley]

Really, there's no point buying one of those when one of established quality from HI isn't horribly pricy. You never know what you're getting with an Indian tourist kuk.

And with Bud K, you DO know what you're usually getting. Junk. I know, that sounds harsh, but maybe 1 in 20 products in the BK catalog are quality.

John

[colt.45]

check this guy out. www.m4040.com go to his basement bladesmithing page and check out is kukri modification page. the colt steel kukri machete isn't a bad tool. thakes a pretty good beating.

[Limeyfellow]

And with Bud K, you DO know what you're usually getting. Junk. I know, that sounds harsh, but maybe 1 in 20 products in the BK catalog are quality.

Thats certainly the truth. They are cheapo tourist stuff made from cheap steel that won't hold an edge and you are not going to get the cutting power of a Khukri from a decent supplier. Best to stay away from the cheap touristy stuff.

I do with HI made there with a choice of handle shapes and textures though. I really need a glove on to get a comfy feel.

[KBintheSLC]

I have really liked my Ka-Bar Khukuri so far. Its a great knife for the price. The Kraton handle can get slippery when wet, but the full tang helps with that a lot. Beyond that, its tough, easy to sharpen, and well-balanced. The sheath is a little hokey... it works ok, but I think I will make my own eventually.
Overall, its hard to beat for $45.

[alaskanativeson]

I've become a huge Busse fan lately, I'm ridiculously excited that Jerry Busse is planning to offer a kukri made of his Infi steel. I've seen a few pictures of his prototype kukri, it looks like a great knife. If I get his permission, I'll post a picture of it here.

[JShirley]

Jerry is good people. When Bill Martino and Rusty died, Jerry built two knives just to auction off for the families.

[alaskanativeson]

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g235/Rodgersplace/KillaZilla.jpg

I can't wait for it to come out. The handle will be micarta or G10. This (admittedly blurry) picture is a prototype, there may be some change before the production models begin, but knowing Busse Combat it's going to be worth whatever they charge for it.

Jerry Busse took this picture but it's being posted with his permission.

[CWL]

They come slightly dull. ( Cheaper to import them dull. Sharp they cost more.) because they are considerd wall art

Sorry to dogpile on you NDN-MAN, but since these are hammered on bare dirt floors in poor villages in India, it would cost more to put an edge on it after importation than if it were doe beforehand. The real reason why they aren't sharp is because they are cheap tourist models with probably no heat-treat and cannot hold an edge well at all.

[JShirley]

There are good kukuris from India and Nepal, it's just that the ones most seen are made for tourists and aren't real knives.

Here (http://www.himalayan-imports.com/kami.html)is an explanation of the process. I really miss Bill Martino.

John

[Eric Draven]

Just get a custom....you'll be happier. :D ;)

[NDN-MAN]

So then something is very very wrong with mine. It is made of carbon steel and has held a edge for seven months. Sorry it held up.
As for sharpening I didn't have a problem. But when I learned to sharpen a blade we didn't have mechanical sharpeners to do it for us. Just whetstones and files.
Also not everything that is inexpesive is junk and not everything that is expensive is great. Some people pay $100.00 or more for blue jeans. And they do the same job as $20.00 pair. You just can't brag on the name.
By the way the OP wanted a low cost alternative to HI or CS KUKRI. In case he didn't like them and did not want to be out a lot of money. I gave him what he asked for.