Do i want a kukri?

[Armored farmer]

I use a machete quite often fir trailcam and trail maintenance. Trimming brush from crossings etc.
My Old Gerber machete has a notch in it and the scabbard I'd falling apart.
I have been considering a kukri. Amazon has several to choose from.
Kershaw
Cold Steel
SOG
S&W

Any thoughts?

 

[Jim Watson]

Those copies are not expensive, give one a try.

 

[bluejeans]

Of course you do. Machetes have their place but I think you will find a kukri to be more versatile.
I have no experience with any of the commercial models you mention

 

[Shanghai McCoy]

Those ones you've listed are, for the most part, kukri shaped machetes. Actual kukris are heavier blades.
I'd get a new machete for the trail maintenance myself .

 

[W.E.G.]

Depends on what you think you might need it for

 

[W.E.G.]

I have the Cold Steel Magnum Kukri

I used it to cut some Russian Olive over-growth at the range. After about 100 solid whacks with that thing, my arm started to to tell me I'm no blade warrior. I'm not as good as I once was, but I'm as good once as I ever was. Or something like that.

This guy does a pretty good review.

Cold Steel Magnum Kukri Review | Quality Budget Machete

Review of the Cold Steel Magnum Kukri, a solid budget machete...links below...Buy the Magnum Kukri - https://amzn.to/2ZYfcWlhttp://www.coldsteel.com/Subscrib...

youtu.be

 

[red rick]

I still got a little bit left in me at my old age . I ran over my brush trimmer with the bush hog last fall and I let my driveway get a little out of control this spring by not spraying it in time . I went out there Tuesday with a sling blade ( some people call them a sickle ) and went up both sides of the driveway and then put down some total vegetation killer . I only got one blister on a finger . I actually think the sling blade was faster than my gas brush trimmer .

But to your topic , I would probably prefer the longer blade of a machete , but I have only used a machete . Usually a kukri is heavier than a machete and better for cutting thicker stuff than a machete . If I were going to be swinging it a lot at my age and it was generally thin brush and limbs that grow out on a trail over the summer , it would be the lighter one .

 

[DeepSouth]

I’m pretty sure condor make a kukri, and everything they make is tough…..and expensive.

 

[Mk-211]

I have the Kershaw Outcast, Camp 10 a Reinhardt Combat Kukri. All are perfect for doing what you want, comes down to what you want to spend.

The Reinhardt is the most expensive at around $300-500, depending on who has it.



There's also the Ka-Bar Becker BK-21, lower priced version of the above.



Kershaw Outcast, not sure why they went to the Camp line. I think this is probably the best option, out of them all.



Kershaw Camp 10 lowest priced and good overall user.




I remember when I bought my first for $25, from an ad out of SOF magazine! Used my dremel to sharpen it.

 

[Mk-211]

If you just like machetes for cheap, over a Kukri...

Amazon.com

 

[tubeshooter]

I considered this a few years ago. And I decided if I was going to go through with it - I would get a true Himalayan Imports over anything else.

And yes, it will cost as much as 5 or 6 cheaper machetes...


I also sprung for a cheap-ish knock off once that is clearly thicker and tougher than my other 3 machetes but actually rather heavy and quickly tiresome in real-world use. Which also in itself was very instructive and enlightening in it's own way. Never got a true HI - and also never missed a beat. YMMV.

 

[Frulk]

Kukri is a fighting knife last I checked. It would get old having to cut your thumb every time you pulled it out of the sheath. If you’re diabetic I suppose you could incorporate your blood sugar check into it.

 

[Bazoo]

I've never considered one, but the idea is interesting. I used a bowie knife a while, and it didn't do as well as a machete... I got more enjoyment out of it when actually in camp though.

 

[bannockburn]

My three grass and or undergrowth/overgrowth removal tools:

 

[rabid wombat]

Ever consider a Woodsman Pal?

Survival Tool for Hunters and Outdoorsmen | Woodman's Pal

The Woodman's Pal is a lightweight, compact, multi-use survival tool for hunters and outdoorsmen. We are proud to have been made in America since 1941.

www.woodmanspal.com

 

[hso]

Do i want a kukri?​

Yes, yes you want a kukri. It is silly to ask.

The correct question is -

WHICH KUKRI DO I WANT?

THAT correct question has a correct answer... BK21.

 

[hso]

Kukri is a fighting knife last I checked.

Nope. Agricultural tool. There are many forms of kukri for many different agricultural tasks. There are some forms of kukris intended as a fighting knife, but because the kukri is so good at chopping it isn't any surprise that some would be better at chopping people than wood.

 

[hso]

WHICH KUKRI DO I WANT?

Then there's Himalayan Imports.

Or

 

[DMW1116]

I have a Cold Steel Kukri Machete, and it’s capable, but I’m not really a fan of the shape, or recurve blades in general but that’s just me.

 

[.308 Norma]

I use a machete quite often fir trailcam and trail maintenance. Trimming brush from crossings etc.

Woodman's Pal Wood Machete

Made with high-quality steel and an ergonomic wood handle, the Woodman's Pal Wood Machete is ideal for versatile outdoor use and optimal land management.

www.woodmanspal.com

I use one of these "Woodsman's Pal" machetes for many of those same purposes around the place here. The only thing is, I don't remember the darned thing being anywhere near that expensive when I bought it. $149??? Good grief! I must be getting old.

 

[bluejeans]

@Armored farmer see how the kukri posted by @bannockburn isn’t as upswept at the tip as some of the other examples? The edge toward the point is actually pretty much in line with the hilt; I think that is ideal for chopping brush… the more upswept the curve, the more brush gets pushed off the end/deflected instead of cut. The Becker bk21 looks pretty good too. Something to keep in mind as you shop

 

[Flat Rock]

A Kukri is part of every Gentleman’s bookcase

 

[JohnKSa]

Compare weights. If you're going to be using it for long periods for light brush clearing, then go with what's lightest. If you are going to be doing more heavy chopping and maybe shorter sessions, go with the heavier option.

I'm biased, but a good machete is hard to beat. Inexpensive, relatively light for length, good for just about anything, even taking down small trees if you know what you're doing. If your knees can take it, you can even cut the grass with one--but I wouldn't use one of the shorty models that are common in the states. For that you want something with around 2ft of blade.

 

[rust collector]

I second John's advice. Machetes are relatively inexpensive and combine speed with reach. Belly in the blade runs brush along the edge, combining cutting and chopping action for smoother motion in my experience. I have had, used and sold a decent old Atlanta Knife kukri. I still have a Kershaw camp 10, but South American bolo and latin patterns get the nod when there is brush and shrubbery to be cleared.

If you are going for the visual effect, get the Cold Steel barong.

 

[hso]

I've given my kukri recommendation in the BK21.

For machetes, the Ontario, Condor, or Tramontina are my recommendations. I've tried everything from Collins to Gerber to ... The Tramontina is the "value" recommendation with the Ontario heavy at the other end.

OTOH, if you want something for your specific listed purpose cutting brush, weeds, and 8"- limbs/saplings, my experience in the woods and fields of the Tennessee Valley and hills of Appalachia (and even getting prohibited from using it in a cutting competition) is the Finnish versuri like this one made by Härmän Taonta Oy. It beats anything I've ever used and every a friend is around helping me they end up with one (gotta order a couple more since the holidays are coming).

​