HI/Koster subhilt kukuri

[JShirley]

I am a big fan of Himalayan Imports kukuris. These knives are hand-forged in Nepal, and sold in the States by "Uncle" Bill Martino, one of the greatest guys around.

HI kukuris are typically large and strong. Depending on model, they are usually excellent choppers, with lighter kuks for lighter brush, and heavier kuks for serious chopping. These are very strong knives, and while they are more expensive than many other kukuris, they still offer excellent value (arguably, more value than cheaper products, because of the higher quality and excellent warranty service). The sole complaint I have about kukuris is...lack of a guard. Yes, guards are undeniably most important on knives designed for thrusting, but I believe in Murphy, which means I like additional protection.

More info will be forthcoming later, but here and here are pictures of one potential solution to a guarded kukuri.

John

 

[Kaylee]

pretty!!

Um... does the subhilt interfere with a chopping stroke at all? Or help?

 

[JShirley]

Well, Dan just finished the final finish work two days ago, so I haven't had the chance to play with her yet. I'm eager to try her out- I anticipate some fairly hard use (though not as destructive as the testing done on Busse blades!), as well as more delicate tests.

John

 

[azrael]

John,
REALLY stupid question...how does the HI Kukuris compare in chopping, slashing to the Cold Steel Kukri?? I have one of the Cold steel Kukris that has lasted me for several years...Due to abuse, it is getting a bit long in the tooth..

Thanks

 

[Kingcreek]

Nice!
The lack of a guard never bothered me since hard swinging or chopping seemed to pull the kuhk FROM my hand, not move my hand towards the blade. What I didn't like was the sharp edges on the butt or pommel digging into the heel of my hand. Yours would seem to solve that problem quite nicely and with style!
and I'll add my endorsement of Himalayan Imports and Uncle Bill.
Get back to us with a field report.

 

[JShirley]

Dave,

I had a Cold Steel kukri years ago, before I discovered HI. The only thing the CS can compare in, is the initial blade sharpness, which is typically a little sharper than HI "as issued".

If you were looking for a slasher, one of the lighter kuks styles- sirupati, Gelbu special, chitlangi- would be your best best. If you wanted something that hit like the proverbial ton of bricks, the Ang Kola and Ganga Ram are your boys...and of course, there are the "in-betweens", like the World War II and the BAS, that do everything well.

Cold Steel kuks work. HI products are handmade works of art that are actually much tougher, each with its own spirit.

John

 

[Soap]

Beautiful.

 

[Don Gwinn]

Too cool for school.

 

[JShirley]

Dave,

I overlooked something: no way in hell was that a stupid question. You're just looking at the difference between a factory-made Western interpretation, and the zenith of the Real McCoy, made by hand with everything that entails. Workable, uniform vs. individualistic and overbuilt.

The vast majority of HI kuks are some of the toughest knives made- Jerry Busse's stuff is probably tougher, but then, you'll get the HI product quicker, and it will be considerably less expensive.

John

 

[azrael]

John,
Thanks for the info...I will look into the HI Kukuris as soon as I figure out how bad the tax man is gonna smite me...

The Cold Steel knife (while serving its purpose) just doesnt feel alive in the hand...That is what I am looking for, and hopefully I can srounge up the cheddar for an HI Kukuris

Busse knives are top notch...Always loved his add campains in the knife rags...

 

[JShirley]

If you have the time, check out the HI Forum on BladeForums.com. You can learn a lot about kukuris, and Bill usually posts some specials several times a week. The specials are usually things like horn handles cracked in shipping (fix w/ superglue), or blades with a little rust on the end.

Couple of minutes with some steel wool and you're good, usually for about 1/2 retail.

 

[Leadbutt]

Okay! Okay! outstanding, now where do I send mine for you to work on

One of the better improvements I've seen

 

[JShirley]

You want Dan Koster. Website is http://www.kosterknives.com/ . He's a mite busy, but I think you'll be happy with the results.



John

 

[Kingcreek]

wish I had heard about his mods before I sold that BAS.

 

[Colt46]

Nice work

But, I'm interested in how that subhilt doohickey will perform. It just seems like it might get in the way. Only trials will tell though.
For what it's worth Cold Steel doesn't sell any Khukuri's at all. They have a few Khukuri shaped metal objects, but (as Uncle Bill will steadfastly tell you) "A Khukhuri has a Cho. No Cho, No khukhuri."
I've bought about a dozen in the last five years. End up giving most of them away as gifts. I still own a shop 1 AK and a newer 16.5" WWII.
Love them all.

 

[JShirley]

Yeah. I still have a Shop 1 16.5" WWII. That's my baby!

John

 

[Colt46]

Sorry for the bad news

Uncle Bill passed on Yesterday after a long illness. I just found out over on the HI Cantina. You can stop by and offer condolences to Yangdu(his lovely wife) and extended family. The future of HI is currently up in the air.
Gonna miss him.

 

[Coronach]

Oh no! That's horrible. I have several HI khuks and I exchanged emails with Uncle Bill on many occasions. He was a good guy. The potential loss to the 'knife community' from HI possibly closing its doors is substantial, but is nothing compared to the hardships this will bring the kamis in Nepal and the losses of the people who knew Mr. Martino.

Mike