khukri house

[Andrew Wyatt]

I'm looking for a replacement for my HI imports BAS KUK that was stolen, and I can't afford the going rate for one.

Are the Khukri house knives as good as the HI stuff?

 

[kamagong]

In a word, no. They are good knives, and will be perfectly serviceable for most people. The proportions of their khukuris are more traditional compared to the beasts that HI makes. But you asked if they are as good as the HI stuff. They are not, and you will notice because of your prior experience with the BAS. I suggest contacting HI about any possible blems they might have lying around. They aren't as pretty, but work just as well as the full priced items.

 

[Andrew Wyatt]

in what way are the Khukri house knives not as good as the HI kukris?

 

[kamagong]

Fit and finish aren't as good, nor was the heat treat in my experience. I used a WW to take apart some particle board furniture and the edge blew out, 3/16" deep in a couple of places. The rosewood handle also cracked and the brass bolster came apart at the seam. In addition the karda, chakma, and scabbard aren't as well made as HI's.

I may have been unlucky. But if I have a problem with one of my HIs I know Yangdu will take care of me. The HI warranty is solid, they stand behind their products and are based here in the US. I didn't have any real recourse with KH; shipping to Nepal cost more than the replacement value of the knife.

 

[Andrew Wyatt]

Thanks for the info.

 

[JShirley]

Andrew,

The shipping costs to the US mean the KH stuff isn't nearly the bargain it appears at first glance. What's your price range?

John

 

[Andrew Wyatt]

right now, 50-75 dollars.

I think it's likely best for me to just save up and buy another BAS.

 

[JShirley]

Or save up $150 and send me a PM.

John

 

[Andrew Wyatt]

color me intrigued.

 

[barnbwt]

I have a Panawal Dotted KHHI that has worked well as a hatchet so far. The heat treat is very strong at the front 1/3 of the blade (perhaps too hard) and becomes softer abruptly further back and into the knife. I was able to buck some dry logs with it for about an hour last weekend, and my only complaint was that the wood handle is a bit hard on ungloved hands. The karda and chakma are crude, but are serviceable. The sheath has very nice looking, heavily waxed/stained leather and fits the knife well, but is unergonomic. The handle and bolsters appear to have been shaped either by angle grinder or band grinder, and are very rough and crude. The knife has deep grinder gouges from sharpening. For 80$ total, I got a hand made 2lb knife with a 10" blade that is handier than a hatchet. HI makes works of art, but KHHI knives are great if you intend to dig holes and generally abuse the knife.

TCB