Khukuri or Buck Hoodlum

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Spec ops Grunt

Spec ops Grunt

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I'd say they are different in so many ways. The Kukri will chop, but be difficult to cut effectively.

The Hoodlum will cut, but not chop as well.

There is another thread discussing a break on the hoodlum, but it looks like it was user error.

If you're set on the Kukris you choose, they are pretty expensive vs. a plain jane kabar kukri, which should do you fine.
 
I've had and used the British Army model for 30 years and would get the Hoodlum if I wanted to actually use it a lot.
 
As far as the Hoodlum, what are you going to do with it? It's (imho) a little long for a general utility knife, far too short for brush clearing, and not the ideal chopper. It's a survival knife, it can sort of be used in a pinch for all those things - but what do you actually need to do with it?

The kukris are obviously great choppers. Out in the woods of north america that would be my first pick.
 
My brother has a HI khukuri but usually leaves it at home and takes his kabar khukuri, a mora, and a folding saw.
 
I have had lots of kukuris, and if you want something more oriented towards cutting than chopping, a HI Chitlangi is a good choice.

I'm going to suggest a third alternative. Ontario has several large Gen 2 fixed blades. Good 5160 steel, US quality control, and about $80. :)

John
 
if you arent looking for a large blade, look into Ethan Beckers designs. the BK9 is a excellent choice, and the little BK13 is included for smaller chores.
 
Most of my woods bumming days are in the past. In my youth, my Dad's old WWII KaBar - and a pocket knife - served me well. In the last ten years, I've spent the equivalent of the GNP of Tchad on finding the ultimate bushcraft knife. The Hoodlum aint it. I wanted something to replace an axe... the Hoodlum aint that, either. I loved to whittle - and woodcarve - not the Hoodlum's forte. Clearing brush, making firewood from found wood, making tent/lean-to stakes, supports - not perfect. But... carry it with you - far easier than a camp axe - and you can do all of the above. Maybe not ideal - but certainly functional. Mine, a $115 (inc s/h!) find last fall from a website better known for its books, awaits the spring cleanup of my backyard - and, hopefully, some camping. I'll have a pocket knife, too, of course.

Christmas was great here!

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Stainz
 
Same function but better choices.The Kershaw D2 bolo machete is VERY good in the woods for brush clearing up to 2" thick . It Can split wood for kindling but rather light duty for that, and I guess could be a defensive weapon. Very good ergos for a production item around $70.
But the Kershaw has become a yard tool for me since I spent the extra $100 or so and had a custom made knife that is 80% as good at brush clearing , much better for splitting wood aproaching medium duty if one were to baton it, which I won't, an EXcellent bar-b-que knife for those special events or around camp working with meat or wood and a wonderful defensive knife. Custom made and IMHO as good as it gets for it's genre.
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If it's just for fun, get whatever you think you'll most enjoy.

A Kukri is not the ideal firemaking tool, and it's far from the ideal food prep tool, but it's amusing to make a go of it, if that's what you like. I often do the same thing.

My one bit of advice with Kukris is, *be careful*. They are heavy, and sharp, and a bad swing can become a real disaster. Machetes, being thinner and lighter, are more forgiving. Kukris they can really surprise you if they decide to bounce off a limb instead of biting in.
 
Anyone have anymore opinions on Machetes vs Khukuris?


What about different Machete shapes? I like the idea of a good inexpensive machete, but I'd like to get one that I wouldn't have to spend an hour or two reprofiling from the factory.
 
Bolo Pattern

I prefer the more rounded tip of the bolo profile in a machete.

The Khukuri profile is pretty satisfactory, being mostly a "weight forward, bent bolo" knife.

The round-tipped bolo is what I got used to early.

 
If you go with the Hoodlum, don't buy it from the link you posted- insane price. Knifeoutlet.com has it for $139. For an alternative look at the BK-9. The Hoodlum would be hard pressed to outwork the BK and the BK is under $100. Do you really need something that big though? I have the BK-7 and I tell you, I was shocked at the heft of it when I unboxed it. A 7" blade is bigger than you think. And I think it makes an all around good sized jungle-buster type knife. I used mine the other day to hack down a 10' cactus in the yard. Cut through it like butter. Haven't done any batoning yet but it does well from what I've heard.

As for the Kukris, I've handled them and they just aren't for me. And to get one on that website you would be adding $35 in shipping because I doubt they are in the US judging by the site. The sheaths also look like they may not hold up well for real rough and tumble use.
My .02
 
For a "big knife" and all-round chopper I prefer a 12" spring steel machete.

Out of your choices here I would go with the Buck. Not that I dislike kukris but the ones you link to here are of uncertain qualities; eg. how the handles are fiited to blade etc.
 
The kuks the OP linked to are from Himalayan Imports. I've yet to see a negative reference about their quality.

I got an Ontario SP-48 a couple months ago as a big chopper and it's pretty nice.
 
I own 3 knives from Himalayan Imports and I'd put them up against any knives made by anyone.
They are hell-for-stout. Nothing uncertain about them. You can get them with full tang handles or with hidden tang handles. Hidden tang, retained by laha is the traditional method. I own both styles and like them equally.

A huge plus with Himalayan Imports is that Yangdu, the owner, is a sweet lady and very good at keeping her customers happy.
The scabbards (not sheaths) of the HI Khuks are made of wood wrapped with thick buffalo leather. Nothing delicate about it.
The Kerambit I have from them is the toughest kerambit available anywhere.
Mine has black buffalo horn scales and a buffalo leather sheath.
My HI Bonecutter is a chopper without peer, in it's size. I add that caveat because HI does actually make bigger, heavier choppers than my 18" Bonecutter, but they're heavier than I prefer.
My HI Tamang knife is lighter and less angled than other HI khuks and is very lively in the hand. It's not the chopper that the Bonecutter is, yet is still at least as good a chopper as my old Indian made khuk from Atlanta Cutlery, if not a good bit better.
 
I like the 12". But it depends on your intended usage. if you are going to be clearing alot of brush you probably want an 18" or longer. If you want a "big knife" that will chop and split wood and clear a camp site of brush once in awhile the shorter length in the 12" to 14" range will do and are easy to pack.
 
Jaymo,

I've owned at least 30 HIs. I think I'm down to one (apparently custom) sword, a Crow Bowie, a Munk Chunk/BB, my WWII 16.5, and a 15" AK. Yangdu is a great lady, and HIs have traditionally been very good to excellent values. That said, there are frequent QC issues, and I guarantee you that Jerry Busse and family make tougher knives.

John
 
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