A while back a source familiar with the channel, but not necessarily the thinking of the channel-
asked me what’s your sick fascination with Kukris?
Is it a fetish you creep?
That’s paraphrasing of course.
I thought about it, and didn’t have an easy answer.
I just fell back to the well reasoned- I dunno I just like them, and they way they make me
feel ok?
Before running off to my room to experience brief seasonal allergies and listen to some
MegaDeth.
Dave understands my pain.
But I realized after I should come up with an easy answer, for newbz not nessesarily
familiar with my specific type of bullshit.
However those familiar with my bullshit know that…
I bought my BudK while drunk shopping amazon 8 or 9 years ago.
And it was after using them, uhh let’s say not drunk, I’ve noticed what I like about
them.
Other than that sexy curve they have.
Which is such.
They’re short range heavy chopping instruments that fill the gap between a machete and a
hatchet.
And if you’re in an air quotes “survival situation” they work reasonably well as
either.
And are also a form of overcompensation.
So there it is, there’s my answer.
Today’s Youtube art is a comparison video between two well known Kukri companies in
Nepal, and their offerings in Micarta handled kukris.
Because the world has been asking for this video.
Specifically the companies seen here in this sure to trending video are KHHI and Kailash.
Both start at around $130-$150 but will quickly add up, as you click the options boxes, and
drop down choices, and start on your fifth PBR.
The kukris are both slightly different in sizes, with different handle layouts, with
different sheaths.
The Kailash is known as the Dui Chirra, with the thinner performance grind option, black
micarta scales, 13 inch blade, 5.5 inch handle with a Western Leather Sheath and a whacking
friendly full tang.
About $294 after shipping as awkwardly batoned in this video.
The Khukri House Handicraft Industry or KHHI for short is The Micarta Kukri LiveEDGE in
an 11.5 inch blade and maybe the ridges in handle option.
I think the KHHI with options, blade size and shipping runs about $170- larger blades
sizes like a 13” cost more.
Anyway dimensions time.
Anyone other normal, functioning people get physically ill about this section- like this
guy?
Sometimes you have to take a break from setting dogs on fire and go post a comment on Youtube
huh?
What’s the right sized Kukri for you?
Like the overall length and weight.
“I’m a big guy I like a big Kukri.
(Mouth Breather voice)” With and without the sheaths.
Blade size and cutting edge.
When Kukris are denoted in size it’s generally referring to their blade.
I think I like a 13 incher the best.
Handle size and grip area.
Although some measure from the center bolster other seem to measure from the bottom of the
bolster to the tip.
Take it from me, measuring from the butt seems more impressive.
Spine and Handle thickness.
No behind the edge on these because the full convex grind doesn’t give a clear behind
the edge measurement.
Tallnesses.
And the microbevel is too small to measure reliably.
Someone asked on my last Kailash video.
Ok first up the blades.
You might have noticed these are on paper 11 and 13 inch size blades but my measuring
comes up a little larger.
While it sounds like I’m just another bro online doing some creative measuring- I measured
center bolster to tip.
While it doesn’t mean it’s less of a kukri, the Khukri houses blade is smaller by almost
2 inches.
If a standard Ontario Machete is about an 18 inch blade, a 13 inch or less kukri is
a good option- because of their thicker blades.
They do make them larger- but I don’t want a machete sized kukri.
Maybe your that sort of bro.
But you’re getting into lawn sword territory there, and there’s only one man capable
wielding such large heavy blades capably.
And he is known by the carcasses of tatami mats that litter his floor.
Blades here are very rust friendly because they are hammered out of 5160 high carbon
steel.
Both are finished in a polished lustre, and Kailash has a few optional finishes.
You can care for your kukri by caressing it softly as you fall asleep, and protecting
the blade from moisture by a light coat of oil when not in use.
Even so they will still stain and patina with use.
Use being a hard concept for the modern knife guy, often more familar with resale value.
The spine of the Kailash is thinner- because it was ordered in a performance grind.
You can order them in a standard grind or a also a heavy duty.
The thicker the grind, means a thicker spine, and the heavier the blade.
The performance is thick enough for literally everything I do with a kukri, which is basically
nothing.
People who pry automobile doors and rocks might want the heavyduty- or maybe a shovel?
KHHI doesn’t appear to have these options although I guess you could send a verbose
email to them about spine thickness.
The handle.
The big deal here is the micarta fellas.
A phrase absolutely never followed up by vigorous love making.
Micarta gives a great grip and it’s durable.
It’s a fabric imbued with resin and it can be polished like the KHHI or left in a rustic
finish like the Kailash.
Since these are for yard work the looks don’t concern me.
The Kaliash has simple ridges, and not metal- which gives it a nice hand feel.
The Kuhkri House has some fancy brass rings which one has worked itself loose with some
use.
The Kaliash’s handle has endured a lot of handle pounding from a piece of wood, and
it looks pretty much like it did when I received it.
Micarta holds its shape better than some types of wood or horn on traditional handles…
it won’t expand or contract as it ages or reacts to moisture from the blood or sap of
your foes.
Both Kukris are full tang, giving them a bit more heft in the handle department.
The Kailashes simpler handle is a little more comfortable too.
I like less ridges or no ridges on my Kukri handle.
The KHHI has some ornamental rings, one of which I lost in the yard through the course
of producing a SEO survival Youtube video.
The sheath.
The traditional sheath style on a Kukri is the DAP sheath.
It’s usually thin leather wrapped over a wood frame, and like bad underwear they ride
high.
Kukri House has an optional Kydex sheath or you can add a loop for better retention.
Kydex doesn’t retain moisture like wood or leather so it might be a better option
if you don’t practice blade lubing and cleaning after use- and live in a moisture rich extremely
tactical environment.
The Kukri house sheath had a misalignment inside with the wood blade guides, and I wound
up slicing through the sheath during this Youtube demonstration.
Oopsie.
Kaliash has options of kydex, Dap, and a western style leather.
The western leather dangler, is my favorite.
And even includes a loop at the bottom for a leg lash.
I prefer a handle butt at or below the belt line like this, and the Kailash has two retention
loops.
This is my third Kailash western leather sheath- and they are all consistent and well made.
The Kukri house comes with a small knife for your feather sticks or whatever bushcraft
sculpture your fond of making while in the wilderness and posting to social media.
Also the smaller secondary knife kinda just sits in there and I dropped it while skipping
around the yard once or twice.
Comparisons from my Kukri Collection.
Did you know if you lay out more than 3 kukris, to show your internet friends it’s called
an incel of kukris?
First the Kukri House.
I think the 11.5 inches of the Kukri House micarta is a little too short.
The handle is a nice blend of two shiny colors, but I’m not sure I need the finger guard
up front.
Most of the anti slippage on the handle is done by the rings and the butt.
Perhaps you get extra protection in a kukri fight?
The Kailsh Dui Chirra is more of a workhorse here.
The simpler handle holds up better to abuse- an example being direct sustained hits to
the handle with a piece of wood, other wise known as bushcrafting.
I wouldn’t call the handle pretty out of the box though.
Maybe polish it, and put on some lipstick, and have a fancy dinner with a few bottles,
and it looks a little more like the Kukri House.
Now the BudK.
This is a cheap $20 Indian Kukri, you could skip two Big Mac meals and buy yourself this.
I think thats how I’m gonna discuss price from here on out.
They’re pretty common, easy to sharpen and have a crappy sheath.
A good starter, and suprisingly light compared to popular thick spined kukris.
Now a thick ass Himalayan Imports, I believe called Deradune.
It’s nice, but the Kailashs have spoiled this simple Youtube artist by being thinner,
and having more comfortable handles.
Kailash puts an emphasis on distal tapering… meaning thinning out the blade stock and spine
toward the edge and tip.
Fit and finish is similar to KHHI and Kailash though.
Now the excellent Zombie Tools Vakra.
This is the older version, and they now have a newer updated revision.
Which is similar yet still different, and also another way to state revision.
This ones pretty badass and sure to impress all your virgin friends.
Has wonderful edge retention, a great sheath that comes with a leg lash and a comfortable
leather wrapped handle.
It’s been my favorite Kukri for a while- but the Kailash’s have began to occupy the
top spot along side it.
For example this leather handled rat tail pensioner here from the Kailash.
Along side the zombie tools, the two most comfortable handles.
Ok let’s wrap it up.
Since we’ve made it to minute 10 of a Kukri video together, possibly with the aid or drugs
or alcohol, let’s listen to a few more of my internet opinions on my weapon collection.
My first opinion…
Maybe to the horror of the true keyboard kukristas, defending the honor and tradition of the Dap
sheath I don’t care much for it.
Both Kailash and KHHI give you the options of a better sheath, with more durable construction,
and better blade retention, so you don’t look like an asshole if you’re kukri falls
at the Ren fair.
I’d like a leg strap included though as a standard option and not a paracord sculpture
rope compromise.
The second, non traditional kukri feature I like is a comfortable handle.
Kailash has options for that too.
Often times the handle rings on a full tang kukri have sharper edges because the handle
scales and tang follow the same pattern.
Since kukris are often hand finished or fully hand made on simple machines, they don’t
often account for the well lotioned tender hands of western apartment dwelling man children
with disposable income.
Because of the rings and unchamfered butt caps your hands may develop what’s known
as a hot spot, denoted by distressed red owie parts on the fingers.
So your highness perhaps gloves are in order.
Both were fairly sharp out of the box and the edges held up well to hammering on the
fibrous cottonwood.
If there’s a batoning hell it’s filled with cottonwood, and the types of bros who
write sentences and make videos like this.
Translated, edge retention on both was similar, and pretty good.
The Kailashs is a tad thinner near the edge, retained it’s sharpness a hair longer, and
had a much easier to maintain edge, by using my spyderco sharp-maker rods like a chakmak.
However the sheath splitting on the KHHI and the losing of the handle ring, give the pun
definitely intended edge to the Kailash.
In addition to my personal preferences of a simpler more durable handle, and the longer
blade the Kailash wins arbitrary internet points from me there too.
The Kailash also costs 13 Big Mac meals more decked out the way I like too.
So that’s it.
Since my timing is impeccable, Kailash’s has a 10 week wait time on order fulfillment
right now- and is currently shut down.
They shut down several weeks earlier than the diseased beaches of Florida- my point
being Florida never change.
However I will make the world a slightly better place, but not much, by giving away a few
of my well whacked kukris in a few weeks.
So follow me there if you haven’t.
Only going to ship to the US though.
Kailash and Kukri House, donated them to the channel- so after beating on them for a few
weeks I’ll be some of my Kukris on Instagram via a drawing.
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Anyway thanks for watching!