I am looking for a good knife shop in BC. I'm interested in acquiring a Nepalese Kukri. I have seen the Cold Steel Kukris as well as the Condor brand kukris. They are both machine made and much thinner and lighter when compared to the hand made ones from Nepal. Does anyone have any experience with the Kukri blade?
I have also been looking into so called tactical axes. SOG makes 2 popular models, the Fast Hawk and the Tactical Hawk. Does anyone have any experience with these?
I have the Cold Steel Magnum Kukri, and could not be happier with it.
There is a website, where they tests knives to destruction, and they do the magnum kukri.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6adwuGQyHjM
If this doesn't sell you on it, nothing will, particularly for the price.
The factory edge is not very good, but a bastard cut file, and a sharpening stone make it a wicked blade in a short amount of time.
I used it for all of my spring pruning around my yard, and was cutting clean through 2" branches, and couldn't even dent the blade.
I am in the midst of demo/reno of my house and was curious how it would handle drywall, which is notorious for dulling blades, and it just wouldn't quit.
With my life on the line, I would trust it 100%.
Highly recommended.
In BC, www.camouflage.ca is a great place to find deals.
I use S&R knives for most of my purchases.
My thoughts are similar to Phuqd,
Cold Steel is tops, if you can afford the san mai III blades even better.Never heard of Condor at all. There will be some links below for Kukris fron Nepal as well as one that I have. It is not as hard a steel as the Cold Steel version, but it is what I have right now. I also have some Kukri knives and they are just as good as the Cold Steel ones.
This is the one that I have - though did not purchase from them, just a picture to show from the same manufacturer.
http://www.heavenlyswords.com/product.php?productid=21080
Online Canadian Reseller
http://www.knifezone.ca/coldsteel/kukrimachete.htm
Another Canadian Reseller
http://www.greatadventure.ca/00cart/Candypress/Scripts/prodList.asp?idCategory=20
Nepal companies
http://www.nepalesekhukuri.com/
http://www.gurkhas-kukris.com/
http://www.khukuriknife.com/gurkhas.htm
ps.. I have cut down small trees with this faster than my buddy who used an Ax on his, I beat him every time! Also great for bush delimbing and bush whacking a trail.
Thanks for the links and your opinions. From what I have seen, a well made kukri seems to be an excellent dependable tool, as well as a formidable close quarter defensive weapon (in a skilled hand). Just the looks of it may scare someone off. I will continue searching and I hope to acquire one soon.
I've been looking for a good trail breaker. Saw all your glowing reviews and just ordered a Cold Steel Kukri machete. How can you go wrong for $32?
Sigh..... of course by the time I was done "looking around" it was closer to $200 as I have been looking for a good fixed blade bush knife as well.
l belive the Kukri style knife is the way to fly. lf possible try a modern take on one
This is the one i carry in my Bug out bag, it has a rubberized handle which is a must, an eyelet for attachment and a composite sheath, try and avoid leather sheathes and wooden handled knives, leather holds moisture and wet hands slip on wood. The benefit of this kind of knife is that is multi used, from clearing paths, chopping kindling. cutting meat and bone,it negates the need for a hatchet and machete and with a 12'' blade scary enough. This one is by Kershaw. l also have the ubiquitous leatherman.
+1 on S & R Knives except I deal with their Ebay store. Search Caledon2 as a seller. My wife hates him lol. Get all my Spydies there. Shipping is usually 12 bucks per package. So I usually con a friend into buying a knife as well and we split the cost of shipping.
I just watched the Cold Steel Kukri Destructive Test video you recommended. You are quite correct. I am impressed with the way the Cold Steel Kukri held up. Just when you thought the guy was finished bashing the blade with his sledge, he would take a rest and start over again. S & R Knives list the Cold Steel Magnum at about $25.00, an incredible value. I think I'll get one of them as my workhorse. The Nepalese American Eagle is due to arrive next week.
Thanks for all the links and information.
Check out Wholesale Knives and Swords on Ebay. It's Caledon2's store. Same guy as S&R. You may get a better deal at one or the other.