Kukri
A kukri is a superbly powerful chopping tool that combines the best features of a knife, a machete, a hatchet and a katana. It's actually a bit of a sword.
Kukris
There are many makes of kukri available.
Generally speaking, 1/8" thick blades are better for quick machete work and 1/4" thick blades are better for heavy chopping.
Cold Steel Gurka Kukri $85+8s/h=$94
The Cold Steel Gurka Kukri is a thick 5/16" blade for heavy-duty chopping work.
Model: 39LGK Weight: 22 oz. Blade: 12" Thick: 5/16" Overall: 17" Handle: Kraton®
Sheath: Secure-Ex® Steel: SK-5 High Carbon Black Epoxy Powder Coat
Finish
Cold Steel Kukri Machete $20
This kukri is 1/8" thick for fast machete slicing and comes preblackened and ready for work. It is not as substantial as the 5/16" Gurka Kukri and those wanting a hatchet-like chopping kukri should get the heavier Gurka model.
Customization: Augment its handle with a paracord wrap to add shock absorbancy, grip reliability and a useful source of paracord in a survival emergency. Paracord Handle Wrapping Instructions. Add some camoform tape.
Reviews: Stress Test Review
Customized Survival Khukri $20 + effort
Buy a Sarco Nepalese imported Kukri for $12 and replace its painful wooden handle with paracord wrapping, parkerize its blade black, sharpen the back of the tip for stabbing,
"Now I truly can say that I would carry this tool in the field. It is a joy to work with, and has a feel like no other knife. I enjoy doing this sort of work, but for those with less time and more money to throw around, you can now buy a modernized Khukri workhorse direct from the folks at the Cold Steel company. Their Khukri (Cold Steel Model 35ATCBB) seems to be top notch (I do not have one, but will trust that this knife meets their typically high standards). The Cold Steel will set one back anywhere from $100 to $150. Mine cost me about $20 and a little elbow grease. Ghurka Khukri’s are readily available on quite a few sites, and typically sell at about $20-$30. I get mine at Sarco ( see them at HERE ). Although they may look ornamental, the steel is quite good, and takes a very good edge with a bit of honing, and as you can see, they clean up real nice : )"
Cold Steel Gurkha Kukri $100-$150
A 5/16th" thick "real" kukri. More expensive than the kukri machete but much more powerful and sturdy for hammering and chopping.
Comes with a superb Secure-Ex kydex sheath that draws straight out.
Weight: 22 oz. Blade: 12" Thick: 5/16" Overall: 17" Handle: Kraton® Sheath: Secure-Ex® Kydex Steel: SK-5 High Finish: Carbon Black Epoxy Powder Coat Finish
"Where do I begin? I have a Gurkha Kukri that I use every day of my life in one capacity or another. Having said that let me tell you a little about the activities I engage in. By trade I am logger/”land clearer” (for lack of a better term). I am also a survival instructor lending my skills to children’s groups in my area. Every chance I get I’m in the mountains. I have owned and used nearly every type of knife available to mankind, not one of them can hold a candle to a Cold Steel knife. My Cold Steel Kukri is bar none the most rugged, dependable tool/weapon a man could ever hope to have. I will be my life on the quality; in fact I do every single day. After getting my beloved blade I soon came to the conclusion that Cold Steel is the only way to fly. My blade has been used to hammer, pry, split, dig and chop day after day and it has never failed me. I have never seen a knife that could even come close to withstanding the misuse and abuse (normal field use) that I have put this blade through. By the way, it also throws perfectly. If all my other tools performed as well I’d be set for life. I could go on for days but I’m sure you already know that you have achieved knife nirvana. Thank you a thousand times for offering such a quality product worth every dime and then some."
—D. Kay, Blairsville, GA
Kukri Usage
Knife Laws
Carrying and using blades is regulated by state and city laws. IANAL: We can't give legal advice. But here's a site that has information: Knife Laws Online Keep in mind that just because you think the letter of the law says you should be allowed to carry a knife in a given sitiation does not mean that other people will be comfortable with it or that law enforcement will agree with you. Err on the side of caution and don't put yourself at risk unnecessarily. And above all, beware career limiting moves.
Kukri Safety
Remember: Safety third! Kukri are very sharp and dangerous blades designed for hacking through trees and limbs with equal ease. Never use a Kukri when you are tired, intoxicated or unfocused. Read the kukri safety guide.
Carrying A Kukri On A Secondary Belt
Kukris are long fixed blades and a secondary belt is the recommended way to carry it opposite your drawing hand. A secondary belt is best because it allows you to easily remove the kukri and other secondary gear when it is inconvenient or innaproriate such as when sleeping or entering a knife-free zone. You can store the kukri on the belt so that it is ready to belt on when you need it.
Throwing Kukris
Kukris can be thrown, though it is uncommon and throwing a kukri without having a backup is just throwing your weapon away.
"God help the Germans against them. We cannot hold them back. Brigade them along with us Highlanders - anybody in kilts - and they fight like demons. The difficulty is to get them to retire. Hundreds of them remain behind squatted on the ground with the kukris or Indian knives ready. As the Germans come on they throw the kukris at the advancing enemy, and as soon as they hit them, pull them back with the strings attached to them. Then they dash up fearlessly and account for many more."
—http://www.greatwardifferent.com/Great_War/British_Front/Indians_01.htm
Kukri Fighting
There are a number of martial arts schools that teach kukri fighting.
http://www.toratoratora.co.uk/
Cold Steel