6 Kukris Compared: The Zombie Tools Vakra, BudK, Ka-Bar, Cold Steel, & Himalayan Imports

This overview video expands information on and compares the Kukris I've done full reviews on in the past. Here they are all in one place and ranked in a simple ploy to drive more traffic to the channel. Inside this video you'll find the Zombie Tools Vakra, the BuK Indian Khukri, the Himalayan Imports Ang Khola, The Ka-Bar, and Cold Steel Kukri Machete. Linked below are the full reviews for each. You also might notice I screwed up a shot of the two Himalayan Import Kukris, and one is inadvertently a BudK. Oops... knife bros ain’t perfect.
BudK: • The $20 BudK Budget Gu...
Zombie Tools: • Zombie Tools Vakra Kuk...
Himalayan Imports: • 2 Himalayan Imports Ku...
Cold Steel & Ka-Bar: • Cold Steel and KaBar 1...
Where to buy
BudK: amzn.to/2DmcD3d
Cold Steel: amzn.to/2sC1R2J
Ka-Bar: amzn.to/2CB3Wk3
Himalayan Imports: yhst-7333098713883.stores.yaho...
Zombie Tools: www.zombietools.net/shop/vakra/
My kukri playlist: • The Advanced Kukri Kni...
You can also donate to my Patreon, that helps support whatever it is this channel is about: / advancedknifebro
Also follow me on Instagram: / advanced_knife_bro
#kukri
#bushcraft
#outdoorgearreview

[@lukalula5972]

I like how he is pretending to be some kind of dangerous warrior on the snow That shit makes me laugh

[@reallife2849]

😂

[@bradleyh8044]

Who doesn't like some slight handle play while whacking every now and then?

[@CedricAda]

This video gave me a decent swell

[@WBrick10]

😆

[@Starr_unlimited]

🤣Goddammit😂😅😆

[@yeetergriffen]

AYYOOO

[@cyclotron8798]

What happened at last? Are you still swelled or everything is fine?

[@thatfellowthere3634]

I can hear the eulogy starting with, “Advanced Knife Bro was a knowledgeable, bulbous fellow with a fondness for outdoor-bladed-abstract expressionist dance. Gracefully dangerous, as described by window-framed neighbors, he terrorized only the most fierce of dead pine trees and bamboo...”

[@Johnnybananass-_]

My dad was in Malaya training Gurkas and getting trained back in bushcraft, he was given a military issue Kukri from the gurkas, then gave it away to a military enthusiast friend of the familys who also passed away and never arranged to get the kukri back. so now im trying to find a genuine one to replace for my own knife collection, this video helps , thank you for helping return - in a way - a dream.

[@TheTurbanatore]

Did you end up finding one?

[@longrider42]

Khukuri House of Thermal. They are in Nepal. I have two of them. They do make the military Khukuri's used in WW1 and 2. And they do not cost as much as you think.

[@TTactical101]

@@longrider42I really appreciate your comment! Really decent prices Do you have any feedback on the quality?

[@longrider42]

@@TTactical101 Yes, they are top notch. I now own 5 blades from Khukuri House, and they are all excellent tools. I highly recommend them. The last one I purchased is the Service No. 1 Remade. It has a full tang and is some what slimmed down. So it is fast and light in the hand. It is my favorite. Also you can get your blade engraved for free. Just know there will be some handle shrinkage, if you live in a dry climate.

[@afdave7]

Dude, you're freaking hilarious. And awesome. Thank you for the content!! Trying to find a good kukri, and this info is gold! Cheers! My inner mall ninja is crushing on you. No bromo

[@adammcguinness9950]

I enjoyed the entire top 5. I love your work mate. Kukri are great fun to use.

[@strikewong4759]

Wonderful, superb, educational,informative, interesting, skillful handling & humorous! Thank you for sharing!!

[@bedinghaus48]

I love this channel! Keep up the good work. 👍

[@ruckus_]

Just found your channel and buddy, do you have to be so sarcastic? The answer is no, but I'm glad you are. Watched a few other videos and this is an entertaining and informative channel. Thanks for the laughs - fellow cynic -

[@supergreatairgunreviews]

when he started attacking the logs in the snow i almost spit up my coffee

[@bharnden7759]

The Bud K looks an awful lot like the Kukris I bought from Atlanta Cutlery back in 1979. They started the whole Kukri craze. I still love it and it has held up well.

[@carterrodriquez7494]

I have a new favorite narrator of outdoor geekness. Thanks

[@dirkderolf4021]

Really funny commentary. Just subscribed for that reason

[@Christ_AlphaOmega]

I find your blade reviews to be highly entertaining with how sarcastic and dry you are, you sir have made me a subscriber 😎

[@DannyRiskit]

I didn't know I wanted this comparison, but now I know I needed it.

[@right2bear802]

His fight style looks to be the dangerous art of ninjrina which is a mix of backyard wannabe ninja and ballerina. This style consists of prancing, skipping, & twirling with a bit of Justin Bieber hair flip that lulls your opponent into an uncontrollable fit of laughter therefore rendering him defenseless. This guy is a true YouGoober!

[@robertleslie2467]

I have a Tora Blades Sirupate kukri. If SHTF it would be my first choice. It does every thing from cutting vegetables, filleting king salmon to felling tree limbs. I also have the Ka- Bar kukri. The Ka-Bar is obviously lighter in weight and size but still a killer big knife that gets it done. These days I keep the Tora Blades at home by the front door because reasons. The Ka-Bar Kukri is my car camping knife for short fly fishing trips. Filleting fish, chopping wood, et.al. shore lunch preparation. It does it all pert' dang good! Mahalo!

[@warpedone2]

Great review of a review, which interestingly enogh I re~viewd.... keepem coming

[@CeLeb144]

I just bought a Ka-bar kukri and you're definitely right about that, the grip is comfortable, but hopefully it doesn't do that wobbly handle thing.

[@Pine_Soul]

Here's a fellow advanced dad bro father of 4 tip: When you have multiple sick kids in the house, sleep with your sneakers on. Think of them as tactical slippers. Cuts seconds when making a mad dash for a container or trashcan to catch vomit. All your Kukri vids are a guaranteed watch imo

[@chudsgotsteez4816]

Hey man, new sub, really enjoy your approach to vids!

[@AdvancedKnifeBro]

Thanks for subscribing dude!

[@karl_3885]

i'm getting a CarniK Con vibe from this channel and i love it.

[@ronalddunne3413]

That Cold Steel in all fairness is sold as a kukri-shaped machete, not as a kukri per se. CS DOES however market the Gurhka kukri in a full-size full weight version. The ring in the center of the grip is to maintain your grip and keep the knife from flying out of your hand during a swing, or your hand from sliding onto the edge in a stab..

[@QuantumMechanic_88]

Your take on the Woodsman Pal would be interesting . My Kukri collection is now in a wooden trunk in a spider infested storage building . Hope you had a decent alcohol induced 4th of July . The homemade M-80s worked great and made a couple "friends" with local law enforcement . Thanks for your video Advanced Knife Bro .

[@burtrat4851]

Sarcasm works for me, makes things clear and unpolished. I have a Ghurka kukri from when I worked with them at Puckapunyal in Victoria (Australia) in the early 80s. They wanted a slouch hat but being in armoured corps we only had black berets so it cost me 20 bucks. It has a small skinning knife and a sharpening steel attached to the outer scabbard. Rusts like a bastard, hard to sharpen but stays sharp and the blade doesn't nick,but I only use it on wood. Shortish, light but very sturdy, I think the Ghurkas got it just right, except for the handle, but as you said, manliness doesn't come from Oil of Ulan. Cheers Craig

[@mikeplatts2603]

Great clip, I laughed all the way through, well done Knife Bro !!

[@joekoltes879]

We need more kukri content bro it’s been years there are lots of great new Kukris out there

[@davidjirvin5410]

First time seeing one of your videos I found it quite humorous I thought it was a nice break in videos of getting kind of dull to watch a video about knives I was starting to get bored with them until I seen yours now I'm going to be able to watch it a lot more boring videos that you help me get through in the future keep up the good work I'll have to check some of your other stuff out.

[@jasestrong]

Excellent videos, great content, aNd well presented, thank you 🙏

[@theimperialbeachbum1304]

I needed this. Thank you

[@mrfunatparties6763]

I just came across the kukri scourge. Love it.

[@Thepreppersbunkeroutdoors]

I like the look of a lot of kailash's work, so im excited to see your thoughts.

[@mycapitalvice]

Let's talk about recolection of edge retention being an emoition.

[@SuS_NuG_It]

I love my himalayan imports. It's not the most basic one, but it's not crazy pricey. I don't really use it that often, but it's nice to have.

[@legrandfromage9682]

Great vid. Not because it’s a list (those do suck) but because all your vids are great vids 👍

[@ryanbrooks1702]

@Le Grand Fromage you’re great

[@badapdose89]

I like the vibe, and I like blades so cheers. I subbed.

[@loneczgunner6562]

Kabar kukri is very comfortable. However I prefer the kabar cutlass. Feels lighter same ergo handle. Kabar makes tough stuff that's priced at a point I don't feel bad about using and abusing. Great video btw.

[@thegovernment0usa]

came here to complain about a top-5 list and was pleasantly surprised that you confirmed the purchasing decision I had already made.

[@mikelikesknives428]

Thank you for all of this.. It really can't get any better.😂😂

[@shortbuspimp]

excellent comparison sir

[@shortbuspimp]

cant wait for the next kukri review!

[@joeyoung3319]

LoL... Dude, GREAT overview. 😎 I'll NOW check out the Ontario and maybe the Ka-bar... I'm a big Ontario fan boy, so I'm guessing right now I'll be more interested in it than any other... To be continued...

[@E.L.RipleyAtNostromo]

I’ve had all these at one time or another except the Vakra, and several hundred more when I was mega collecting, so sorry for the long post. I still have a couple hundred Khukuris and Kukri-like objects, and have sold off at least that many over the past 15 years. Most of mine were / are HI’s made from late 2003 when Uncle Bill Martino was still with us, until 2006 after he walked West (all U.B. marked), but I also have a bunch of other production and customs. Back in the day there was only one HI model with a non-traditional pinned Chiruwa/Panawal handle, and that was the CAK or Chiruwa Ang Khola. Now because of a revised limited warranty that supersedes the old unconditional warranty (because idiots were beating oak logs with thin Kobras, then demanding a new knife) most HI handles are pinned (which was a British manufacturing convention). They are more durable for the warranty, but are heavier, transmit a lot more shock to your hand, and are less blade heavy. The traditional method is to fit the handle with Laha, or homemade epoxy, to a handle that’s been carved out to accept the hidden tang, which is then secured at the pommel. One fitted correctly this way is a lot more fun to chop with IMO. Traditionally they also don’t have those habaki bolsters, but that’s an eternal argument. The kamis put those there so that the village saarki’s (scabbard makers) don’t have to work as hard to fit the knife to the scabbard. Insert one of those in the scabbard and turn it upside down though, and watch the knife thunder to the ground. Just don’t be wearing sandals, ask me how I know! Just a couple of comments; agree about the KA1249 handle, it’s great! But there’s a reason the sharp factory edged machete is sticking in your work, it’s not a convex edge. Use a slack belt grinder or sandpaper/ mousepad technique and give it a convex edge, it will chop a lot better and be easier to maintain. On a couple of those shots you’re chopping towards your ankles and lower legs; really bad idea. One slip out in the woods and you’re boned. A leather or kydex sheath works way better than the heavy Buffalo hide covered wood scabbard most Nepalese khukuris come with, and can’t split like those scabbards can. Lots of great Kydex guys out there. Plus you don’t have the sharp brass chape at the end of the scabbard poking you, or such a high-riding frog. If you ever have a loose handle stop chopping with it immediately, (especially if it’s a cheap junker like the BudK, sorry!) When the blade finally fails it’s going to fly out of the handle, do a 180 degree turn, and come back right on top of your hand at the web. Being a BudK I doubt if it will cut you, 😉 but if it’s actually sharp it could lay the top of your hand wide open. If it’s a good model have it fixed, otherwise I’d toss it. Check out Nepalese Khukuri House, they make some nice models for about $120 shipped, or at least they used to, I haven’t bought anything but modern Kukris with synthetic handles in the last few years. Thanks for the entertaining video!

[@bigmanlittleflowers7197]

Looking forward to some Cali landscape videos.

[@ed5042]

I appreciate the work you do.

[@ryanbrooks1702]

@ed swede I appreciate you

[@ultimateadaptation756]

Thank you for sharing!

[@felis1977]

Nice video. I too would pick Zombie Tools Vakra but I can't afford one right now since I ordered a Spit for Christmas ;) I'm sure some Cold Steel fanboy like me already pointed out that that's not CS kukri but kukri style machete :). It's worth exactly what you paid for it. I own one of their actual kukris with 5-6mm spine and it's a decent chopper.

[@mohdzaudikhasni8829]

Great bro.. Very like every single your video

[@docwilson8343]

Love his commentary

[@bashkillszombies]

The Ka-Bar costs more than a high quality nepalese custom built job. This is why I just prefer to make my own stuff. The prices are crazy!

[@BrianRoxUrSox]

Oh man you gave me a good laugh! Subscribed!

[@convex7456]

Idk how you keep your narrating interesting still like u do after all these episodes. Gota be the pbr. Going to party store now

[@justpettet3506]

hahaha

[@fsblades2206]

Cool video review.. You should try out a FS Blades kukri 👍🏻 Lol seriously tho.

[@VeganJutsu]

Great video bro

[@convex7456]

While i consume this caffiene. All i cant think is you are the 🐐. THE BRADY of review bros

[@grizzlycountry1030]

Damn just insulted him comparing him to that POS brady.

[@ruckus_]

I only have the ka-bar kukri. It gets the job done and is comfortable...but the coating did chip after about an hour of serious use. Probably best bang for the buck....but hey....looks super mean. So that's something

[@SpyderHeel]

My starter (only, if you don't count my Raja III) kukri is the budk one. Used an old 7" milwaukee HD grinder/sander to sharpen it. It gets (ab)used for pallet projects (bonfires). Been looking at the Condor K-Tact, but then Lynn got me with the AD-15 & so that's on pre order. You settling into Cali alrite? Can't wait for the inevitable Nick Shabazz crossover episode.

[@AdvancedKnifeBro]

Settling in ok. Wont have a place of our own for a few months... but it's ok so far. So that means I don't have a place currently to shoot chop fests. AD-15 got it a few days ago. Very nice!

[@SpyderHeel]

@@AdvancedKnifeBro Glad you're getting settled in. Probably best not to spook the neighbors & strain the relationship by doing interpretive batoning sessions in the backyard. I dunno how close you are to Ventura, but that's where Lynn himself resides. Maybe they'd hire you as an extra for one of their Proof™ series videos?

[@Suit_and_tie_reptile_guy]

Fox cutlery makes some real nice ones from m390 and they are quite awesome. Kinda look tactful but they are some of the best ones I've used thus far. Plus they have different colors so that's always a plus if you wanna show it at your next "pride" meeting

[@ramonvelasquez8431]

Alright, nice info. Only thing that puzzled me were those Jagger moves back there, like, were those necessary? Anyway, interesting stuff I love kukris and pretty much all types of blades. Kudos!

[@ronalddunne3413]

Wish I could afford a Vakra! It's a veritable Holy Grail of khukris. The ring in the center of the grip is to prevent the blade from flying out of the hand on a swing.. and preventing the hand from riding up on the blade edge during a stab... since traditional khuks have no hand guard. Thanks for the video...

[@lifeisxtc1]

Happiness is seeing your new video notification popup. Lo

[@renaldofanucci9914]

Great, Thanks.!!

[@davestout8471]

Mahboi knifebro needs to review the cold steel special forces shovel. Love that damn shovel.

[@joarflesja1516]

Great video 😅👌 i just but 3 used tora kukris. I never used it but i got a good deal.

[@Xjr5rjX]

Knife bro, what is the wood burning contraption in your background called? Could you please tell me where you got it?

[@CrimsonSurvival]

I have Khukris, but I usually just stick with my TOPS SXB. Good video, brother..✝️👍🏻

[@christamu2]

Heh heh....wood play. I have the Kabar and it's a solid kookery option.

[@kaizen5023]

LOL good stuff man, you are hilarious! :D

[@Thatoneguy-ju6gq]

I like the kabar best its the only one i have and I figure if the only issue it that the coating comes off i can just recoat it myself whenever it gets worn and that saves on mineral oil which I use to prevent rust

[@KurNorock]

To be fair, that Cold Steel is not their kukri. It is a machete with a vague kukri shape to it. They unfortunately discontinued their actual kukris.

[@GaryHorn]

In the movie "Mortal Engines", a kukri was deployed to life-saving effect, Mr. AdvancedKnifeBro. You would have been proud.

[@ramonvelasquez8431]

Bro, you must really be a pro because the dancing on the back with the two knives is so bad that I know it is super on purpose. You'd rock as a comedy actor!

[@201doom]

truly a thinking mans knife channel.

[@DSMattitude]

I picked up a scourge from Kailash. Haven't used it much but I do swing it around in front of the mirror from time to time. But I dig the Bowie style handle. Any plans on trying them out?

[@AdvancedKnifeBro]

I actually reviewed a Kailash about a month ago... and the scourge and my future plan for a review show up in that video.

[@DSMattitude]

@@AdvancedKnifeBro gotcha. This is my first video of yours I've seen

[@Dafoodmaster]

im truly happy

[@miniaturegard3n258]

You've slowly turned me towards the Kukri side. I'll have to pick up some cheap beater to get a feel for it myself.

[@AdvancedKnifeBro]

Start cheap... the wind up with 8 of them. That’s my advice.

[@jessewalker5418]

I watch bush craft all day long if it’s got a date on there that isn’t five years old I’ll watch it love the video good luck!

[@perplexed1471]

A rebellious colonial with an english sense of humour. Subscribed

[@woopize]

I've been thinking about getting an Ang Khola from Himalayan Imports, what size are yours? 15 inches? they look great!

[@reconty2133]

My favorite is kukri chicken. A little spicy but truly a delicious dish.

[@M3RRIH3W13]

It's hard to put CS at the bottom when it can slice the head off of a hog in one swipe! But, I respect your blademanship and CS gets where it gets.

[@willl7780]

you are great man

[@oneeyedblind5603]

Yes you are right... The real khukuri is completely different in shape and game

[@brettfreeman9693]

I bought the Ontario Knife Company's kukri, they have a heat treating issue. The blade snapped in half while trimming a green limb. I still haven't heard anything from the company. I recommend a cold steel Gurkha kukri or a kukri from The Kukri House of Nepal.

[@CCR1062]

Good to know, I was considering the Ontario over the KaBar. Any word back from Ontario?

[@kollegenmusik]

Just discovered you. I love you already. Keep up with the subliminal ironic comment. Loving it.

[@peterh1902]

4:55 That's the strangest rain I have ever seen.

[@sealevelbear]

I almost choked on all the K’s, thankfully my first aid beer was within reach.

[@ZOT369]

Your moves are sweet. Very fluid. More sheaths on the belt plz.

[@silentoutsidebob5815]

Servus, a good Channel 🤜 🔥 🤛 Abo for you. Bob

[@ronfry5851]

And thank you for your input on cool Curry's😊 my apologies Google hasn't learned how to spell

[@L3tItDi3]

"You're pretty swell!" - a possible Advanced Knife Bro Valentine's Day card

[@chornk64]

I have to say this about Zombie Tools. Every blade I buy has to meet my standards. My blades get used and used a lot. Most, no matter where I got, don't survive. Every Zombie Tools Blade that I've used, has (I dropped the Diphos from 2 stories up onto broken concrete. Only got a few scratches). I also haven't had issues with BudK or True Swords, but they aren't on this list. ZT blades are expensive, but worth it.

[@peterlafayette5595]

Very good ,funny ,honest.

[@alicemilton8756]

I feel truly happy

[@AdvancedKnifeBro]

Good to hear!

[@moneystewart5257]

Fantastic Bro. Love the Kukri and if the Zombie Tools Kuk had a better pointed tip it would be king , but it's still a good tool and I can't believe how sharp that BudK Kukti is ,if I had one sent to you would you sharpen it and send it to me for a fee, oh and if you're ever interested in sell those Himalayan Import Kukri I real would be interested in buying them both for a reasonable price,and that no joke Bro. because they have been tested thoroughly for sure.

[@anonymousviewer6359]

Thank you.... !!!!

[@nidannow]

Hi from 🇨🇦 good video,Have you considered or looked into TOPS KNIVES, I have been using their Bushcrafter Kukuri .07 now for 7 years it’s more compact than an original design , it’s a beast

[@ozyrob1]

Cheers from OZ AKB 👍

[@johnnyredrum9189]

Do you plan on getting the new Vakra to do a comparison video? What are your thoughts on the Condors: the Heavy or K Tact.

[@AdvancedKnifeBro]

Not at this time. On paper the K Tact looks like it has a lower riding sheath and thinner blade stock. I’d pick that one if it were me. Plus I like the micarta handle.

[@johnnyredrum9189]

Appreciate the response

[@sadjupiter9462]

But how do they compare to the "Tac-force Gray Camo Bottle Opener Glass Breaker Knife"?