Khukuri, Some Options. Tora Blades, Kailash Blades, Great Gurkha Khukuri.

[@kailashblades]

Hey there mate! This is a great video and I think you've pretty much hit the nail on the head in describing the differences between not just the knives but also the way that the 3 businesses operate differently and their respective strengths. One thing i would correct through is that our panawal is not based off the mk2 pattern but instead the later mk5 (current BSI, or MSI as we call it). As you've noted this later service pattern is from a time when utility as a camp knife was being increasingly valued and so the knife has an ease of use and simplicity that some of the earlier patterns lack. The straighter overall form is also I think appealing aesthetically to utility minded westerners vs heavily curved and swoopy khukuris. Keep up the great work. If you have any interest in comparing the differences in feel and utility between a full tang and a rat tail blade feel free to reach out :) Take care, Andrew and the team at Kailash

[@bundufundi]

Thanks for the clarification, very interesting! A rat tail is definitely on my list due to its more traditional design, I will be in touch. Cheers.

[@bundufundi]

Hello again, what's the best way to get in touch to discuss options for a rat tail blade? Thanks

[@andrewlucas246]

@@bundufundi it won't allow me to reply to this on the main youtube account for some reason- it keeps removing the comments. Use the contact form on the main site and choose custom enquiry- i'll help you out from there

[@sirupate]

PS There is no evidence (as of yet) that the Kopis is where the Kukri originated from, my research in Nepal along with talking to Nepalese historians has led me to believe that the Kukri is indigenous to Nepal. When the British went to India and worked their way up to Nepal, in the historical accounts of the battles that ensued, the British don't mention the Kukri until they started to have confrontations with the Goorkhas of Nepal, I hope that is of use to you.

[@RiderOftheNorth1968]

One thing to consider when choosing maker of a khukuri is the structure of the company, who is making the money you spend? I can´t talk about the other companies here but Kailash Blades are a company of blacksmiths that makes the knives and sell them direct to the customer. There is no parent company, or the like, that orders from a sweatshop and makes all the profits of it. If fairness is a factor for you, read up on the company before buying. Kailash Blades is as fair as you can expect.

[@brettbrown9814]

Another great video Trev! I have never owned one but have always found their history and blade shape intriguing. Thanks for the review.

[@bundufundi]

Thanks Brett, hope all is well with you.

[@Joey-L]

Great to see another video from you Trev. I definitely like the Kailash Blades the best. Not only do I think it is the most esthetically pleasing but the fact the company sends you progress photos makes it more personal to the buyer.

[@bundufundi]

Hi Joey, how are you keeping?

[@Joey-L]

@@bundufundi I am well thank you !

[@douglasreed9237]

Awesome review. At this time, I have 2 Tora khukuris . A Mk1 rat tail and a full tang Mk2 like yours. I do prefer the feel of the Mk1 overall, though. It just feels quicker in the hand. I need to pick up a Kailash khukuri, though as they oil quench their khukuris just to checkout. Thanks,

[@sirupate]

Hi, Simon from Tora Blades. I would say that is a very fair review, but some of points I’d like to pick up up on👍 1. All Tora blades are functional and are made to be used within the scope of what that particular Kukri was designed for. 2. The Mk2 isn’t a fighting blade per se. It was a general issue for those that qualified for a Kukri. The Gurkha Battalions/Regiments used their own Kukri. There is circumstantial evidence that a few Gurkha battalions in WW1, like the 3/3rd for example used a Mk 2 Kukri, but nothing conclusive as of yet. Also Mk2 Kukri never had an angled spine and had a pretty specific shape, so anything outside of those parameters isn’t a Mk2. 3. The current service issue is a rat tail tang, some people mistakenly call it a Mk5, it’s simply a Service No.1. Thank you for a pretty fair review 👍

[@bundufundi]

That’s great, thank you for the additional information, very interesting!

[@TheNessmuk]

Great review mate thank you. I like all your work.

[@kurts64]

Awesome! All really nice but I really like the more subtle curve in the second two. Glad to see a vid from you!👍👍

[@bundufundi]

Thanks mate, the Kailash on is definitely the most versatile. They are a great design for utility stuff for sure.

[@ericroblejo2058]

Hello I’m looking to buy this last blade you were talking about but I can’t seem to find it. Can you please tell me a bit more about it? Like length of the blade, model, or how I can find that exact shape on their website? Anything helps 🙏

[@bundufundi]

Hello the details of the one I bought are as follows: Panawal, length 13”, brass hardware, rosewood handle, traditional dap, medium handle, standard grind, satin blade finish. Hope that helps.

[@ericroblejo2058]

Thank you 🙏 appreciate your video as well! Gonna give it a shot

[@ricardodafonseca9043]

Interesting video. Thanks Trev.

[@bundufundi]

How’s it going Ricardo?

[@Elias-xu7uw]

You need to buy urself a regent bowie from kailashblades. With the new C guard changing the profile of the knife ite definetly their sickest knife ever

[@bundufundi]

They make some good blades for sure!

[@harwoodblades3633]

Richard my wife's cousin saw them used in the Falklands.. apparently the argies surrendered as soon as the ghurkas rocked up at certain vantage point 🫣 recurve is a great blade shape for the bush 💪👍

[@bundufundi]

I always enjoyed reading about the ghurkas. Unbelievable soldiers. Thanks for watching mate!