Which is the Best All-Around Chopping Tool | Kukri Giveaway! | ON Three

Have an ax, machete, or kukri? Great! They're the most common chopping tools you'll ever use.
Jason Salyer and Alan Kay discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each, and what they believe may work the best for you.
Be sure to check out the giveaway on Jason and Alan's channel!
• Kukuri Giveaway!
#bushcraft #camping #survival
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[@JamesThomas-gg6il]

When i was in school, we had to write an essay on something historical, event, person, etc. I chose Nepal and it's people. During the research i did, which was limited to actual library books, i was fascinated by the gurkhas and their legendary knife. I went to a gunshow in Roanoke, va and found a kukri on a table and had to buy it. I was 11 years old, im 54 now and i still carry that thing every where i go. Always behind the seat just in case. It sits on the table where i put my wallet and keys and i grab it when i head out the door. Love that thing.

[@ghoulishgoober3122]

There's something comforting about the edge of a machete, when it's naturally patinated from use, and the edge shows scratches from all the maintenance done. It's like an old dog that still stands its ground and can puff its chest up like in youth. That's a strong dog, seen a lot but still ready for more.

[@anelpasic5232]

@@ghoulishgoober3122 That is why I love a good old carbon steel blade.

[@wayward-saint]

I’m a simple man, when I see a Viking breakdance after splitting a log clean, I subscribe.

[@waynewheeler2797]

Totally surprised by the Kukri. I always thought it was just another odd shaped knife but now it is something that I think belongs in my inventory.

[@redfaux74]

I've been collecting knives for 35 years. I have about 90 blades. About 9 of them are Kukri. I have Indian, Nepalese and 7 are from Cold Steel. They go from 9" to 15", most are 12". I absolutely WILL go see Frank in TX and buy one and check him out. These look solid and beautiful. That being said.... None of what I have now even come close to the sturdy razor sharp blades from Cold Steel. Maybe Frank changes my mind but I'm just giving you my advice. They go from $40 to $600 with options in between. I'd go with the $300 options if I were you unless you got mad bank. You'll never believe what you've been missing until you put a good Kukri in your hands.

[@charleshayes2528]

@@redfaux74 Admittedly, the older weapons and the village blades from Nepal aren't going to have the best modern steels, but I have one or two very old Khukuri that are razor sharp along the entire length. (I use the older spelling for the older/traditional blades and "Kukri" for the modern versions, the British Military Issue and the "KOLs" (Kukri-Like Objects) from western manufacturers. These particular old blades are almost certainly either ex-military, from a time before standard military issue, or civil personal weapons. Quite apart from their age, I wouldn't risk their edge on very hard wood, but from their balance alone, I think they would be exceptional choppers. I haven't handled the Cold Steel versions, but apart from the metal used, I would say that my old ones are about as sharp as can be. I have said, elsewhere on this page and others, that I cut myself on one, without immediately realising it, just by brushing my fingers against the scabbard, which had a tiny split. That particular knife was a gift, but none of my Khukuri/Kukri cost me more than £80.

[@seanhoude]

I have machetes, mauls, axes, tomahawks, and knives. Looks like it's time to buy my first kukri. Thanks!

[@cameronbuckner254]

Just found this channel, and as someone born, raised, and living in East TN, it's awesome seeing Mr. Salyer and Mr. Kay talk about homesteading in an environment very similar to mine! I've always wanted land and chickens and crops, I'm saving up and trying to prepare as best as I can! Love the channel and love y'all! Also personally, I love Kukris and machetes, but where I live an axe is indispensable. But Kukris are just so cool! EDIT: "If you will do, it will do." Is some crazy awesome advice!

[@stinger9142]

Cameron is your dad's name Kenny? I work with him if so.

[@lindaridenour2032]

I'd rather carry a Kukri, a small axe, and a saw. I'm going into a thick wooded area soon and that kukri would be the best way to get in. Thanks gentlemen for this fun and informative vid.

[@kevind7617]

How much 3xtra weight are you wanting to carry.. if it's or a weekend 60 yards from the truck.. hell yeah

[@serafin1352]

Plain and simple, Alan you are like the uncle wish I had to chat and learn bushcraft from. Thanks Uncle Alan.

[@OehlJim]

I've been saying for months..."I need a Kukhri!" You've confirmed it!

[@MrGlobalTransport]

Looks like the kukri is the perfect mid-way between the axe and the machete, each of course has its place but if the environment is right it might be the go to tool. And thanks for naming that machete, I’ve had some that have too much flex in the blade and I’ll be buying that one, seems pretty stout. Good video anytime both of you are in it to bounce knowledge around, appreciate it.

[@andrewgoldman1710]

Hand axe is good for the Midwest. That Kukri is beautiful!

[@jasonbailey9302]

I’m an American Expat living in Costa Rica and machetes are used for everything here. I have several.

[@user-fg3qc8bf9g]

Even if it's a "kukri machete" (thin) .... Anyone who is into choppers machete s bushcraft etc... SHOULD experience the awesomeness of the kukri shape.

[@SatsumaTengu14]

I have my Thai E-nep I bought when I was living in Thailand. I took it out in the jungle there and into the desert/ bush when I was camping in Australia and I often use it at home here in British Columbia. It is very similar to a the kukri in blade shape and geometry only the handle is more similar to a traditional western knife or machete. Great all around bushcraft beast.

[@totallyfrozen]

3:57 After waking up at 4am and working over 12 hours, I started to doze off. That woke me right back up. LOL! 🤣

[@wesmorgan4644]

Nice knife. Never had one but raised my attention with the work it does.

[@Sam-iw6te]

For chopping ima take an axe. If limited to one tool I'd take a Bowie knife. But with modern technology I don't see why you can't haul all three seperate tools without wearing yourself out. An axe, a knife and a machete all fit in my pack, at no cost of other essentials

[@RealityCheckGA]

My Thoughts exactly. My choice would be my Hults Bruk Forester, Silky Katana Boy, and Becker BK10

[@charlessalmond7076]

Great video. I've been using the 13" blade Condor machete for 6 or so years. Its been a great "long knife" for North Georgia.

[@timberdrifter8225]

like Alan ive been using kukuris since i was a kid. along with just about anything else that could be used for chopping including homemade stone axes during my primitive skills phase. here in n e Wisconsin during the winter i carry an axe. its too cold to mess around. the rest of the year a large heavy knife like a kukuri is perfect and less hassle to carry especially if im also carrying a long gun. another excellent tool for non tropical environments is the wooden handled tomahawk with removable head. very versatile and you can craft a handle in the field using the head if necessary. thanks for the videos fellas. i always enjoy them

[@effeojnedib7208]

My buddy and I were loading big boulders in North Central Texas. His 6 year old son was with us. I gave him my Cold Steel shovel to play with while we worked. In a half hour, he had an 8" diameter mesquite tree cut down. lol "If you will do, it will do"... love it. I love all my Cold Steel machetes, with the Lite being my household "go to". Not really a fan of their knives in the past 10 years. Bought most of my stuff in the 90's from CS. I guess a Kukri is my next blade purchase. Thanks for the confirmation on fish and game processing, as that was a question of mine.

[@miketyree9652]

My favorite is an old cold steel kukri in cabin V

[@redfaux74]

Big fan of CS! ❤

[@Jesuswillbeback]

Wow, you are winner of ALONE👍🏼🙋🏼‍♂️ Regards from Slovenia

[@terrytoledo4826]

This is my favorite channel. Great videos!

[@acrobaticalpaca6675]

6:34 'They were two different bloody swords!'

[@thomasnugent3836]

Very informative and educational. Thank you very much

[@aulii11]

Grew up in Hawaii, never used anything but a machete, but, man, that Kukri is one sweet tool!

[@nickmartino2839]

That is the beautiful and best thing is we can have multiple tools for cutting!!! I've never had to choose just one lol!! ,depending on what I'm doing is what tool I'll be using..everything from 4 inch fixed blade to a kukri...

[@ronaldsanders1774]

Great video gentlemen, looks like I'm going to buy my first kukri, having grown up in south Florida I've never really needed an axe, so I've always carried a machete on my outings. Thanks again to both of you !!

[@seanthomasdowd]

I think that is the best real world test of those three tools head to head, my preference for an all round tool is the kukri

[@rat1knives771]

Actually you and Allen turned me to the kukri. I bought the condor K-Tac and i love it. I was in the market for a new chopper anyway due to the fact i bent the blade on my Camillus dont buy any Camillus three of their products failed me and they wernt being abused thanks guys for turning me to a dependable kukri

[@charleshayes2528]

Hi, I have just seen this video, so these comments may come as a late surprise. I was impressed with the machete, better than I have seen before, since they are often used for clearing brush or cutting sugar cane and not so much the heavier wood. The Kukri being used is quite thick, it is difficult to tell on screen with a moving image, but almost certainly thicker than my workaday blade. I have some larger Kukri which are thinner in the spine and relatively light because of a distal taper (spine gets thinner towards the point). Surprisingly, this does not detract from the forward balance of the blade, esp. with an old "Afghan"-style Kukri which is 17 inches of blade, with a partial tang - resulting in more forward balance and great chopping action. However, this blade is razor sharp throughout its length and probably more personal weapon/military in purpose. It is not that you can't chop wood with it, but the edge might not survive as well as the thicker models; also the thinner blade profile might stick, like the machete. Tora Blades made a replica of a very similar type of blade. I own one of them and it is slightly deeper in the belly and slightly heavier than my antique, partly due to a through tang and a larger, thicker, handle. This handle is too large for my hands, but Simon Hengle (owner of Tora Blades) is a tall man with larger hands. He has tested all his blades against wood and has even chopped nails (embedded in wood) and then shown that the blade is still intact and still sharp enough to slice paper or even tomatoes! There are other, more slender, and light Kukri which could probably do all the jobs of a machete and at 17.5" have a reasonable reach as well. This is not to knock the machete, since the Gurkhas have used them in jungle, probably because they are longer than the service Kukri. Indeed, you would have to go a long way back to find a military Kukri that came anywhere near the machete in size. 1950s to 1970s the blade was about 12-13", the present is about 10.5.". However, I have seen a small 8"-9" Kothimora split a log around the same height as the ones where the machete got stuck. A larger Kukri failed, but this smaller blade succeeded because the woman wielding it used the same technique of dropping into the cut as Alan uses in your film. She also aimed for the bottom of the target and used a very slight draw cut - and all on her first attempt. The larger Kukri was too heavy and the handle was too big, so I took the risk of letting her use the presentation knife. This was a partial tang, horn handle and in a beautiful scabbard, but unlike some "decorative" blades, it was really well balanced. Nevertheless, I was shocked at how well it cut through the log! It is nearly 50 years ago now, but the memory is still with me! Sorry for rabbitting on, thanks for the video and I wish I had seen this earlier and had a chance to get that Kukri!😀

[@redfaux74]

On 3 is my go to anyway. I've been subbed for a while and that channel is incredible! Jason and Alan are informative AND incredibly entertaining. That Kukri is mine! 🤣🤣🤣 "I keel you".... 🎈🥳🎈

[@ONThree]

Ha! Good luck! I hope you win it!

[@dansherman7486]

Great videos! Love Alan! Machette

[@forhonorknight]

It really comes down to simple camping or backpacking. I'd say if your camping bring all three. If your backpacking take the khukri 😁

[@donavantew8278]

I have 9 kukris from knives buy hand, there truly the best kukris in the world,

[@Jay-mv7xv]

Great vid! Wish I hadn't missed the giveaway! New to your series, but consuming your vids like a starved man being given a buffet! Thanks!

[@jamesdodson9417]

My brother brought one back from Panama back in 89 it’s a wonderful work horse

[@edcgearpocketknife]

Great video man I had to share in my Facebook group.

[@velocity324]

I like a 10in knife and a silky gomboy for most of my bushwhacking needs. It chops really well and the silky will make short work of anything substantial. It's also a lot less awkward than a kukri to use for batoning and other knife tasks. I use a bark river crusader, but a Kershaw camp10 works just as well for around $50.

[@brawndothethirstmutilator9848]

The Camp 10 does a LOT for its price. It’s very kukri-like with that forward blade angle out of the handle.

[@MTMILITIAMAN7.62]

I am going to carry a smaller knife, like my OKC RAT3, and probably a folding saw, regardless, so I think I will stick with a tomahawk or small hatchet for the big stuff. Use whatever works for you, but I just feel more confident in the ax.

[@RealityCheckGA]

That Fiskars is a great Splitting Axe and just okay chopper. I've used mine for years. My Hults Bruk and Restored Antique American Axe are great Choppers and just okay Splitters.

[@MTG_7]

Gransfors is really good, sorry for late reply lol

[@kennethcruise7635]

Never used Kukri , but I think I like it . Have used machete a lot and is very functional .

[@kevind7617]

After watching 5 or 8 videos.. I'm starting to get the impression of.. "Broke Back Survival"

[@micahwest5347]

You find these videos homoerotic?

[@kevind7617]

@@micahwest5347 looking for my Butt Plug as we speak

[@keithkilby2911]

Just came down from Rabun County marking lines up the side of one of those step mountains, never tried a kukuri, but for me I just like a 30 inch sharp machete, but at 50 I've been using machete since I was a young boy.

[@glennevitt5250]

Thank you for this information 😎

[@drunkenoctopus6311]

Alan should do more voice over work. His speech is the audio equivalent of a big warm piece of cornbread, dripping with fresh honey. Now who wouldn’t like that? On Kukris, for the last 4 years I’ve carried a Kukri when I go hunting. OKC brand. It’s not pretty. But, it makes short work of up to 4” saplings when cutting shooting lanes. And, it takes a good edge and holds it good enough. If the barbarians are at the gate, and I’m grabbing one of each of the Cs, the Kukri makes the short list.

[@sifusasdo2314]

Cool Video 👍 Thank U for the Info and the Links 👍

[@cocovasquez1]

I got a Condor Ktac Kukri and after this vid..I'm a kukri user for life. Already contacted Frank but he's sold out. Hope to get to meet you guys one day.

[@kennethrimmer1883]

I use a K-tac condor kukri and a Becker bk21, I debate which one I prefer

[@barneygo2010]

Condor KTac Kukri and a /Becker BK2 reside in my vehicle!

[@Jared_304]

Awesome blade! Beautiful!!

[@justinjones5578]

If I’m choosing, I take them ALL, but I have wanted a Kubrick for some time now!

[@SCQT]

Big fan of the Skrama 240(+small knife +saw) down in Florida. Deals with brush the way an axe just cant, and with the heat the larger wood processing ability of the axe generally isnt needed. More versatile / wieldy than a proper machete, in my hands at least, but still has enough reach for dealing with vines / brush and processing saw palmettos etc. The long handle seems to be well balanced with the 4mm stock weight to give enough tip speed that chopping performance is excellent, for its relatively small size, and doesnt wear you out too much. I did find that the scandish grind tended to bite deep but bind more than i liked, so it has since been convexed a bit which has helped, but still isnt perfect. Have not tried a kukri yet, but its next on the list

[@chris1638]

Great info. Now, I know

[@antoniescargo4158]

A machete is for large herbaceous plants in the tropics.

[@Nyalise]

I won't give up my axe just yet but I will definitely be adding a kukri to my collection

[@stevepenney2073]

You are one of the very few people ive seen on y tube that actually knows how to chop.Most will spend 5 minutes trying to chop a 2 inch thick branch.

[@thedoorguycharlie]

Bought a Kukri after Alan's video of "If I could have only one knife"....Lives with me in my car ;)

[@I_Am_Victor]

Jungle then machete is excellent choice. Kukri is more of mountain terrain hacker and Axe is woodlands most important tool. There's something else which has got best all-rounder abilities... The Bowie! That's ultimate knife for all situations, from length 9in to 12in with chopping abilities to butchering or processing food and wood works. Plus is combat proven. Good Presentation 😎👍

[@charleshayes2528]

@I_Am_Victor. No disrespect to the Bowie, but Kukri fans would say the same thing of the Kukri, a superb chopper, sharp and suitable for all but the fiddliest of fine tasks, ranging from about 8" to 17.5" (!) for one handed versions and the biggest ones aren't necessarily the heaviest or clunkiest. Of course, once they get that big, they are weapons or heavy tools and not so much for whittling. However, a very large Kukri was once used to lance a boil on a Nepali's cheek! I really like Bowies, BTW but what we get over here are usually cheap trash or wall hangers. I have tried chopping with one and it was OK, esp. for batoning, but doesn't have the forward balance that makes a properly designed Kukri such a good chopper - some of the modern versions have fairly shallow drop, narrow bellies and heavyish handles, compared to classic Kukri, so they are going to be less effective at the things the Gurkha Kukri excels at. Also, the Kukri is battlefield proven, both as a personal melee weapon and in mass charges at the enemy, even when the Gurkhas had been given Rifles and bayonets and taught to use them, they used to switch the rifle to the off hand and go in with the Kukri.

[@_Pyroon_]

The condor amalgam is amazing... Basically a parang and kukri in one

[@brazzy1467]

I took an old leaf spring I had and forged me a Kukri. Now I have a couple of old large wrenches from the 40's and 50's that I bought and I'm going to make a couple of different size Kukri's.

[@lindaridenour2032]

Beautiful Kukri.!!!

[@josem.amoedo8623]

Great video! I like the versatility of the Kukri. Just never got used to the curved blade, so I use something similar, but straight.

[@charleshayes2528]

@josem.amoedo86 It's a pity, since it's the curve that makes the blade work. But I struggle with other tools, such as a large axe, for example - due to being disabled and it is about finding what works for yourself. Some people on this page seem to feel that its a competition. While I am clear I love using Kukri, it would be silly to suggest that it is better than all other tools. Although I prefer to use it for chopping, I recognise that felling even a medium sized tree is going to go better with a proper large axe (leaving aside mechanised tools like chainsaws.) I saw an Aussie lumberjack competition and their modern-steel axes could go through large chunks of wood like butter and still retain a shaving sharp edge. Similarly, machete are great for reach and for slash-cutting foliage/vines/cane, where a heavy blade might push the material away unless the edge was very sharp and the technique precise. In fact, the Gurkhas would use machete (or the local equivalent) for clearing brush in the jungle in WW2 because they were custom-designed for the job and in order to save the Kukri's edge for other, more serious, work. In Nepal, of course, a Kukri might be used to cut brush in the Terai (the swampy, jungle, southern part of Nepal) but in that instance the Kukri is an everyday carry multi-tool and it wouldn't make sense to carry a large Kukri and a machete and axe in most situations. (And many personal Kukri are much larger than the modern British Service Issue or the modern Western copies, such as Cold Steel).

[@jasonvickers2265]

Jason has on proper foot attire today 🤣🤣 this has got me really interested in kukri.

[@ONThree]

Hahaha! Should have worn the sandals. People would have had a fit.

[@drunkenoctopus6311]

As a fellow Lord Board wearer, I’m with you Jason.👍

[@RS-wg5ky]

Love those colombian machetes! Gavilan is great wish i could get my hands on corneta incolma machetes Love kukris too fav are from tora blades

[@Antipodean33]

That machete worked real well. I think mine needs more weight to cut that well

[@hildolfrdraugadrottin7279]

I've used a lot of kukri blades and they are great choppers. I've got one from Nepal that's really thick that chops like a small axe, but I hate how they do their handles with the raised ring in the center. It does give a fairly secure grip but if you use it a long time it'll start to give you a blister. I've got some kukri designs that are actually more machetes as far as length and thickness goes and I like them far more than the typical machete designs. When I have limited space I like my Ontario SP53. I reprofiled the edge and made it a lot thinner and it's a chopping machine now. I like my axes for felling and bucking but I always carry a short heavy bladed knife or Kukri for limbing. It may be overkill to some but I normally pack a small axe, a large heavy bladed knife and a small folding saw in all my packs. It may be a little extra weight but it more than makes up for it when you have to actually do a lot of cutting imo. Great video and good advice for those that are new to this kinda thing.

[@12tribeff]

I live i na jungle environment so i want some extra reach but i want soemthing for larger branches.

[@charleshayes2528]

@hildolfdraugadrottin7279. The rings can help to lock the grip - most people think two fingers on either side of the rings gives the best result, but it depends on the size of your hands and the thickness and length of the handle. I have tried one finger above the ring and three below, but this only works if the handle is not too short and it can put your little finger too near the pommel, which can weaken your grip. Choking up and only having the little (pinky) finger below the rings can work, again, if the handle is not too short, but that can change the balance - and that is the important point. Unless the handle is really wrong for you, the most efficient grip for chopping will usually be the most comfortable. I have had some Kukri where the rings irritate a lot, particularly on larger wooden handles, but many older knives, especially with horn handles, show the rings partially worn away or less prominent, which makes the Kukri easier to use. The British Service Issue has very flat rings, like grooves in the plain of the surface, with very little raised area, so that may be more comfortable. Unfortunately, the modern service issue is only 10.5", still a solid knife, but not large. I think the rings may be a compromise from an older, partial tang, design where the handle nearest the blade was slightly larger in circumference and length than the rear section and this involved a clear step between the two, a smaller cylinder centred on a larger, if you see what I mean. Even allowing for large blades and smaller Nepalese users, these handles look short and I wonder if the grip technique may have allowed the little finger to overhang the end. This was a technique used with bamboo swords in Kendo and prevents the hand opening when raising the blade. In any case, the Kukri is not one design, unlike a machete or basic axe, so there are variations in blade length, handle length and style and balance. You may prefer the slab handles on a full tang "panawal" Kukri. These are not confined to replicas and can be found on some genuine military Kukri, esp. of the Indian army.

[@hildolfrdraugadrottin7279]

@@charleshayes2528 Thanks for all the info. It was interesting. I think if the ring had been rounded a little more it wouldn't be as irritating. The one I have with the ring was made by the X Kukri House if I remember correctly. I don't think it's a traditional type since its full tang and had triple fullers. It's a beast for sure but imo it wasn't tempered or heat treated properly. It's really soft but maybe that's how they like them there. I made an 18" in 1/4 "O1 years ago and it was my favorite chopper but unfortunately I was stolen in a burglary. I may make another someday if I get back into knife making. They are some of the best chopping blades imo and I can see why they were such formidable weapons in the hands of a skilled fighter.

[@charleshayes2528]

@@hildolfrdraugadrottin7279 Hi, a friend had a beautiful kothimora with a decorated scabbard stolen not long after I had given it to her; and we have been burgled a few times ourselves, so I feel for you. I don't know the particular house you mention, not even sure I know it by name. I am no expert, but there seems to be a massive variation in quality between the "houses" with a lot of them each claiming to be the "only" one with the licence to make the British Army Standard Issue knives. I have never owned a panawal (full tang) and quite like my Rat Tail - through tang - blades. The few full tangs I have seen have been replicas of the Indian Army design and they do seem to have a very prominent (single) ring, which is one of the reasons I don't like them, apart from the fact that most seem to be quite angular, clunky choppers and I have come to like a more curved outline. I realise you are probably not looking to buy another knife, but Kailash Blades do a Panawal with a not too harsh angled blade and with a nicer looking handle, kailashblades.com/product/panawal/ but I think they may also offer it on some of their other styles or could do a special order if full tang is what you want. I came across Kailash too late. Not only do I have too many Kukri to persuade my wife I really need another one, I am too unfit/unwell to really go out and use a working blade and can't justify a showpiece, esp. as I don't really have a good place to show any of the ones I already have. They mostly live - eke out an existence - in a cupboard, waiting for the day when someone wants some serious wood cut for a fireplace or a big barbeque. I hope you are well.

[@hildolfrdraugadrottin7279]

@@charleshayes2528 Thanks for the link and the reply. I'm almost positive I have been to that site before and if I'm remembering correctly they do have some beautiful blades there. Unfortunately with the current economy and the way the our corrupted government is behaving I can't justify another Kukri right now. Many people don't realize that our food chain is in real jeopardy. Because of this I haven't thought it wise to spend more money on things I already have what most so called normal people would say is a ridiculous amount of blades. I've been suggesting to anyone who will listen that procuring ways to obtain food is a wise investment all things considered. People may laugh about it now but my tinfoil hat and I will be having the last laugh unfortunately. Hope you feel better soon and have no more burglars visit you.

[@redfaux74]

There are Kukri with Lanyard holes that can allow you to extent your reach. Cold Steel used to make a Kukri on a pole. That shot of the Kukri at the very end looked like the Predator invisibility trick. Awesome video Jason! ❤

[@ONThree]

Thanks!

[@charleshayes2528]

@redfaux74, Some traditional Kukri have longer blades and slightly longer handles, but still intended for one handed use. While a lanyard might allow you to choke back to the end of the handle, the forward balance of an authentic Kukri or a realistic copy means the blade always wants to drop forward in the hand, something that a straight blade like a machete doesn't have, even though it has a slightly widening point. The lanyard might secure the knife, but it might give false confidence. Lose your grip on the Kukri and it will fall forwards and down, a lot like slipping whilst swinging a large axe. The nearest thing stopping it might be your leg. I have done this when my Kukri skidded off the branch I was chopping and caught my leg, thankfully jeans meant only a very slight scratch, but it was scary! The skid was my poor technique rather than any fault of the knife. The early Gurkhas had smaller handles on their knives than the modern style and they could jam Kukri into muzzle loaders and make a kind of bayonet/halberd/axe from their guns! This gave them reach, but was a last ditch tactic as it was not as nimble against the enemy's bayonets as the Kukri in the hand.

[@ronaldcoleman1323]

Great show thank you.

[@draxx4041]

Its all based on experience & preference majority see people using a knife,axe,machete & are like oh shit that looks bad ass I'm gonna buy it I've used a axe,kukri,traditional machete, japanese nata,several other designs to the conclusion my preference what works for me is the borneo parang or my own parang that i designed as my all around cutting tool so it take time & money & practice to figure out what suits you out in the field

[@ghoulishgoober3122]

Spot on man, I happily admit I just think Khukuris are fucking cool, but I also respect them and what they've been used for historically. I would hope I can give the right answers to a Gurkha if I meet one of them, and not offend. I'm gonna become experienced even if it's for a silly reason, because Khukuris are badass! To me.

[@BrettsForest]

heck yea great vid guys

[@longrider42]

I guess I'm just old school. So I take a small folding saw with me, a Heavy Tomahawk or light axe and a knife. But yes the Khukuri isn't bad. I have a brand new one, that I haven't taken out yet. But come warmer weather I will give it a field test. My preferred axe, is a Viking era Bearded Axe. You can really choke up on the blade

[@noorizalsanad6918]

I believe that kuhkri can be a good defence tool especialy in a rainforest. Greetings from Malaysia. Great content you have there.

[@edwardrichard2561]

Personally the full size fisher axe/maul works awesome.

[@hankrichardson9057]

I've never really used a kukri much I have a cheaper cold steel machete and I like it but I would say no doubt the kukri would be my one tool option for most tasks in the woods or around the house, I'd like to own one of the real kukris there really nice .

[@KBee795]

I do like the Kukri as a single tool choice. There is one factor to consider with using one: the shock felt in the hand and wrist hitting wood with a short length tool. With the axe you won't have much of this shock. As for weight I really don't care as long as the tool works as I need. I've seen folks hunt with the lightest rifles and I'm out there with much heavier guns and do just fine. I'm glad you mentioned that the machete is very inexpensive which is the first brush tool to get. Maybe you could mention some low and high dollar kukri knives for those starting out. We've bought some survival knives that were pretty thick but honestly I wish we had gotten a thick kukri knife instead. The only kukri knife we do have is a thinner, longer blade than what you are using. I use it for scouting for deer before hunting season and clearing shooting lanes.

[@charleshayes2528]

@KBee795. I have done a lot of chopping for firewood, not so much "batoning", but splitting large logs - as a disabled person, I prefer a one handed implement as I can retain balance better. A hand axe can still give quite a jar if the wood doesn't split very much, a slightly longer handle can reduce that, but a sharp Kukri cuts into the wood better than some slightly thicker axes and esp. with the right technique - the Kukri is a knife and a slight draw cut works on most chopping motions better than using it like a Maul. If the wood is really hard and the Kukri not well balanced, it can jar, because you can't let the blade "fall" into the wood as you can with an axe, but I have seen a small 8"-9" Kukri split a section of log about as tall as the ones in the film with one blow, the Kukri didn't even hit the wood underneath, but the blow split it easily. No hand jar, but the cut was fully committed and involved a drop from standing into a full squat, similar to what Alan does in the film. The knife was wielded by an 18 year old 5ft 2" inch woman - and she had never used a Kukri before. Admittedly, this wasn't chopping a bouncy tree trunk and isn't typical (nor is the woman!) but it shows what a Kukri can do with good technique. If the handle is right for your hand and the balance and length are right, you can work for a long time without shock or blisters.

[@alphaomegasurvivalsupply6548]

Condor bushcraft parang, silky big boy, and white river knives ursus 45 is all you need nothing else.

[@dennisleighton2812]

Nice video and some interesting takes. However, are we asking the right question? Why take only one tool into the woods "to do some chopping?" Maybe chopping isn't the right activity? Maybe there's a smarter way of processing wood for different reasons and purposes. Maybe a mix of tools will achieve the result easier and with less energy expenditure? Let's look at a few tasks: cross-cutting: much attention is given in the video to this using an axe and machete. Yet those tasks would be achieved far quicker and easier with a highly efficient Silky folding saw, which is several times lighter and easier to use, while delivering a neater squared-off end. For cross-cut processing of wood in the forest NOTHING (short of a chain saw) can compete with some sort of saw. For me going out in the woods needs a Silky - not negotiable! splitting: here the axe come more into the picture, and does it quite well. But specialised tools like froes and metal wedges do it as well if not better. However, one needs to ask the question - why is it necessary to split large logs, which first have to be cut with a saw in the first place? In the forest/woods there is any amount of dry wood available in just about any possible size, thickness and length to be collected for whatever purpose, eg building or making fire. If it IS necessary (for some reason) to occasionally split a particular log (eg for finding dry core wood for feathersticks) then it can be done in the absence of an axe with something smaller like a kukri (or large knife) as in the video. Rule of thumb: restrict log diameter to half the length of your knife blade (example - in my case my CS Trail Master has a 9,5 inch blade so I wouldn't split logs bigger than 4 inches maximum). [Note: in cases where you have transport available ( truck, car, horse, quadbike, etc) then weight is generally not an issue, then one can lug along your favourite axe. After all, chopping with and axe/hatchet is great fun (in moderation). wet/green wood - here again the Silky reigns supreme! carving/shaping - once more smaller tools are the answer here as an axe is a bit unwieldy for these tasks. In the video it is quite obvious how awkward even a kukri is when doing the finer work. Here specialised knives or similar tools do this work much better. Carrying 3 or more such dedicated tools is often easier and weigh less combined than one axe, so why insist on the axe. One can spread the weight and bulk in your pack or on your belt, whatever suits you for the circumstances. For general application my starter kit would be: Silky Gomboy, large knife (my current CS Trail Master), a bushcraft belt knife (Victorinox Venture Pro system), and a multitool knife on a lanyard in my pocket (Hercules). With these tools one could accomplish most of the wood processing tasks one could expect on a trip into the woods/forest. I would be very interested in your take on my approach. Cheers mate!

[@duncang01]

I carry an 18 inch Ontario machete and a Swiss Army One Handed Trekker. I never had any problem.

[@jeffioiselle7982]

I carry a light ax a machete a khukri and a tomahawk and a leatherman multi tool. All the bases are covered.

[@brentmouille]

I have a Gerber machete that bends opposite the kukri and it has held up and performed very good for me. Though I will have to get a kukri so I can compare it. I imagine it will be less versatile than the kukri though.

[@redfaux74]

Nothing beats a Kukri.

[@Scubadog_]

I think a big difference is the price, at least where I live. Any kukri that's thicker than 2 mm is going to cost you over a hundred, where as you can get a decent axe or machete for about half that price.

[@aaronsgunsmithing]

Of all the knives I own. If I had to take One out to the woods to build a shelter it would be my Schrade SCHF37. It has a long thick blade like the Kukri. It just isn't curved. It does have a carbon steel blade, so I can use it to make a flint & steel fire (I'm okayish doing that)

[@nomad753]

I do like a Nepalese made Kukri , a Malaysian made Golok , or even the Ontario Bolo . My opinion doesn't matter , just helping the algorithm!

[@redfaux74]

I have a Nepalese Kukri, Indian and 7 Cold Steel Kukri. I wouldn't trade 10 others for 1 of my Cold Steel. There is zero competition. My Ghurka martial arts teacher from Bando was highly impressed with the Cold Steel Kukri. Lynn Thompson designed one with my teacher, Dr M Gyi and put their logo on it. You won't believe it until you get one.

[@nomad753]

@@redfaux74 I have heard great things about the Cold Steel . Don't know about the quality as of lately . Didn't Lynn sell the company?

[@JJMorrisFTF]

If you will do it will do.. I Honey Smack Dig that one... Definitely gonna use that one now.. Thanks for sharing

[@ONThree]

Ha! We should make shirts shouldn’t we? The list of Kay-isms is growing fast.

[@kimcurtis423]

Depending of course, on the job, but as Alan says, for an all around cutting/chopping tool that can do it all except for felling large trees, the Kukri IS the Preeminent tool for the job!. No doubt about it! I am in the process of making MY version of the Kukri from a 5/8th inch thick leaf spring from truck! It WILL do the job! I have a beautiful Kukri, from Nepal and another from India's Gurkha Regiment that is traditional and authentic! Mine will be somewhat thinner than the original 5/8ths inch but not a lot! Maybe 3/8ths inch when I'm through! The steel will handle ANYTHING you can reasonably throw at it! When it comes to felling trees, use a felling axe, but anything from skinning an animals large as an American Bison, (BUFFALO) to as small as a squirrel it WILL do the job! It will take on all the firewood and kindling you need and it will still allow you to do ALL the camp chores and even slice a steak as thin as you want it! The KULRI is the preeminent blade for all things other than a tree felling axe!

[@robertwhitfield5740]

"If you will do. It will do." It's things like this which can be the difference. Mucho grassyass umbrella 👍

[@ShelleyRaskin]

Love khukuri, but at wok, where I am likely to be hitting junk close to the ground I favour a cheap Golok, thick blade, don’t care if it hits the odd stone, and can sharpen on a bit of 150 grit sandpaper, but if I had to choose one to go to bush with it would be a khukuri.

[@TailsxNobody]

I'm feeling stupid... rewatching Alone and introduced my girlfriend to season one. She stated "Alan looks like the guy in some of the youtube videos you watch". I payed no mind to what she said until this video.... this is the same Alan.

[@98hundy]

I seldom see videos about tools for the desert. I live in the Great Basin, most of the firewood we use can be processed with a heavy pair of gloves and a boot. A shovel comes in handy more often than a axe.

[@jameshealy4594]

Aussie, and valid point - the dirt in my area is as iron-hard as the trees so I try to do neither unless it's critical but shovels are a lot less glamorous than big choppy things!

[@98hundy]

@@jameshealy4594 that cracked me up, thanks.

[@SINESTERSERPENTSIXXX]

right tool for the right job

[@douglasreed9237]

Love khukuris I'll have to check out Frank's knives by hand. Any suggestions on the thickness diameter at the Tang and tip of the khukuri which you prefer and also the length. Thanks for the great review. 👍👍

[@andreasnitsch8119]

Kukri, because we were out fishing and needed wood , my freand had a kukri handmade from bumper steel( dont know if thats the right Word) from a car . I used it and since then i know its qualitys. Sorry for my Englisch. Sitting now in Austria.

[@pauljohnston9446]

I like my Condor Village Parang ... a lot

[@Hohmies86]

“ I’m a khukri man” 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Y’all are my kind of bipedals

[@markfergerson2145]

I got lucky and paid twenty bucks for a sirupate (a longer less wide-bladed relative of the kukri) from Nepal at a yard sale. I couldn't tell if it was the real deal or tourist junk so I tried it out on some firewood. I haven't used my hatchet since. I've taken it into the Washington backwoods and love it to death. These knives haven't been the multitools of the Nepalese for generations for no reason.

[@ghoulishgoober3122]

Sirupate only refers to the shape, it isn't any different from other Khukuris. A sirupate is a type of leaf in Nepal, that the Khukuri is made to resemble

[@KaylynnStrain]

don't have a favorite chopper because I do not own one, I need to get one

[@redfaux74]

If you listen to the video closely you'll notice Alan continually goes back to the advantages of the Kukri. He does that for a reason. He not trying to shoot Jason down because they're Spirit brothers at this point but he can't help his passion for this King of blades. Cold Steel makes excellent Kukri for $40 (back yard toys) to $600 for the best with many options in between. I have several and highly recommend them. Amazon has junk knock offs. Good luck. I would go for the $300 options. Unbeatable....

[@cyberserk5614]

I'm not trying to downplay the kukri but with an axe you can literally drive in 300mm nails and build a house, and jump of a longship and conquer England if you're in to that stuff, and I'm saying that as a swedish carpenter.

[@redfaux74]

One thing I saw that really impressed me is Alan's "stops". Control is almost everything. In most previous wars 85% to 90% of all casualties were friendly fire. I don't think I've seen that 1 out of 100k times. Impressive sir! And breaking your blade by going too far in your strike would get you weaponless, injured or your butt kicked by your instructor. Check out On 3. Great channel! ❤

[@3nertia]

Timestamp, please?

[@redfaux74]

@@3nertia - I'll rewatch and let you know. 1) From 1:23 to 2.00 you see what NOT to do (sorry Jason). His prep swing is way back out of his vision and then his swing thru is wild and could potentially hurt someone next to him. Yes, there is no one there I'm sure he knows there is only him and Alan but is a really bad practice. At 2.03 you see he has to move his left leg IN swing. You never assume it won't go THRU your target. Most injuries in the wild are caused by yourself. 2) Immediate following you see Alan start. His back swing is diff. It's close to his shoulder and he's not swinging PAST his intended aim. That's called "stops" for control. Even IF someone were close, they are 95% safe. It requires some intentional practice and concentration. We only had a few warnings from my teacher before he kicked out arses. 3) Even at 4:12 Alan is twirling the machete in tight circles, not wild, and they're all in his peripheral vision. All his "strikes" are tight and not endangering someone who could have moved close.

[@redfaux74]

4) Look at 6.21.... You'd have to be a hanging possum to be in danger of that. Skill! 5) But the best example of what I'm trying to say is 11.00 to 11.10.... That is THE example of "stops". Control, not hitting your weapon past your intended target (especially yourself, knees or feet) or damaging your blade on a rock, etc. I hope that helps. Most of the video has the back swings out of camera.

[@mikethomas5412]

Alan looks like the Flavor Flav of the survival world. 🔪🕔

[@aucourant9998]

I have a traditional Nepalese kukri. The downside is that they are heavy (and very forward heavy particularly) and the traditional handles are not very comfortable. I have covered my handle in hockey-stick tape and that makes it a lot better and I use a long heavy duty camera shoulder strap (from Amazon) as a baldric to carry it which means I don't feel the weight at all. Be aware also that the tangs on Nepalese kukris are narrow spike tangs (although they are full length) and, therefore, are not as strong as full width tang kukris made in the West. Also, the traditional Asian kukris have relatively short handles and might not suit people with large hands. Having said all that, I love mine, they look great (especially with the baldric), and are superb choppers.

[@donmiller6435]

The Kukri is sweet