East meets West in this battle for hearts and minds in the review of two Kukris. One traditionally handmade and the other build by modern tech. Which is superior?
I have a collection of Tora blades as well as a Cold Steel standard in 1055 carbon steel and the San Mai III. These were bought when Lynn Thomas still owned Cold Steel. What surprised me was the San Mai III did not stand up compared to the regular Cold steel. The edged rolled. I’ve never has an issue with Tora Blades Kukri. I like them as I was able to purchase a new copy of traditional war time issued Kukris. They are awesome. Cold Sterl now has a Kukri in 3V and if ai had the money I would jump at it. If they did the heat treatment right, that baby has to be indestructible. A dream.
To be real, the street price for the Cold Steel Gurkha Kukri (SK5 ver.) is about $200 USD. The delivered price for a Tora depends on the model: from $135 USD to $250 USD. So the out of pocket prices are similar today. As far as helping earthquake, tsunami, tornado, flooding countries. I strongly believe you get more bang to the buck by not buying a product for your benefit, where maybe only 10% to 20% of that money goes to the charity. *But by directly giving a donation or much better going to the devastated country yourself to help.* And then truly you will have eternal blessing from God. Stay frosty.
sweetcostarica ¿Costa Rica? Soy partidario de comprar productos según su procedencia, tal como hacen los norteamericanos con sus productos nacionales para apoyar su propio país. Nunca cosas chinas pues están esclavizados por el sistema más cruelmente capitalista del mundo, por mucho que mal lo llamen comunismo.
sweetcostarica Well I guess it depends on that if you say by 100 and a clip a whole regiment with some then it counts at the very least you’re feeding that guy’s family for about a year
I just bought my first Nepalese Khukuri, and am pretty stoked about it. I think you are right, for camping/ bushcraft all you need is a small bushcraft style knife like the Mora, a Condor Bushalore or a Rat-3. Add a lightweight bow saw and you will own the timber!
PlanetRigo Yes, so true. The real interest in the non-tourist kukri (real ones) is it's superior fighting abilities. A lot of folks like that "manly" characteristic of the deadly kukris. But for bushcraft, hiking, or just practical use other tools are better individually. Like you said using a knife & saw works for almost all your outdoor needs. If it is wet this a hatchet or axe should be added to you gear load out. The kukri is a great multi purpose tool that good all round but not great for a specific task save for fighting with. The kukri is great fun though : ) Take care
Good video. My main concern is how well both knives hold their edge over a long day cutting stuff up. My current knife is a Kabar kukri, and I really like it. It's held a good edge with very minimal sharpening for 3 years. I prefer the thicker back of the handmade knives to add weight for splitting medium size logs, but it's all about the edge retention that seal the deal for me.
+pistonar *1st* both kukri makers use carbon steel i.e. 5160 recycled Spring Steel for the Tora and SK5 or O-1 for the Cold Steel Gurkha kukri. So those steels should hold up very well to all day work. *2nd* Traditional kukris are light to medium choppers for offensive use, for self-defense, for cutting bamboo and making firewood. The wood that is to be chopped/cut should be *no bigger than arm size* (and that arm size wood cutting is done in emergencies only) *3rd* If wood larger than arm sized is to be cut the axe is used for all day work. *4th* If you sharpen your tools *after every use* it should not matter what steel you use even high quality stainless. It should only take a few minutes if your tool was sharp to began with. Note: This is my opinion from what I have experienced and learned of Nepal and their kukri (NOT the tourist or Western type of kukris). Hope the best for you.
@sweetcostarica Exactly. Many folks seem to not realize the most used tools for outdoors work in Nepal are their billhooks/sickles and axes. When a guy goes out to get firewood in Nepal, they carry their axes out there. They're not running around all day chopping trees with khukuris! Khukuris are convenient when on foot to gather and process small wood to start a campfire .... but not to be felling large trees all day. There's a huge obsession in America with using a large knife as an axe all day long chopping down massive dead hardwoods and splitting them up on a frequent basis. I still don't get the obsession. If you think you'll be doing that kind of work.... then bring the appropriate axe or hatchet. Most of my mountain outings, I don't have a need to be chopping and splitting cords of firewood, so a khukuri handles the smaller needs just fine.
I own a kukri from Nepal and a CS Kukri. I find that the CS is better balanced and has a more reliable Repeatable manufacturing process. Some of the Nepalese companies don’t fit well with western hand sizes and you really have to watch out who you purchase them from. Too thick for their own good, like a sharp crowbar. My opinion, purchase what you will.
"Experience soon teaches that even a hatchet trivializes what is work and time consuming with other tools." Quoted from Old Jimbo. Nothing beats an axe or hatchet in Winter in Alaska or anywhere really. But for Summer or light to medium chopping, splitting, and as a last ditch self defense weapon, the Kukri is hard to beat.
I will grant you all your points- with one caveat- "The saw is master of them all" for most of those tasks... I learned the bow saw and the bucksaw before I knew what a kukri was.. and used a hatchet or axe for splitting. again that was before I had used my own kukri.
That was way too light khukuri here we use a little heavier khukuri for heavy weight work and small khukuri for less heavy work but yes can't do the work of axe.
I don't know which one will actually preform better, as if you do a wood splitting and battoning competition you'd work all day and nothing will happen, but I do know that I can get a Tora for less than 200€ meanwhile Cold Steel sells the gurkha kukri at a much higher price. I think the choice is obvious.
By sheer merit of how much GARBAGE cold steel produces apart from their few high end items like this limited edition long sold out kukri design.. I’ll never give them a dollar of my money. I try to avoid giving my hard earned money to businesses who’s whole business model is selling cheap crap made to break.
I BELIEVE THAT THE TORA IS MUCH BETTER BUT TRY TO GIVE AN UNBIAS REVIEW. THE prying with Tora on wood helped, the soft swings with cold steel was obvious
+spencer coates Actually, I would recommend both equally and the Cold Steel has the edge in durability with a really strong tang design. For me I like the saber grind (or scandi grind) on the Toras much better than the Cold Steel Gurkha kukri. The Tora is much easier to maintain a sharp edge. But you are correct, I am bias for Toras.
@The Stupid will Inherit the Earth {They won't inherit Earth, they already run it and hold most of the major concessions} The CS Gurkha kukri is NOT a machete- CS does make kuk-like machetes but this isnt one of them. Ive used both and I assure you that this CS product isnt a machete...
Thanks camokid1ss. I used to hate Kukris but that was because I only handled poor cheap ones in the 70s and 80s. Now that I am older I can get the best. Cold Steel, Himalayan Imports (their traditional designs), and Tora Blades are the Top of the food chain (IMO). Why do I think this? Because of their efficient blade design that shears as it cuts, it's weight (usually about 600 grams for a 32 cm blade) is easy to cut all day and carry. And lastly they pleasing to the eye. Some are works of art.
interesting to note, on the Tora military blade, the difference in the edge angle close to the hilt. The Cold Steel edge goes towards the grip/hand. The Tora, has an angle the goes away from the handle/hand :)
Hi, i recently purchased the Gurkha Kukri from cold steel in O-1 steel. I have to say that the knife is really fun. Its damn easy to sharpen! I have also bought sand paper, and only a few strokes are enough to get a really good edge. The staining steel is really no issue because on my fishing trips, where it is confronted with moisture, i realised just a few spots, but further within a minute with sandpaper and the blade ist shining. Really really enjoy the steel. I wish i had an original one either, so i could compare. Thanks for the great review!
Me too. They are the last of the real Kukris to be exported. By "real" I mean the kind of Kukri a native Nepali wound use. Tora are real replicas. Thanks for your kind words MegaBaldy09.
5160 Spring Steel is a little better for it's tough "springy" nature and I thought the Tora was better because it's 5160 is differently treated. This is a common view though. Hope it helps.
That's what I thought too during testing. The Tora was easier to use though in the way a Kukri, Parang, Bolo, etc. is used. That is the loose two (2) finger grip. This SE Asian traditional method makes the tool easy the swing all day without tiring out because it lets the knife do most of the work for you. The rubber grip on the Cold Steel was a hindrance to this method.
Swing straight into the wood with your first chop then the second should slant into the first chop at about a 45 degree angle and you'll make a lot less work for yourself. Also, I've heard that the Cold Steel has had problems with the handle breaking off during batoning. So a real test would be pitting them against some tougher wood. At any rate good job on the video.
Kukris are really nice tools. I'm in Alaska and you need tough equipment and these Kukris work well in 3-season camping and hiking. I always pick traditional Kukris to use which really are normal Kukris (about 1 to 1.4 pounds) used everyday in Nepal. Non-traditional Kukris are mainly ones for tourist or export. These are much heavier and are almost always unbalanced so not very good for actually using and in their weights (2 to 3 pounds) an axe is much better. Yes, Kukris are so artist in looks and you probably haven't seen the best crafted one yet. They are breathtaking.
sweetcostarica Can you point me to a few nice ones since you have experience? Himalayan Imports, khukuri House, and Tora Blades are generally the ones I hear about, are there any other quality makers I'm missing?
***** I'll try and help you but I'm not an expert. Buying and using Kukris depends heavily on the individual likes & dislikes. The Three Types of Tangs in Nepal; 1/ Puraparo = Rat tail tang. This is now the most common type of tang in Nepal. 2/ Aadha paro = Hidden or Partial tang, the traditional tang of Nepal. 3/ Chirawal paro = Full tang (divide tang), the least favoured and used in Nepal, is used on the MKII and MKIII military Kukri models. Hidden and Rat tail tangs great feel to use, little or no shock comes back into the hand, and a well made will last you a lifetime (if not abused). The full tang called in Nepal chirawal came about from British influence (not proven but probably true). It is the strongest handle design for a knife, but shifts weight into the handle, and make the Kukri itself heavier. The Major Types of Kukri blades In Nepal there is pretty much a split between: sirupate types (slender bladed) and chaura types (wide bladed) In Villages you often see one Villager with his sirupate and another with his chaura style kukri, its all down to personnel preference. With all this in mind I recommend: - The Tora BSI Kukri (excellent lightweight utility Kukri) or the bigger new military line: The Tora WW2 issue Angkhola kukri (Single fuller) The closest modern made Kukri to the traditional and best quality is: - The Cold Steel Gurkha Kukri now in 01 tool steel. A great choice for a tougher effective blade. Hope this helps you will the many choices out there.
Yes, I did but it was about a year ago. Toras are sold when they are made in batches. So those groups of blades are then sold every 3 to 4 months as far as I can tell. When the Kukris are on pre-order that's good because they will reach London soon and then then shipped to the customer. But you are right it could take months even now. I think they are worth it since you get the real McCoy and a top handling blade.
Hey Anky, Sorry to hear you had such a bad experience with them. I'm curious, did you get your knives online or directly from Cold Steel or another legit knife vender? I'm not affiliated in any way with cold steel but, I casually know Lynn and his crew up in Ventura I used to collect blades and was even looking into becoming a vender at one time. Me and a couple of my my brother in arms got suckered with some Chinese boot leg versions of Cold Steel's products sold by an unscrupulous vender out of Florida. They were just like the ones you described. I mentioned this to Lynn, who was so pissed he was going to fly down to Florida with his lawyer. Mr Thompson does come across as a very arrogant and opinionated man, but he will give you the shirt off his back. His employees also love him, most of which are very well known in the martial arts world and have worked for him for decades? Point is there is A LOT of crap on the market claiming to be Cold Steel that's boot leg. Btw, I'd never buy direct (they are pricy) by from a vender like Atlanta Cutlery, Bud, Smoky Mountain, etc. or even better, if you live in So Call like myself check out their side walk sales they hold a couple times a year at their head quarters in Ventura. I picked up 2 of their khukuris for around $50! They also have one of the best customer service depts. Sorry for being so long winded. ;-)
I own many cold steel knives and enjoy going to the parking lot events. My kukri is part of my go kit. I’ve also met Lynn both at the events and at Blade show west. Passionate about his brand. Also, the videos are entertaining.
Thanks for an almost empirical comparison of the two blades. I have my own style and preferences so having a video without sensationalist or overtly biased direction is quite nice.
Hi Martin, this review is a little dated. Since I made it both companies have "improved" the kukris & their line up of models. - *Cold Steel (CS)* has the O1 Gurkha kukri (had problems with the steel though) & a new model the CS Gurkha Kukri Plus. - *Tora Blades Co.* has a totally new line of traditional kukris called KTM, new Kamis (Blacksmiths), and a new factory (after the recent Nepali Earthquake). We have to go back to the drawing board. Stay frosty in 2017.
the most important thing that i think you know that many people forget, is that khukuri blades are thin because theyre meant to chop people, not wood. Sure they could be used as outdoors tools, but this tool is more designed to hack through flesh, bones, and muscle and not dense wood
@@i_love_crpg Sorry, my computer is acting up, on my phone I'll give you my opinion to your comment(s): The kukri is a tool. Use it as you wish 😉, i.e. 1 1: 1 man 👨 use is for war = military 1 man use is for peace = village God bless 🙏
@@sweetcostarica well they were originally designed as backup weapons for gurkha warriors in a time when a rifle took more than a minute to reload, they were definitely designed to kill people I would definitely carry a kukri for skinning and taking apart game though
I should have checked the prices more closely. Cold Steel Gurkha (SK-5 model) is really overpriced (IMO) and more than Tora's Battalion/Regimental Issue kukri that's in this comparison. On Amazon presently the CS Gurkha is $161.00 USD or £99.82 UK and with you figures Tora Batt/Reg. kukri is $125.00 or £78.50 UK. Even with shipping the Cold still is more expensive. That will be added in note form to the video because this is important to people today in this recession. Good point sirupate.
$140 for a authentic tora kukri hand made in Nepal with thicker and higher quality steel, or $764 for a kukri designed by white dudes in the cold steel office and made of shittier steel... seems like a no brainer to me...
I heard that too. But no play at all. I think a bad batch of CS Gurkha Kukris made on Friday got shipped. If you have play in the CS's handle I would try to send it back or re-handle with wood. Wooden handles would make the CS Gurkha Kukri a much better tool (IMO).
I misspoke in the specification section. Guest I got mixed up. Anyway corrected that mistake so no one get the wrong idea about the Tora WW 1 Batt/Reg. Issue (not WW2). Love the history of these models.
Thanks for the Kukri videos, I've been thinking about one for a while now. Since you're in AK, so am I, what do you think about hatchet versus Kukri as a woods tool up here? Thx!
I bought a Kukri off a guy in a knife forum. How can I tell what knife maker in Nepal made it? Is there a poster somewhere with the various markings? I have pounded the hell out of it on various outdoor adventures, and it retains a good edge, and has not chipped yet.
It is very difficult to tell who made what _if the are no makings or any particular design_ on the exported kukri. My recommendation is pass on trying with that one, just enjoy your purchase and... the next time you buy a kukri off of someone *ask them that question* if it is really important to you. NOTE: *_in reality any kukri made in Nepal is not made by one man, it is made by many people during the manufacturing & these men change all the time._* So a perfect kukri today by the group may be an average kukri in the next batch of blades as *_kami skill_* & *_quality of materials_* in the 3rd World changes. God Bless
sweetcostarica Awesome! Thank you for the reply. I just got home and looked at it. It says CROM GT Forge on it. Also has 2 mini knives that are tucked into the sheath between the belt loop and main blade. One is sharpened, and one is not sharp at all and is just a flat piece of steel
As far as a wood-splitter/camp knife/pry bar/hammer/skinner, the Tora will get the job done a little better because of that thick saber grind and extra blade in the scabbard... a workin' man's knife, no doubt, and far more useful for everyday tasks. I feel like Cold Steel, with their full flat grind and ergonomic grip, tends to make their knives more for fucking people up than wood processing. Don't get me wrong though... I wouldn't want that traditionally made kukri to catch me in the collarbone either. To be honest, I don't think you can lose with either one, though I prefer a thinner, more sculpted handle for a fighter. The extra weight in the handle also serves to make a blade come alive in your hand, instead of feeling like a club.
Patrick2345454 I always leave to knife fighting to the pros and if you ever saw knife fight participants in the hospital or morgue you will know why both fighters are losers in that kind of confrontation. Best use a pistol, rifle, or shotgun in a fight. So I pick my kukris purely for multi-purpose use and of course wood work. I agree will you Patrick2345454 that a Tora Blade's kukri is the best choice for that due to their design. Stay safe & frosty.
DickEnchilada It depends on what price folks refer to (retail, before taxes, street prices, etc.). I bought my Cold Steel Gurkha kukri for $140 USD total from eBay. The Tora WW1 Battalion Issue kukri cost about the same if you included shipping from overseas.
You know, I completely forgot that eBay existed haha Either way, thank you for the review. I bought a Tora Blades Jangala Kukri partially because you ranked them so highly. I'm very excited to receive it.
The Cold Steel Kukri sticks in wood because it is so much sharper. I have both of these and to me there is no competition. Cool Steel kills it. Tap a person with ANY part of a Cold Steel and you are in the ER. Not so with the other. Cut, likely. But CS will sever something every time. To the bone!
I got the CS GK a couple of years ago. I've had multiple kukris from Nepal for much longer and the CS kukri blows them all out of the water. Nepali kukris look nice and may perform fairly well, but don't be that idiot who thinks the "original" has mystical properties that make it better than modernized versions.
The _Cold Steel Gurkha Kukri_ is considered by the "knife world" the best mass production Western kukri ever made. *Remember* _"multiple kukris from Nepal"_ are probably *tourist kukris* and it does not take much to best those thick heavyweights. *Observations from my video above is:* - The Cold Steel made kukri was tougher & just as good a chopper/splitter. The balance of it was good but not as good as the Tora Blades. - The _Tora Blades Battalion Regimental Issue kukri_ was balanced nicely for all round use. The Tora's sabre/scandi edge split a little better than the thinner Cold Steel blade and that sabre/scandi design also made sharpening much easier in the field. I picked the *_Tora Blades_* & sold the _Cold Steel_ (2 of them) for the main reason that the Tora Blades is the better kukri due to being *_the real thing_* and the kukri in use tells you this by it's liveliness. _Note:_ To use the Tora Blades Battalion Regimental Issue kukri you must use the SE Asian *_two finger,_* *_loose grip_* technique to get the most out of your kukri with less energy. BTW: the "mystical properties", kukris being blessed, & having a soul of a knife god somewhere is just for tourist. As a Christian I believe there is just one spiritual power. God Bless.
lordwilson100 Hmm, I have never heard of that. I would use it and test it's chopping & splitting capabilities. But the spine shouldn't really matter much but I have no way of knowing your big knife's "health" since I can not test it myself. If bought new that really should have been returned for another, the CS Gurkha kukri you have now sounds like a second.
Having used both Cold steel an an original Kukri Gurkha Issue 5th(GI5) (which comes with 2 x small knives for utility use) I find the GI5 to have the better balance and cutting power. That's purely subjective of course you pays your money and you takes your choice, nothing wrong with the Cold Steel just never comfortable with it. Either Tora or Khukuri House will give you a wide range of blade styles.
I like them both SK-5 CS Gurkha Kukri and the Tora ,if you are ever interested in selling that Tora or SK-5 ,but especially that Tora let me know ,that model is just what I been looking for in a Nepalese made model. I own A 01 tool steel CS model already.
you can vote and decide winner just by the looks of the khukuri with outing using it...... like torra has long leafe sape which weight is heaver in edge and which cut thing easely!!! which we call "#serupate khukari" gys if u wana get khukuri get it straight from Nepal !!! the orignal and with nice cutting ......
I don't know South African Import Laws; hopefully you can receive Kukris from Simon Hengle of Tora Blades like many other parts of the world. In any case the Cold Steel is a very good blade. There's no doubt it is heads and shoulders above most knives in it's category. If I were a solder the CS Gurkha Kukri would be the better package because of it's excellent sheath.
Hello. I would like to know, what these little notches on the "Tora" are good for, and why does the "CS" does not have these notches? In fact interesting comparison.
Cold steel could have flubbed the kukri so bad and it would have sold just as well or even better. but they did a great modern and functional kukri and they should get praised for that.
So true. The *Cold Steel Gurkha kukri* (not the San Mai or Gurkha kukri plus) is considered the best non-Nepali made production kukri in the World. EDIT: Happy New Year!!
Price as of Nov. 2016 - Tora Blades WW Battalion Khukuri is $108 USD (with S&H total cost is $128 USD) - Cold Steel Gurkha Kukri will cost total from $167 USD to $208 USD I was actually surprised at how close in performance these two kukri designs were. There are plus' & minus' to both kukris: - hand crafted means a well balanced efficient joy to use tool, IF you get a *well done one* - Modern factory made means consistency & warranty for any breakage - hand crafted means you have to wait (2 to 8 months) to get your kukri - Modern factory made = else of buying next day if needed or in 3 days to get your kukri - hand crafted in Nepal means you get a differently heat treated kukri (a great process) - Modern factory made = your kukri has the same hardness from the edge to the spine Etc. Stay frosty.
Modern times: the traditional kukri is about 115 if getting from nkkh, not sure about Tora blades. Likely the same price range. Cold steel on the other hand is about 600 give or take.
Interesting video. I have the Cold Steel and a Tora m43, which is pretty much exactly the same weight and length as that one. I've modified my Cold Steel by adding a choil and profiling and thinning back the edge back quiet a bit. Here's what I found when I did the same test. They both cut about the same as far as depth. The Cold Steel can be swung faster because of the lighter weight so that diminished accuracy, but matched as far as depth went. The Tora would be a better replacement for a small axe in my opinion. And the Tora M43 handle sucks right out of the box. But a little tape should fix that. And a very carefully, shallow ground choil would change the feel of the Tora too quit a bit. The Cold Steel with the choil makes the knife extremely manageable for small tasks. I would never feel I needed a second full tang knife now if I have my Cold Steel. It works that we'll in the hand now. I carry that and a Swiss Army knife. But the Tora is no slouch. I'm going to add a choil to it and take it camping this summer. I think splitting wood is where I would see these two really part ways. I got my Cold Steel so dang stuck last week splitting a piece of regular fire wood (a 10 inch piece cut in half, so 5 inches) I needed an axe to free it. I hit a knot that i couldn't see under the bark. The Thicker and heavier Tora doesn't have as much problems splitting thicker wood. If I went on Alone I would take the Victorinox Work Champ, Council Tools Velvicut felling axe, and the Cold Steel kukri. (for Vancouver Island) However, if the location I was going was such that I didn't need a lot of endless fire, I would probably leave out the axe and take the Tora and the Work Champ. The Work Champ can be altered to a perfect carving and game processing knife where as the Leatherman can not. The Leatherman is for mechanics and urban life use first and for most. And it's hard to make it anything else. The WC pliers while small, cut 20 gauge snare wire with ease and pull fish hooks really good. Also, the Victorinox can opener for example can be shaped to be a great wood gouge. Check out Fowler's water bottle video for that. But these blades are amazing. With a little work on both, a guy with OCD could go crazy trying to pick one ever the other:) Great video!
Glad you are enjoying The Cold Steel but there is no such thing as a " Tora M43". Himalayan Imports make a "M43" but it really is a overweight tourist type kukri. Thanks for you kind words Patrick G.
sweetcostarica Oh well yes now that you reminded me it is a Himalaya. Man I hate making mistakes like that. The older I get the more I do it. It so obvious. So yeah though the weight and leather are almost identical. I hope it's not a tourist blade. It was recommend and promised not to be by Nutinfancy. But who knows. It came from Himalayans Imports and I don't know where they get them from. It's pretty solid though. I think when you started talking about the ww2 batalion kukri is what confused me. Himalaya imports makes one with a similar name.
sweetcostarica I noticed one more thing in my testing too. Maybe you have some thoughts on this too. And that is edge retention. The M43 holds its edge better than my Cold Steel 0-1 does. How did your Tora do? I can't remember if you said that in the video or not. I may pick up a Tora soon. I like to try different makes and models. Then I buy more of the best ones and give them out as gifts. Hey and thank you for the video. It's one of the better ones out there.
Edge Retention of Cold Steel Gurkha Kukris in 0-1 is bad (or was bad if they have fixed this issue). I heard CS are having problems getting their 0-1 heat treating right. Himalayan Imports are known to have good heat treating. They are just big & heavy kukris. I special ordered a Himalayan Imports M43 and it was very large, not even close to the real M43 of Nepal so I returned it. Tora Blades are also known for good heat treating & very sharp edges. Almost every Tora I have owned held a great edge. Just one Tora Sirupate kukri was soft at the edge & that was an old one I bought used. Tora's are the only kukris I buy now. I don't think you will regret getting one, no matter the cost.
CS is more than twice the price of the tora. Thanks for posting your videos by the way, I am considering getting a havildar after seeing it in your other video.
Check them all out. Save up and do your own tests. You will find (I believe) that Tora Blades are number 1 - if you are looking for a traditional kukri.
The votes which count the most will come from Gurkha troops. The blade was made for them, and made famous by them, and with a primary use other than wood processing.
I have owned two Cold Steel Gurkha kukris (CSGK) and wish I just tested that kukri or handled one that someone had. I say this only because real original kukris are: - weighted in a better way as to chop & cut more effectively - of S. E. Asian handle design which is easier to use & less fatiguing that Western designs - balanced for quick use that is a big advantage in all things kukri - are lighter in weight. Usually around 450 to 550 grams for all day carry & use - are designed more for multi-purpose duties & not just chopping - on & on I sold both my CSGK as the hidden tang & stick tang traditional kukris are much better for serious kukri use for what it was designed for. The only plus I saw in the CSGK was it's tough all weather plastic sheath. This is my opinion.
Kukri was/is a general purpose knife and used as much by farmers as by soldiers. Why not compare the two brands effectiveness at digging potatoes or yams and see which one is still sharp afterwards?
Yes, it's really nice but this model is no longer produced by Tora Blades. They have a new Kami that mades the same WW1 Battalion/Regimental Issue but in a different style. The same but different. The new ones called the Tora WW Battalion Kukri. It's about 100 grams lighter, has a different butt plate design, and much better wood. I like the newest WW Battalion Issue even more than the one I tested mainly because it's easier to use & carry in the woods. They both are great Kukris though.
both are shown for minor use in the video... but which one do you prefer/suggest for everyday use or long term use... durabilty? ergonomic? maintainance?
Due to _how_ & _what_ kukris are used for in the different countries, I must give you two (2) answers: *_The West_** (i.e. USA/UK/Germany/etc.):* The CS Gurkha Kukri *is the best one* for the *_tight_* white knuckled grips of almost full-power chopping & cutting done in our culture (the West). This increased pressure to the handle of any tool use means the tool needs a full-tang or a modern solid injection molded tang like on the Mora Bushcraft Black or the Condor Parangs. *_SE Asia_** (i.e. Nepal/India/Pakistan/Philippines,etc.):* In SE Asia for everyday use, for many, many generations knives like the Tora Blades Kukri has been used, it *is the best one* for the all day, light to mid-power chopping & cutting using the *_loose_* two (2) finger grip of much more precision type of woodwork. In this region the _pinned stick tang & hidden tang_ tools are much preferred.
Yes, as I told you before and as it says in the video above: *It is a replica of a WW1 Battalion Regimental issue khukuri.* If you go to Tora Blades Website it gives all the information you need. Please check with them & email them any questions you may have. Thanks.
Today on Amazon the Cold Steel Gurkha Kukri cost $164.67 USD (free shipping). It has a 4 1/2 star rating from 51 people. Weight: 22 oz. The Ontario 6420 OKC Kukri Knife cost $55.11 USD with free shipping too. It has a 4 1/2 star rating from 76 customers. Weight: 18 oz (a more traditional Nepali weight by the way). Either Kukri above is great for bushcraft. But the Ontario is easily the best cost vs performance choice. I have two (2) CS Gurkha Kukris: - One bought from Amazon for $156 USD with free shipping. I got it about one year and 4 months ago. - One bought from eBay for $123 USD + 11 USD S&H = 134 USD total. I got this two years ago. Hope this is useful.
This is just about the dumbest comparison I have ever seen. Neither blade was taken anywhere near its limit so all we get is one muppet's totally subjective opinion about which COOKERY??? feels better. There is even insulating tape holding 3 small bits of wood together as a chopping board while our expert attacks an enormous twig with all the ferocity of a hibernating sloth. I mean WTF?
I have XL hands for an American. The Tora Battalion Issue kukri in the video above has an XL to XXL handle size. The biggest I've had so far. The Tora kami who made them, made this batch to have longish, big handles. I had a newer and of slightly different design Tora Battalion Issue kukri and it had a medium to med-small sized handle which was Nepali sizing. That kami made it that way for his reasons. So the answer to *what is the handle size* on this and other Tora Blades models is: It depends on the batch that month, the kami's idea of handle length, and how much wood, horn, & steel they have for production. Tora Kukris do not have standardized handle sizes. Have a great day.
Hard to find the *_Cold Steel Gurkha Kukri_* today and they cost about $200 USD if found. I would get a real *Tora Nepali replica kukri* for that amount of money for better balance & ease of sharpening in the field. But the Cold Steel knife is the best foreign mass produced kukri - in most folk opinion.
Cold steel clearly out performed the Tora kukri even though it is an inch shorter, and lighter blade. The flat grind penetrates far deeper ("sticks...") with each cut. The handle is better, the sheath is far better, blade is full tang which is stronger and out performs a stick tang any day. Here's the coup de grace; CS Gurkha is not a 4 month wait, and specs are manufactured consistently. Without a doubt, hands down, Cold Steel is a far better kukri. Lynn Thompson did a fantastic job upgrading the kukri with modern design taking advantage of technology which is proven to far surpass the traditional. If you are stuck on traditional for collection sake, Tora makes the best blades. Be patient to get one from Nepal.
Idk about blades but handles, tora looks better. I own recon tanto with such handle and it may be okay for regular knife but bad design for heavy chopper. Tang most likely has rectangular step, tora most likely doesn’t have. Craton material shrinks in cold temperature and starts wobbling. It also wobbles after lot of use. It is just soft resin on steel. If it has texture for traction, you will have blisters from chopping.
This is an old video friend 🧡 Please compare the harder *3V steel* yourself. I will guess that it holds an edge for a longer time (pos.) but is very hard to sharpen (neg.). Carbon spring steel is used by people in developing countries because it is the best of two worlds🤔, _Carbon Spring Steel_ holds an edge for a long time and is easier to sharpen in the field. Have an outstanding June 1st.
@@sweetcostarica Thank you and same to you my friend ! Actually I have both 5160 Ontario Ranger whole family and 3v cold steel about 5 knives and both steel are great but cpm3v has a better edge retention and 5160 is real nice as well.
The Cold Steel one is Taiwanese/Chinese... ugh. Nothanks. I'm not a fan of the BT Tora kukris, but they were pretty good too. Tora/authentic blades will always beat the modern day failed Taiwan/Chinese production attempts at the design/process/materials. Edit: Forgot to mention that I think my favorite Tora kukris are the goorkhali ones, but I've only seen vids.
jordan nazif These posts were from awhile back. I am pretty alright with Taiwanese made goods now. While I still keep a distance from most Chinese knives, I acknowledge that some are good, like the Reate's. Occasionally, when I see these old comments I just delete them, but figured I'd give you an answer since we cross paths every now and then in our knife hobbies. It was around this time in 2015 that I started spending thousands on knives, so was still getting a feel for what I liked and didn't like and was more passionate about the hobby. I ended up going with an EGKH kukri because Tora wasn't taking orders at the time.
Tora kukris are great and worth the wait (IMO) like Albion replica swords a 3 to 6 month wait is normal. I understand though how some folks need/want to get started sooner. The Chinese & Taiwanese steel industry (just like the history of the Japanese steel industry) started off with mostly very poor quality products. They are learning, improving, and many foreign business have helped them get better by sending their machinery & sharing knowledge with them in partnership deals. Today, Chinese & Taiwanese steel products range from poor/workable items to very high end items. It depends on the factory and requirements of the home or overseas owner.
![The FEARED Kukri! [What You NEED To Know]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/w6ZIY2i1t2s/mqdefault.jpg)
![The FEARED Kukri! [What You NEED To Know]](/img/tr.png)
![[UA] Eternal Fire проти NAVI | EPL Season 20 Malta](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/chvlsDygrZM/mqdefault.jpg)
I have a collection of Tora blades as well as a Cold Steel standard in 1055 carbon steel and the San Mai III. These were bought when Lynn Thomas still owned Cold Steel. What surprised me was the San Mai III did not stand up compared to the regular Cold steel. The edged rolled. I’ve never has an issue with Tora Blades Kukri. I like them as I was able to purchase a new copy of traditional war time issued Kukris. They are awesome. Cold Sterl now has a Kukri in 3V and if ai had the money I would jump at it. If they did the heat treatment right, that baby has to be indestructible. A dream.
The Cold Steel 314 $, the original Tora Kukri 135 $ and you help to a devastated country by an eartquake. Who needs more facts?
To be real, the street price for the Cold Steel Gurkha Kukri (SK5 ver.) is about $200 USD.
The delivered price for a Tora depends on the model: from $135 USD to $250 USD.
So the out of pocket prices are similar today.
As far as helping earthquake, tsunami, tornado, flooding countries. I strongly believe you get more bang to the buck by not buying a product for your benefit, where maybe only 10% to 20% of that money goes to the charity.
*But by directly giving a donation or much better going to the devastated country yourself to help.*
And then truly you will have eternal blessing from God.
Stay frosty.
sweetcostarica ¿Costa Rica? Soy partidario de comprar productos según su procedencia, tal como hacen los norteamericanos con sus productos nacionales para apoyar su propio país. Nunca cosas chinas pues están esclavizados por el sistema más cruelmente capitalista del mundo, por mucho que mal lo llamen comunismo.
sweetcostarica Well I guess it depends on that if you say by 100 and a clip a whole regiment with some then it counts at the very least you’re feeding that guy’s family for about a year
¡Ese es un muy buen punto!
If you had only one to defend yourself from hostiles in the woods, which is the best preffered option?
I just bought my first Nepalese Khukuri, and am pretty stoked about it. I think you are right, for camping/ bushcraft all you need is a small bushcraft style knife like the Mora, a Condor Bushalore or a Rat-3. Add a lightweight bow saw and you will own the timber!
PlanetRigo Yes, so true. The real interest in the non-tourist kukri (real ones) is it's superior fighting abilities. A lot of folks like that "manly" characteristic of the deadly kukris.
But for bushcraft, hiking, or just practical use other tools are better individually. Like you said using a knife & saw works for almost all your outdoor needs. If it is wet this a hatchet or axe should be added to you gear load out. The kukri is a great multi purpose tool that good all round but not great for a specific task save for fighting with.
The kukri is great fun though : ) Take care
Good video. My main concern is how well both knives hold their edge over a long day cutting stuff up. My current knife is a Kabar kukri, and I really like it. It's held a good edge with very minimal sharpening for 3 years. I prefer the thicker back of the handmade knives to add weight for splitting medium size logs, but it's all about the edge retention that seal the deal for me.
+pistonar *1st* both kukri makers use carbon steel i.e. 5160 recycled Spring Steel for the Tora and SK5 or O-1 for the Cold Steel Gurkha kukri. So those steels should hold up very well to all day work.
*2nd* Traditional kukris are light to medium choppers for offensive use, for self-defense, for cutting bamboo and making firewood. The wood that is to be chopped/cut should be *no bigger than arm size* (and that arm size wood cutting is done in emergencies only)
*3rd* If wood larger than arm sized is to be cut the axe is used for all day work.
*4th* If you sharpen your tools *after every use* it should not matter what steel you use even high quality stainless. It should only take a few minutes if your tool was sharp to began with.
Note: This is my opinion from what I have experienced and learned of Nepal and their kukri (NOT the tourist or Western type of kukris).
Hope the best for you.
@sweetcostarica Exactly. Many folks seem to not realize the most used tools for outdoors work in Nepal are their billhooks/sickles and axes.
When a guy goes out to get firewood in Nepal, they carry their axes out there. They're not running around all day chopping trees with khukuris! Khukuris are convenient when on foot to gather and process small wood to start a campfire .... but not to be felling large trees all day.
There's a huge obsession in America with using a large knife as an axe all day long chopping down massive dead hardwoods and splitting them up on a frequent basis.
I still don't get the obsession. If you think you'll be doing that kind of work.... then bring the appropriate axe or hatchet.
Most of my mountain outings, I don't have a need to be chopping and splitting cords of firewood, so a khukuri handles the smaller needs just fine.
I own a kukri from Nepal and a CS Kukri. I find that the CS is better balanced and has a more reliable Repeatable manufacturing process. Some of the Nepalese companies don’t fit well with western hand sizes and you really have to watch out who you purchase them from. Too thick for their own good, like a sharp crowbar. My opinion, purchase what you will.
"Experience soon teaches that even a hatchet trivializes what is work and time consuming with other tools." Quoted from Old Jimbo.
Nothing beats an axe or hatchet in Winter in Alaska or anywhere really. But for Summer or light to medium chopping, splitting, and as a last ditch self defense weapon, the Kukri is hard to beat.
I will grant you all your points- with one caveat- "The saw is master of them all" for most of those tasks... I learned the bow saw and the bucksaw before I knew what a kukri was.. and used a hatchet or axe for splitting. again that was before I had used my own kukri.
That was way too light khukuri here we use a little heavier khukuri for heavy weight work and small khukuri for less heavy work but yes can't do the work of axe.
Man, when you added that Mora at the end...POW POW!
Nathan Louviere I love Morakniv. Great country, great steel, great price and I even like the Scandi grind.
Tora makes some of the best kukris available, I'd take one over a cold steel any day.
I don't know which one will actually preform better, as if you do a wood splitting and battoning competition you'd work all day and nothing will happen, but I do know that I can get a Tora for less than 200€ meanwhile Cold Steel sells the gurkha kukri at a much higher price. I think the choice is obvious.
By sheer merit of how much GARBAGE cold steel produces apart from their few high end items like this limited edition long sold out kukri design.. I’ll never give them a dollar of my money. I try to avoid giving my hard earned money to businesses who’s whole business model is selling cheap crap made to break.
The chainsaw noises in the sped up footage was beautiful
Thank you so much I have been looking for something to take camping with me and my family
Normally I watch grass grow when I want to be bored to death but this surpasses that.
I BELIEVE THAT THE TORA IS MUCH BETTER BUT TRY TO GIVE AN UNBIAS REVIEW. THE prying with Tora on wood helped, the soft swings with cold steel was obvious
+spencer coates Actually, I would recommend both equally and the Cold Steel has the edge in durability with a really strong tang design.
For me I like the saber grind (or scandi grind) on the Toras much better than the Cold Steel Gurkha kukri. The Tora is much easier to maintain a sharp edge.
But you are correct, I am bias for Toras.
+spencer coates
Also on the second test he used the cold steal one on a place with several knots
@The Stupid will Inherit the Earth {They won't inherit Earth, they already run it and hold most of the major concessions} The CS Gurkha kukri is NOT a machete- CS does make kuk-like machetes but this isnt one of them. Ive used both and I assure you that this CS product isnt a machete...
Thanks camokid1ss. I used to hate Kukris but that was because I only handled poor cheap ones in the 70s and 80s. Now that I am older I can get the best. Cold Steel, Himalayan Imports (their traditional designs), and Tora Blades are the Top of the food chain (IMO).
Why do I think this? Because of their efficient blade design that shears as it cuts, it's weight (usually about 600 grams for a 32 cm blade) is easy to cut all day and carry. And lastly they pleasing to the eye. Some are works of art.
interesting to note, on the Tora military blade, the difference in the edge angle close to the hilt. The Cold Steel edge goes towards the grip/hand. The Tora, has an angle the goes away from the handle/hand :)
Hi, i recently purchased the Gurkha Kukri from cold steel in O-1 steel.
I have to say that the knife is really fun. Its damn easy to sharpen! I have also bought sand paper, and only a few strokes are enough to get a really good edge. The staining steel is really no issue because on my fishing trips, where it is confronted with moisture, i realised just a few spots,
but further within a minute with sandpaper and the blade ist shining. Really really enjoy the steel.
I wish i had an original one either, so i could compare.
Thanks for the great review!
I was pretty sceptical at first in terms of the steel, that is used in traditional forged kukris. No quality control there, is it?
Glad you liked it. These Kukris were close in performance so either should work for a big efficient chopping blade in the wild.
Me too. They are the last of the real Kukris to be exported. By "real" I mean the kind of Kukri a native Nepali wound use. Tora are real replicas.
Thanks for your kind words MegaBaldy09.
@@arturravenbite1693 Sorry, no advertising in the comments. Removed.
I would much rather have the Tora. The cold steel is a decent Kukri, though. If you want traditional, nothing can beat the Toras
5160 Spring Steel is a little better for it's tough "springy" nature and I thought the Tora was better because it's 5160 is differently treated. This is a common view though. Hope it helps.
That's what I thought too during testing. The Tora was easier to use though in the way a Kukri, Parang, Bolo, etc. is used. That is the loose two (2) finger grip. This SE Asian traditional method makes the tool easy the swing all day without tiring out because it lets the knife do most of the work for you. The rubber grip on the Cold Steel was a hindrance to this method.
This is not Asian grip, but advanced grip.
Think about european small sword for example.
Swing straight into the wood with your first chop then the second should slant into the first chop at about a 45 degree angle and you'll make a lot less work for yourself. Also, I've heard that the Cold Steel has had problems with the handle breaking off during batoning. So a real test would be pitting them against some tougher wood. At any rate good job on the video.
I Like Cold steel Kukri, very handy and fast to move.
Good choice.
Nice. Not normally a fan of traditional styled kukris but this Tora is really nice. Diggin' the insane forward sweep on it.
Kukris are really nice tools. I'm in Alaska and you need tough equipment and these Kukris work well in 3-season camping and hiking.
I always pick traditional Kukris to use which really are normal Kukris (about 1 to 1.4 pounds) used everyday in Nepal. Non-traditional Kukris are mainly ones for tourist or export. These are much heavier and are almost always unbalanced so not very good for actually using and in their weights (2 to 3 pounds) an axe is much better.
Yes, Kukris are so artist in looks and you probably haven't seen the best crafted one yet. They are breathtaking.
sweetcostarica Can you point me to a few nice ones since you have experience? Himalayan Imports, khukuri House, and Tora Blades are generally the ones I hear about, are there any other quality makers I'm missing?
***** I'll try and help you but I'm not an expert. Buying and using Kukris depends heavily on the individual likes & dislikes.
The Three Types of Tangs in Nepal;
1/ Puraparo = Rat tail tang. This is now the most common type of tang in Nepal.
2/ Aadha paro = Hidden or Partial tang, the traditional tang of Nepal.
3/ Chirawal paro = Full tang (divide tang), the least favoured and used in Nepal, is used on the MKII and MKIII military Kukri models.
Hidden and Rat tail tangs great feel to use, little or no shock comes back into the hand, and a well made will last you a lifetime (if not abused).
The full tang called in Nepal chirawal came about from British influence (not proven but probably true). It is the strongest handle design for a knife, but shifts weight into the handle, and make the Kukri itself heavier.
The Major Types of Kukri blades
In Nepal there is pretty much a split between:
sirupate types (slender bladed)
and
chaura types (wide bladed)
In Villages you often see one Villager with his sirupate and another with his chaura style kukri, its all down to personnel preference.
With all this in mind I recommend:
- The Tora BSI Kukri (excellent lightweight utility Kukri)
or the bigger new military line: The Tora WW2 issue Angkhola kukri (Single fuller)
The closest modern made Kukri to the traditional and best quality is:
- The Cold Steel Gurkha Kukri now in 01 tool steel. A great choice for a tougher effective blade.
Hope this helps you will the many choices out there.
Yes, I did but it was about a year ago. Toras are sold when they are made in batches. So those groups of blades are then sold every 3 to 4 months as far as I can tell.
When the Kukris are on pre-order that's good because they will reach London soon and then then shipped to the customer. But you are right it could take months even now. I think they are worth it since you get the real McCoy and a top handling blade.
I have a Cold Steel bought twenty years ago when it was about $125
Hacking away at a log in the woods with traffic and construction noise blowing away the sound track sure takes away from the wilderness experience.
I did get a good chopping block about a month after. You are right of course. Thanks Moors Hound.
Hey Anky, Sorry to hear you had such a bad experience with them. I'm curious, did you get your knives online or directly from Cold Steel or another legit knife vender? I'm not affiliated in any way with cold steel
but, I casually know Lynn and his crew up in Ventura I used to collect blades and was even looking into becoming a vender at one time. Me and a couple of my my brother in arms got suckered with some Chinese boot leg versions of Cold Steel's products sold by an unscrupulous vender out of Florida. They were just like the ones you described. I mentioned this to Lynn, who was so pissed he was going to fly down to Florida with his lawyer.
Mr Thompson does come across as a very arrogant and opinionated man, but he will give you the shirt off his back. His employees also love him, most of which are very well known in the martial arts world and have worked for him for decades? Point is there is A LOT of crap on the market claiming to be Cold Steel that's boot leg. Btw, I'd never buy direct (they are pricy) by from a vender like Atlanta Cutlery, Bud, Smoky Mountain, etc. or even better, if you live in So Call like myself check out their side walk sales they hold a couple times a year at their head quarters in Ventura. I picked up 2 of their khukuris for around $50! They also have one of the best customer service depts. Sorry for being so long winded. ;-)
I own many cold steel knives and enjoy going to the parking lot events. My kukri is part of my go kit. I’ve also met Lynn both at the events and at Blade show west. Passionate about his brand. Also, the videos are entertaining.
Thanks for an almost empirical comparison of the two blades. I have my own style and preferences so having a video without sensationalist or overtly biased direction is quite nice.
Hi Martin, this review is a little dated. Since I made it both companies have "improved" the kukris & their line up of models.
- *Cold Steel (CS)* has the O1 Gurkha kukri (had problems with the steel though) & a new model the CS Gurkha Kukri Plus.
- *Tora Blades Co.* has a totally new line of traditional kukris called KTM, new Kamis (Blacksmiths), and a new factory (after the recent Nepali Earthquake).
We have to go back to the drawing board.
Stay frosty in 2017.
I have the windlass Assam rifle brigade kukri at 13 inch blade it is a beast and a beautiful piece...solid and deadly...
the most important thing that i think you know that many people forget, is that khukuri blades are thin because theyre meant to chop people, not wood.
Sure they could be used as outdoors tools, but this tool is more designed to hack through flesh, bones, and muscle and not dense wood
1 1
@@sweetcostarica huh?
@@i_love_crpg Sorry, my computer is acting up, on my phone I'll give you my opinion to your comment(s):
The kukri is a tool. Use it as you wish 😉, i.e. 1 1:
1 man 👨 use is for war = military
1 man use is for peace = village
God bless 🙏
@@sweetcostarica well they were originally designed as backup weapons for gurkha warriors in a time when a rifle took more than a minute to reload, they were definitely designed to kill people
I would definitely carry a kukri for skinning and taking apart game though
I should have checked the prices more closely. Cold Steel Gurkha (SK-5 model) is really overpriced (IMO) and more than Tora's Battalion/Regimental Issue kukri that's in this comparison.
On Amazon presently the CS Gurkha is $161.00 USD or £99.82 UK and with you figures Tora Batt/Reg. kukri is $125.00 or £78.50 UK. Even with shipping the Cold still is more expensive. That will be added in note form to the video because this is important to people today in this recession. Good point sirupate.
Don't you just love a good kukri :) Great video! You have really good techniques. Both really nice Kukes.
Hell yeah, great knives
$140 for a authentic tora kukri hand made in Nepal with thicker and higher quality steel, or $764 for a kukri designed by white dudes in the cold steel office and made of shittier steel... seems like a no brainer to me...
Great vid. Thanks for taking the time to do that review!
Thanks. I will hopefully do one more video before winter sets in up here Anchorage.
Have you had any trouble with the kraton handle on the CS coming loose?
Thank you very much (said in Elvis' voice).
I enjoyed it and putting out the neat info.
Looks like you're going harder on the cold steel blade.
I heard that too. But no play at all. I think a bad batch of CS Gurkha Kukris made on Friday got shipped.
If you have play in the CS's handle I would try to send it back or re-handle with wood. Wooden handles would make the CS Gurkha Kukri a much better tool (IMO).
I misspoke in the specification section. Guest I got mixed up. Anyway corrected that mistake so no one get the wrong idea about the Tora WW 1 Batt/Reg. Issue (not WW2). Love the history of these models.
Thanks for the Kukri videos, I've been thinking about one for a while now. Since you're in AK, so am I, what do you think about hatchet versus Kukri as a woods tool up here? Thx!
$315 for a Cold Steel Kukri vs a Tora Kukri at $125... Hello Tora! :-)
+William Jones The Cold Steel sells for $130-$150 on Ebay?
I've never seen the cold steel kukri for that much. $200 at the most. Usually $175
@The Stupid will Inherit the Earth junk? How is that junk? It's one of the best knives available.
I’d rather have a tora over a cold steel any day of the week
Why
I'll chose the csgk over tora because of the handle length, lanyard hole, warranty, sheath design, weight and durability, availability.
I'll choose the tora because of the size of Lyn Thompson's enormous fat belly.
Great video
I picked up 2 of the cold steel sk5 on clearance for $119 each about 10 years ago......good chopper
Excellent "modern" kukri that in dimensions and weight is much truer to the traditional kukri. Nice 👏 choice.
I bought a Kukri off a guy in a knife forum. How can I tell what knife maker in Nepal made it? Is there a poster somewhere with the various markings? I have pounded the hell out of it on various outdoor adventures, and it retains a good edge, and has not chipped yet.
It is very difficult to tell who made what _if the are no makings or any particular design_ on the exported kukri.
My recommendation is pass on trying with that one, just enjoy your purchase and... the next time you buy a kukri off of
someone *ask them that question* if it is really important to you.
NOTE: *_in reality any kukri made in Nepal is not made by one man, it is made by many people during the manufacturing & these men change all the time._* So a perfect kukri today by the group may be an average kukri in the next batch of blades as *_kami skill_* & *_quality of materials_* in the 3rd World changes.
God Bless
sweetcostarica Awesome! Thank you for the reply. I just got home and looked at it. It says CROM GT Forge on it. Also has 2 mini knives that are tucked into the sheath between the belt loop and main blade. One is sharpened, and one is not sharp at all and is just a flat piece of steel
As far as a wood-splitter/camp knife/pry bar/hammer/skinner, the Tora will get the job done a little better because of that thick saber grind and extra blade in the scabbard... a workin' man's knife, no doubt, and far more useful for everyday tasks. I feel like Cold Steel, with their full flat grind and ergonomic grip, tends to make their knives more for fucking people up than wood processing. Don't get me wrong though... I wouldn't want that traditionally made kukri to catch me in the collarbone either. To be honest, I don't think you can lose with either one, though I prefer a thinner, more sculpted handle for a fighter. The extra weight in the handle also serves to make a blade come alive in your hand, instead of feeling like a club.
Patrick2345454 I always leave to knife fighting to the pros and if you ever saw knife fight participants in the hospital or morgue you will know why both fighters are losers in that kind of confrontation. Best use a pistol, rifle, or shotgun in a fight.
So I pick my kukris purely for multi-purpose use and of course wood work. I agree will you Patrick2345454 that a Tora Blade's kukri is the best choice for that due to their design.
Stay safe & frosty.
sweetcostarica Will do.
sweetcostarica Also, isn't the Tora like half the price of the CS?
DickEnchilada It depends on what price folks refer to (retail, before taxes, street prices, etc.).
I bought my Cold Steel Gurkha kukri for $140 USD total from eBay.
The Tora WW1 Battalion Issue kukri cost about the same if you included shipping from overseas.
You know, I completely forgot that eBay existed haha
Either way, thank you for the review. I bought a Tora Blades Jangala Kukri partially because you ranked them so highly. I'm very excited to receive it.
The Cold Steel Kukri sticks in wood because it is so much sharper. I have both of these and to me there is no competition. Cool Steel kills it. Tap a person with ANY part of a Cold Steel and you are in the ER. Not so with the other. Cut, likely. But CS will sever something every time. To the bone!
It stick’s because you’re not chopping the chips out wide enough.
I got the CS GK a couple of years ago. I've had multiple kukris from Nepal for much longer and the CS kukri blows them all out of the water. Nepali kukris look nice and may perform fairly well, but don't be that idiot who thinks the "original" has mystical properties that make it better than modernized versions.
The _Cold Steel Gurkha Kukri_ is considered by the "knife world" the best mass production Western kukri ever made.
*Remember* _"multiple kukris from Nepal"_ are probably *tourist kukris* and it does not take much to best those thick heavyweights.
*Observations from my video above is:*
- The Cold Steel made kukri was tougher & just as good a chopper/splitter. The balance of it was good but not as good as the Tora Blades.
- The _Tora Blades Battalion Regimental Issue kukri_ was balanced nicely for all round use. The Tora's sabre/scandi edge split a little better than the thinner Cold Steel blade and that sabre/scandi design also made sharpening much easier in the field.
I picked the *_Tora Blades_* & sold the _Cold Steel_ (2 of them) for the main reason that the Tora Blades is
the better kukri due to being *_the real thing_* and the kukri in use tells you this by it's liveliness.
_Note:_ To use the Tora Blades Battalion Regimental Issue kukri you must use the SE Asian *_two finger,_*
*_loose grip_* technique to get the most out of your kukri with less energy.
BTW: the "mystical properties", kukris being blessed, & having a soul of a knife god somewhere is just for tourist.
As a Christian I believe there is just one spiritual power. God Bless.
bouth good knifes
Thanks, I still love the look of the older Kukri! So, I may buy one from one of your recommended vendors! Cheers
My cold steel gurkha kukri has an uneven grind on the right side of the blade at the spine. Should I be worried about this?
lordwilson100 Hmm, I have never heard of that. I would use it and test it's chopping & splitting capabilities. But the spine shouldn't really matter much but I have no way of knowing your big knife's "health" since I can not test it myself.
If bought new that really should have been returned for another, the CS Gurkha kukri you have now sounds like a second.
Having used both Cold steel an an original Kukri Gurkha Issue 5th(GI5) (which comes with 2 x small knives for utility use) I find the GI5 to have the better balance and cutting power. That's purely subjective of course you pays your money and you takes your choice, nothing wrong with the Cold Steel just never comfortable with it. Either Tora or Khukuri House will give you a wide range of blade styles.
I like them both SK-5 CS Gurkha Kukri and the Tora ,if you are ever interested in selling that Tora or SK-5 ,but especially that Tora let me know ,that model is just what I been looking for in a Nepalese made model. I own A 01 tool steel CS model already.
Awsome vid!
+mister smith Thanks bother.
you can vote and decide winner just by the looks of the khukuri with outing using it...... like torra has long leafe sape which weight is heaver in edge and which cut thing easely!!! which we call "#serupate khukari" gys if u wana get khukuri get it straight from Nepal !!! the orignal and with nice cutting ......
I don't know South African Import Laws; hopefully you can receive Kukris from Simon Hengle of Tora Blades like many other parts of the world.
In any case the Cold Steel is a very good blade. There's no doubt it is heads and shoulders above most knives in it's category.
If I were a solder the CS Gurkha Kukri would be the better package because of it's excellent sheath.
Excellent testing vid. Ty
Hello. I would like to know, what these little notches on the "Tora" are good for, and why does the "CS" does not have these notches? In fact interesting comparison.
Is it just me or does a kydex sheath on a kukri look so out of place?
Did you get these at the Tora site? because when i checked, they are only available for pre-orders which could take months
I’m extremely happy with my cold steel !
The Cold Steel Gurkha Kukri may very well be the best 👌 mass production kukri in the World 🌎
Cold steel could have flubbed the kukri so bad and it would have sold just as well or even better. but they did a great modern and functional kukri and they should get praised for that.
So true. The *Cold Steel Gurkha kukri* (not the San Mai or Gurkha kukri plus) is considered the best non-Nepali made production kukri in the World.
EDIT: Happy New Year!!
If it's basically a toss up, I'd rather have the hand crafted straight outta Nepal Tora Kukri. What's the price difference in prices?
Price as of Nov. 2016
- Tora Blades WW Battalion Khukuri is $108 USD (with S&H total cost is $128 USD)
- Cold Steel Gurkha Kukri will cost total from $167 USD to $208 USD
I was actually surprised at how close in performance these two kukri designs were.
There are plus' & minus' to both kukris:
- hand crafted means a well balanced efficient joy to use tool, IF you get a *well done one*
- Modern factory made means consistency & warranty for any breakage
- hand crafted means you have to wait (2 to 8 months) to get your kukri
- Modern factory made = else of buying next day if needed or in 3 days to get your kukri
- hand crafted in Nepal means you get a differently heat treated kukri (a great process)
- Modern factory made = your kukri has the same hardness from the edge to the spine
Etc.
Stay frosty.
Modern times: the traditional kukri is about 115 if getting from nkkh, not sure about Tora blades. Likely the same price range.
Cold steel on the other hand is about 600 give or take.
Interesting video. I have the Cold Steel and a Tora m43, which is pretty much exactly the same weight and length as that one.
I've modified my Cold Steel by adding a choil and profiling and thinning back the edge back quiet a bit. Here's what I found when I did the same test. They both cut about the same as far as depth. The Cold Steel can be swung faster because of the lighter weight so that diminished accuracy, but matched as far as depth went. The Tora would be a better replacement for a small axe in my opinion. And the Tora M43 handle sucks right out of the box. But a little tape should fix that. And a very carefully, shallow ground choil would change the feel of the Tora too quit a bit.
The Cold Steel with the choil makes the knife extremely manageable for small tasks. I would never feel I needed a second full tang knife now if I have my Cold Steel. It works that we'll in the hand now. I carry that and a Swiss Army knife.
But the Tora is no slouch. I'm going to add a choil to it and take it camping this summer. I think splitting wood is where I would see these two really part ways. I got my Cold Steel so dang stuck last week splitting a piece of regular fire wood (a 10 inch piece cut in half, so 5 inches) I needed an axe to free it. I hit a knot that i couldn't see under the bark. The Thicker and heavier Tora doesn't have as much problems splitting thicker wood.
If I went on Alone I would take the Victorinox Work Champ, Council Tools Velvicut felling axe, and the Cold Steel kukri. (for Vancouver Island)
However, if the location I was going was such that I didn't need a lot of endless fire, I would probably leave out the axe and take the Tora and the Work Champ.
The Work Champ can be altered to a perfect carving and game processing knife where as the Leatherman can not. The Leatherman is for mechanics and urban life use first and for most. And it's hard to make it anything else. The WC pliers while small, cut 20 gauge snare wire with ease and pull fish hooks really good. Also, the Victorinox can opener for example can be shaped to be a great wood gouge. Check out Fowler's water bottle video for that.
But these blades are amazing. With a little work on both, a guy with OCD could go crazy trying to pick one ever the other:)
Great video!
Glad you are enjoying The Cold Steel but there is no such thing as a " Tora M43".
Himalayan Imports make a "M43" but it really is a overweight tourist type kukri.
Thanks for you kind words Patrick G.
sweetcostarica Oh well yes now that you reminded me it is a Himalaya. Man I hate making mistakes like that. The older I get the more I do it. It so obvious.
So yeah though the weight and leather are almost identical. I hope it's not a tourist blade. It was recommend and promised not to be by Nutinfancy. But who knows. It came from Himalayans Imports and I don't know where they get them from. It's pretty solid though.
I think when you started talking about the ww2 batalion kukri is what confused me. Himalaya imports makes one with a similar name.
sweetcostarica I noticed one more thing in my testing too. Maybe you have some thoughts on this too. And that is edge retention. The M43 holds its edge better than my Cold Steel 0-1 does.
How did your Tora do? I can't remember if you said that in the video or not. I may pick up a Tora soon. I like to try different makes and models. Then I buy more of the best ones and give them out as gifts.
Hey and thank you for the video. It's one of the better ones out there.
Edge Retention of Cold Steel Gurkha Kukris in 0-1 is bad (or was bad if they have fixed this issue). I heard CS are having problems getting their 0-1 heat treating right.
Himalayan Imports are known to have good heat treating. They are just big & heavy kukris. I special ordered a Himalayan Imports M43 and it was very large, not even close to the real M43 of Nepal so I returned it.
Tora Blades are also known for good heat treating & very sharp edges. Almost every Tora I have owned held a great edge. Just one Tora Sirupate kukri was soft at the edge & that was an old one I bought used.
Tora's are the only kukris I buy now. I don't think you will regret getting one, no matter the cost.
sweetcostarica Thank you for your input and help:) Have a great Sunday
next, a ferrari f50 off-road…
Sick beat at the end.
CS is more than twice the price of the tora. Thanks for posting your videos by the way, I am considering getting a havildar after seeing it in your other video.
I pick the Coldsteel because it's the one I have...I have a 8inc but it's to small for Chopping
Check them all out. Save up and do your own tests.
You will find (I believe) that Tora Blades are number 1 - if you are looking for a traditional kukri.
Do you got boards, duct taped together for a cutting surface with concrete underneath
It was a fun test in Anchorage, Alaska. I was too lazy that day 😴 to test in the wild.
@@sweetcostarica I got a chopping block in my backyard, and fire wood, how's the kukir holding up, u still use it
@@sweetcostarica Tora blade
@@ryanwalker1825 Nope, I moved to the lower 48 states and have no time for the woods and wood working. The kukri is retired and on the mantle now.
The votes which count the most will come from Gurkha troops. The blade was made for them, and made famous by them, and with a primary use other than wood processing.
I live next to cold steel HQ and managed to snag a the hand gaurd version for $110 bucks. I love it. I may also buy the tora in the future XD
Once you buy a Tora (normal model) you will see what a kukri is all about without the Western additions.
Stay happy & safe.
No reason not to own both, right ? After thrashing my cold steel around, I don't think any other knife in this category does it for me.
I have owned two Cold Steel Gurkha kukris (CSGK) and wish I just tested that kukri or handled one that someone had.
I say this only because real original kukris are:
- weighted in a better way as to chop & cut more effectively
- of S. E. Asian handle design which is easier to use & less fatiguing that Western designs
- balanced for quick use that is a big advantage in all things kukri
- are lighter in weight. Usually around 450 to 550 grams for all day carry & use
- are designed more for multi-purpose duties & not just chopping
- on & on
I sold both my CSGK as the hidden tang & stick tang traditional kukris are much better for serious kukri use for what it was designed for. The only plus I saw in the CSGK was it's tough all weather plastic sheath.
This is my opinion.
Kukri was/is a general purpose knife and used as much by farmers as by soldiers. Why not compare the two brands effectiveness at digging potatoes or yams and see which one is still sharp afterwards?
The tora has an awesome mirror finish
Yes, it's really nice but this model is no longer produced by Tora Blades. They have a new Kami that mades the same WW1 Battalion/Regimental Issue but in a different style. The same but different.
The new ones called the Tora WW Battalion Kukri. It's about 100 grams lighter, has a different butt plate design, and much better wood.
I like the newest WW Battalion Issue even more than the one I tested mainly because it's easier to use & carry in the woods. They both are great Kukris though.
both are shown for minor use in the video... but which one do you prefer/suggest for everyday use or long term use... durabilty? ergonomic? maintainance?
Due to _how_ & _what_ kukris are used for in the different countries, I must give you two (2) answers:
*_The West_** (i.e. USA/UK/Germany/etc.):*
The CS Gurkha Kukri *is the best one* for the *_tight_* white knuckled grips of almost full-power chopping
& cutting done in our culture (the West). This increased pressure to the handle of any tool use means
the tool needs a full-tang or a modern solid injection molded tang like on the Mora Bushcraft Black or
the Condor Parangs.
*_SE Asia_** (i.e. Nepal/India/Pakistan/Philippines,etc.):*
In SE Asia for everyday use, for many, many generations knives like the Tora Blades Kukri has been used, it
*is the best one* for the all day, light to mid-power chopping & cutting using the *_loose_* two (2) finger grip
of much more precision type of woodwork. In this region the _pinned stick tang & hidden tang_ tools are
much preferred.
The WW Battalion Regimental issue khukuri shown in this video is a WW1 Battalion Regimental issue khukuri right?
Yes, as I told you before and as it says in the video above:
*It is a replica of a WW1 Battalion Regimental issue khukuri.*
If you go to Tora Blades Website it gives all the information you need.
Please check with them & email them any questions you may have.
Thanks.
Tora because it's traditional and with welldone handle with curve
Are there any businesses in the States, that specialize in sharpening Kukris?
the non-slippery grip of cold steel is the only plus factor here
what makes you think that 5160 is better? Is that based on any objective evidence?
i own a tora and a cold steel kukri and i beleive there is no real winner
+James Carrizal You are a very lucky man!
Have a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year.
Hey, sweetcostarica. I was jus wondering where you got your CS Khukuri. I was looking at getting one from Amazon, but I don't know if I should.
Today on Amazon the Cold Steel Gurkha Kukri cost $164.67 USD (free shipping). It has a 4 1/2 star rating from 51 people. Weight: 22 oz.
The Ontario 6420 OKC Kukri Knife cost $55.11 USD with free shipping too. It has a 4 1/2 star rating from 76 customers. Weight: 18 oz (a more traditional Nepali weight by the way).
Either Kukri above is great for bushcraft. But the Ontario is easily the best cost vs performance choice.
I have two (2) CS Gurkha Kukris:
- One bought from Amazon for $156 USD with free shipping. I got it about one year and 4 months ago.
- One bought from eBay for $123 USD + 11 USD S&H = 134 USD total. I got this two years ago.
Hope this is useful.
Good video
Any deals on those ?
Old video. Wouldn't know about sales. Please check the maker's website.
God bless 🙌.
EDIT: Merry upcoming Christmas 🎄.
This is just about the dumbest comparison I have ever seen. Neither blade was taken anywhere near its limit so all we get is one muppet's totally subjective opinion about which COOKERY??? feels better. There is even insulating tape holding 3 small bits of wood together as a chopping board while our expert attacks an enormous twig with all the ferocity of a hibernating sloth. I mean WTF?
+Paul Revel Thanks for your great comment. Enjoy your kukri (if you own one of course).
God bless.
Dont think i would want to put any of them to their paces.... they both look newly purchased lol.
That’s an awful thing to say! I enjoyed this video 👍🏼
But those gloves....
IMHO it's pronounced "Khoo-cree".
Khū..kú...rė
I take the cold steel any day.
Cold steel are poorly designed shit. Always buy traditional design as they have actually been tested and are useful.
@PREM GORI I know more than you on this subject. Cant be arsed to say more.
So did you draw Blood before you Sheath the Kukri...
Why use a knife and raw hide mallet to do chopping when a hand axe can do a better job?
sorry but i don't get the test , they were never made to cut firewood , so how good they are at it is a little pointless .
I've asked you about this blade before. How is the handle size on this model (and other models)? I have large-ish hands, mostly in the finger length.
I have XL hands for an American. The Tora Battalion Issue kukri in the video above has an XL to XXL handle size. The biggest I've had so far. The Tora kami who made them, made this batch to have longish, big handles.
I had a newer and of slightly different design Tora Battalion Issue kukri and it had a medium to med-small sized handle which was Nepali sizing. That kami made it that way for his reasons.
So the answer to *what is the handle size* on this and other Tora Blades models is:
It depends on the batch that month, the kami's idea of handle length, and how much wood, horn, & steel they have for production. Tora Kukris do not have standardized handle sizes.
Have a great day.
I have the san mai III cold steel kukri, its bloody awesome
Hard to find the *_Cold Steel Gurkha Kukri_* today and they cost about $200 USD if found. I would get a real *Tora Nepali replica kukri* for that amount of money for better balance & ease of sharpening in the field. But the Cold Steel knife is the best foreign mass produced kukri - in most folk opinion.
@@sweetcostarica mine was double that price, maybe because it was the san mai III made in Japan
Hand crafted from anywhere, beats factory any day, for me. :)
Cold steel clearly out performed the Tora kukri even though it is an inch shorter, and lighter blade.
The flat grind penetrates far deeper ("sticks...") with each cut. The handle is better, the sheath is far better, blade is full tang which is stronger and out performs a stick tang any day.
Here's the coup de grace;
CS Gurkha is not a 4 month wait, and specs are manufactured consistently.
Without a doubt, hands down, Cold Steel is a far better kukri.
Lynn Thompson did a fantastic job upgrading the kukri with modern design taking advantage of technology which is proven to far surpass the traditional.
If you are stuck on traditional for collection sake, Tora makes the best blades. Be patient to get one from Nepal.
Idk about blades but handles, tora looks better. I own recon tanto with such handle and it may be okay for regular knife but bad design for heavy chopper. Tang most likely has rectangular step, tora most likely doesn’t have. Craton material shrinks in cold temperature and starts wobbling. It also wobbles after lot of use. It is just soft resin on steel. If it has texture for traction, you will have blisters from chopping.
Compare with 3v version of the CS Kukri with the Tora
This is an old video friend 🧡
Please compare the harder *3V steel* yourself.
I will guess that it holds an edge for a longer time (pos.) but is very hard to sharpen (neg.).
Carbon spring steel is used by people in developing countries because it is the best of two worlds🤔,
_Carbon Spring Steel_ holds an edge for a long time and is easier to sharpen in the field.
Have an outstanding June 1st.
@@sweetcostarica Thank you and same to you my friend ! Actually I have both 5160 Ontario Ranger whole family and 3v cold steel about 5 knives and both steel are great but cpm3v has a better edge retention and 5160 is real nice as well.
Please make a video of 5chirra khukhari.This video is great comparison between cold steel vs Tora in my opinion I buy Tora.
The Cold Steel one is Taiwanese/Chinese... ugh. Nothanks. I'm not a fan of the BT Tora kukris, but they were pretty good too. Tora/authentic blades will always beat the modern day failed Taiwan/Chinese production attempts at the design/process/materials.
Edit: Forgot to mention that I think my favorite Tora kukris are the goorkhali ones, but I've only seen vids.
jordan nazif These posts were from awhile back. I am pretty alright with Taiwanese made goods now. While I still keep a distance from most Chinese knives, I acknowledge that some are good, like the Reate's. Occasionally, when I see these old comments I just delete them, but figured I'd give you an answer since we cross paths every now and then in our knife hobbies.
It was around this time in 2015 that I started spending thousands on knives, so was still getting a feel for what I liked and didn't like and was more passionate about the hobby. I ended up going with an EGKH kukri because Tora wasn't taking orders at the time.
Tora kukris are great and worth the wait (IMO) like Albion replica swords a 3 to 6 month wait is normal. I understand though how some folks need/want to get started sooner.
The Chinese & Taiwanese steel industry (just like the history of the Japanese steel industry) started off with mostly very poor quality products. They are learning, improving, and many foreign business have helped them get better by sending their machinery & sharing knowledge with them in partnership deals.
Today, Chinese & Taiwanese steel products range from poor/workable items to very high end items. It depends on the factory and requirements of the home or overseas owner.
sweetcostarica Agreed. Well stated.
Ok, thanks for the answer, and good video.