Knife Blog | Kukri Blades

  • Best Kukri Knives for Survival & Heavy Use

    Posted in: Knife Blog by Michael on January 2, 2021
    Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases (affiliate links).

    Choosing one single kukri knife as the “best” is very subjective. Everyone has their own preferences and ideas of what makes a good knife. I know many users swear by and will only use authentic, traditional khukuris hand forged by a Kami imported straight from Nepal. These knives have been refined over generations and can be much cheaper than similar quality Kukri knives designed and produced elsewhere.

    Honestly, I prefer a high quality Westernized model Kukri because they often offer varied blade steels, handle materials other than wood/bone which provide more traction for a better grip (such as micarta or G10) and sheaths that are more durable and versatile in the field.

    Top 5 Kukri KnivesKukri knives are generally used for moderate to heavy chopping, but they can also be very handy as all-purpose survival weapons. Anyone who has used more than a few Kukri knives in their time will have formed their own opinions, so instead of choosing one knife as the definitive solution I would rather go over five of the most popular and highly praised models among knife enthusiasts and outdoorsmen.

    Every kukri mentioned below is of high quality and receives many glowing reviews from actual owners, so you really can’t go wrong with whichever blade you choose. They all have unique design traits and merits of their own. Here are my picks for the five best kukri knives in no particular order. Continue reading this post ➜

  • Ontario RAT 2: My Favorite EDC Pocket Knife

    Posted in: Knife Blog by Michael on January 4, 2019
    Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases (affiliate links).

    Ontario RAT 2I have always had a preference for fixed blades, but in the average person’s day-to-day life they are simply not practical. I doubt many office workers could stroll into their cubicle with a BK9 hanging from the waist without someone calling the police. That’s why the majority of “EDC” knives (Every Day Carry) are small and inconspicuous folders. They don’t draw attention and as long as certain restrictions are met according to your local laws, are usually perfectly legal to conceal carry.

    Today I’m going to be discussing the Ontario RAT 2, my current and all-time favorite EDC pocket knife. Continue reading this post ➜

  • Paramilitary 2: The Best Spyderco Knife

    Posted in: Knife Blog by Michael on May 11, 2018
    Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases (affiliate links).

    If you are a knife connoisseur then you’ve most likely heard of the Spyderco Paramilitary 2 folding knife. It’s no secret that the Para 2 has easily become one of the best reviewed, most popular and fastest selling folding knives on the market by both users and collectors alike.

    What is it about the Paramilitary 2 that makes it so special? A handful of unique design features, quality build materials, robust compression lock and improvements over the original Paramilitary help explain why it has become a must have for all knife enthusiasts wanting a larger sized folder for everyday carry.

    Lets take a quick look and discuss the various reasons for its ascent to the top of an evergrowing pile of high quality EDC knives.

    Paramilitary 2 folder with black DLC and digital camo pattern from Spyderco; made in Golden, Colorado USA. Continue reading this post ➜

  • Folding Saw Vs. Kukri – Best Compact Wood Processing Tool for Survival and Bushcraft

    Posted in: Knife Blog by Michael on March 6, 2018
    Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases (affiliate links).

    Best Compact Wood Cutting Tool: Kukri or Folding Saw?Which is the best compact wood processing tool for your bug-out bag – a kukri knife or folding saw? Both have their advantages and disadvantages.

    One of the points to consider is always the weight, of course, and here a folding saw will almost always win. The majority of folding saws will be much lighter than a kukri. A kukri with, say, a 12” blade will likely weigh in at around a pound and a quarter (at least) – heavier than a folding saw. Small folding saws are generally about the size of an oversized pocket knife and function in the same manner.

    There are also larger triangular models that have 15″ to 20″ or longer saw blades. This type of folding saw resembles a metal baton in compact form and they fold out into a very sturdy triangle shaped saw. They are stronger, come with larger blades, are capable of heaver cutting and still collapse into a very compact form factor. Plus, even these enlarged collapsible/folding saws are still more lightweight than a standard kukri knife. I prefer triangle shaped folding saws myself (for example, the 21″ Sven), so that is this type I will be contrasting with the kukri. Continue reading this post ➜

  • How to Use a Kukri Knife – Tips and Techniques

    Posted in: Knife Blog by Michael on November 21, 2016
    Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases (affiliate links).

    The Kukri knife, also known as the khukuri knife; is the traditional knife for the Nepalese people. Featuring a distinctively curved blade, the knife doubles up as both a tool and a weapon. It has great significance too in social ceremonies across the Indian subcontinent. The traditional knife has gained popularity across the world for collectors, hunters and also as piece of survival gear.

    However, very few people take time to learn how best to use the Kukri for the safety, convenience, and maximum value after buying it. This guide is meant to correct this anomaly by offering practical tips and recommendations on how to use the Kukri knife, including: how to carry, proper way of holding during use and how to keep it sharp. Continue reading this post ➜

  • The Drawknife: Best Tool for Debarking, Shaving, and Shaping Wood

    Posted in: Knife Blog by Michael on November 5, 2014
    Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases (affiliate links).

    The drawknife is the best woodworking tool for shaving, debarking and shaping wood.Hopefully by now you know the importance of having the right tool for the job. A drawknife is a woodworking hand tool that facilitates in the debarking and shaping of wood by removing shavings or larger chunks of excess wood. It is essentially a long blade with a handle at each end which is operated by pulling the blade along a section of wood towards your body. These blades allow a woodworker to quickly create complex curves and concaves in addition to straight cuts.

    The drawknife is best suited for removing large slices of wood such as when debarking trees, creating billets for a lathe, or shaving like a spokeshave plane where quantity is more important than quality. A spokeshave is better suited for precise work whereas the drawknife is better suited for speed. Ever swung a cricket bat? Chances are good a drawknife was use in creating the curve of the bat. Continue reading this post ➜

  • How Heat Treatment Improves Knife Steel Performance

    Posted in: Knife Blog by Michael on October 7, 2014
    Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases (affiliate links).

    Heat treating a knife with kilnThe heat treatment process is arguably one of the most key steps in the process of making a tough, reliable knife. Without proper heat treating, the knife would probably fail at some point during its intended use and edge retention will suffer. Possible setbacks in using such a knife would include brittleness and inability to withstand abrasion and physical impacts, resist deformation due to thermal shock, withstand compression forces or even the inability to retain a usable edge.

    What is Heat Treating?

    Although the phrase heat treatment may suggest that this process involves the simple process of heating the knife’s blade, the cooling aspect is just as important in the process. In fact, this may be the most important aspect in the entire craft. The way you cool the blade after heating it will determine whether you will get the desired properties in the blade, negative properties, or none at all. Obviously, the temperature to which the steel blade is heated will also be an important factor in process. Continue reading this post ➜

  • Kershaw CQC-6K Unboxing and First Impressions

    Posted in: Knife Blog by Michael on August 8, 2014
    Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases (affiliate links).

    Emerson skullThe Kershaw CQC-6K I ordered last week finally arrived. Now it’s time for an unboxing. The CQC-6K came in a very nice box with the Emerson skull printed on the top of the box. It states “Designed by Emerson” and “Built By Kershaw” on the side, giving a clear indication of what to expect.

    Along with the typical paperwork Kershaw has included a packet containing three additional screws. The hardware also happens to be standard Phillips and flat head screws instead of torx. A nice touch. I wish more makers would do this, especially with budget knives as it’s not uncommon for these “economical” blades to include somewhat soft screws and hardware that can be easily stripped. Not fun when this happens, but at least you’ll have replacements on hand. Continue reading this post ➜

  • Hot Deal On the Kershaw CQC-6K: Emerson Design On the Cheap

    Posted in: Knife Blog by Michael on July 30, 2014
    Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases (affiliate links).

    The CQC-6K, which was just recently released by Kershaw, has been in my shopping cart for a few weeks now. I have never owned an Emerson knife before so a budget model folder with their design really intrigued me.

    This morning I wake up, head on over to Amazon and find it has dropped in price by about $10 from what was already a great deal at the regular price. That’s what I consider too hot of a deal to pass up. I had to jump on it. There are only 5 left in stock after I bought one, so hurry over if you want to get your own before the price goes back up. The price of the Kershaw CQC-6K has been fluctuating greatly, but this is the cheapest I have seen it yet.

    Look forward to a review within a month or so.

    Good deal on the Emerson designed and Kershaw built CQC-6K; cheapest price yet Continue reading this post ➜

  • KLAX Kickstarter: Neat Concept Ax, Possible Bug-out Bag Gear

    Posted in: Knife Blog by Michael on June 5, 2014
    Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases (affiliate links).

    KLAX: Portable Ax and mulit-toolIt’s not often you find a product that is truly innovative. That’s why I’m really intrigued by the KLAX multi-tool campaign on Kickstarter.

    The KLAX is a portable ax head envisioned by Glenn Klecker of Klecker Knives that features many other uses (wrench, bottle opener, carabiner, hex driver, hammer etc.) and a unique clamping system that allows it to be attached to almost any sturdy piece of wood it will fit for a makeshift handle. That ability alone sets it apart from a couple similar tools, such as the TOPS ATAX and Fremont Farson Blade. Klecker will also be making specialized handles built specifically for the KLAX.

    Four KLAX models are planned: Lumberjack, Woodsman, Feller and Ti; the first three of which will be made from 5/16″ thick SUS420J2, a Japanese stainless steel. Continue reading this post ➜