Best Kukri Knives

Kukri knives, or Gurkha blades, are some of the most widely used combat knives. These blades are still in use by militaries around the globe, especially by the UK army’s Gurkha brigade. However, the kukri knife’s usage applications span beyond just combat use. Thanks to its versatility, this blade has become a part of many survival kits. 

The rich history behind the kukri knife makes it a sought-after tool. However, you can’t just pick the first kukri knife you find and expect the authentic kukri experience. You must ensure you buy the right knife, so your money is well-spent. 

You are in the right place if you are trying to get the best kukri knife. This article will explain everything to help you pick the best kukri blade. Not to mention we will provide some product recommendations that will make your purchase decision simpler. 

Why should you buy a kukri knife?

Kukri knives have stood the test of time, and their design has mostly stayed the same. The most obvious reason why a kukri blade should be a part of your collection is that it can handle multiple applications, such as hunting, agricultural use and even military use. Kukri knives come in multiple lengths and sizes, and the choice will depend on your individual needs:

Survival tool:

This durable knife is around 16 to 18 inches long, offering a decent range and power while being easy to carry. The design of this blade is meant to cut and slash; even though it’s an average size blade, it has the cutting power of a larger knife. So if you were looking for a knife that is maneuverable, easy to carry, yet effective in both combat and survival situations, then kukri is the tool of choice. 

Self-defense:

The curved edge of this blade makes it a powerful weapon for delivering cuts since the curve concentrates the force when it hits the target. However, contrary to common belief, the kukri knife also has a decent edge, making it a stabbing weapon. So if self-defense is your concern, you can always carry this efficient knife to defend yourself against potential threats.

Agriculture: 

The kukri is often used for agricultural tasks such as clearing bush, digging, and cutting small branches. It is a versatile tool for farmers in rural areas of Nepal and India.

Suggestions for the best kukri knives

Now that you know why a Kukri knife can be a solid investment, you would want suggestions on which products to buy. Without further ado, here is a list of the best kukri knives that you can purchase today:

1. KA-BAR  Kukri

KA-BAR is a major player in the knife manufacturing industry, and KA-BAR  Kukri is their version of the legendary knife. This knife is exceptional at cutting and allows you to slash and cut anything without worrying about the blade falling apart. 

If you are an outdoor survivalist or someone with serious self-defense needs, then KA-BAR  is the right knife. This blade is pre-sharpened and ready to use right out of the box. No matter what you need to cut or slash, this knife won’t give up on you. 

Specifications

Blade length: 11,5″

Overall length: 17″

The material used: Carbon steel

Weight: 1.3 lbs.

Pros:

• It offers a good striking range
• Made using high-quality carbon steel
• Durable construction
• Multi-purpose

Cons:

• Low-quality sheath
• The small handle can make gripping complicated.

2. Cold Steel Magnum Kukri 

Cold Steel Magnum is one of the most affordable yet long-lasting kukri knives you can buy. Don’t let the lower price tag fool you; this knife can compete with any major kukri brand in most categories. Following the traditional Kukri design, the Cold Steel Magnum has most of its weight in the front, making it a great chopping and cutting tool.

With a well-designed handle, this knife becomes a useful self-defense and survivalist tool. You can cut wood and tree branches with great control using this blade. Not to mention a little bit of practice with this blade can make you a decent kukri fighter. 

Specifications: 

Blade length: 17″

Overall length: 22″

The material used: Carbon steel

Weight: 1.3 lbs.

Pros

• Affordable price tag
• Durable and long-lasting construction
• Easy to handle
• Durable sheath

Cons

• Needs to be sharpened on arrival
• The blade may not be fully refined

3. Gerber Gator Kukri

Gerber is a reputed brand in the outdoor tools industry, and Gerber Gator Kukri is their take on the iconic kukri knife. This knife is as close to the traditional kukri knife construction as possible. The knife consists of a single metal piece that runs from the tip to the end of the knife. The handle is attached firmly to the base of the metal, making for a solid knife that won’t disappoint. 

Gerber Gator Kukri has a prominent tip making and a larger curve than you normally get on kukri knives. The larger curve of the Gerber Gator makes it great for accurately slashing objects. 

Specifications:

Blade length: 12″

Overall length: 19″

Material used: 1050 Steel

Weight: 1.6 lbs.

Pros

• Versatile tool
• Sturdy sheath
• Good grip and handling 

Cons

• The blade may chip during chopping
• The excess length makes it hard to carry

4. Condor Tool & Knife – Heavy Duty Kukri Knife

While Condor Tool & Knife is a lesser-known player in the knife industry, their Kukri blade is one of the best commercially available knives. Despite being a less popular brand, Condor’s Kukri has everything you may expect in a classic Kukri blade. This knife comes with a carbon steel blade that is refined by adding a stain-blasted finish. 

Condor’s kukri knife is mostly meant to serve as a multi-purpose blade. The curve of this knife is very close to the ancient kukri knives made centuries ago. This knife has a much-curved blade that gives it a decent amount of cutting power. 

Specifications:

Blade length: 12″

Overall length: 17″

Material used: 1075 high carbon steel

Weight: 1.1 lbs.

Pros:

• Lightweight design
• Small blade makes it easier to carry
• Durable blade
• Affordable price tag

Cons:

• The handle may be too small for some users
• The wooden handle may provide insufficient grip

5. Ontario OKC Kukri Knife

Ontario is another major player in the knife industry, and this manufacturer is known for their kukri knives. Therefore, we had to include Ontario OKC Kukri in our suggestions because it’s one of the best-quality blades. 

Ontario kukri is easily recognizable thanks to its all-black blade and handle. It has a rubber handle, and finger grooves are built into the Ontario 6420’s handle. So, when holding this kukri knife, you feel fully in control of your tool. Excellent for both self-defense and survival situations, this knife is worth the consideration. 

Specifications:

Blade length: 12″

Overall length: 17″

Material used: Carbon steel

Weight: 1.1 lbs.

Pros:

• The beautiful black coating on the blade
• Solid rubber grip
• Easy handling
• Versatile tool

Cons:

• Low-quality sheath

FAQs

What Brand Of Kukri Do Gurkhas Use?

There is no specific brand associated with the kukri knives used by the Gurkhas. However, there are some well-known manufacturers that supply kukri knives to the Gurkha regiments, such as:

1. Atlanta Cutlery Corp
2. GK&CO. Kukri House 
3. Himalayan Imports
4. Windlass Steelcrafts

What is the best length for kukri?

There is no best length for a Kukri because it depends on how you intend to use the blade. But generally, kukri knives range from 10 to 18 inches in overall length, with blade lengths between 8 and 15 inches. 

Conclusion

Kukri knives have barely changed for centuries in terms of shape and size. All the products we have suggested above are slightly different from one another. However, they are the best in their category, and each has something unique.

If you were looking for a high-quality kukri knife, we hope this article helped with your search.