Appealing to the knife experts here on 24HCF. I want to buy a decent Kukri, but not one that will break the bank. I see them on websites for cheap, but want a decent one w/o having to second mortgage the house.

Any recommendations?

Cold Steel. Even their cheaper stuff is well made & sharp enough to shave.

http://www.himalayan-imports.com/

Dang, clicking that link cost me some time! Appears to be LOTS of quality knives at great prices - for the real deal.

Don't know if they still do but HI use to have a forum at bladeforums. You could pick up some deals on blemished or special discount items.If you watched the forum you could often pick up a nice Kukri for $30-$50 that had a little rust or was otherwise discounted.Some were the same ones offered at 2-4 times as much on the site.

Here is another cool site.
http://www.valiantco.com/

Look at Windlass Steelcraft. They probably make more quality Kukris than anyone.

Yes, lust after something else as they are ought but a long hand axe.

I have a Jungle Panawal and to be frank it is pretty much useless, reasonably well made but heavy, awkward, and sort of pointless.
A mate's lad wanted one and I let him play with it for a month, he brought it back once he got the idea out of his system.


I find an issue golok to be more useful breaking down killers and trimming small brush.

Here.

ps...and if you are having visions of stealthily stalking through the underbrush on some far distant battlefield then get yourself a smatchet.
There are a couple of very good reproductions on ebay that won't break the bank.

Lot's of good advice here...thanks to all that contributed.

I have a bunch of "real" ones from Nepal. Wife brought them back with her. Cost there $10 each. Much better choice is the Cold Steel version. That being said, i do have a real Kukri in the back of the truck that cuts limbs, digs trenches, hammers things that you would not want to use a delicate knife for. It is hell for stout and easy to sharpen.