When it comes to versatile knives, there are few that beat the kukri knife. Almost every knife enthusiast has owned, used, or at least heard about kukri knives. These knives have a long, rich history mainly as a cutting tool. Today, there are many manufacturers that produce top-quality kukri knives.
Considering the usefulness and versatility of a kukri knife, there’s no surprise behind the popularity these knives have. They are famous mostly as cutting tools, but they find themselves between a machete and a knife. In reality, they bring the best of both worlds to knife enthusiasts.
As there is so much choice readily available at the moment, it might be hard for you to make a decision. However, there are some kukri knives that bring more bang for the buck than the rest. I’ve dug deep to find the 10 best ones that you should consider if you’re buying a kukri knife for yourself or as a gift for someone else.
Best Kukri Knives: Summary
- KA-BAR 2-1249-9 Kukri
- Cold Steel 97KMPS Kukri Machete
- Condor Tools & Knives 60217 Heavy Duty Kukri Knife
- Schrade SCHKM1 Kukri Machete
- EGKH Genuine Gurkha Aeof Kukri
- HFGB Authentic Kukri Knife
- Ontario ON6420 Kukri
- Honshu Boshin Kukri
- M48 Tactical Kukri with Sheath
- Smith & Wesson Outback SWBH Kukri
Last update on 2024-03-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What is a Kukri Knife?
Originally known as the “Gurkha knife”, the kukri knife has been around for centuries. It is widely considered as the national weapon and tool of Nepal, where the first mention of a kukri knife dates to the 7th century BC.
It holds a significant and important place within the Nepalese culture. With its historic significance, the kukri knife is considered a national treasure in Nepal. Today, a kukri knife is a symbol of pride in Nepal, but also a symbol of stature and wealth.
During WWI and WWII, the kukri knife was sometimes used as a weapon. However, the primary use of a kukri knife is for utility. It’s a multi-purpose tool used for cutting, chopping, and for all sorts of outdoor activities. It can also act as a self-defense weapon.
My Recommendation For The 10 Best Kukri Knives
If you’re considering a kukri knife right now, you should really be considering these 10 best kukri knives.
1. KA-BAR 2-1249-9 Kukri
- Black Kukri-style machete with carbon-steel blade
- Ideal for chopping weeds, clearing campsite, and...
- Black Kukri-style machete with carbon-steel blade
- Ideal for chopping weeds, clearing campsite, and...
- Ergonomic Kragon G thermoplastic elastomer handle
Last update on 2024-03-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Ka-Bar kukri knife is one of the most widely recommended kukri knives, and for good reasons. It’s a great knife for both beginners and for more seasoned veterans.
It boasts a durable and sturdy carbon steel blade that won’t let you down when you need it. It has a very sharp edge and a thick blade, making it ideal for chopping wood, outdoor use, clearing woods, and other similar tasks.
The Kraton G handle is designed for ergonomics and prolonged use that won’t slip out of your hand that easily. And it’s also not that heavy – at just about 1.3lbs, this kukri knife will serve you well for longer. You’ll also get a handy leather sheath to go with the knife. Overall, this is perhaps the best kukri knife out there.
Features:
- Blade length: 11.5”
- Overall size: 17”
- Weight: 1.3lbs
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2. Cold Steel 97KMPS Kukri Machete
- Features the same wide, curved blade that makes...
- The full tang is completely encapsulated in a...
- Features a rust resistant baked on matte black...
- Made of tough and durable 1055 Carbon Steel with...
- Includes a durable Cor-Ex sheath for added safety...
Last update on 2024-03-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Cold Steel 97KMPS kukri machete comes onto this list as one of the more affordable kukri knives. However, I was surprised at just how much bang you’re getting for your buck here. It features a very quality build and design from high-quality materials.
Of course, it features that typical blade curve that all kukris have in common. The blade is made from the 1055 carbon steel, which is a quality type of steel, especially considering the asking price here. The steel is covered with the black anti-rust matte finish that adds a nice visual touch to the knife, but also a practical one.
As most kukri knives, this one also has a relatively thick blade – at 2.8mm. The durable and comfortable polypropylene handle is designed for ergonomics but also for durability and the quality of use. And you’ll even get a nice cor-ex sheath to go with the package.
Features:
- Blade length: 13”
- Overall size: 18”
- Weight: 1lbs
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3. Condor Tools & Knives 60217 Heavy Duty Kukri Knife
- 10-Inch blade
- Hardwood handle
- Leather black sheath
- 8mm- 1075 high carbon steel
- Blasted satin blade finish
Last update on 2024-03-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you’re looking for a more versatile, all-purpose knife, then you should consider this kukri knife by Condor. They are known for providing some of the most versatile tools and knives, and this kukri knife is not much different.
The blade is made from 1075 high-carbon steel, which makes it durable and strong enough even for the hardest of demands. The thickness of the blade is 8mm, which is quite a thick blade; but it’s the thickness and the quality of the blade that makes it a great, versatile choice.
The handle is made from hardwood, which is nothing special, but it’s still a very durable handle that gets the job done. In the package, you’ll receive a nice, handy black leather sheath.
Features:
- Blade length: 10”
- Overall size: 15”
- Weight: 1.82lbs
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4. Schrade SCHKM1 Kukri Machete
- DIMENSIONS: 19.7 inch (50 cm) overall length with...
- DURABLE: Blade is made of reliable 3Cr13 Powder...
- DEPENDABLE: Quick and easy access with the...
- SECURE: Have confidence that the blade will not...
- BE PREPARED: Machete features a ferro rod,...
Last update on 2024-03-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Schrade kukri machete is perhaps one of the sturdiest, thickest, and strongest kukri knives on this list. It comes with a full-tang blade that’s possibly the thickest on this list. Made from the 3CR13 powder-coated stainless steel, the blade is a durable one and makes sure it’s ready when you need it for even the most heavy-duty projects.
This knife is more a machete than a knife, but it should be mentioned on this list as it brings so much quality with it. It has a safety grip handle, so it won’t slip out of your hand that easily. You can easily use this knife for cutting, outdoor needs, camping, survival, and bushcraft.
You’ll also get a nice, durable sheath with the knife, a sharpening stone, and a Ferro rod, allowing you to get started right away.
Features:
- Blade length: 13.3”
- Overall size: 19.7”
- Weight: 1.6lbs
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5. EGKH Genuine Gurkha Aeof Kukri
No products found.
You don’t get closer to an authentic kukri knife than this. The EGKH kukri knife brings you top quality straight from the breeding country of kukri knives – Nepal. It’s handmade in Bishwakarma in Nepal, bringing you a high-quality knife that was handmade and made from quality materials.
You can see that the quality is superior to other knives straight away. The 10” blade is made from high-grade carbon steel, and the handle is made from rosewood. It’s not the most ergonomic handle, but it looks really nice, and it gets the job done.
And to go with the package, you’ll also receive a sheath of water buffalo hide in black color. If you want to experience a genuine kukri knife that’s handmade from high-quality materials, you should consider buying this knife.
Features:
- Blade length: 10”
- Overall size: 16”
- Weight: 1.55lbs
No products found.
6. HFGB Authentic Kukri Knife
No products found.
Here’s another great option if you’re looking for an authentic, genuine kukri knife. You’ll be getting a handmade, authentic Gurkha knife made by Bishwakarma, the local kukri makers that have been producing kukri knives for their whole lives. This one is made with traditional kukri-making methods that seem to be going away, especially in the West, where many of these knives are factory-made.
You’ll get a good level of polish with this knife. With the 5160 steel 12” blade, you’ll get a lot done with this knife. The blade is unpolished, which is the classic method of producing these knives. You’ll also get two small knives in the package, which will certainly come handy when you need them.
Of course, you’ll also get a sheath, as is the case with most of these kukri knives. You can purchase this knife as a pure decoration knife, as it has plenty to offer in terms of looks. However, you’ll likely find this knife very useful for practical means as well, as it brings plenty of versatility to the table.
Features:
- Blade length: 12”
- Overall size: 17”
- Weight: 26oz.
No products found.
7. Ontario ON6420 Kukri
- Crafted from the highest quality materials
- Built for performance and durability
- Made in United States
Last update on 2024-03-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Ontario ON6420 kukri knife is made in the United States, and it brings plenty of quality to the table. With the 1095 carbon steel blade, you’ll be able to perform all sorts of tasks outside, while the grooved Craton handle will provide a good level of ergonomics.
This kukri is a relatively affordable one, but it brings plenty of quality with it. It’s made for durability and performance primarily, although you do compromise on the looks department slightly. Nevertheless, this knife is for those who are looking strictly for an efficient, performance-orientated knife that will help them get the job done.
Features:
- Blade length: 11 ¾”
- Overall size: 16 ¾”
- Weight: 2lbs.
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8. Honshu Boshin Kukri
No products found.
This knife markets itself as a blend of creativity and tradition. And when we look at it, it’s a really cool kukri knife, at least in terms of looks. But what about the performance?
I can safely say that this kukri knife will bring you a good level of performance for the price. The blade is made from 7CR13 stainless steel, and it’s a full-tang blade. With it, you’ll be able to perform most heavy-duty tasks, as well as have it ready for decoration, as it’s such a beautiful knife.
It also features an ergonomic, contoured TPR handle that will allow you to hold the knife and cut efficiently. Some might be wary of buying from Honshu, and rightly so. They have a history of cutting corners with their knife production. However, I can honestly say that this knife is a surprisingly good one for the price.
Features:
- Blade length: 13”
- Overall size: 19.63”
- Weight: 3lbs.
No products found.
9. M48 Tactical Kukri with Sheath
- Modern, tactical take on ancient design
- 10 1/2" cast stainless steel blade
- Black ergonomic TPR handle
- Stainless steel guard
- Includes Vortec sheath
Last update on 2024-03-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you’re looking for a more tactical knife, then this M48 kukri knife might just be the right fit for you. Firstly, let’s just admire how cool this knife looks. It is a slightly more modern take on the ancient type of knife such as kukri. Sometimes, that doesn’t work; but in this case, M48 got it spot on.
The blade is cast from the 2CR13 stainless steel, making it a sturdy blade for tactical needs. And the TPR handle makes the knife easy to use and operate, making it hard for the knife to slip out of your control.
And you’ll also get a very nice TPU sheath along with the knife. Overall, this knife is possibly the best kukri knife in terms of quality and looks on this list.
Features:
- Blade length: 10 1/2”
- Overall size: 15.9”
- Weight: 7oz.
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10. Smith & Wesson Outback SWBH Kukri
- DIMENSIONS: 17 inch (43.2 centimeter) overall...
- DURABLE: Blade is made of reliable S.S. and a...
- DEPENDABLE: Quick and easy access with the...
- SECURE: Have confidence that the blade will not...
- BE PREPARED: Knife features lanyard hole
Last update on 2024-03-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Smith & Wesson kukri knife is something of a budget option, but it brings enough quality to make it relevant here. I’ve only picked the best kukri knives, and this one just makes the list thanks to the affordability and the quality it brings for the money.
Made from stainless steel, the full-tang blade is a reliable one, making sure you can use it in most situations. And the rubberized steel handle makes this knife relatively easy to use. You also get a nylon belt sheath to go with the knife.
Features:
- Blade length: 11.9”
- Overall size: 17”
- Weight: 1lbs.
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Conclusion
So now that you know what the 10 best kukris on the market currently are, which one will you pick? There’s plenty of great choices, but these 10 kukri knives are currently the best choices for you. There are plenty of providers of kukri knives, and the knife itself has a rich history. Originally, it was a knife for cutting and for outdoor means, but it’s often been used as a military knife, too.
