5 Best Kukri Knife for Outdoor Enthusiasts in 2024

Kukri knives are a traditional Nepalese tool that has been used for centuries. These versatile knives are known for their unique shape, which features a curved blade that widens towards the tip. Kukri knives are a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts, hunters, and collectors alike.

When choosing the best kukri knife, there are a few things to consider. The first is the blade material. Kukri knives are typically made from high carbon steel, which is known for its durability and ability to hold an edge. However, some kukri knives are made from stainless steel, which is more resistant to rust and corrosion.

Another important factor to consider is the handle material. Kukri knives typically have a wooden handle, which provides a comfortable grip and a traditional look. However, some modern kukri knives have handles made from synthetic materials like G10 or Micarta, which are more durable and resistant to moisture.

At our team, we spent hours researching and testing the top kukri knives on the market to identify the best options. In this article, we will share our findings and help you choose the best kukri knife for your needs.

The 5 Best Kukri Knives

1. CRKT KUK Fixed Blade Knife
2. Poshland RG-156
3. NedFoss Kukri Survival Knife
4. KA-BAR Kukri Machete
5. Bushmaster Kukri Machete Knife

We’ve scoured the market to find the best kukri knives available today. Kukri knives have been used for centuries by Nepalese soldiers and are known for their unique curved blade design that makes them versatile tools for a variety of tasks. Whether you’re looking for a kukri knife for outdoor activities or as a collector’s item, we’ve got you covered. Our list includes a range of options to suit different budgets and needs. So, let’s dive in and find the perfect kukri knife for you.

CRKT KUK Fixed Blade Knife

If you’re looking for a sturdy and versatile kukri knife, the CRKT KUK Fixed Blade Knife is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The kukri blade style provides powerful cutting, making it perfect for outdoor activities such as camping, yard work, or bushcrafting.
• The 65Mn carbon steel is strong and durable, holding an edge well even after heavy use.
• The injection-molded handle is secure and comfortable, with a texture that provides a good grip even in wet conditions.

Cons

• The blade is shorter than some other kukri knives on the market, which may not be ideal for those who need a longer blade for certain tasks.
• The knife is on the heavier side, which may make it less comfortable to carry for extended periods of time.
• Some users have reported that the sheath could be improved, as it may not be as durable as the knife itself.

We were impressed by the balance of form and function in the CRKT KUK Fixed Blade Knife. The burly carbon steel blade with a black powder-coated finish is both elegant and tough, while the glass-reinforced nylon handle provides a comfortable and secure grip. The additional paracord on the sheath also makes for super versatile carry options.

Overall, if you’re in the market for a reliable and powerful kukri knife, the CRKT KUK Fixed Blade Knife is definitely worth considering.

Poshland RG-156 Handmade Damascus Steel 15.00 Inches Kukri Knife — Perfect Grip REG-156

If you’re looking for a reliable and sturdy kukri knife, then the Poshland RG-156 Handmade Damascus Steel Kukri Knife is a great option to consider.

Pros

• The knife is made of high-quality Damascus steel that is durable and long-lasting.
• The wooden handle with Damascus steel guards provides a comfortable grip and adds to the knife’s aesthetic appeal.
• The knife comes with a premium quality hand-stitched leather sheath that protects the blade and makes it easy to carry around.

Cons

• The knife may require sharpening upon arrival, as some users have reported receiving a blade that was not as sharp as they expected.
• The handle may not be as comfortable for some users, as it is not ergonomically designed.
• The knife may be heavier than some users are used to, which may affect their ability to use it for extended periods.

The Poshland RG-156 Handmade Damascus Steel Kukri Knife is a great option for those looking for a reliable and sturdy kukri knife. The high-quality Damascus steel blade is durable and long-lasting, and the wooden handle with Damascus steel guards provides a comfortable grip and adds to the knife’s aesthetic appeal.

One thing to note is that some users have reported receiving a blade that was not as sharp as they expected, so you may need to sharpen it upon arrival. Additionally, the handle may not be as comfortable for some users, as it is not ergonomically designed. Finally, the knife may be heavier than some users are used to, which may affect their ability to use it for extended periods.

Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and sturdy kukri knife, the Poshland RG-156 Handmade Damascus Steel Kukri Knife is definitely worth considering. With its high-quality materials and beautiful design, it’s sure to be a valuable addition to your collection.

NedFoss Kukri Survival Knife with Sheath

If you’re looking for a reliable and sturdy kukri knife for outdoor activities, the NedFoss Kukri Survival Knife with Sheath is a great option.

Pros

• The blade is made of high-quality 8Cr14MoV steel, making it durable and long-lasting.
• The ergonomic handle made of black G10 provides a comfortable grip and good balance between the blade and handle.
• The knife comes with a genuine leather sheath for convenient and secure carrying.

Cons

• The knife is relatively heavy, weighing 14.5 ounces, which may not be ideal for some users.
• The blade may require frequent sharpening to maintain its sharpness.
• The knife may not be suitable for heavy-duty tasks such as chopping thick branches.

We recently used this knife on a camping trip and were impressed with its performance. The blade was sharp and sturdy, making it easy to cut through various materials such as rope, wood, and meat. The handle provided a comfortable grip, and the hand guard gave us confidence that the blade would not slip.

One thing to note is that the knife is relatively heavy, which may be a concern for some users who prefer lighter knives. Additionally, the blade may require frequent sharpening to maintain its sharpness, especially after heavy use. However, overall, we found the NedFoss Kukri Survival Knife with Sheath to be a reliable and sturdy option for outdoor activities such as camping, hunting, and survival situations.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a durable and reliable kukri knife for outdoor activities, we recommend the NedFoss Kukri Survival Knife with Sheath. Its high-quality materials, comfortable grip, and convenient carrying sheath make it a great option for any outdoor enthusiast.

KA-BAR Kukri Machete

If you’re looking for a versatile tool that can tackle a variety of tasks, the KA-BAR Kukri Machete might be just what you need.

Pros

• The Kukri-style blade is perfect for chopping and basic field use, making it a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts.
• The ergonomically shaped Kraton G handle provides a non-slip grip, even in wet conditions.
• The included leather/Cordura sheath makes it easy to store and transport the machete safely.

Cons

• The blade may require some sharpening out of the box to achieve optimal performance.
• At 1.7 pounds, the machete is on the heavier side, which may be a concern for some users.
• The 20-degree edge angle may not be ideal for all users, depending on their intended use for the machete.

We’ve found that the KA-BAR Kukri Machete is a reliable tool that can handle a variety of tasks. The blade is well-suited for chopping and clearing, while the handle provides a comfortable grip that allows for precise control. The included sheath is a nice touch, as it makes it easy to store and transport the machete safely.

One thing to keep in mind is that the blade may require some sharpening out of the box to achieve optimal performance. Additionally, the 20-degree edge angle may not be ideal for all users, depending on their intended use for the machete. Finally, at 1.7 pounds, the machete is on the heavier side, which may be a concern for some users.

Overall, we think that the KA-BAR Kukri Machete is a solid choice for anyone who needs a versatile tool for outdoor use. Its combination of a Kukri-style blade, comfortable handle, and included sheath make it a great value for the price.

Bushmaster Kukri Machete Knife with Sheath

If you’re looking for a versatile and durable machete, the Bushmaster Kukri Machete Knife might be the perfect fit for you.

Pros

• The distinctively curved, black 12 1/4" stainless steel blade with sawback serrations along the blade spine is perfect for a variety of outdoor tasks, such as chopping wood, clearing brush, and slashing through tall weeds.
• The high-impact TPU handle with its rubberized grip provides a slip-free hold even in the worst weather or environmental conditions.
• The 18" overall machete comes with a zippered, nylon belt sheath for easy carrying.

Cons

• The sheath does not have a belt loop, which might make it difficult to carry for some users.
• The weight-forward profile of the blade might take some getting used to, especially for those who are used to traditional machetes.
• The machete might be too heavy for some users, which could make it difficult to swing for extended periods of time.

Overall, we recommend the Bushmaster Kukri Machete Knife for anyone who needs a reliable and versatile machete for outdoor use. Its unique design and durable materials make it a great choice for a variety of tasks, and its slip-free grip ensures that you’ll always have a secure hold on the blade.

Buying Guide

When looking for the best kukri knife, there are a few important factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for when making your purchase:

Blade Material

The blade material is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a kukri knife. The most common materials used for kukri blades are high carbon steel, stainless steel, and Damascus steel. High carbon steel is known for its durability and ability to hold a sharp edge, but it requires more maintenance to prevent rust. Stainless steel is more resistant to rust, but it may not hold an edge as well as high carbon steel. Damascus steel is a premium option that combines the best of both worlds, with a durable edge and resistance to rust.

Blade Shape

The shape of the blade is another important factor to consider. The traditional kukri blade has a curved shape that allows for powerful chopping and slicing. Look for a blade with a full tang, which means the blade extends through the handle for added strength and balance.

Handle Material

The handle of the kukri knife should be comfortable and easy to grip. Look for a handle made from a durable material, such as wood, bone, or synthetic materials. The handle should also have a secure grip, which can be achieved with textured or contoured designs.

Sheath

A good sheath is essential to protect your kukri knife when not in use. Look for a sheath made from a durable material, such as leather or nylon. The sheath should also be designed to fit the specific shape of your kukri knife for a secure fit.

By considering these key features, you can find the best kukri knife to suit your needs and preferences.