Which is better for a survival role, a small hatchet/axe or a kukri? They both seem very useful. As far as weight it would be about the same for both. Here are the pros for each one that I can think of: The benefits I see for the kukri are: Faster drawing Faster for clearing brush. More useful for gutting and other more delicate tasks. A wider range of attack options. And for the Ax/ hatchet: Better for chopping larger wood. Better for hammering. Better for digging. Throwible (though that’s neither here nor there) So which do you think do you think is better and can you think of any other pros/cons for each? . . . .
Faster drawing - Shouldn't be an issue, you should have a firearm. More useful for gutting and other more delicate tasks - Have a pocket knife A wider range of attack options - Again, not an issue. In an imaginary "deserted island" scenario maybe the kukri, but real world post shtf usefulness goes to the hatchet, hands down. If a person hasn't at least included a firearm and a pocket knife in their preps, then they are truly screwed anyway.
Why not buy a good kukuri and a good axe. The price and their usefulness are not mutually exclusive. save and get both.
Have you been trained in a Gurkha regiment? Then stop playing games with your life. A small ax is worth it's weight in gold in a forest. A kukri is an unsurpassed weapon of close range murder in the hands of a specialist, a funny looking machete otherwise.
You don't have to be a trained Ghurka to use a Kukri. I love them. An axe or hatchet have a dedicated use but a Kukri is versatile and would serve both purposes well ( chopping and fighting). I saw a video where a guy cut a 2x4 in half with 3 strokes from a Kukri. But you do have to know how to use one to get that kind of cutting power. You hold it tightly with the thumb and fore finger. The middle, ring and pinky fingers are held very loose. As you come down with the stroke, at the last second before contact you pull the three fingers tight and give a small snapping motion with the wrist. This snap motion imparts a much more poweful blow than just a standard chop stroke. Cold Steel makes a very sturdy Kukri model. As a general purpose camp knife it can't be beat.
What I use in bug bag is a LTC kukri from cold a "second" at 40% off still can not find s defect and tomahawk a rifleman style . I installed a set of langeffes on the sides and the are both great.I used that model hawk in my side job in gardening and also camping and its the best small axe I ever used light fast and the hammer head is a over looked extra. The kukri takes a bit to get used being a inside bent blade but I use it clear cut everyting but trees and saplings good to go.If you lare looking for blades go to http://www.knifecenter.com/ ggrear site cheapprices and never been burned.
