Every survivalist and outdoor enthusiast will have a knife or machete that they prefer to carry along on their excursions. However, many are still not familiar with the kukri, and this is despite it being one of the handiest and most versatile knives. 

The kukri is a unique cutting tool that combines the performance of a hatchet with the accuracy and precision of a knife.

Kukris have been in use if Nepal and its surroundings for many generations and so their high performance is a result of many years of testing and improvements. But, as the kukri spreads to other parts of the world the design is always changing.

The design of the kukri knife will in most cases differ according to the blade thickness with the two main categories being the thinner Eastern/Sirupate kukri and the broad Western/Budhuna kukri. However, the best one for you will depend on how you intend to use it.

#1. Ka-Bar 2-1249-9 Kukri

Editor's Rating:  (4.6 / 5)

This kukri knife by Ka-Bar features a durable carbon-steel blade that comes with a sharp edge and is ready for immediate use. The kukri has an ergonomic kraton G handle that provides a firm and very comfortable grip that will not slip even when it is wet.

The full tang design of this kukri knife ensures maximum durability, and it also prevents it from bending when cutting hard materials. It has an 11-1/2 inches blade, and it is only 1.7 lbs making it easy to handle. This Ka-Bar kukri is perfect for clearing campsites, chopping woods and even for cutting small branches.

Who Should Buy?

The blade material, design and size of this kukri knife makes it ideal for campers and backpackers as it is handy when cutting plant life to prepare a campsite. But, it can also be handy for use at home when removing weeds in the garden.

#2. Cold Steel 97MKM Kukri Knife

Editor's Rating:  (4.3 / 5)

The Cold Steel 97MKM is the cheapest item on our list, but it is the best kukri for the money given its high-quality construction and performance. This kukri features a cold steel magnum blade that is as durable as any can get. And it connects to a sturdy and durable polypropylene handle that offers a firm and comfortable grip.

The blade on this kukri is 17 inches long, and it has weight forward balance design that gives it the ability to handle even the toughest jobs. When you buy this cold steel kukri, you also get a riveted cordura sheath that also comes with a reinforced tip.

Who Should Buy?

The angled blade edge design means that this kukri machete will make deeper cuts with every stroke which makes it ideal for gardeners since it cuts through tall weeds and clears fields with little effort. The affordable price tag also makes this a perfect kukri for someone shopping for one on a tight budget.

#3. EGKH Gurkha Kukri

Editor's Rating:  (4.7 / 5)

This EGKH product is the best kukri knife on our list, and this is despite the fact that it is also the priciest unit in our reviews. Like most other EGKH knives and machetes the construction and performance do not disappoint. The blade is high carbon steel, and so you can be sure that it will last for a long time while the handle is a sturdy and comfortable kraton.

EGKH gives this kukri knife a forward blade weight to make cutting easy since you can get deep cuts with little effort. Also, the company provides a sturdy secure-ex sheath to make storage and transportation easy. The blade is 12 inches long to provide sufficient cutting area, and it is razor sharp when you get it.

Who Should Buy?

The razor-sharp blade on this kukri can cut through almost anything. Whether you want something for use around the garden or to take for your wilderness explorations, this knife will be a perfect choice. However, it is quite pricey, and so you have to be ready to pay the extra cost to get its services.

#4. Schrade SCHKM1 Kukri Machete

Editor's Rating:  (4.5 / 5)

Schrade SCHKM1 is a large full tang kukri machete that comes with the thickest blade (1/8 inch) on our list. This stainless steel blade also has a thick black powder coating, and it is 13.3 inches long.

The handle features a T-grip design that is safe and also very comfortable and lanyard hole, and you also get a durable sheath when you buy this kukri knife. And with a total length of 6.4 inches, this handle is the longest on our list.

Apart from the sheath, this knife will also come with a sturdy pouch that has a diamond stone sharpener to help keep the blade sharp and a ferro rod. And to offer you more versatility when it comes to carrying, the knife comes with shoulder and hip straps and some loops for attaching it to your bag.

Who Should Buy?

If you are a survivalist that wants a mid price kukri knife that offers you numerous carrying options, this is an excellent product for you. With this knife, you get a thigh strap, shoulder strap, and loops for attaching it to a bag which gives you more than enough carrying options.

#5. Condor Tool & Knife 60217 Kukri Knife

Editor's Rating:  (4.6 / 5)

If you want the best kukri knife for multipurpose use Condor is a brand that you can always trust. Their 60217 model comes with a 10-inch long high carbon steel blade with a blasted satin finish. This kukri is perfect for diverse applications. Condor gives it a hardwood handle that is comfortable for the hand but also gives it an impressive and traditional look.

When you buy this kukri knife, you get a black leather sheath that helps to keep the blade secure when not in use and also prevents accidental cuts.

Who Should Buy?

Condor makes this kukri for someone looking for a knife that strikes the perfect balance between blade length and weight. Although the blade is long and weighty to cut through branches with minimum strokes, it is still light enough for easy handling.

#6. Ontario Knife 1064206 Co OKC Kukri Knife

Editor's Rating:  (4.6 / 5)

The 1064206 Co OKC by Ontario Knife is a 17-inch long kukri that features a 1095 carbon steel blade with a black finish to make it non-reflective. This blade is 11.5 inches which is just perfect for a multipurpose kukri knife, and it comes with a durable G-10 rubber handle with some grooves for extra comfort.

Carrying and storing this blade should not be a problem because it comes with a handy nylon sheath. But this sheath is not the most durable, and you might need to replace it in future. And the kukri also has a lanyard hole on its handle.

Who Should Buy?

The black blade finish makes this kukri perfect for individuals that work in the sun for long hours as it is non-reflective. Also, the lightweight and excellent balance mean that it is also ideal for someone that wants a knife that is easy to handle or does not have a lot of experience using the kukri.

#7. Genuine Gurkha Aeof Kukri

Editor's Rating:  (4.3 / 5)

This handmade knife is the best kukri knife on our list for anyone looking for an authentic looking or Genuine Gurkha kukri. It features a hand-forged high-grade carbon steel blade that is double fullered and semi-polished for an authentic appearance. This beautiful knife has the traditional kukri curve that helps to enhance the look, and it connects to a full tang handle.

For the handle, you get a sturdy and very durable rosewood with a finger grip to make it comfortable for extended use. This kukri knife also comes with a brown buffalo leather sheath that has some straps for carrying. And you also get the chakmak and karda small knives with the latter being for skinning animals and the former for sharpening your kukri.

Who Should Buy?

This kukri is ideal for a collector or someone looking for the finest quality and authentic looking kukri knife. The quality of the craftsmanship on this handcrafted and unpolished knife is outstanding, and it is the type of kukri that you will want to keep for many years.

#8. Smith & Wesson SWBH Kukri

Editor's Rating:  (4 / 5)

Smith & Wesson makes this kukri knife with a black high carbon steel to make it non-reflective and very durable. This medium size kukri also comes with deeply grooved handle style that is also rubber wrapped for maximum comfort. And so you can swing if for many hours without having to worry about hand fatigue.

This kukri will also come with a polyester sheath that makes carrying easy since you can attach it either to the belt or hang on the shoulder. And to make things even better the blade is sharp and ready for immediate use. The knife has exceptional balance and weight distribution. It is also one of the most affordable items on our list, and so you do not need to spend a lot to get its services.

Who Should Buy?

The weight and balance of this kukri knife are perfect for blazing the trail. And so if you love the wilderness or outdoors this is the best kukri machete for you as it will help you move through the thick brush with ease.

#9. Magnum 01MB511 Kukri Knife

Editor's Rating:  (4.3 / 5)

The Magnum 01MB511 is a pocket size kukri knife, and it is the smallest unit on our list. This knife features 4-5/8 inches, 440 stainless steel blade with a straight edge construction for fast cuts. The handle is G-10 but with some stainless steel liners to make it extra sturdy and to ensure that it keeps the knife in place when not in use.

What most users will love about this small kukri is that it is effortless to open with a simple flick of the wrist and it comes sharp enough. Also, it will keep the edge for long enough, and it is handy for chopping small branches and for a variety of other outdoor tasks. And it is the second most affordable kukri on our reviews.

Who Should Buy?

The straight edge design and curve on this kukri make it perfect for light chopping and other outdoor tasks. The small pocket size also makes it ideal for those that require a powerful but easily concealable kukri knife.

#10. SOG Specialty Knives SOGfari Kukri Machete

Editor's Rating:  (4.3 / 5)

SOG is a favorite brand when it comes to knives and machetes. Their SOGfari kukri knife is a unique unit that features a high carbon steel blade that also includes a saw back design to make it a multi-function machete. The company gives this kukri a kraton handle to ensure maximum comfort for your hand even when working for long periods.

With this kukri, you get a 12-inch straight edge blade design that makes fast and deep cuts and so you can finish the job with minimum strokes. Also, the kukri comes with a protective synthetic sheath for carrying, and the handle also has some holes for attaching lanyards.

The 6-inch full tang handle is the second longest on our list, and so you can be confident that you will have enough gripping area.

Who Should Buy?

This kukri machete is another excellent choice for clearing trails and brush thanks to the large curved blade and saw back. And so it is a good buy for survivalist and outdoor lovers.

It is always important to choose your kukri knife keenly because they are not all the same. And although your choice should depend on how you intend to use the kukri, some essential characteristics will define a good one. Considering these traits or features ensures that you get something that will serve the intended purpose well.

#1. Blade

The blade is the first feature that you should consider when shopping for a kukri since it is what does the cutting. For this, you need to consider both the blade length and material. Most are high carbon steel because it is a durable material, but there are also some that are from cheap steel. It is also crucial for survivalists to go for a blade material that does not rust or dull easily.

Blade length depends on your intended application. The best kukri for use as a machete is one with a thin and long blade while the smaller ones are suitable for multipurpose use.

#2. Handle

The handle materials in kukri knives will vary from traditional ones like ivory and wood to contemporary polymers. But regardless of what you prefer to have, the important thing is to ensure that it provides a comfortable and firm grip. Also, it is important to know that the kukris with the traditional handle material are in most cases handmade and hence pricier.

#3. Cut-Out

The cut-out is a small notch in the shed of the blade, and it is one if the features that set it apart from traditional machetes and other knife types. Although most people assume it is just for decorative purposes, it is an important feature since it helps with shock-absorption. The cut-out will allow the blade to flex when cutting something without cracking or breaking.

#4. Tang

Tang is the section/part of the blade that connects to the handle. The traditional style kukri knife will not have a tang while some will have little. But, if you want the knife to serve you for long it is a good idea to go for one with a full tang. A full tang is also very useful if you intend to be using the kukri to chop hard material regularly.

#5. Sheath

The sheath is among the features that many people will overlook when buying a kukri knife. However, to get the best kukri machete, it is always important to take it into account. The sheath should always be as high-quality as the knife and the best way to ensure this is to go for a leather one with a sturdy construction.