Hey folks, 12-Gauge Chimp here.
Today's the day I finally am able to share with you my experiences with the Kailash Blades "Scourge" and Sirupate kukris.
I didn't want to rush into a review like I have in the past, so I took a bit of time to get to know the blades. Here are my findings during my use of both blades.
Starting off with the "Scourge".
Now, keep in mind that my "Scourge" is an older variant and is no longer made due to various quality upgrades over the past five or so years. If you were to order a "Scourge" today, it would be a bit different than my model. The biggest difference would be the sheath and I believe the grind of the blade is different, but I know the sheath is changed. Gone is the traditional wood and leather sheath, that has now been swapped for a more Western style stacked leather or Kydex sheath.
I've used the "Scourge" off and on for the past few years and it has been tough throughout it all. Sure, the blade picked up a few nicks and the edge has a slight roll in spots, but nothing that couldn't be filed out during sharpening. It's picked up some scars and a couple small rust stains, but again, it's nothing that couldn't be scrubbed off or anything that'll compromise the strength of the steel.
If I had one complaint for the "Scourge" it'd be that the handle near the guard developed a small crack during use. This is due to a small flaw in the wood used and nothing that the bladesmiths at Kailash did. On their end, the flaw probably didn't present itself until well after it shipped. I was able to prevent the crack from going any deeper with a small repair, so I don't think it'll be a worry anymore. if it cracks any more, I can just saw off the piece on either side and expose the steel of the guard and have a semi-custom guard. It's not a big deal.
Overall, I still recommend the "Scourge" and matter of fact, I plan to purchase a newer one along with the 'Anniversary' model because I like the style so much.
Now, onto the Sirupate.
I haven't used the Sirupate as much as the "Scourge", but it has seen its fair share. Mostly on thinner branches and the damn ivy growing all over my backyard.
Where the "Scourge" is like an axe or a hatchet, the Sirupate is more like a machete (or a short sword, if you like) and it clears brush like nothing else. The Nepalese have been using various styles of kukri for hundreds of years and I'm betting that a Sirupate style kukri is probably one of their preferences. It's light, fast and doesn't wear you out like swinging a heavier kukri might. Matter of fact, when clearing weeds and other annoyances out of my yard, I preferred the Sirupate because it was lighter despite having a longer blade. When I first used it, I was afraid the thinner blade would bog down in some of the stuff I was clearing. Nope. It chopped through those branches like they weren't even there.
The blade did lose its edge slightly, but like the "Scourge", it wasn't anything that couldn't be fixed with a good sharpening.
With all that said, I'd recommend getting a "Scourge" or a Sirupate or anything Kailash produces. They might be a bit more expensive than other places, but you're getting an almost custom knife for the money. If you were to have a custom knife maker forge you a blade like the "Scourge", for example, I'd bet that you'd be looking at price tag of almost 400 bucks, depending on the maker. For about 150 bucks or maybe even less, you're getting a blade that's built like a tank and will likely outlast you and your kids or even grandkids with proper care and maintenance.
So, in the end, the Kailash Blades "Scourge" and Sirupate kukris have definitely earned the '12-Gauge Chimp' seal of approval. And they are two blades I will never let go from my collection. Other blades have come and gone from my collection over the years, but these two are going to be with me for the rest of my life.
Thanks for reading this and visiting the site and as always, this is 12-Gauge Chimp signing off.
