Kali-Astra (Nemesis)

Kami Shiva Raj outdid himself. The balance on the Kali Astra is as amazing as others have noted. It's not as overbuilt as some models, with the point of balance being closer to the handle for quicker handling, but still forward a bit for good chopping, and a more gradual curve for better thrusting. The pictures also don't do it justice because the grind isn't as visible as the chirra (fullers) on other models but I would argue that the grind on this one is more complex with a gradual hollow grind in the middle of the blade flaring to a slightly thicker convex at the edge. Just stropping it on leather had it shaving sharp. She isn't as much a bruiser as she is a dancer, but still sturdy enough that I won't hesitate to beat on her. Immediately took her to a 4" oak sapling and made short work of it. The slightly thinner blade stock means she bites deep. This is my first Kukri from KHHI but certainly won't be my last. They were also very accommodating of my changing the handle to green micarta at the last minute and had great communication.

This is my first Kukri I have purchased. It is truly a magnificent work of art! The blade feels like an extension of my hand when i hold it. It is beautiful and a pleasure to wield. I feared that the 13” long blade might be awkward and difficult to maneuver because of it’s length. That fear was totally unfounded. She is quick and nimble and such a pleasure to hold. Arjun Baraily, the maker of my blade, has produced a masterpiece for which I am extremely grateful! Both the standard and KYDEX sheaths are superb. They fit the knife like a glove. Congratulations on a job expertly done! Best regards, David Haile

This knife delivers on everything it promises. It's beautiful and elegant, while also being well balanced and surprisingly sharp. Communication with the maker was easy, and they are very courteous. The knife was packaged very securely, and delivery actually came early. Great knife, great job. thank you.

This knife I received was pretty good, I am satisfied with the purchase, the only small preference was I wish I got it a tiny bit sharper, it was sharp out of the box, it is optimized for heavy cutting . But it is easy to sharpen. I am happy with the purchase.

This is my second Khukuri from KHHI, and she is beautiful! The craftmanship is superb, Mr. Arjun Baraily is truly and artist and a Master Craftsman. When I hold the Kali-Astra she becomes a perfect extension of my own arm and hand. The grip feels like it was custom made to fit only me. The balance of the blade could not be better, she feels to be a fraction of her actual weight when held and swung making her light and fast. This khukuri is a brilliant work of art as well as a tool and weapon. After testing her chopping abilities that made short work of a piece of redwood and an ash pole, she retained her edge enough for slicing paper and more delicate fruit. After incorporating Kali-Astra into my martial arts practice, I know she will be a fast and deadly weapon. My movements and the flow with her in my hand are natural and easy, almost as if the blade is wielding me. I wish to add that I added the "Bless this Khukuri" option when ordering. I actually ordered two khukuris and had them blessed, the other being the 15 inch Defender (Guard) which was a gift for my nephew, an Army Veteran and currently servicing in law enforcement. When I unwrapped them I could feel they are alive. When I held the 15 inch Defender I could feel the powerful protective spirit it has and I know it will serve my nephew well. Kali-Astra is just as alive, but she is much more aggressive. When the Blessings were performed for each blade, the spirits definitely knew what was needed. I wish to add that the customer service I receive is also superb. The stands missed shipping out with the Khukuris, but swiftly followed up. Thank you to your entire team!

This is my 4th Khukuri from KHHI. A Massive Thank you to a Master Craftsman Mr. Arjun Baraily for an Excellent and Beautifully made Khukuri. I have tested it on a 1 - 2" thick piece of Cherry wood, she cuts deep, fast, and made short work of it even through a knot. WELL impressed with its chopping and cutting ability straight out of the box. She is light, fast, and sits comfortably in the hand with NO hand shock or twisting in the hand. All I can say is SHE is PERFECT as is her name, but I am calling her KALI as I am sure the Goddess Kali herself would agree. The companion knife sits nicely in the hand although I have not tried it yet, but, I know I will not be disappointed in its performance. The correspondence with customer service at KHHI is Excellent and very helpful. Praise to you all. I am honoured to be the proud owner of a beautifully crafted piece of Art.
Thank you all Very much. Chris

The Nemesis blade was a solid blade I've cut wood & large tree length branches with it performed well. But the nemesis I received a few months ago was not what I was expecting, I was expecting it to be what was represented in the picture and that's not what I received we're talking about the cosmetics of the blade. Grind marks under the guard etc.and the biggie was the broken up spots in the black etching as It seems but broken up black not a solid stream of black.

Thank you mr Arjun Baraily I love the blade beautifully made sharp and a great tool. Chops and cuts well ,sharp with great geometry I love it but the sheath is ordinary. It is hard to use. Thank you all for my Nemesis! I’m getting another!

I wish to begin this review by first thanking Kami Arjun Baraily (maker mark N). This was my first purchase from KHHI, and it will not be my last, the craftsmanship was very good, especially considering the price of this product. Without his skilled hands, this wonderful blade would never be in my possession, Namaste my brother! Thank you! I would also like to thank the customer service department for responding to my emails concerning shipping time. I was a bit nervous as a first-time customer, but the worries were all quickly relieved by their responses. My blade came faster than I thought it might, and was crafted in less than a month from the time of order! Now on to the good part - I own several inferior Kukri purchased on amazon. They are overwhelmingly thick, some have spines one centimeter thick or thicker, their weight is detestable, more like a crowbar than a weapon or tool worthy of a warrior or bushman. Worse yet they COST MORE than KHHI! None of this applies to KHHI, and certainly not the Kali-Astra (Nemesis). The description of this blade as a work of art and artillery cannot be overstated! It truly is easily my favorite blade in my entire collection, better than blades that cost twice as much.

First of all, the design is very good, the blade is robust enough in the spine to handle hard work, but features a distal taper (thinning) from the guard to the point (something never seen on the amazon Kukri), meaning the center of balance of this blade is near the hand despite the mass it has available for chopping. The profile of the blade is a very stead transition from the flat face of the blade, to a nice convex grind that is slow and steady revealing a great working edge that in my opinion is the perfect functional sharpness right out of the box for the kind of work and duty a kukri should do. It is not hair shaving sharp, but will cut paper, and I can tell will chop kindling well. The grip design is superior, it feels great in my hand, and I have no fear of my hand slipping up or down, and the way the brass fittings are so perfectly matched to the steel and the metal is astounding, I did not know brass could be married to steel so imperceptively well that they look like one metal just suddenly becomes the other. I will surely polish these a bit more, as they were left with some working marks on them, but nothing to complain about, this is not a display knife, this is a rough and tumble blade and I will treat it as a work of art, AND artillery! I cannot confirm the blade temper or strength yet because I haven't yet gone out with it (we have 2 feet of snow here and I don't want to test it on icy frozen logs, and I am not sure if this kukri is designed to split logs anyway, but certainly split kindling and cut off limbs and saplings!) I wasn't too excited about the smaller knife that it came with when I ordered the Kali - Astra (I wanted the kukri), but when I opened the package, the small companion knife was rather exquisite for what it was. I could see that it was made by hand (likely using modern machines of course) but it was perfectly polished, and Its blade edge was easily arm shaving sharp and the steel must be the same 5160 spring steel used on the kukri! This would easily tackle all the finer cutting chores I would want, and together these two knives are a great combination and system for any bushcraft, survival, or combat utility I could ever imagine! KHHI included lots of helpful and fun-to-read materials and I enjoyed it. This will be my FIRST KHHI blade, and I am convinced that I will be back for another! Next time I will likely leave a tip, and order more features like a blessing and some postcards. I will likely also request Arjun Baraily again be my Kami again! Please send him my kindest thanks and regards KHHI, give him a bonus or a tip, please. -Daniel

My Nemesis arrived today and so far I am very happy with it. It truly is a work of art. Its very lively in the hand and just plain feels good. Its of course very sharp, fit and finish looks great, sheath and the smaller knife are also very good looking and with good fit and finish. Now I need to go out and hit something with it :)) Good job guys. Thank you and keep up the good work
Dave from Victor MT USA

Dear all,

I have finally received the knife today - due to strict German custom procedures. During my life - as a knife lover I have to admit - I have owned and own many knifes. This Kukri is a work of Art, it is hard to describe. The Nemesis supersedes my expectations.It arrived as order including my customized wishes, very good packed and oiled for transportation. A well forged blade with a full tang, sharp blade and a very well designed sheath and supporting knife. I strongly recommend KHHI for everyone who is interested in high quality knifes. There are still 4 knifes by my own design on the way, I have full trust in KHHI to meet my expectations again. The Nemesis and the others - I will write a review as soon as I have them - will take a special place in my collection, and they will not be the last ones I ordered.

My thanks to the Kami who uses the Initial "N", well done, please keep up your good work. Special thanks to SLT and his team for the excellent communication and processing of this order. It is a pleasure working with KHHI. Next time I will be in India / Nepal I will certainly visit KHHI, I would like to see your production site at work in real life. I rate the knife 10/10 points.

Namaste, Rolf

Hello,

Got my blades yesterday. They are perfect, especially the Kali Astra made my day. It is the best ! Give my thanks to the makers. I am proud to own their creations. On another note, The shipment was addressed to someone named  Michael  and not to my name. The email address and phone numbers were correct on the AWB. Anyway all worked out and I got the shipment. Thank you for your help,

Best Regards
Antis