More than a decade and a half ago, I discovered Khukuri House Thamel (KHT). Genuine kukris, straight from Nepal!
As if this wasn’t enough, KHT were very agreeable when it came to suggestions for modifications and customizations.
I commissioned a number of kukris that added a half-guard to the traditional grip form.
I knew from previous experience that the traditional grip form was just about ideal for a blade of this shape. Adding the half-guard really did make it even better.
Not only does the half-guard add some protection for the hand, it also makes the grip even more comfortable and more secure.
These experiments led to my commissioning the kukri that I call the “Scrapboard Survivor”: A ten inch sirupate blade combined with a half-guard and a traditional grip. To my mind, this is pretty much as ideal a survival knife as you can get. Read my blog “Why a Kukri?” For more information.
I had rather hoped KHT might add the Scrapboard Survivor to their range, so that others might enjoy this most excellent of tools. Sadly, as far as I am aware, there are no plans to make the Scrapboard Survivor a standard option at the moment.
KHT did, however, take a liking to one of my earlier commissions. Before I opted for the sirupate blade, I had brought a 10" standard bladed kukri with a half-guard added.
KHI have added this option to their catalogue as the “Junky Jungle (JJ) Plus Guardwala”. The example shown in their photo is the actual knife and sheath that I own.
My love of the Scrapboard Survivor has rather made me overlook just what a fantastic knife the JJ Plus Guardwala is.
A friend of mine prefers this kukri to the Scrapboard Survivor. Anything you can do with the Scrapboard Survivor, you can do with the JJ Plus Guardwala. The JJ Plus Guardwala is a little heavier, but at 650-750 grams, it is hardly a burden. The added “heft” was one of the things my friend preferred.
The JJ Plus Guardwala is a very good option if you do not want to commission your own Scrapboard Survivor. What is more, it is currently listed at under $60!
Do not let the good looks fool you. These are high quality, practical, working tools.
The JJ Plus Guardwala is not available from other Kukri stockists.
If you are ordering a JJ Plus Guardwala, a Scrapboard Survivor or any other kukri, please mention this blog.