Well, I don't know anything about that particular knife, but a while back I went through an evolution with a big sharp that has "kukri" as part of its name - even tho I don't think it's really a kukri. I'm still thinking about it, because I *really* like this knife - but I'm uncertain about buying one for myself. It depends on what I might use it for and what my present life-long habits are... let me elaborate a bit:<br><br>When my eldest son wanted a kukri, I resisted. We discussed it at length (proposed uses, pluses, minuses). Did *some* research (heavy on WWW; light on printed material). Eons ago, I had a "real" handmade kukri & sheath given to me - not as pretty as J.T.s, just plain and sharp. Never did figure out any use for it, but then I never really tried, either. That bent blade really put me off (I share J.T.'s concern about rotating in the hand). No idea where it is now - think one of my sibs sold it at a garage sale when I was away at school. Don't miss it; had forgotten about it until son asked for one.<br><br>Son and I peered at pics pretty hard. I was not encouraging "kukri types". I gave him, oh, three "big knife" choices from various makers. Of those, he chose a CS LTC Kukri, which to my eye is not really a kukri. Maybe a little more like a parang or a bolo, but not really in any of those categories. At the appropriate time I ordered one and gave it to him. I examined it very closely and after he had the "new" glint out of his eye, I used it enough to be convinced that it's a heck of a useful multi-purpose edged tool.<br><br>It looks and feels "right". It chops a boatload better than a machette, although a machette would be better at "Jungle Jim" type hack 'n slash trail carving in a jungle, cutting cane or corn, etc.. Manipulating the LTC side-by side with known knives, it appears that it will be great for belly un-zipping large game and the gross skinning of same (grip is moved to back of blade - handful near the tip - sorta ulu-like - easy to show, hard to say). It trims with authority - pointing/shaping stakes/handles is easier with this than anything else I've used (save a drawknife). Speaking of which, if shaping a length of wood is required, it also works well as a drawknife - carefully. I haven't tried making a self bow with it - think that would take more skill than a regular drawknife, but maybe it would serve. It splits wood with ease and no distress (a hand axe still is "better", of course). And so on. I don't think I'd care to carve the holiday turkey with it, but it would get by.<br><br>I looked at the pics of the blade Lofty Wiseman sells and to *MY* thinking, the LTC is much better shaped for what he describes in his book than the knife he sells (sorry, but that's how it looks to me). <br><br>Frankly, I really like the darned thing! My son hides it from me now <grin>. He's experimenting with altering the factory carry configuration, but it's not bad as-is if you don't mind belt carry. I tend to carry big sharps like this on or in my pack, personally, but his point is that he wants it ON him in case he loses his pack. I'm thinking the whole thing through and am not at the point where I want one to carry for myself.<br><br>The thing is, I see that LTC "kukri" as a multi-purpose edged tool, and I guess I'm pretty much in the habit of using the tool I like best for the task at hand. What would it replace for me? <shrug> that's the rub - it would be an addition, not a replacement, unless I changed my habits. No matter where I am, if I have pants pockets, I have two folder sharps in my pockets (errr, three - but they're *small*, honest!). If I don't have pants pockets, like at the swimming pool, I have my "daily carry" sharps in an outer compartment of my "Be Prepared" pack on the pool deck, along with the other impliments that habituat said pack. In my mind, their uses don't overlap - each is best suited for different things on a daily basis. Deliberate outings get other "preferred" sharps added, depending on the intent of the trip - my prefered skinner doesn't get packed unless I'm hunting big game, for example.<br><br><shrug> I'm not so set in my ways that I cannot use my sharps alternatively - life has not been that orderly for me, at least <grin>. And I'm not a knife nut or anything - these are just ordinary sharps that serve me well. But it's still a fundamental question for me - "What does this replace?" If it was an ugly looking thing, that would be easy - one for each vehicle kit as the "big multi-purpose edged tool". But darn it, after handling it and using it a little, it's not ugly enough to be condemened to that oblivion. Darned cute thing oughta be used.<br><br>YMMV, but the point is, what do you need it for? I guess I can truthfully say that I want one, but I don't need it, so I haven't purchased one for my self. Food for thought, at least.<br><br>Regards,<br><br>Scouter Tom