Every kukri we score runs through the same five-stage test cycle:
- Carry & ergonomics — eight-hour belt and pack carry across day-hike and overnight loads.
- Chopping & batoning — at minimum 200 chops in green hardwood (oak, beech, or seasoned hickory) plus controlled batoning into 4–6″ rounds.
- Edge retention — pre- and post-test BESS or sharpened-thumb checks; touch-ups recorded.
- Maintenance & corrosion — full wet-cycle: river soak, overnight humidity, oil reset, sheath inspection.
- Bushcraft chores — featherstick, notch, traditional skewer, tent peg, batoning kindling.
Scoring
Scores are out of 10 in four dimensions: chopping power, survival utility, portability, bushcraft. Scores are floors, not ceilings — we never round up a marginal blade.