20" Khukuris - big knives or small swords???

P

Pagala Gorwa

Joined
Jul 8, 1999
Messages
8
Hi everyone. I know there's probably a really simple answer to this, but as I'm new to the Khukuri obsession, can someone tell me why a large khukuri, such as a 20" AK or Sirupati is classed as a knife, and not a small sword. If a khukuri was carried by a Gurkha and used in conjunction with a sword, such as a Kora, then why is it any different to the wakazashi, or short-sword carried by the Samurai and used in conjunction with their long-sword, or Katana??

A 20" khukuri (or larger) is at least as physically large as a wakazashi or many other short swords isn't it???

And also, when I think of other combat knives, I tend to always think of them as being used with a stabbing technique, and not being so perfectly designed for heavy chopping as a khukuri is!!!!

What do you think????

Thanks
Chris

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;-P
 
Probably just because there is a large amount of utility built into their design and many using them think of them as tools rather than weapons.

When the bando people used to post on KnifeForums, they would refer to their khukuris as swords. For them the martial aspects of the khukuris is very important obviously.

-Cliff
 
Of the four khukuris I have, the 18" (more like 19 OAL) sirupati villager I just got recently is more sword in my mind. The 2" depth from spine to edge, lighter feel and movement, makes me think "SWORD!" I don't feel that with the others.

sing

 
As you will see later the Salyans that came in yesterday are most assuredly not swords.

Uncle bill
 
Actually, the 20 inch Ang Khola is neither a knife or a short sword. It's a pile driver with a bevel cut into it.
Or maybe a renegade piece of oil drilling rig.
But a knife?
(Who cares what it is! I love mine anyway!)

Tom
 
Knife, definately. As I have said in another post, I'm a pretty big boy and have always found what most people consider knives to be more like toothpicks for me.

Personally. Short sword starts at 36 inches.
Toy anything up to 4" blade. Small knife up to 8" blade, Knife up to 12" blade. Large knife fills the gap to short sword.

But then, not everyone takes 37" sleeves
smile.gif
 
True Uncle it would be an option.

But I was under the impression it was gone from the posts with it's picture.

As for size *LL*, with my boots on I'm 6'8" and do a fine job of filling a regulation exterior door openning.

It is a lovely knife for sure. Have you had any trouble with shipments to Canada? I do intend, over time, to increase the Khukuri numbers in my knife collection.

As you said in the other thread, yes it is a win-win situation. We get lovely workmanship and they a better living, what more could be asked for.
smile.gif
 
Seven or eight years back we had some problems with a 38 inch Janawar Katne. That has been the only problem with Canadian customs and I am most thankful for that.

Uncle Bill
 
You mean you sell the khukuris that size Uncle. I though the 20 inch AK or new Salyan was the biggest.

thanks and take care
collin
 
Collin, besides the Janawar the Tin Chirra is also heftier than the Ang Khola. Its of a similar make and design but has a double forged indent in the spine in the chopping area.

As for Canada, no, large knives are not a problem. Its only the ones that have odd opening mechanisms or that are intended to be used as concealed weapons. What will get you into trouble most often is people with moronic shipping labels like "Death Dealers Inc.".

-Cliff
 
Thanks Mr. Stamp. I thought the Janawar was bigger than the 20 inch AK but I hadn't heard of the Tin Chirra before.

thanks and take care
collin
 
collin, you are a very polite young man and it is a very nice thing to see. The Janawar Katne that we sometimes make is 38 inches and weighs 8 or 9 pounds usually. If you want to see a pix of it let me know and I'll email you one.

Uncle Bill
 
Thanks for the compliment Uncle Bill. You say it is thirty eight inches. Man I wouldn't even know what to do with that but I would still like a picture of it.

thanks and take care
collin
 
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