anyone ever made a kukri?

kevin adams

kevin adams

Joined
Apr 14, 2007
Messages
239
I have been doing a bunch of research on kukris lately, but can't seem to find anything showing possible steps to making one, would be a great fun project for when i get me some decent skills under the belt, was just wondering if yall had some sage advice, pictures, words of encouragement, pictures, things to watch out for, pictures...( i like pictures!) hehe. Thanks all !
 
I haven't attempted one yet but the overall principle seems to be the same as other big blades...these are just largely recurved. Once you've made a straight blade about the same length, I'd imagine a kukri shape wouldn't be much different. This is stock removal method that I speak of. As far as forging goes, I haven't got a clue.
 
I've got one cut out right now, but I wont be doing the grinding on it for a while... I figure about the same as Garrett, the grind should be fairly easy given the curve is over a pretty good length. I'll let ya know, but its going to be a while before I get to it. Also, I'm speaking of stock removal as well. Haven't forged anything that large yet.....(key word "yet" lol)
 
hehe, sorr should have specified forged, lol don't know where in heck id get a piece that big to cut it out, also i gots no torch as of yet, so forged it must be, thanks for the info!
 
I would suspect, with my limited knowledge, that it would be about like forging out any other big bladed knife. That blade that Tim Lively hammers out in his video is almost a kukri shape, a little more forward swept and it would be one. You should check it out.
 
oh great!, thanks i have a rough idea but, knowledge is power as they say, i'll definitely check out tim's vid
 
I think there is a Youtube clip on building one.....Look for: "Making a leaf spring Kukri knife". I haven't looked at it but I made a note to watch it soon. Good luck!

Brad
 
Kevin:
Look at some of the stuff here:

http://www.himalayan-imports.com/faq/

in there is a great chart:
http://www.himalayan-imports.com/faq/physics/Khukuri_Dynamics.html

It is a very old blade shape and has a lot to it which is what makes them so interesting. If you read up on them the weight and shape of the curve and thickness of them all affect the balance and how they chop/cut. If you do not get all the elements right you will not quite have the real thing, not to say you can not do it, arm your self with the knowledge and you will be good to go.
If you are making a first one I would go for the 16 1/2" WW2 shape it is a very good blade and suits a lot of uses. I would think this would make the perfect camp "knife".
Good luck and keep us posted, might as well make 2 as one and you can send me the second one if you don't use it.

Cheers Ron.
 
I made one from damascus.....forged, with fullers and everything.....HUGE pain in the rear....never was able to finish it out. :(


There have been a few makers do kukris...but most are either flat-ground or hollow-ground. I've yet to see many with fullers - the way they're done in Nepal.

That said, Vince Evans has done some very nice kukris. ;)

Dan


p.s. I've made hundreds of knives since doing that Kukri....and I will Never do one again. Not a great starter knife project....unless, like I said above, you settle for a flat grind.
 
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