Authentic WWII Kukri?

B

BOFH

Joined
Aug 24, 2003
Messages
3
As a newbie, I have a semi-quick question for the experts.

I recently purchased a Kukri knife and would like to make sure that it is an authentic WWII-era piece; not an aged knock-off.

I did quite a bit of research (which is how I found this forum), but could not find the specifics to confirm (or disprove) the authenticity of this particular knife. Does anyone know a good way to check?

Many thanks for any input!
 
Welcome. Put up a picture and description. There are experts here who can peg it to a gnat's eyebrow.
 
Thanks, Bill.

I was hoping that someone could help me out, and I came to the right place. Here are a few pictures of the knife. Sorry for the large pic size; I wanted to make sure there was enough detail. Even larger pictures are linked if you'd like an even closer view.

The knife is 17.5" long, with a 12.5" blade. The handle is dark wood. The sheath seems to be wood covered with leather.

Please let me know if there are any questions or detail needed.

Thanks again!!!

"Front" Side
kukri1-sm.jpg

Click here for a larger version of the picture

"Back" Side
kukri2-sm.jpg

Click here for a larger version of the picture

Stamp
kukri3-sm.jpg

Click here for a larger version of the picture

Cho
kukri4-sm.jpg

Click here for a larger version of the picture
 
Hi There!
That looks to me like a nice 1950s Indian army officers kukri made for their Gorkas, rather than, A pre 1945 one for the British armys Gurkhas,but I may be wrong, others will know more,John Powell for one.Your Sheath looks good to!
best wishes,
Spiral
 
Interesting khuk.:)
You couldn't prove it by me what it is, but as has been said, "There's others more knowledgeable that will be able to help you out."
The handle is strangely different and I'm waiting like everyone else as to what JP will have to say.:D
It does have a military scabbard though and I don't believe it's a common tourist model.
 
The handle didn't strike me as much as the blade profile.

Think it's been reground from a damaged blade?
Seems like the belly of the blade was a little larger.

Tiny cho.

Overall it looks real to me,
but then I don't know nothing 'bout old khuks.
 
Originally posted by ddean
The handle didn't strike me as much as the blade profile.

Think it's been reground from a damaged blade?
Seems like the belly of the blade was a little larger.
Click to expand...

Dean it may be just that. The blade profile is different, but I just chalked that up to a lot of sharpening for some odd reason. I know on my khuks the softer part of the blade will wear quicker than the "sweet spot" just from sharpeing and I'm pretty careful to not let that happen.

The handle shape struck me most because of the straight flare from the ring section.
And the area where the normally raised ring is appears to actually be undercut to some extent, but it appears to be original to me because of the existing "around the handle" cuts there.
 
Everyone is right! My job here is done...

OK, a little info: this is an issue Indian Army NCO/Officer's model from 1947-1950. The cho is too shallow, but the blade has been ground down from the original profile otherwise it looks complete. There would not be a karda or chakmak with this model.
 
This is excellent information. I definitely came to the right place to ask. I greatly appreciate everyone's input.

I'm glad to now have my facts straight on this piece. Even though it is technically not a WWII kukri, it is 50+ years old, and a good example of the variety and versitility of such a tool. Agree? I'm planning to mount and frame it, so I hope you don't mind indulging in a couple more questions.

1. Are there any preferred methods of presentation? I'm thinking of having the sheath and knife mounted one over the other in a shadowbox type frame. It should be safer behind glass with the kids around.
2. Should I attempt to clean it up? I am inclined to leave it as is.
 
Thanks for posting, it is nice to see a few oldies up. Spiraltwister just emailed you ref your request. JP did I send u sufficient info on the Col.D D'Cruz ?. Regards to all Rod
 
Rod,
Please send a picture of him and you may as well send along that absolutely TERRIBLE kothimora of his.:D
 
JDP, Pics sent along with Newspaper Article upon his death, Also pic of him receiving his Ashokra Chakri from the PM! Rod
 
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