Brass Khukuri

jdk1 · Jul 9, 2012

I posted this on some other khukuri forums, but thought some cantinistas may enjoy seeing it also. Recently at an estate sale, I discovered two solid brass khukuri. They were full-sized and very detailed. I picked one up; forgetting to get extra cash prevented me from buying both. Closer inspection shows what appears to be an exact replica of a vintage khuk. It reminds me of what I see referred to as Bhojpuri types by AC/IMA. It is about 17 ¼ OAL. I have not weighed it, but it feels about 1½ to 2 pounds. The blade has tiny chips in it, which appear cast into the blade, as opposed to being from actual use. Its sister khukuri, which I didnt buy, had slightly bent tip which looked as though it could have been from actual use (or being dropped)! The handle also has chips missing which, while matching chips one would see in normal khukuri of this vintage, actually appear to have wood grain cast into the voids. There are carvings in the handle which look like what Ive seen on khukuri of this type as well. The one very strange thing is the cho sets within the bolster of this khuk. Due to this and the fact the handle seems longer than what is typically seen on this type of khuk, I have to assume this was done during the casting and doesnt reflect the actual model used for the cast.

Its an amazing khukuri curio and Ive never seen anything quite like it, or even close. While heavily tarnished when when I got it, it cleaned up very well with metal polish. It handles well and actually feels very nice in hand, although a bit heavy. It has a really nice hollow forge/cast and a nicely tapered spine. I would like to have the model this was based upon as I bet it was one awesome khuk. If anyone has any information or has ever seen anything like this before, Id love to hear about it. Thanks for looking.

With a 16"ish HI WWII for comparison.

Gorog · Jul 9, 2012

Dude...that is mighty fine craftsmanship going on in those two khukuri's...love the beauty of the brass khukuri, it shines like a n earthbound sun forged into a blade. When was it made...and by whom was it crafted? That one is DEFINITELY a keeper. Great find, man.
Peace.
David

JayGoliath · Jul 9, 2012

John,

It shows up nicely even with the PS glitch.

kronckew · Jul 10, 2012

are you sure it is brass and not bronze?

spiraltwista · Jul 10, 2012

Hi Guys,

Ive posted a couple of antique brass wrapped inserted steel cored pieces on this thread at IKRHS.

spiral

http://www.ikrhs.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=847

jdk1 · Jul 10, 2012

David, thanks for the compliments and I wish I knew the who and when of this thing. It'll likely remain an enigma. It is beautiful in the sunlight.

Kronckew, I can't say for sure. It looks like brass, as I thought bronze was a little darker, but I may not know the difference. It shined up like gold. Wouldn't that be nice

Thanks for looking.

Jonathan, those khuks are amazing. Why in the world would someone make a steel edged, brass bladed khuk? They're obviously designed for use, but why not all steel? I would imagine brass would add unwanted weight and not add any desirable properties that steel wouldn't. Maybe it was just to show what the kami could do? They certainly have a certain flare. Thanks for the pics.

Gorog · Jul 10, 2012

The best of gifts are those gifts that are not always known to us. People hunger for knowledge, and yet...I always wondered why so many think that cold hard facts are desirable, when it is vague, misty mysteries that have held many hearts and minds enthralled since the dawn of time. Without mystery, there is no knowledge... balance is a grim part of everything, I suppose.
On a less mysterious, introspective, pondering, intellectual, and...mysterious...note, I am especially in awe of the brass bodied, steel edged khukuri's. The person who made them was either the emperor of grandmaster metal workers, a conduit for a deity, a disciple of someone else with the same techniques, and/or a demigod, and so on and so forth. Those are gorgeous blades, even damascus sounds quite simple compared to what was done with the brass steel hybrid.... But what do I know...?
Peace,
David

kronckew · Jul 20, 2012

jdk1 said:
...

Kronckew, I can't say for sure. It looks like brass, as I thought bronze was a little darker, but I may not know the difference. It shined up like gold. Wouldn't that be nice Thanks for looking.
...

bronze can indeed shine up like gold. i have a (repro) bronze mace head i cleaned and polished & it is very gold-like. have a look at the swords and other bronze weapons on this UK site: Bronze age craft

i note in the picture above the brass bolster on the steel khuk is more yellow than the more brownish subject of this thread. that is usually a sign of bronze. of course there are a variety of bronze alloys.

it may also be wishful thinking. i don't know of any simple way to test.