Breaking Open a Khukuri

Joined
Aug 6, 2000
Messages
539
I've never seen a post on unsheathing a khukuri this way, but I doubt this is original.

Hold the khukuri (sheathed, sharpened edge down) in front of the chest, with one hand on the handle and the other on the top of the sheath (spine edge), between the bend and frog (fingers NOT encircling the sharp edge). Then make a motion with both hands as if breaking a stick, rotating the hands so the palms will be turning up. If done right, the knife will slide out of the scabbard in a quick and thightly controlled arc.

If you think about the khukuri's spine riding against that edge of the scabbard, the blade will not drag against the wood and move faster (and most importantly), keeping the sharp edge will be away from the sheath. And since the fingers are not touching this edge, it's not possible for them to get cut.

Like so many things, it's best to start slowly and develop a technique where you know the exact location of the blade at all times. It's such a natural movement that speed will come very easily. Also, I've been doing it this way long enough that it's my safest method to draw, and it takes less room than holding the scabbard stationary and pulling the khukuri out with only one hand.

Does this make any sense? Who else does this?!

Or am I the last forumite to figure this one out? Come on now, you can tell me....Dan
 
Here's one for you: Sometimes when we get a shipment in, a khukuri is so tight that we can't draw it from the sheath of our own accord. So I sit down on the ground, put a 2x4 on the floor, brace it with my feet. Then, I hold the khukuri by the handle - edge UP - and pull out as far as it will go. Then, I put the edge of the sheath on the far side of the 2x4, and pull with all my strength.

We then procede to stretch the sheath so it fits better. But it looks pretty funny! PS: It can be dangerous, so try at your own risk (but hopefully, you'll never have occasion to try!).

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Craig Gottlieb
Gurkha House
Blade Forums Sponsor
 
Well, so much for clarity. What I'm REALLY talking about is a QUICK DRAW method for a khukuri that's not being carried on the belt. And this is NOT for a knife with a tight fitting scabbard. No kidding, you can whip it out in a heartbeat!

Small wonder that Craig replied as he did. Sorry, guys....Dan
 
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