Difference in WWII and BAS -- why the change?

CD Fleischer

CD Fleischer

Joined
Oct 12, 1998
Messages
2,036
How and why did the standard of the Gurkhas go from a longer wood-handled khukuri to a shorter horn-handled khukuri?

Just curious...

...anyone know?

Thanks!



------------------
Clay Fleischer
cdfleischer@yahoo.com

"My redneck past is nipping at my heels..." -BF5
 
Clay, it is a guess that more modern Gurkhas do not depend on the khukuri as much as the Gurkhas of 50 years ago or longer so the knife took a turn to smaller and lighter.

I think the reason for the horn is it is basically maintenance free and waterproof. During WWII when the Gurkhas numbered close to 115,000 there was not enough horn available. Today, at 3,000 or so in British Army Service there's plenty of horn.

Uncle Bill

[This message has been edited by Bill Martino (edited 10 June 1999).]
 
Clay,

With improved supply lines and lighter modern ammunition has relegated the khukuri to be more of a tool than a weapon. As well, the amount of equipment the modern soldier carries is more than those of WWII and WWI. Something has to be made smaller to accomodate the extra load, the khukuri.

The bayonet has followed a similar evolution trend. The 14" bayonets of WWI and WWII have shrunk to the 5-7" utility knives of today.

Someone with military experience might be able to elaborage.

Will
 
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