Good Books?

S

Scott Hurst

Joined
Jul 23, 2001
Messages
23
Can anyone recommend any good books on Khukuris? I'm looking for pictures, historical articles, the tools used and the process. I don't know how much is out there, but I figure there has to be at least some. At least a book or two. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
While our blades may be included in publications on Asian or ethnic weapons, there probably won't be anything that is both specific and authoritative until John Powell's book comes out.

The best information in the meantime is the Himalayan Imports site, and Howard Wallace's Khukuri FAQ. Links are at the bottom of any of Uncle Bill's posts.
 
I am also interested in finding out more be about about Kukri history and manufacture, so I have searched the web as best I can and all I found was a thin pamphlet published by the Gurkha museum here in England. It was interesting but I learned more from Howard Wallaces site (many thanks if you're reading!). I think you can order it from www.thegurkhamuseum.co.uk but the cost may be prohibitive in the US.Otherwise I have ordered "Advanced studies in steel" by Jim Hrisoulas from Amazon because it sounds very interesting and does mention Kukri making techniques. Obviously I can't say how relevent this is yet, but I am hoping to have a go at making my own Kukri as HI are very expensive here. If you have any luck in your search please post it, because I'm sure there would be a lot of interest.
 
Scott and Underhay:

Welcome to a very unusual group :) Helpful and knowledgeable, riotous without rancor, and afraid of nothing but the men in white coats.:eek:

Scott, when Berkley and John and Howard come by, I'm sure they will correct me as to available publications, or point you to sources for those not readily available.

Underhay, you will find many here who can advise/assist in your blade making project, through every step. And, if you catch a UBDOTD, you may find Khuks less expensive than you thought :)

One of our members will tell you that the urge to pursue the study of the Khukuri is a genuine thirst for knowledge, resulting in much tedious research. The rest of us know he is nuts. He is infected with Himalayan Imports Khukuri Virus, just as we all are. Regardless of what the "Immortal" teaches, there cannot be just one :rolleyes:
 
Welcome to the Forum to both of you. Wal is unfortunately all too correct - there is simply no book, in or out of print on the subject of khukuris. John Powell, an advanced collector and scholar, is working on a book, but it is still several years from publication. There are good articles or chapters in George Cameron Stone's Glossary of Arms and Armor
View
(now available in a paperback reprint from amazon.com or Barnes & Noble - and yes, it is pricey, but the hardbound originals go for fifty bucks) or P.S. Rawson's The Indian Sword (occasionally offered on eBay, and will make you think Stone was cheap by comparison). Howard Wallace's Khukuri FAQ is by far the best compendium of available information. HI & GH websites contain useful info. Check every search engine you know for khukuri, kookerie, kukri, khukri, kukhri,, Gurkha, Gurka, Goorkha, Ghurka, and any other spelling you can think of, and let us know if you come up with anything good:).
 
I am well into the 2nd chapter. I've written 25 words about kothimoras and that has taken 4 months.

Scholar???
 
John,
You don't need to go out,go to work,eat or sleep too much! All you have to do is finish that book!!What seems to be the problem??:D
See, my first line put everything in perspective!!
jim;)
 
John, even a stopped clock is right twice a day, and this is one of those times even Jim I. Clifton can be inadvertently right.

I know you wish to be clear, concise, and accurate, but even when you are putting out what you consider a bunch of balogna and errors, you are passing on knowlege that would die with you if you got run over in a crosswalk tomorrow ( or your friend's husband gets lucky with his shotgun ).

Talk it out into a tape recorder and don't worry about an occasional misremembering, but get it down!!!!!
 
John you better finish your book. It sounds like rumblings of riot and insurrection. You may be woken up with a large "UGLY" crowd on your front step. Not to mention we all NEED a "Kukuri Bible".
 
"I've written 25 words about kothimoras and that has taken 4 months."

As a former freelance writer I know that story very well and it's one of the reasons I have declined many requests for writing the "Khukuri Bible." That and a serious lack of knowledge.
 
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