Gurka Kukri Knives

[Kailash Blades]

Its certainly curious that kamis nationwide use the same blade decoration elements, but I remember reading that up until recently, the lower castes were not encouraged to experiment or be creative.

While the caste system has been outlawed for some time now, it's influence on the culture of Nepal and the mindset of its people isn't so easy to remove. For the most part I'd say even now blacksmiths have their creativity suppressed by those they work under. Even when we try to puh our staff to be original there's at times an internal barrier there and it's something we hope to break down over time.
If you have the opportunity to visit Nepal you really should. It's a pretty amazing country.

 

[bigeard09]

Reading through this thread , I feel in general it needs a slight update . First to the original question " Who actually manufactures the Gurkha kukuri for the British MOD " , It is no secret that the British Government / MOD give the contract each year on year to the manufacturer who gives them the cheapest quote for the specific amount needed each year . Consequently the British Service Issue khukuri supplied to the British Brigade of Gurkhas is not and never will be of the best quality for a so called combat / fighting knife , the Gurkhas themselves know this which is why many of them purchase their own style or model khukuri from whichever manufacturer they choose to take on combat operations ( and who can blame them ) ! The BSI in my opinion has very few qualities of a well designed ,well balanced and weighted khukuri with good ergonomics !!! . for those that still want what they perceive as an original BSI khukuri then do your online research and go to one of Nepals reputable khukuri manufacturers who can offer you a good quality reproduction ( not copy) khukuri that will be correctly forged , heat treated and normalised , well balanced and weighted to allow you an actual working / practical product that if cared for will serve you a lifetime . Once again in my personal opinion there are only four companies at this time that can provide this and they are , Kailash Blades , Tora Blades , GGK , and Heritage knives . I have chosen these having owned khukuris from three of these companies and a great deal of research .

 

[5thShock]

Windlass of India made them for some Brit Gurkha units. Good knives, you can trust the steel and the heat treat.

 

[bigeard09]

I know Tora Blades has a troubled reputation here, but I ordered one a year ago and have bern thoroughly impressed. Thin, light, long, and positively sings through limbs of wood or game being processed. I'm not sure if I've really put it through its paces but it has held up to seasoned hardwood without the blade chipping, rolling, or loosening in the handle. Note that I did need to whittle down the grip to make it comfortable, but no problems since.

By comparison, my kukhuri from Kukhuri House is short, fat, heavy and an utter disappointment. Suffice it to say that it is hardly able to cut through soft spruce without rolling the edge. I doubt the blade was even told it should be tempered.

I look forward to trying out a Himalayan Imports model someday to compare.

I know its moving on almost 5 years from this post but at this present time Tora Blades have an excellent , honest , and trustworthy reputation reputation for manufacturing some of the best historic and military reproduction khukuris in Nepal . Simon and Leanne Hengle the owners will guarantee an absolutely first class product . Obviously you seemed pleased with your Tora khukuri and I hope its held up well in the preceeding 5 years .

 

[oldmanwilly]

I know its moving on almost 5 years from this post but at this present time Tora Blades have an excellent , honest , and trustworthy reputation reputation for manufacturing some of the best historic and military reproduction khukuris in Nepal . Simon and Leanne Hengle the owners will guarantee an absolutely first class product . Obviously you seemed pleased with your Tora khukuri and I hope its held up well in the preceeding 5 years .

Indeed, still happy with my Tora and wouldn't mind another.

By the same token, Kailash Blades Blades has thoroughly impressed me and I definitely plan to get another.

Lots of good khuks out there.

 

[bigeard09]

Indeed, still happy with my Tora and wouldn't mind another.

By the same token, Kailash Blades Blades has thoroughly impressed me and I definitely plan to get another.

Lots of good khuks out there.

Recently bought the Tora Mk3 Forces kukuri , very good quality , fit and finish . Looking forward to receiving my Kailash 10.5" MSI semi customised with salyani brown leather sheath of which I will write a review once Ive had a good look at it .

 

[bigeard09]

I know its moving on almost 5 years from this post but at this present time Tora Blades have an excellent , honest , and trustworthy reputation reputation for manufacturing some of the best historic and military reproduction khukuris in Nepal . Simon and Leanne Hengle the owners will guarantee an absolutely first class product . Obviously you seemed pleased with your Tora khukuri and I hope its held up well in the preceeding 5 years .

Which Tora model did you buy.

 

[oldmanwilly]

Old emails confirm the model was called the Pahadi Kukri. Looks like it's out of production now.