History of the chiruwa style?

[gomipile]

Has the chiruwa style been used on khukuris for a long time, or is it a response to recent western tastes in handle design? I suspect that the chiruwa style has been used for other types of cutting instruments in Nepal for a long time, but I'm specifically asking about khukuris for the purposes of this question. I ask because all of the Nepalese khukuris I've seen which were made before 1990 are hidden tang and unriveted, without exception.

I love the chiruwa style, and prefer it, I'm just curious about its history.

 

[jdk1]

I could be wrong, but I believe the first chiruwa may have been the British issue Mk. II. I have seen Mk. IIs dated 1918 IIRC. Hopefully Spiral will check in and add some info. Take care.

 

[JayGoliath]

I could be wrong, but I believe the first chiruwa may have been the British issue Mk. II. I have seen Mk. IIs dated 1918 IIRC. Hopefully Spiral will check in and add some info. Take care.

My guess is that since most Kamis aren't available in battle field the chiruwa will prove to be the most durable construction as well as heavily influenced by British design. Even if the scale worn off it could still be replaced with a temporary rubber/canvas roll tied to it.The comparison will be like investing on a heavy-duty built boots that lasts you for years vs a pair of flip flop that you don't really mind torn off. Resources aren't easily available in warzone, less likely a properly forged Nepalese blade that's essential to the spirit of the Gurkha.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/883565-Battle-Khukuri

So why do post-MK4 Wilkinson switch to the current BAS with rat tang? I believe that with more loads on the soldiers, weight reduction on everything is much appreciated.

This shorter much lighter kukri was introduced a few years after every Gurkha had been issued with the British SLR copy of the Belgian FAL automatic rifle, or the Sterling submachine gun. One assumes that by which point the powers that be thought a smaller lighter camping style of kukri was acceptable .Rather than the earlier longer more sidearm battle worthy style kukris. But in some ways that makes sense as it It does occur very occasionly but its extreemly rare for Gurkhas to use kukris as weapons anymore. {Air support & fully automatic guns are the preferance.}-Spiraltwista

The traditional handle attachment in Nepal is the partial tang, although these days the stick tang is more popular. The full tang was mainly used on some military models, but has not caught on in Nepal itself.-Wikipedia

 

[shortwinger]

Of course, all roads lead back to the MkII... :love_heart:

Too bad no one makes an accurate working copy of that "longer more sidearm battle worthy style kukri." I'd sure buy one! :hopelessness:

 

[7rip13a]

Of course, all roads lead back to the MkII... :love_heart:

Funny how that works out.