I'm Going to Nepal

[Dr. Barry Pinchefsky]

I just bought my first khukuri in England. I paid US$120. Then I saw one in New York with a ivory handle and an extensive tool kit. He wanted $1500.

My questions are: How are Khukuris valued? What does one look for to determine value? Are there any marks to look for in order to determine whether the knife was indeed made in Nepal or if it is a local "knock-off"?
Are all knives made in Nepal "true" Khukuris or are there Nepali-made "knock-offs"? I'll be in Nepal in March. Are there authorized factories that make the khukuris for the Ghurka Brigades?

Barry

 

[Berkley]

Hi, Doc, welcome to the forums. Be warned that a serious addiction to khukuris is the common bond that unites us in this particular therapy group

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There is no Blue Book of Khukuri Values, because khukuris are unique, handmade items, even though there are common traditional patterns. As with any handmade collectible, value depends on design, quality, condition, age, rarity - and collector demand. New Nepali-made khukuris can be bought for $40 to $250+. Antique khukuris are valued at what the market will pay - check auction sales on eBay, Butterfield & Butterfield, Wallis & Wallis to get an idea of what is available, and going prices. $1500, even with ivory and toolkit, is at the upper end of the collector market, though not beyond reason for the right piece.
Other than military markings (British broad arrow and arsenal stamps, e.g.), khukuris are rarely marked. Some newer ones may be stamped "Nepal", but while generally an accurate indication of origin this is not an assurance of quality. Modern Nepalese khukuris are invariably superior in quality to modern Indian kukris; older Indian kukris can be, but aren't necessarily, equal to or better than many modern Nepalese khukuris. The idea of a khukuri "factory" misses the mark - every khukuri is hand-forged by a man squatting over a charcoal fire with a hammer.
There is not yet a book on khukuris, so the best way to learn about them is to look at and handle as many different ones as possible. There are quite a few internet resources. For starters, check out Gurkha House, Himalayan Imports, Howard Wallace's khukuri FAQ and Lee Jones' ethnographic edged weapons site.
Again, welcome, and enjoy.
Berk


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Corruptissima re publica plurimae leges.-Tacitus




[This message has been edited by Berkley (edited 12-03-2000).]

 

[Craig Gottlieb]

Thanks Berkley. And, if you are going to Nepal, let me pass your name to Lalit and he'll ensure a personal visit at one of his stores.

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Craig Gottlieb
Gurkha House
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