Just in Kailash HSI

[ronie1988]

The HSI (Historical servise issue) is what we call the older service issues to distinguish them from the MSI (Modern service issue). Both are British service issues (BSI) but this name is also a bit tricky as there are other models that have been issued by the british historically. Aside from being BSI's the MSI and HSI are both MK5s- the 5th generation of prominent service issue khukuris. One is earlier and one is later with the style drifting and morphing over time.

Cool to know...I was referring to the catalogue name of kailash blades website. Thanks for correction. I am just trying to learn about khukuri models made and issued over the years in history. It would be very kind if I can get a point to start learning about it.

 

[Caldey Cat]

Cool to know...I was referring to the catalogue name of kailash blades website. Thanks for correction. I am just trying to learn about khukuri models made and issued over the years in history. It would be very kind if I can get a point to start learning about it.

You have made an excellent start for your learning journey with the HSI (BSI). And you picked the right configuration of materials and fittings to keep it representative of the originals. What you have is faithful reproduction of the best BSI type that was issued to the British Gurkhas. Originals in this style, with that overall blade profile, were produced from late 1960 to early 1980's. After that the blades issued drop dramatically in quality. The current issue is so bad as to be almost a decorative/symbolic piece. With thick, heavy blades that are not good to say the least. In fact I find it quite shameful that we outfit our Gurkha troops with such a poor quality kukri. As for the modern Gurkha, they will almost always swap out their issued BSI with somthing more useful. Often choosing a sirupate style.
That being said, its worth noting that in history it was not uncommon for the Gurkhas to use faster, lighter Kukri than the issued, military patterns. These types, often made in smaller batches, are often referred to as "battalion" kukri.

 

[ronie1988]

You have made an excellent start for your learning journey with the HSI (BSI). And you picked the right configuration of materials and fittings to keep it representative of the originals. What you have is faithful reproduction of the best BSI type that was issued to the British Gurkhas. Originals in this style, with that overall blade profile, were produced from late 1960 to early 1980's. After that the blades issued drop dramatically in quality. The current issue is so bad as to be almost a decorative/symbolic piece. With thick, heavy blades that are not good to say the least. In fact I find it quite shameful that we outfit our Gurkha troops with such a poor quality kukri. As for the modern Gurkha, they will almost always swap out their issued BSI with somthing more useful. Often choosing a sirupate style.
That being said, its worth noting that in history it was not uncommon for the Gurkhas to use faster, lighter Kukri than the issued, military patterns. These types, often made in smaller batches, are often referred to as "battalion" kukri.

I also heard some villagers in nepal say that their Khukuri is iron khukuri, not the suspension leaf spring steel khukuri....anyone may throw some light on the iron khukuri....

 

[Kailash Blades]

I don't think there is any khukuri manufacture in nepal currently that makes blades from iron ore, bloom etc as one might see with japanese swords. It all comes from pre made steel of some kind. it is possible that some villager khukuris are made from salvage steel that is not leaf springs but in general it will still be steel and not iron. Pure iron or near pure iron isn't very useful and so doesn't end up in many products. It's possible that their khukuris are made of recycled tools, structural steel bars, or even consolidated packets of nails or wire. This last one would require very high heats and more advanced forging techniques than I have seen used in Nepal, especially in village forges.

 

[ronie1988]

I don't think there is any khukuri manufacture in nepal currently that makes blades from iron ore, bloom etc as one might see with japanese swords. It all comes from pre made steel of some kind. it is possible that some villager khukuris are made from salvage steel that is not leaf springs but in general it will still be steel and not iron. Pure iron or near pure iron isn't very useful and so doesn't end up in many products. It's possible that their khukuris are made of recycled tools, structural steel bars, or even consolidated packets of nails or wire. This last one would require very high heats and more advanced forging techniques than I have seen used in Nepal, especially in village forges.

I wish there is any book for khukuris

 

[Caldey Cat]

I don't think there is any khukuri manufacture in nepal currently that makes blades from iron ore, bloom etc as one might see with japanese swords. It all comes from pre made steel of some kind. it is possible that some villager khukuris are made from salvage steel that is not leaf springs but in general it will still be steel and not iron. Pure iron or near pure iron isn't very useful and so doesn't end up in many products. It's possible that their khukuris are made of recycled tools, structural steel bars, or even consolidated packets of nails or wire. This last one would require very high heats and more advanced forging techniques than I have seen used in Nepal, especially in village forges.

Excellent reply. Completely nailed it....only thing I can think of, out side of what Kailash have posted here, is that by saying "Iron" made kukri, they are maybe referring to Iron sidings? AKA railroad tracks. These tracks are an alloy steel with a carbon content and salvageable. Certainly distinguishable from leaf springs. But can be reforged and hardened. That's my only theory as to why they could call blades made from this material "iron kukri"..

 

[Kailash Blades]

I wish there is any book for khukuris

I don't know of any good ones sorry- sir kukri's blogspot is probably the best resource available on the khukuri

Excellent reply. Completely nailed it....only thing I can think of, out side of what Kailash have posted here, is that by saying "Iron" made kukri, they are maybe referring to Iron sidings? AKA railroad tracks. These tracks are an alloy steel with a carbon content and salvageable. Certainly distinguishable from leaf springs. But can be reforged and hardened. That's my only theory as to why they could call blades made from this material "iron kukri"..

Railroad tracks are definitely used in Nepal. We've used railway tracks for some very large customs in the past. A hogsplitter comes to mind

 

[Caldey Cat]

I wish there is any book for khukuris

Hey ronie1988. Here is a link that is well worth taking a look at. Lots of info on here for you pal.

Kukri History | Heritage Knives

Heritage Knives Nepal, probably the best Kukri knife maker in Nepal as endorsed by Bark River Knives, DLT Trading and Lamnia. Know the History of your Kukri! OVER 50 PAGES ON THE KUKRI / KHUKURI KNIFE, THE PAGES HERE HAS EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ON THE GURKHA KNIFE. ARTICLES FROM LEADING...

kilatools.com

This was originally part of the Sir Kukri site. I find the info on this link more accessible and easier to navigate.

Good articles on here covering all sorts of historic Kukri. And great info on the different military issued models.

It's a great resource for kukri info and I refer to it often.

Hope you enjoy it.