Khukuri As A Weapon

mohd

mohd

Joined
Jun 3, 1999
Messages
1,989
Why not we discuss about the suitability of Khukuri as a weapon (self defence or sort of that) in a special thread? Maybe some of our Bando people @ Ninjas @ Samurai @ Wushu people @ Kungfu people @ Mandigo @ Pendekar @ any type of MA people may give their opinion on this issue!

NEPAL HO!
 
Mohd, in terms of self defence, you'd want something light, that feels like an extension of yourself and that you feel quite comfortable with.

Having said that, I think that the Ghorkas have proven beyond any doubt that khukuris are a good tool for self defence or even if used offensively( remember, a good offence is always a good defence).

A 17-18 inch small Ganga Ram Special(which I received an example of recently) would be my choice but others will have their favourites.



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Harry

Toujours l'audacite!
 
The khukur has more documented battle kills than any other knife or sword in the history of the world. I guess that says something about its suitability as a weapon.

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Blessings from the computer shack in Reno.

Uncle Bill
Himalayan Imports Website
Khukuri FAQ
 
As I've said before in this forum, I'm convinced that the khukuri evolved from an ancient Greek sword type called the machaera or copis, and that the ancestors of today's khuks were brought to the Indian subcontinent by the soldiers of Alexander the Great. That's over 2,500 years of unbroken tradition - and for something to have been in use for two and a half millennia, it must be capable of getting the job done!

The khuks that most closely resemble the machaera are the sirupati family; and if I had to choose a khuk to use as a weapon, it'd be a 25" sirupati. My regular HI 25" sirupati is a shade too heavy, but I fancy that the 25" Kumar Kobra would be absolutely ideal as a single-hand defensive sidearm
 
I have an older 20" Sirupati that feels real nice. I can imagine how the 18.5"er Kumar Kobra will feel.
 
My Hanuman handled/WW2 bladed khuk on my belt for no reason other than when I hold it I find the stories Mohd told about keris jumping from their scabbards to defend their owners quite believable. My 12" Sirupati as a nepali sgian dubh.

Those are just for normal attire. Then I'd start adding fighting weapons.
 
One thing that does intrigue me though - anyone ever play with a smatchet? Maybe one about 18" OAL?
 
As a martial artist I have no problems using a Khukuri as a weapon. I train with my 25" Sirupati, and use my 20" Sirupati for social occasions. One of the style that I study is Serrada Escrima, we favor shorter blades around 20" overall . Since, I recieved a 19" Sher made Ang Khola, I have been using it in my drills. This khukuri is heavy, and makes all my other khukuris feel light as a feather.
The khukuris are alot heavier than the usual blade I train with (Sundang/kris, Barong), but I like the weight and shearing power of the khukuri. Also, it holds up better for use as an all aroung camp knife.
 
The khukuri should make an excellent weapon if the right model is selected. The curved blade design allows the khukuri to cut extremely well. My WWII model has no problems slicing through over 3 mm of leather and penetrating deep into the rolled up newspaper the leather is wrapped around. The forward angle seems to put the tip of khukuri in line for stabbing. A lighter model than what I like would be required. Jim March mentioned some interesting use of the khukuri to be a one shot fight stopper.

How would an 18th century, 15” Sirupati, or CS Gurkha do as a weapon?

On the downside the khukuri does not fit into North American carry very well. They difficult to carry concealed, raise too many legal issues, and are just different to most people.

Will

 
Will is right about the general unsuitability of the typical khuk as a concealed carry weapon on and around the pavement. Where it does shine is as a vehicle or fixed-base defender. Behind or under the seat of a car, it's a powerful dissuader of your opportunist scumbag out to rip you off. In camp, summer cottage or just beside you in an easy-draw sheath on the patio; in the bedroom, or anywhere that you might feel in jeopardy, it gives comfort and confidence comparable to a firearm. I've only owned khuks for a little less than a year, but in the past I've faced down nasties using various bladed weapons. The Gelbu would have been much better in all those earlier encounters, and will be the item in hand for any future ones, at least those close to home.
Ken

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The sword cannot cut itself, the eye cannot see itself.
 
Under the right circumstances a ball point pen could be used as a weapon,so anything with an edge is icing on the cake.
There is no such thing as a minor wound from a blade like a khukuri but it has three other sides; that with some practice and not much change in your swing you can learn to turn your hand just before impact and hit with side or back of blade.If you have not tried it yet you should,just to famillarize yourself with a non-lehtal method of employing your blade.

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Ray
 
As far as concealed carry is concerned, the standard sheath system is really lacking. I usually carry my 20" Sirupati or Gelbu special in a small back pack. No one pays attention to it. On the other hand, I'm in the process of designing a concealed carry rig for a khukuri of 20"overall length. It will be make of kydex and will mount on your back. The knife will be carried tip up, and handle down. For right handers, cutting edge to the left. This system works real well for my larger tantos that I carry for back up to my Glock 35 or HK .45. I'll keep everyone here informed.
Also, RayC is right about being able to use the side and back of the blade to discourage your would be attacker. Works real well, then if he decides to continue his further activites, then the edge could used.

[This message has been edited by Broken Arrow (edited 05-15-2000).]
 
I think my GS has a wonderful balance and lightness. Doing stick drills all the time accustoms your forearms to slinging weight around.

When I get a gun, it will accompany, not replace, the naked khukuri on my nightstand.
 
Hi all,
I'll just say that my "Beloved Villager", which I carry almost everywhere, is a real fight stopper.
Dan
 
I am unclear as to just what you want from a knife. A 20" Sirupati is a lively blade.A 6" dagger might serve your purpose. You have to define the mission before you order the tools.
 
I usually investigate noises around my house with a 20" sirupati in my right hand and my german shepherd on a leash on my left. Don't know if it works but I've never run into anyone even when I know I heard someone outside
smile.gif
Walk softly and carry a huge knife and a loud dog--works for me.

Rob
 
Hello Forumites.

To quote the phrase mentioned by Ray in his posting:
... a ball point pen could be used as a weapon ...
Click to expand...
Yes! I guess we all fully agree with that fact!

What I am trying to bring up here is another fact ... that a ball point pen is not a weapon even though it could be used as weapon!

The true fact is that a weapon is a weapon because it is a weapon! A weapon must be designed as a weapon with certain characteristics which entitle it to be called as a weapon!

A stabbing weapon must be designed for stabbing purpose!

A slashing weapon must be designed for slashing purpose!

IMHO, Khukuris are tools - anyhow Khukuris could be used as a weapon especially certain models such as Sirupati model, Hanuman Model & 18th Century model.

I remember a story about an old Japanese swordsman who managed to kill few couples of attackers by just using a small dead brach of a flower tree in his garden!

NEPAL HO!

 
In law there are 2 definitions of a deadly weapon:
-anything manifestly designed, made or adapted for the purpose of causing death or serious bodily injury, or
-anything that by the manner of its use or intended use is capable of causing death or serious bodily injury.
Looked at in this light, any khukuri (or ballpoint pen
smile.gif
) can fit the second definition under the right circumstances, but some fit the first definition better than others. The CBKC special could be a weapon, but it isn't primarily designed as one. OTOH, my 17" Himali sirupati is so light, thin, sharp, pointy and overall mean that I told Uncle Bill when it arrived that I could never get through the "But officer, it's a tool, not a weapon" speech without breaking into laughter.


[This message has been edited by Berkley (edited 05-17-2000).]
 
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