khukuri theory?

R

Robert Cole

Joined
Jun 5, 2000
Messages
191
Just thinking about where the khuk gets its cutting power.In MA your taught to punch through the target,imagine the target to be a few inches behind the actual target.When you swing a khuk,the point of impact is a couple inches in front of your hand when it hits the target.Would the same idea apply to the khuk?
 
Yes.

Be careful doing it as you would be putting no though in arresting the khukuri after impact. I have unexpectedly chopped through 4" limbs with a single blow. The limb may have been weaked or rotted but when I started the chop I could not tell.

Will
 
I think you are exactly correct Robert.----- I thought the same thing about the power of the Khukuri.
 
Punch is the operative word with the point of the khuk. It's shape is wrong to stab with, but make a fist around the handle and punch, and the tip is perfectly in in line to penetrate straight.
 
Seems to me that the khukuri gets its cutting power from its blade geometry, in particular the concave edge and rounded 'kissaki' (to use ths Japanese term; as I understand it, the part of the cutting surface that curves up from the edge to the point; very important, I believe, in cutting with Japanese blades)

Basically, I think, the khuk slices in and draw-cuts out; the angle and the curve follow the arc described by the human hand/arm in the action of cutting, so that sharpened edge is fed into the cut throughout the cutting process (unlike straight chopping blades, for example)

Accordingly, when using the khukuri, I try and pull it through what I'm cutting, like slicing up cheese with a cheesewire.
 
I agree with Tom and Bill. Has anyone tried pulling a "curvature challenged" blade through the target at the same time as chopping? With small knifes I find it improves the amount of wood that is removed per chop.

Will
 
#1:
... In MA your taught to punch through the target,imagine the target to be a few inches behind the actual target ...
Click to expand...
#2:
... and pull it through what I'm cutting, like slicing up cheese with a cheesewire ...
Click to expand...
#3:
... The curved blade provides a significant shearing action which helps a great deal in cutting power ...
Click to expand...
Forumites.

IM2cO ---- I guess we need at least these following 5 combinations to make your stroke perfectly executed:
  • The correct mental paradigm --- such as Robert mentioned in the opening post of this thread (#1 above).
  • The correct technique --- such as mentioned by Tom (#2 above).
  • The correct shape of tool --- which is the "S" shape of Khukuri cutting edge --- such as mentioned by Pakcik Bill (#3 above).
  • The correct amount of strength --- so that you don't have to waste your energy.
  • The correct timing --- so that the stroke will be executed efficiently ... in a single stroke![/list=a]
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    NEPAL HO!

    [This message has been edited by mohd (edited 08-04-2000).]
 
Hire Mohd as one of HI's overseas experts, Uncle Bill..

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Harry


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I think the khukuri works more like a spear point mounted cross-wise on an axe handle than like a chopping weapon. It is more of a broad stabbing point mounted on a long metal handle. In days of yore they had "crows beaks" that could be swung to penetrate plate armor that would resist a broadsword or battle axe. The key is to swing a super-dagger with a pole to extend your arm and add mass behind your stab. The added speed and mass behind a blade point has much greater penetration than a regular stab or thrust.

The curved cutting edge on the inside of the blade not only adds to the khukuris effect, it also helps keep the blade from binding in the enemies body (gives it cut-through capability). Sabers and yataghans have inward and outward curves that match some of the kukhuri's cutting ability, but the transverse point on the khukuri puts it in a class by itself for body penetration.


[This message has been edited by Jeff Clark (edited 08-04-2000).]
 
These are good points, are there any web sites that talk more in detail of the Nepali, Burma region fighting arts such as Bando etc. For chopping, I've stood in front of Stuart and his 20 or 21" Sirupati(in motion, the exact size wasn't on my mind), and his blade came chopping down onto my rattan stick while I was moving it backwards. The hit was light enough that if he had a stick, it wouldn't have hurt me, but his Sirupati, shall we say nicely blessed my kahoy. Also, some good points made by mohd. HI khukuris are definetly combat effective.
 
Stuart, watch out, I'll get you back when my 5 pounder gets here.
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------------------
Chad
Full Contact Stickfighting Hawaii http://www.fullcontacthi.com

[This message has been edited by Chad W. Getz FCSH (edited 08-04-2000).]

[This message has been edited by Chad W. Getz FCSH (edited 08-05-2000).]
 
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