Looking for info on kukris

Thanks for the pics Greg.

Tattoo, I don't want to impose but I would love those pics. Thanks for the links too.
 
No imposition at all. I took a bunch of pictures, so hopefully they are a help, just ask if you want more or close ups of certain parts. My fathers used to have karda but he must have lost them somewhere down the line, the karda with mine, I believe are not the original ones as the aspect of both are different from the knife itself.

hmm having an issue uploading pics, I will get them up as soon as I can.
 
Last edited:
Ok, got it now.

The first pic is the two of them together to show the main size difference. There are many different sizes based on where they are from and what they are used for. I saw a Khrukri sword in Belgium that was about 3' long. It was a ceremonial sword that was just for show.
Mine is on top, my fathers below.
P1070395 (1024x653).jpg

My khukri with the karda and chak mak that came with it. You will notice that they are all different and don't look like they belong together. A proper set will have the same type of handle (shape, design, colour, etc;). One is used for sharpening the blades or a flint striker (the chak mak) and the other is used as a general purpose knife, much like the pair that come with katana. I don't believe it is rusty so much as it may not have been left as forge finish. It is dirty and I plan on cleaning it up slowly and carefully.

P1070397 (1024x606).jpg
P1070410 (1024x579).jpg

My fathers knife (now mine). Yes I know, but he kept it in the sheath for as long as I can remember so it has gained a little rust. I plan on taking my time restoring it so I dont ruin it.

P1070398 (1024x445).jpg
 

Attachments

  • P1070399 (1024x768).jpg
    P1070399 (1024x768).jpg
    45.3 KB · Views: 5
Last edited:
The sheathes. You can see the difference here as well, dads looks like it was machine made then barely used, while mine is in rough shape and looks hand sewn.

View attachment 250811
P1070400 (1024x768).jpg

End view showing tangs and pommel. The lion on dads has been said to prove that it was a souvenir piece not intended for actual use.

P1070401 (1024x768).jpg

Top view to show size. You will notice that mine has no pins in the handle and has an integral bolster, while dads has numerous embellishments in the handle and an added bolster.

P1070403 (1024x533).jpg

And last but not least, the true proof that dads was a tourist knife. It's not engraving so much that it is a pointillist style. Each dot is punched and the edges are raised. You will notice the prominent INDIA, in the center.

P1070409 (1024x768).jpg

Each is about 3/8" thick almost the whole length of the spine and has a basic convex grind. The Ghurkas get a lot of training to use these, look up Bishnu Shrestha. I used to live in Gagetown and I would hear all kinds of stories from the army guys when they came to town to train in the field.
 
Three syllables, with the middle syllable barely sounded and no accented syllable: khukukuri

Customarily, the word is mispronounced as having only two syllables and the first accented 'ku kri The resulting, common spelling is "kukri."
 
pm enroute
 
One thing I am curious about Kukri handles. I've seen many with a ring/raised portion right in the middle of the handle. I can't see how this would be comfortable and not dig into you palm with use.:confused:

Anyone has an idea about this?
 
Pat, did you see that modern styled one by claudio-cass in the custom forum ? He sure has given that one a lovely touch or two. Frank
 
Patrice,I have a large kukri from HI with said raised ring that I use for heavy chopping chores,and digging into the palm has never been an issue.If you happen to make it down my way,you are more than welcome to borrow it.

Frank,that Claudio Cass kukri is outstanding!
 
Well thanks a lot Frank, I might as well give up now.:eek: ;)

Thanks Frank, I probably won't make it down before I finish this one but I'll take you up on that offer anyway.
 
That Cass kukri in stainless/carbon san mai with beautiful wood and leatherwork? That about made me pass out when I first clicked that thread. Wow.

I bet Patrice's Kuk will be pretty awesome, too.
 
Patrice you have any teaser designs, Photos or ideas to keep the masses happy?
 
Patrice Lemée;10415660 said:
One thing I am curious about Kukri handles. I've seen many with a ring/raised portion right in the middle of the handle. I can't see how this would be comfortable and not dig into you palm with use.:confused:

Anyone has an idea about this?
Click to expand...

I've got probably 10 HI khuks. The ring seems to be there to help keep the handle in your hand. I tend to round mine off, but it's not uncomfortable when you use a khuk the way it's designed to be used. As I understand the technique, you grip it mainly with the thumb and pointer finger, and the rest of your grip is fairly loose in comparison to how you'd hold other knives. Then, on the swing, you allow the blade momentum to help it impact whatever you're chopping. So the ring helps the blade not fly from your hand, and allows a bit of control with the other fingers, but since you're not gripping the handle tightly like you would a normal knife, it's not uncomfortable like you'd think.

That being said, I didn't build one into my khukuri-like-object that I just had Darrin HT for me either. I don't think you have to put one in if you don't want to :)
 
Thanks for the info Mr. Falcon.

Ryan, not much yet. I am having trouble finding some 5160. :(
The only things I am sure of is that it will be a more traditional take on the Kukri with at least 2 fullers.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top