museum khuks

[Johan van Zyl]

Lt. Dan & other interested forumites, in my last thread under the topic EVERYONE'S FAVOURITE KHUKURI, I very hastily mentioned a thought about my desiring a copy of a museum khukuri, and I fleetingly remarked about one in the Nepal museum. I promised Lt. Dan I would explain. You see, if I had the money and I could commission the making of my favourite khukuri, it would be an accurate copy of an ancient khukuri such as those currently housed in eg. the National Museum at Kathmandu. I would feel that such a copy, if made by kamis in the true tradition of Nepalese knifemaking, would form the centrepiece of my collection. What do we know about the ancient khuks in the museum? And have some of them been copied lately? This is what my research has turned up:

***There are khukuris hanging on the walls of Nepal's National Museum which are 500 years old or even more. (tx3.net/~howardw/Khukuris/Introduction)

***In the Nepal National Museum are displayed, amongst others, three old khukuris, which are in the 250 year age frame. These are big khukuris, each a couple of feet long, and probably in the 2 to 3 pound weight range. Most of the khukuris in the museum are weapon-oriented and handles were made to "serve and protect." Another display shows some of the personal weapons of Prithivi Narayan Shah, king of Gorkha, first king of Nepal, and organizer and commander of the world's first Gorkha fighting force. Prithivi was born in 1723 and died in 1775 so one can figure the age of these weapons pretty close. Down at bottom center of the top photo can be seen a forward curving khukuri with a complete arc. A khukuri that curves in a full arc is called a "hanshee" (sp) and is sometimes called a "ladies" khukuri. Also in the display are two ivory handled khukuris. Another display shows the personal weapons of King Pravya Shah (1559-1570). These year dates show when Pravya was king, which pegs these weapons at about 450 years old. The two fat bladed khukuris look like our Salyan except for the handle. (tx3.net/~howardw/Khukuris/Historical)

***The oldest khukuri known to exist is the one on display at the National Museum in Kathmandu which belonged to Drabya Shah, the King of Gorkha in 1627. (khukurihouse.com/faboutus)

***It seems copies have been made. There is an eighteenth Century khukuri by HI replicated after an ancient khukuri in Nepal's National Museum. It is 19 inches in length and about 2.1 wide. Weight 1lbs 14 oz. (tx3.net/~howardw/Khukuris/Styles)

***I have read about a Hanumante Khukuri. A museum-khukuri constructed in the 1800s inspired the Hanumante khukuri. This khukuri was personally designed and crafted by TB Bishwakarma. Overall length is approximately 17 inches, and the blade has a "false spine" ridge that adds strength to the piece. The piece comes with 6 tools: deluxe chakmak and karda, tweezers, a punch, a nail cleaner, and a small scraper or chisel. Copies of the original Hanumante (not made by TB) have been made. (Cystern.com\khukuri\photos)

***Then there is the Afghan Khukuri. A 100+ year old khukuri found in Afghanistan by a well-travelled photojournalist and advanced collector of khukuris. (Cystern.com\khukuri\photos)

*** Now there is the Modern Afghan Khukuri. This khukuri was modeled after a 200 year old khukuri discovered in Afghanistan by a Gurkha House customer several years ago. Its unique "curved spine" and forward sloping blade offer a unique khukuri unavailable anywhere else. Even the handle is slightly curved to match the overall style and shape of the blade. Length is 19 inches. Weight: 1lb 10oz. (Cystern.com\khukuri\)

To me, these are the types of khukuri copies which I would start my collection with, if I had to start over again. I think, when some money comes up again (if ever) I would go for one of these copies, if and when available.

As a last thought (sorry to drag it on like this) I suggest, not knowing any better, that the availability of these copies should be more importantly featured in khukuri catalogues because of their nature.

What a mouthful! Sorry guys!

 

[Lt. Dan]

Glad you've started this thread, Johan, 'cause I've been lookin' forward to it. You've dug up some good info to build a collection on. Thanks for doing your homework so others like me can benefit from the lessons you've learned. The chronology is interesting, and lots of us out here have our own variations on your theme. The new ones are almost leading me to study the old ones. This kind of stuff is great, and I learn it from you, John Powell, Berkley, and others. I really look forward to digging into posts like this.

While I pretty much like all khukuris, there seems to be a system that weeds them out and brings them on budget. First, since I'm not in a position to be a true collector, the handle must be comfortable. Many stunning lookers have and will be passed over just 'cause they're a pain in the hand. Second, it has to be something that I would actually want to use; even if I don't, I could. Maybe that's why I'm in denial of having a collection. Having abandoned quotas of styles, I just take them as they come, and can afford them.

So many of the oldies seem to have a very prominently raised ring in the handle. This is a turn-off for me, and I would like to know why they were made like this, because my hand almost blisters when looking at them. Perhaps the fancy ones were made to be seen and not used. Yes, the old Afghan is my favorite old one, and there's something about the old that has rubbed off on the new Afghan. Not being sure how to explain it, it's really a modern progression or refinement that I grow to appreciate more with time.

Yes, my attitudes really are affected by the old ones, like you, I think. Music is similar to me, with the most meaningful I can hear the "ancient tones". When I pick up any of my khukuris, there is a resonance or kinship with the old ones. The way I like 'em, the old and new really are only a matter of time....Dan