My renewed interest in the Nepalese kukri knife...

[PocketKnifeJimmy]

Although I have some kukri based knives in my collection, they are not the traditional hand made items that can be had from the Khukuri Mother Land of Nepal.
About 12 years ago, my one and only marriage, (that lasted about 18 years), had come to it's end. I wheeled and dealed away most of my personal belongings, they having had too much of a connection to that failed marriage. I just didn't want to be surrounded with material things that would mentally keep me in what was now a done chapter of my life. The whole experience also caused a temporary loss of my desire to own such do-dads. Knives, guns, and so many other things that I had enjoyed owning and collecting, were simply no longer a spark in my life. Thankfully, that feeling only lasted a couple of years, with my slowly, but surely, gaining my interest back in my collecting hobby.
Anyhow, my previous collection included quite a few Kukri knives from Nepal, including from the 'Himalayan Imports' folks. I used to love watching various online videos of the Kamis working their magic with such rudimentary tools, as they are so commonly known to use. It was all very fascinating to me.
So, while recently re-learning some of the details of these famous knives, a renewed interest has taken hold of me. Yup, a Kukri made in Nepal will very likely soon find it's way into my collection. I have considered buying at least one of the antique specimens that a couple of major dealers got a hold of by buying out the Nepalese Armoury quite a few years ago, but it's something like a box of chocolates... "You never know what'cha gonna get". Some seem way too beat up, and without being able to inspect before ordering, I'll pass on the idea. So, I have a couple of new specimens that I'm looking into possibly ordering. They are made in Nepal using mostly old school ways, so that will be just fine with me
I do doubt that all of these Nepalese kukri knives are being made with the 5160 carbon steel so often claimed. Their claim is usually that the steel they get is from junked Mercedes Benz automobile leaf springs. I mean, even if it's true that 5160 is the common steel for such leaf springs, I highly doubt there are these big piles of old junked Mercedes Benz automobiles laying around in that part of the world. Leaf springs?... Yeah, I can certainly believe that. But... 5160 for all of those kukri knives being made in Nepal... Umm, I do doubt that. Ah, it's just part of the whole mystic of these knives
Again, watching some videos of how these things are made, (and they all seem similarly done over there), is simply fascinating, (imo).

 

[jdk1]

Who can say for sure, but in the past, HI sent an employee to India every now and then to search out leaf springs. Mercedes was preferred, with TATA trucks next on the list IIRC. There are a lot of TATAs there, but again, who knows door sure what's being used.

 

[PocketKnifeJimmy]

It was interesting to read how the British, during the first two decades of the 1900's, issued out their first standardized kukri model, that being their MK1 Kukris. It was issued to not only their Gurkhas, but to other soldiers as well.These were pretty large and heavy kukris, and not made in Nepal, instead they were made by various contracted makers in India, (Britain still ruled over India then). Fast forward to modern day Gurkhas that are hired into British service, and their kukris have been made by several contractors in Nepal. These makers are the same makers that many folks like calling Nepalese "tourist kukri makers", but are actually the folks who make the Gurkhas military kukris under British government contract. The specimens issued to the Gurkhas today are smaller than the beast kukris they used to issue Gurkhas a century ago. Although they are smaller today, they remain the defining Gurgkha symbol. Now more of a symbol and a general purpose blade, than the more fighting weapon they once were.
All still kind'a cool overall

One thing I remember learning from Nepalese Kukri videos, was that it helped me solve something about some of the kukris I had received back then. I was puzzled as to why a few of the kukris I received had hairline fractures in the cho area of the blade. Some were bad enough that I wound up returning them for exchanges, while others were minor/short enough that I simply used judicious filing with small files to remove the fractures, (making the chos a tiny bit larger in the process). You see, what the videos I watched showed me, was that the Kamis would pound the cho into the metal. I guess some fractured in the process.
I would cringe watching them doing that, especially after I realized it was the reason for the fracturing.
On the other hand, I recently watched a video put out by Tora on the Kamis in Nepal making their Kukri knives, and they were using a small handheld electric grinder to cut the cho shape out. I imagine this would prevent the cho fractures I was encountering on some specimens from different vendors. Maybe the pounding in of the cho is the more traditional method, but in this case, I think the cutting out of the cho, (with an electric or manual handheld tool), makes a lot more sense. I mean, the antique kukris are always going to be a little bit more old school in craftsmanship than even the most old school modern day made Kukri... Back then there were certainly no old Mercedes Benz automobiles laying around in junkyards waiting to donate their leaf springs for kukri knife makers
Most Kamis back then probably had to make their own steel for the process. Or, maybe they simply searched out junked Mercedes Benz horse drawn buggies and used their leaf springs, lol!
I despise the idea of forging in the cho as I have seen them do. A fracture in the cho is not something I want to see in a kukri, so I guess a little bit of modern day use of an electric grinder will not be a deal breaker for me

 

[PocketKnifeJimmy]

I used to frequent this forum many years ago, but under another screen name, (JimmyJimenez).
I went quite some time without participating in the forum, and when I came back, I don't believe I knew how to access my old account here, so I re-registered as PocketKnifeJimmy.
Anyhow, while looking up some more internet info on kukris this morning, I ran across a post I had put up under my old account that pertained to the first Himalayan Imports Kukri I had purchased. I was quite amused reading my own impressions of it. The pictures that were once attached to this posting are long gone, but it still made me chuckle on how I was very much then, who I am now when it comes to these items

https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/my-first-hi-photo-links-included.392985/

 

[shortwinger]

For a first Kukri to get your feet wet and restock your collection, contact IMA directly and ask for a hand selected kukri from their 2003 purchase. I just saw a sale flyer this morning! It will be a hundred year old Kukri made by masters and with steel that feels very different to anything made today. They are not users (in my opinion) but they will have a balance, weight, and feel that comes alive in your hands. You will feel hammer marks that aren't "distress" marks purposefully added, they are from making the Kukri with a hammer.

This Kukri will be your [spirit] guide as you purchase others to be used. It will tell you if you want/need a lighter or heavier model, longer or shorter, and it will keep any manufacturer you decide to go with honest. When you buy a new one you will instantly know if it is a sharpened lawn mower blade or something made by a Kami that knows what they are doing.

I know it sounds silly and I'm some Zen nut, but once in hand it will teach you about the kukri, if you listen. Your minds eye will pick up on little details, like the delicate back and forth between the weight, length, balance, and feel; it will all make sense. Then once you settle on a model, buy the lightest HI available from the oldest kami and you should be fine.

Welcome back to "kukri land" and good luck on your search.

 

[PocketKnifeJimmy]

I know IMA still has some of that cache left, but they list them as not having the Nepalese script that many had before they ran out of them. I have read very mixed reviews about the condition of these offerings, even when people have chosen the hand select option. Bent/broken tips, loose and/or pretty broken up handles, and chipped out cutting edges are not uncommon. I would love to be able to hand pick one, and not from the remaining IMA batch, but from Atlanta Cutlery that still has some left with the script/markings on them, but still will pass on buying one of them sight unseen. But, thank you, Sir, for your opinions and kind words

Btw, I did wind up ordering a Nepalese made kukri, (a newly made one), from a person here in the US that has them made over there for him. It's a similar idea to how Tora of Britain has their kukris made for them in Nepal.
He seems to be trying his best to get them to follow the specs pretty closely to certain historical models, like the MK1 Kukri, and thus far he seems to be happy with what they've churned up for him. I will post my impressions of it when it arrives. It will be one based on the MK1 Kukri model issued by the Brits during the first two decades of the 1900's. This model was used during the 1st World War.

 

[shortwinger]

Hi Jimmy, who is the guy you ordered it from? McCurdy?

I have some of the old MkII's from IMA and love them, unfortunately they are no longer available. Hope you find something you like.

 

[danbot]

This thread needs some pics!

 

[PocketKnifeJimmy]

His name is Kurt (his last name escapes me at the moment). I think he's only had a few years in doing this thing with kukris, but seems to have some good historical researchers helping him on getting things right. I don't believe he is a forum participant, so I will refrain from putting any contact specifics here. I will have to wait and see what my own impressions are of it.
That said, when I do get it in hand, I'll give it an inspection and share my thoughts here on the forum. He sells them as fully functional kukris that are good in the "looker" department as well. As fully functional kukris, he guarantees them as such.

Here is a picture I found online of the MK1 based Kukri I placed an order for...

A unique feature of the MK1 Kukri was the sunken pommel nut used to secure the tang to the handle. Before this pommel nut design, kukri tangs were usually a partial length tang, not going all the way through the inside of the handle, and heat pressed/glued into place, (which they managed to get alot more secure than what it sounds like). But, the the MK1 deviated from that by having the tang go all the way through the inside of the handle, and then being finalized with a sunken nut attachment on the butt end of the handle. The nut was (threaded onto the end of the tang?) and then the tang peened over the nut to secure it from moving. Later British kukri series that following after the MK1, saw the use of true side exposed full tangs and full through hidden tang methods (which were peened over their handle's metal buttcaps).

Here's a pic of an antique MK1 with it's sunken pommel nut...

Here's a link to a great source for the in's and out's of the historical MK1 Kukri...

http://sirkukri.blogspot.com/2015/09/the-mark-1-mk1-official-standard.html?m=1

My intended purpose for ordering a Nepalese made kukri, is for collecting purposes. Although the kukri I have on order is sold as a fully functional one, I have no plans to put it to any use. That said, any thoughts I may share on this incoming kukri, will be on it's fit & finish, not on it's functional aspects. I guess anyone that has ever read my posts will already know that, but putting that out there for anyone that didn't know

 

[PocketKnifeJimmy]

This thread needs some pics!

Nice looking specimen, Sir!

And, yes, I agree that postings without some pics can be a bit boring (pics add that certain flair).
Since I do not have my Nepalese kukri yet, I will add these pictures of a solid brass Nepalese made Buddha statue and a two crossed kukri pin, both brought back for me from Nepal by my daughter a couple of years ago. She was President of the NYC branch of 'Ladies Circle', and they, along with other leaders from Ladies Circle chapters from around the world, went to meet in Nepal to personally deliver the funds they had raised to help that Nation after the terrible natural disaster that had occurred there.

 

[PocketKnifeJimmy]

A link for all sorts of pics and info about kukri knives from 1900 to 1999...

http://sirkukri.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-kukri-knife-of-gurkhas-historical_9.html?m=1

Oh, and I almost forgot showing this too that my daughter brought back for me from Nepal. A solid brass keychain kukri. She knows me all too well
And... her Fiance brought me back this fairly crude looking Phurba knife from that same trip. Her Fiance is the NYC President of the male counterpart version of the 'Ladies Circle', (called the "Round Table"), and were there on the same mission, (to meet with their counterparts, and to donate the funds they also raised for the Nepalese disaster relief cause).
Anyhow, one of these Phurbas was given to each one of the Round Table Presidents from all around the world that attended the Nepal meeting. I believe the RTIWM stands for Round Table International World Meeting...

 

[cricketdave]

His name is Kurt (his last name escapes me at the moment). I think he's only had a few years in doing this thing with kukris, but seems to have some good historical researchers helping him on getting things right. I don't believe he is a forum participant, so I will refrain from putting any contact specifics here. I will have to wait and see what my own impressions are of it.
That said, when I do get it in hand, I'll give it an inspection and share my thoughts here on the forum. He sells them as fully functional kukris that are good in the "looker" department as well. As fully functional kukris, he guarantees them as such.

Picture I found online of the Kukri I have on order...

My intended purpose is for collecting only, so any thoughts I share will be on it's f&f, not in it's functional aspects. I guess anyone that has ever read my posts will already know that, but putting that out there for anyone that didn't know

thats one of the better looking ones i've see

 

[PocketKnifeJimmy]

thats one of the better looking ones i've see

I am hoping for it to be as nice as the pic seems to show them to be. I got a feeling that if it is, it will only feed my renewed kukri knife interest by making me want to purchase more of them

 

[PocketKnifeJimmy]

For those that would like to see how a kukri is made in Nepal, the following link is to a video that shows the hard work involved.
For some folks it will be like watching paint dry, but for others, (like myself), videos like this are fascinating

I mean, I find it so amazing that parts of this world still have such almost ancient methods applied to such a craft.

 

[PocketKnifeJimmy]

The advice to look into the antique kukri brought back in 2003 by IMA and Atlanta Cutlery, has me seriously considering them now. I have avoided them, just because they seem to really be all over the place in their condition. They were really left in a poor storage condition over there in that old Nepalese Armoury. No doubt that the purchase of it's contents actually saved them from total deterioration. I know some feel that the purchase was shady and almost a sneaky legal theft of those items by IMA and Atlanta, but I have seen pics of their storage over there, and it was certainly not good at all.
For those that may have purchased some in the last year or so, (of the few likely remaining), how was the overall condition, and how well did they clean up, not requiring tools to accomplish and all). I personally would not consider having to use abrasives or power tools on them.
Thanks in advance

 

[danbot]

The advice to look into the antique kukri brought back in 2003 by IMA and Atlanta Cutlery, has me seriously considering them now. I have avoided them, just because they seem to really be all over the place in their condition. They were really left in a poor storage condition over there in that old Nepalese Armoury. No doubt that the purchase of it's contents actually saved them from total deterioration. I know some feel that the purchase was shady and almost a sneaky legal theft of those items by IMA and Atlanta, but I have seen pics of their storage over there, and it was certainly not good at all.
For those that may have purchased some in the last year or so, (of the few likely remaining), how was the overall condition, and how well did they clean up, not requiring tools to accomplish and all). I personally would not consider having to use abrasives or power tools on them.
Thanks in advance

The pic I posted was from the Atlanta Cutlery sale. They made new sheaths for them because the terrible storage left the sheaths unusable.
They did however store them with Cosmoline on the blades which you see in my pic.

 

[PocketKnifeJimmy]

I really imagine they must be at slim pickings at this point, but maybe if I call and talk with a real person over there, and obviously pay the small extra fee for "hand pick", maybe I could do okay. Really considering it... Just don't want a true wreck (active rust, loose/broken handle, and or beat up broken up blade edge or tip). I would say a specimen like yours would be just fine.

I'm still waiting for my other Kukri to come in, (the new one based on the MK1 model). When that one arrives, I will be sure to share some pics and my thoughts on it

 

[PocketKnifeJimmy]

The pic I posted was from the Atlanta Cutlery sale. They made new sheaths for them because the terrible storage left the sheaths unusable.
They did however store them with Cosmoline on the blades which you see in my pic.

Well, sir, consider yourself an enabler, lol!
Yup, I called up AC and ordered one of the antique Bhopure, (just the knife itself). I also went with the hand picked, and hope my luck goes good on what I get

 

[danbot]

Well, sir, consider yourself an enabler, lol!
Yup, I called up AC and ordered one of the antique Bhopure, (just the knife itself). I also went with the hand picked, and hope my luck goes good on what I get

Well then, my work here is done!
Be sure to post some pics of what you get. I bought mine way back when they first had the sale, I don't remember exactly when that was...1999-ish?
Just remember too, these were issued to soldiers and were used! Damn tough knives they are!

 

[eveled]

Just a thought, but Mercedes makes lots of trucks too, not just luxury cars. I can see lots of broken truck springs, with the road conditions over there. I have one "real" kukri, it's fun to handle and swing. It has a real full tang, so I know it is not authentic.