Old Khukuris and the steel

Possibly in the late 19th century used rail-road bars (can't remember the right word) - since India saw a lot of railroads put it and I know that these were used elsewhere for recycling into knives and such.

--B.
 
Railroad steel makes decent khukuris and the kamis tell me it is easier to work than the MB springs.
 
Early models were made from steel not only traded from India but locally made also. Steel came from as far away as Turkey and Persia.

Once the Brits came in they found carriage springs made a great blade and they still use car and truck springs today.

The Indians and kamis in Gurkha Regiments there were very fond of not only railroad tracks but of any leaf spring from the old train carriages themselves.
 
Thanks, John. Did they actually make steel in Nepal? If so, do you know how, when and where? It doesn't pay to ask the kamis these questions.

"Of course, Bena. I can dig the ore out of the ground, smelt it, refine it and make the best khukuri in the world. No problem!"
 
Bill,
Apparently they could smelt steel, but it was easier to get it from India and some came down from China in the 1600 and 1700s. I have read about some small metalsmiths making their own, but mostly for jewelry. As you know their metal, silver and goldsmithing abilities are quite remarkable.

Ask Pala...I'm sure he'll give you quite a story about making "magic" steel.
 
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