Pics of Khuks in WW II book

Thomas Linton

Thomas Linton

Joined
Jun 16, 2003
Messages
20,206
I got a copy of "A Connecticutt Yankee in the 8th Gurkha Rifles." One of the pictures is entitled "Recruits at the 8th Gurkha's training center in Quetta, India." Two of the men shown are dressed in civilian clothing and each has a khukuri in his sash. The khuks appear identical with light-colored handles in black sheaths with pointed chape. No frogs. A karda or chakma peeks from behind one the the khuk handles. From the text, the pictures must have been taken in the period July, 1943 - December, 1943.
 
The two recruits carrying khukris both have the handles angled towards their left shoulders. Unless there are both left-handed, would this not slow down the "draw"?
 
Furthermore, the picture of Prithivi Narayan Shaw in the HI FAQ and figure 5 in JP's "Traditional kukris" also show the khuk carried edge up with the handle angled towards the left shoulder. A nation of "southpaws"?
 
Thomas?

Maybe not, I haven't seen the images. But contemporary Gurkha (Gorkha) forces carry theirs in the small of their back. I guess "quick draw" is not a necessary element in combat operations.

dunno.
 
Seems to me that should be the correct method of carry as well as being told about by John Powell and others, but don't hold me to it.:rolleyes:
Seems like I read where the Ghorkas would reach behind them with their left hand and raise up the bottom of the scabbard while reaching around with their right hand and drawing the khukuri with the edge up so as to be ready for use upon withdrawal.
Trying to mimic this in my imagination it makes sense to me but y'all know how I am.:rolleyes: :D ;)
 
Thanks YVSA. There is no "quick draw" with a military kukri. Not then, not now. After about 1870 they were carried on the left or right hip (with the rare exception of some Regiments in Afghanistan)or center of the back.

Either the kukri AND scabbard were drawn out of the frog, or the right hand held the scabbard firmly while the left hand drew the knife.
 
John, (re my first post) what is your reaction to both the khuks in the Gilmore picture having very light-colored handles - paint?

And no flat, tan sheaths - conventional and black.

Have you read the Gilmore book?
 
The picture of the 4 Gurkhas is a bit misleading. The original photo is at the GM and is completely annotated. The 2 men (boys actually) in uniform are the new recruits. The other 2 are 8th GR in mufti and the kukris are out of their frogs as they would be used in the sash. As far as I can tell they both are aluminum grips.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top