Question about kukri in Nepal

[Cpl Punishment]

I was wondering something today.

I remember reading in a thread here that only the warrior caste can carry kukri in Nepal. I guess that means any bladed instrument? Are all the pictures we see of Nepali people with kukri from the warrior caste, or are they from all castes, being able to own them, but not carry them around?


Also, what HI product, or the closest to an HI product does the actual common person in Nepal use?

 

[warty]

I'd be interested in buying such a blade myself though I suspect that there are many. My guess is that each person would carry what he prefers to carry, sort of like we do here. I wouldn't think there is anything like a standard, warrior caste khukuri but then, I have been oh so wrong many times before.

 

[cmurphy]

I spent some time in Nepal and I dont think kukris were carried only by the warrior caste, the kshatriya or rajanya. I bet this is a custom that has fallen by the wayside in Hindu culture.
The kukri makers I met though were mostly of the Kshatriya caste. I know of no hindu customs that forbid other castes of using bladed instruments. Example: barbers are considered Shudras, the laborers, whose sole purpose is to serve the upper classes. These barbers obviously used bladed instruments though no Kshatriya would ever consider shaving someone.

Moreover, being a nonhindu, I'd be considered a Chandala, untouchable, but I could buy any kukri and outside of Kathmandu I had a kukri on my hip while working on a rice paddy.

So I doubt this custom is strictly followed anymore.

 

[heinlein]

Just a hunch but I think something along the lines of a villager Ang Khola in the 10" - 15" range would be very common with some Chainpuri, Sirupati, and Bonecutters in the same size range thrown in based on region and intended use.

 

[Howard Wallace]

My take is that things are different in the city and the countryside. I don't think there is a problem if you are doing work with a knife in the countryside or at your workplace. On the other hand, if you're of the wrong caste and "carrying" without a "good" reason, especially within the cities or towns, you could be in for trouble.

Tourists are catered to for the economic benefit they bring to the country and are unlikely to be harrassed about knives.

This is just my take on things and the more knowledgable may wish to correct my errors.

 

[Cpl Punishment]

I'm kind of hoping Yangdu can shed some light.

I'd be interested in buying such a blade myself though I suspect that there are many. My guess is that each person would carry what he prefers to carry, sort of like we do here.

That's possible, although I was thinking that they might favor one of the more tool-like kukri. Considering the number of variations of the Ang Khola and Sirupate, i figured they may be up there. I assume there's also regional variations, like in America in the pre-1900s, where local smiths would make patterns of axes best suited to the local environment.

My take is that things are different in the city and the countryside. I don't think there is a problem if you are doing work with a knife in the countryside or at your workplace. On the other hand, if you're of the wrong caste and "carrying" without a "good" reason, especially within the cities or towns, you could be in for trouble.

Tourists are catered to for the economic benefit they bring to the country and are unlikely to be harrassed about knives.

This is just my take on things and the more knowledgable may wish to correct my errors.

So a yankee like myself could carry a kukri in Kathmandu? Was it you that mentioned that foreigners were considered of the warrior caste so that an issue isn't made of it?

 

[kronckew]

i was looking into the caste systems in nepal a week or so ago, they differ slightly from the system in india, in both foreigners are exempt from the 'caste' system restrictions. (for the reasons howard states above.) as in most places, it's probably down to intent and usage if anything happens while you are carrying a knife. if you go looking for trouble, you'll likely find it.

there's a thread in the cantina re locally obtained khuks. HERE