Rail common Kukris.

P

PC

Joined
Nov 5, 1999
Messages
18
Could someone tell me what a rail common Kukri is.

Are they bad & should they be avoided?
Thanks.
 
PC, please understand that I'm no expert, but it's my understanding that they are khukuris made from "common" steel, such as that from which railroad tracks are made. Whereas the better khuks are made from junked automobile leaf springs, which are made from top-grade steel. It is also my understanding that while rail common khuks are, by and large, inferior, they are not necessarily bad and can be quite functional -- just not as good as the "leaf-spring" khuks. I guess, as with most things in this ol' world, it all boils down to the old saying: "You get what you pay for."

Perhaps some other forumites will contribute their perspectives regarding your question -- we have some very knowledgable folks who make up the forum.
 
Railroad steel isn't bad at all. Railroad tracks are made of different steel at different times by different people. But most of the ones I heard about were 1050 steel. During the second world war, a Gurkha Regiment would be delighted to be issued some surplus rail tracks for making blades.

Granted, car springs are better. But it's the heat treat that makes the real difference.
 
PC,

I think Steven hit it right on the mark with his explanation.

I recall seeing a thread a while back on the HI Forum where the expression "rail common" was defined. It refers to the rail steel with which those khukuris are made. While suitable for many common chores, they cannot begin to compare in performance or durability with the spring steel Khukuris. It's like comparing your local Boy-Scout troop to the SAS. Sure, they both know tricks about surviving in the wild, but.....

Blackdog


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As usual, the forumites come through again, saying it better than I ever could. Just a little historical addition to the thread:

The British helped "ribbon" the world with railroads (particularly in India). Although they never officially "imperialized" Nepal the way they did India, plenty of surplus rail made it into the kindgom for a variety of uses. But, as the old rails get pulled pu and used, the supply of rail will decrease. I'd say that eventually, you won't see as many rail common khukuris made. There are, though, always enough old vehicles around.

Of course, anybody who knows more about history than me (not a hard task) is welcome to correct or amend my take on things.

A note on our khukuris: they are not rail common khuks. The kamis use only springs for their source of steel. Just thought you'd like to know.



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Craig Gottlieb
Gurkha House
Blade Forums Sponsor
 
Thanks Craig. It's good to know.

One prob with rail is that sometimes in 3rd world countries, they're made with recycled steel. So no one knows what the heck it is.

A khukuri made of British Imperial steel eh? Not a bad ring to it.
 
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