Here's the (edited) summary:
The Service Number 1 (SN1) is the current Gurkha military knife, used by Gurkha units.
The SN1 history does not go far back. In WW II it did not exist as such. But it might have a connection with WW II khukuris. The khukuri marketed by GH as the "WW II" is larger than the SN1, but otherwise it looks the same. It is assumed the SN1 was developed from WW II khukuris, and it probably first appeared in the 1950's, although it is impossible to say exactly when at this stage. The SN1 is very much like WW II khukuris except it is smaller. The book The Gurkha Rifles by Nicholson shows that the 1944 model harness and equipment was used by the Gurkhas fighting in Borneo in 1966. This fact might prove that as late as 1966 WW II size khukuris were still being used. But it is not certain that the 1944 pattern harness actually carried the WW II size khukuri. WHEN WAS THE DOWNSIZED SN1 DEVELOPED?
The SN1 is a result of equipment downsizing. Over time, issue khukuris have tended to get smaller and smaller as the tradition of the Gurkha with his khukuri has slowly been replaced or modified in the "modern" Queen's army. As to why it has been downsized over the years; it is suspected it has to do with the way people fight wars nowadays as compared to 50 or 100 years ago. The average combat soldier today still carries an enormous load on his back, but because of the "downsizing" of his ammo, food supplies and other equipment he is able to carry more of the essentials required to sustain himself for longer periods of time.
GH's "Jungle Fighter" is only a tactical variation on the theme of the SN1.
Three models of the SN1 are available today: (i) the SN1 with "ordinary" buffalo-hide sheath, which is to be used in action, (ii) the SN1 with patent-leather sheath, known as the Ceremonial and used for parades, (iii) and a Presentation SN1 of which the details are not clear at this time. WHAT IS A PRESENTATION SN1? The SN1 can also be categorised as (a) an SN1-styled khukuri (not actual issue), and (b) an actual issue khukuri.
The SN1 is a favourite amongst many forumites, and among those the opinion is that it is an excellent compromise between size/weight and performance. The SN1 is light enough to carry all day but heavy enough to do many tasks.
A similar khukuri to the SN1, called the British Army Service (BAS) is also available on the market. This is also of the style currently used by Gurkha forces. A similar knife is issued in the Nepalese Army.
ISSUE SN1's: As the GH supplier is the official khukuri supplier to all Brigade of Gurkhas units, SN1's and Service Ceremonial's are the only two khukuries they are allowed to stamp with the word "Nepal" and the year of issue. They produce these types of khukuris in whatever numbers they need in order to meet not only the Brigade's orders but also to cater for casual buyers. Just prior to recruiting season, which normally takes place in November, the supplier is informed by the Brigade Headquarters how many service khukuries they require and the supplier is obliged to meet their demand in time. Then these khukuries are distributed to newly joined recruits in Nepal prior to their departure to the UK for infantry recruit training. It is legal practice to sell service khukuris to tourists or any other buyers when they visit the supplier's shops. The supplier does not sell khukuris stamped with a year date to any buyer in other years, because then it is not relevant. The Nepalese soldiers (Gurkhas) not only join the British Brigade of Gurkhas, but also go to the Indian Army and of course the Nepalese Army. No matter which Nepali man joins which army, it is all up to the individual. But those who do join the Brigade of Gurkhas get the supplier's service khukuries with stamped blades. The supplier does supply khukuris to the Nepalese Army in Nepal, but not the stamped blades ones. The SN1, which is also called by the name "issue khukuri", is a recorded item on the clothing scale of a Gurkha soldier, therefore it must be returned to the store on retirement and any item on payment such as "Jungle khukuri" or say "No. 2 khukuri" can be retained by the outgoing soldier. But for the sake of argument what is usually done is that the "issue" one is kept and the "No 2" is returned to the store as the Army is not that strict in this matter. So the SN1 - issued - is supposed to be returned to the British supply system. But it seems Gurkhas usually keep their issue khukuri for sentimental reasons and return another khukuri to the supply system.
[This message has been edited by Johan van Zyl (edited 05-23-2001).]
