Tourist khukuri based on real one?

G

Guy Thomas

Joined
Feb 1, 2000
Messages
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OK, khukuri nuts, (don't worry I'm rapidly becoming one also, its like a disease, as if I weren't infected enoough with a general knife malady and the dreaded knifemaking obsession!), where was I... oh yeah I wanted to ask the knowledgeable amongst you a question.

One of the standard tourist khuks has a large blade, full tang construction with pinned rosewood handle scales encicled by two brass bands and has the brass bolster and brass butt cap. Is this style based on an older khukuri that was actually made for service use, and if so what is the history/era of the "real" models? And does anyone have a picture of one?

Guy Thomas
 
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Guy I think most tourist models would be based on commonly known khukuris whether old or modern.
And I also think that since there are as many common khukuris as there is, that your guess would be as good as anyone's.:)
Uncle Bill when asked how many models of khukuris there is replied something like, "As many as there are leaves on a tree.":)

And as far as pix, take your pick among what's being made today.
I also think that the forward or full curving khukuris are indicative of the older models, but I will let the ones more knowledgeable than I answer that one.:)
I know I prefer the forward or fully curved khukuris over the ones with the angled shoulder.

However I do Absolutely Love the
21 5/8 inch,1 pound, 9 ounce Chitlangi I have which is the 1st Chitlangi that Jag and Prem made when hired on at BirGhorka!!!!:o :cool: :)
 
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I asked John Powell about mine, and was told the following:
As far as I can tell they were made for the Gurkha Regiments who opted for the Indian Army after '47. Don't forget they now had Indian Officers and Indian not just Nepalese troops. The most distinctive thing about these besides the brass bands on the grip are the 2 funky roundnosed kardas and that the 'pouch' is sewed shut.
Click to expand...
 
Thanks for good help, all. With all the capable and generous help my life as moderator is much easier and thanks again. Much appreciated.
 
Thanks everyone! Berkley that's exactly what I was talking about, though I hadn't seen an example with the band nearest the blade as wide as that one, but you hit it on the nose!

It's great having such knowledgeable khukuriphiles around! (Not to mention Berkley's and John Powell's vast collection of photos!)

Guy Thomas
 
Now my next question, what would someone expect to pay for a model such as the one Berkley posted the picture of?

Guy Thomas
 
These show up on eBay fairly regularly and go for anywhere from $45 - $75, depending on condition and completeness. For some reason, most of them come from sellers in Australia, so figure in another $15 or so for shipping.
 
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