Victorian kukri

John Powell

John Powell

Joined
Mar 9, 1999
Messages
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A recent purchase that came from Germany. A Victorian Era (probably late 1890s) kukri with a unique scabbard. The knife itself is of very good steel and has an ebony grip with fine checkering. The pommel is reminiscent of Nepali kukris having the same type transverse groove. I doubt this was made in Nepal but it may have been commissioned in India by someone who wanted a "kukri style" knife. 17 3/8" and 1 lb 1 oz. The knife itself has been restored while the scabbard (one of 2...the other is more unique but in rotten shape)wasn't touched.
vic.jpg
 
Thanks JP that looks a lovely slicer! Pure weapon! Its About the straightest line on a kuk Ive seen. Great!

Whats the style of the other scabbard? It sounds interesting.

Cheers,
Spiral
 
Spectre, here's a weird one with a bit of a metal guard.

This was a kukri from one of the many private security companies that existed to protect the wealthy and some places of business. The best of these hired Gurkhas and thus the combination of tradition and Indian influence.

I think it's a pretty ugly bit of aluminum.
guard.jpg
 
Thanks John

It seems Victorian Khuk is just another Khuk in my dream! The cho make the Khuk out of it otherwise it just look like a short yataghan .. isn't it?

Is Victorian Khuk fit for another HI special project? ;)
 
The other scabbard that came with this was in pieces, but this is the best I can figure it looked like. The small scabbard attached and the fact it had a stud closure device vs a buckle is very intriguing. I don't know if this was the original scabbard or for another kukri but the size and fit would be correct.
scabbard.jpg
 
Mohd, it's not just the cho but the bolster, pommel and 'feel'. I think many yataghans had a prettier blade shape.
 
John,

That's guard enough for me, thanks. But the rest of the handle is pretty ugly! :D
 
If you think tactical means they have to be available for immediate use without having to open a flap I couldn't disagree more. Kukri scabbards are not made for "quick draw". It takes two hands to pull any old kukri out of a purposely tight sheath. In some cases the sheath was taken out of the frog and then slid from its sheath. I think all the standard scabbards are done as tradition dictates and for convenience. The addition of a flap would have taken more work, more materials and in the case of the military, more money.
 
Wow, I mearly meant the were they were secure, tactical as in the way it is used today.

I have discused this with you before & I also own enough kukris to be aware that they do take two hands to draw!

I was actualy pointing out that I agreed with your pet theory in my post, sorry if it was not clear enough for you to deduce my meaning.

Spiral
 
As you know my attitude towards "quick draw" scabbards is not very supportive. Saying that, I also believe that our beloved knife should evolve as should means of carrying them. Kydex with a side opening and velcro are outstanding and guys in the harm's way really like this lash-up.
 
Yes I see that the evolution of kukris can be practical & if it can be aesthetical as well then realy we get the best of both worlds.

In some ways I am a tradionalist with kukris but for use I like those 1920s Pioneers! {mind you gouss they are over 70 years old!

And as for a scabbard with loops & buttons, In this day & age dont realy go with Levis, leather belts & sweat shirts, Or combats for the people who do it all for a living. Actualy thinking about it, its amazing any of the old ones still have the loops left!.

Spiral
 
I would have used the style and manufacturing methods, but my life was made easy by the seller who has been helping me with some research. He lives in India and had pretty direct provenance for it.
 
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