What do the Gurkhas Carry? Answer . . .

C

Craig Gottlieb

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Mar 8, 1999
Messages
1,760
I've been getting some emails lately asking me exactly what khukuris the gurkhas carry in today's British Army. Here's the scoop:

Before they ship out to England for training, they are issued a Service Number One (the same one we sell). Generally, they'll tape and cover it for tactical purposes sometime during their training cycle. Here's a picture of Lalit (in the background) assisting reps from the British Gurkha Transit Camp in Jawalaklel as they measure, weigh, and inspect each SN1.

catinspection.jpg



Gurkhas are also are issued (I don't know at what stage) a presentation khukuri (the same one we sell, minus the dragon engraving). That's the one you can see being worn on this photo:

catwearingpres.jpg


An interesting point: Gurkhas turn in their khukuris when they retire! I think that's rather harsh - I'd want to keep mine, and maybe some do. But both Lalit and TB, when I asked them what happened to their Service Number Ones - they said they turned them in!



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Craig Gottlieb
Gurkha House
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Great info, Craig. I am quite surprised to learn that Gurkhas/Gorkhas must turn in their khuks upon leaving the service -- it seems a rather mean-spirited requirement. I wonder what becomes of the turned-in khuks?
 
I'm not sure - I never got the full story - something to ask Lalit. It doesn't really make sense the way I have told it, as Lalit is constantly providing new SN1s for recruits. You'd think that if they were retained, that they'd simply be re-issued. Anybody know anything about this? (Mohd - where are you?)

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Craig Gottlieb
Gurkha House
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It doesn't make sense to me they way I tell it - you'd think that if the troops had to turn them in, that they'd be re-issued to new recruits. But Lalit provides more than 100 each year, so there's obviously something I'm missing. I'll ask Lalit. Anybody know any more on this issue? (Mohd, where are you?).

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Craig Gottlieb
Gurkha House
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Craig,

Do you know if the khukuri is standard British issue. I have seen the khukuri (just like the above picture) in a couple books written by former memembers of the SAS.

Will
 
Will: Yes, it is standard issue. They are all made by Lalit's guys in Dharan. We actually offer the engraved presentation (identical in every way, but engraved) and occasionally sell a plain service ceremonial. I actually do have one "standard issue" service ceremonial without the engraving available, but I only seem to remember to bring these things up when I get "reminded" by a post such as this.

Incidentally, Lalit, in my USMC shipment, will be including a few SN1s with the correct cloth wrapping on the scabbard for me to "test the waters" with. I think it'll be a $10.00 upgrade from the standard SN1.

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Craig Gottlieb
Gurkha House
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Craig,

Sorry, my question is not very precise. Is the the khukuri in the British Army supply chain, so that it can be requesitioned by other units?

Will
 
This I don't know but will find out and get an answer for you. Frankly, I never thought to ask that. I'm sure EVERY piece of kit has a supply number, but as for other units being able to order it? Stand by . . .

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Craig Gottlieb
Gurkha House
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