Why are the Gorkha's Khukuris smaller now than the the ones in WW 1 & 2?

B

Broken Arrow

Joined
Dec 1, 1999
Messages
651
I was wondering why the Khukuris are smaller now than the models used in the first two world wars. The British Army service model is alot smaller than the WW2 model. For me, when I was in the service, a big, big knife was very comforting when I was in the brush. Any information on this would be appreciated. Thanks.
 
BA, I've often wondered the same thing. The only thing I can think of is that the nature of warfare has changed so greatly that the top brass figures there is little liklihood of hand-to-hand combat; hence, why waste money buying big, and more expensive, khuks. And because you were in the service, as was I, you know all to well that, in the military, often the people who make the decisions don't have to deal with the consequences.
 
Steven, your statemnt is true! Most of the time the Officers would freak out on the blades I would carry on my LBE. My Sarg wouldn't. Could the modern Gorkha soldiers/warriors carry a bigger Khukuri if they wanted? The Gorkha soldiers I saw in Kosovo seem to have fairly large Khukuris. Or it may be a British service model. Nothing like cold steel to keep you company in the thick of battle!
 
Steven is right. Requirements have changed and the khukuri reflects this.

I am not sure what is going on in today's limited British Gorkha Brigade. In the Indian Army I think the Gorkhas can carry -- especially in combat -- any khukuri they want.

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Uncle Bill
Himalayan Imports Website
Khukuri FAQ

 
Back in early '99 the British Para's and the Gurkhas were the first to move into Kosovo. One report in the British press said that the Gurkhas carried 18" knives ( or it might have been put as "foot-and-a-half long". A picture of a Gurkha sharpening his khukuri on a tungsten carbide sharpener on the bayonet sheath was attached to the story. If I remember correctly, the handle was chainpuri shaped wood, and the blade was much like the Gelbu special, down to the two eyes of the dove type cho.

I'd often wondered how Nepali families handled sending their sons off to military service, and danger. My western tradition mind says that if Gorkhas are allowed to carry what they want in the field, then send them off with a khukuri made by a local whose work is known, something from home, a part of home with him. Let them issue him a parade ground knife. But for going in harm's way, send him off with a khukuri made just for him.

So what has this to do with the size of khukuris? I'd guess it's a matter of dress uniforms and dress khukuris as opposed to BDU's and working khukuris. Enough of my baloney.
 
This info is from a standing Gurkha(Gorkha) Officer:
"There is a standard issue knife for both the Gurkha (sic) Regiments in both the British and Indian Armies."
(This is like HIs BAS without the scroll work on the buttcap.)
"This kukri is kept in high polish and is used for parade, kit inspection and the like. Our Gurkhas are allowed to carry any khukuri while in battle dress and some of these knives are the older, larger blades from WW II and some are actually handed down grandfather to father to son. Keen edges too after 50 years!"

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JP
 
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