WW2 ?? Khukri PICS Ivory handle I think

orono · Apr 10, 2003

Here's some pics of another old Khuk I just picked up.
I think the scales are Ivory but maybe someone on the forum can tell for sure and I'm not sure of the vintage either.
Any help on ID is welcome.
Thanks Guys,
Warren
(orono)

Aardvark · Apr 10, 2003

Man, where to you get all of these cool things???

orono · Apr 10, 2003

It's easy, I'm retired with a lot of time on my hands and a love of sharp objects.

Aardvark · Apr 10, 2003

I hope your cheeks fall off from that %^&*0-eating grin!

Josh Feltman · Apr 10, 2003

Orono-- nice khukuri! Sorry, but I can't help with identification. What does the lettering on the blade say?
--Josh

orono · Apr 10, 2003

It says TEMPERED STEEL in the arch and MADE IN INDIA below.
When I got it it had a complete covering of rust but when I cleaned it off it had very little if any pitting.
Man, they used great steel in these knives.

Warren
(orono)

not2sharp · Apr 10, 2003

It is a WWII military officers knife. The handle probably is Ivory. Nice, do you have the rest of the set?

n2s

Bill Martino · Apr 10, 2003

John or n2s what is a fair price for this knife?

orono · Apr 10, 2003

I have the sheath but no Frog. I think I'll have Terry make a proper Frog and do some repairs on the sheath cover if possible.
I sure do like finding these old Kukries, I wish they could talk.

Warren
(orono)

T.Sisco · Apr 10, 2003

Warren,
I have plenty of leather to make a new frog for you.
Same price as the last one. E-mail if you want anything done.
God bless.
Terry

not2sharp · Apr 10, 2003

Bill,

The price depends in part on how you market the piece. The knife looks to be in solid shape but it has seen some use, and it sounds like the sheath is something less then 100%. It would probably go on Ebay for around $100.00 give or take $25, a little more if it has it's karda and chakma, perhaps much more if it has other accessory tools (like a medical kit), or a presentation kothimoda sheath.

n2s

not2sharp · Apr 10, 2003

A rarer version with a octogonal pommel (John Powell Collection-HI FAQ)

Here is a thread on these knives from a couple of years ago. Unfortunately Photopoint took out many of the photos, but there are still a few there.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=168837&highlight=ivory

n2s

orono · Apr 10, 2003

Wow, That's a Nice Kukri N2S. Maybe one day I'll find one that nice but till then I'll just feel good getting an honest well used Kukri to keep my other two well used Kukris company.
Thanks All for the info.

Warren
(orono)

not2sharp · Apr 10, 2003

Here is your chance to get a good one. John Powell is selling some of his knives, and there are some real beauties in there. It is worth taking a look.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=251291

n2s

beoram · Apr 10, 2003

more here: http://www.jnanam.net/shastra/wwii-ivory-khuk.html

Bill Martino · Apr 11, 2003

Nice stuff and thanks.

beoram · Apr 11, 2003

from JP:

Comments:
The knife second from the top is exactly like the one you are talking about. The
frog on these is of a more delicate nature than the usual knives used in the field.
There is no brass or metal chape. These were made from 1945 on in India and became
popular after their independence in 1947 with the Gurkha Regiments that stayed in
India. It does take a karda and chakmak with square handles. The price as a complete
piece is a bit more than N2s estimate. Mint condition examples can go anywhere from
$450 up to $700.

Tohatchi NM · Apr 11, 2003

Khuks in ivory. *drool*

Berkley · Apr 11, 2003

Having amassed a big part of my collection from eBay, and therefore having watched it closely for several years (search terms: kukri, khukuri, kukhuri, kukhri, khukri, Indian sword), I agree with JP that our most knowledgeable friend N2S is a little conservative on this knife. I think that a knife of this quality, with ivory, would likely go for at least $200, even with a ragged scabbard and no by-knives. (Of course, the rusty condition of the blade as sold might discourage buyers who have not had experience cleaning these knives). Auctions, like jury trials, are always a roll of the dice, and reward the party who is better prepared and has the best luck.