Kukri knife -- anyone know anything about these things?

[dkmatthews]

My step-dad brought this back from Nepal many, many years ago and gave it to me when he discovered my love of knives. Does anyone know anything about these knives? This one seems a bit crude, especially in the fitting of the metal on the end of the hilt. Should I just use my dremel to grind the metal down to fit the handle better?

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YDr1YQNLxG0/T5l-Z-1uRLI/AAAAAAAALGw/m0LXfB4eJJs/s800/img_7945.jpg

The complete photo album --> HERE (https://picasaweb.google.com/105127384955095661763/Kukri?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCKHI8fzTxdekpgE&feat=directlink).

[ruchik]

The khukri knife was made famous by the Ghurkas of the Nepalese region. They initially fought against the British way back during the colonial days; the British were so impressed by their skill and hardcoreness that they made Nepal a protectorate. Ever since then, they have served with the British military with great honor and distinction. For an idea of what a Ghurka with a Khukri can do, read this (http://www.thenewamerican.com/world-mainmenu-26/asia-mainmenu-33/10989-indian-soldier-awarded-for-fighting-off-30-train-attackers-in-2010).

[dkmatthews]

ruchik -- thanks for that info and especially for the link!

[Bawanna]

Greg is offline now but he'll be along shortly. He's wicked smart on these things. I've learned a ton from him. There's a huge history on those things and some great video's of the Kami's making them. Greg no doubt still has the links, I have them someplace.

It's mind boggling the making of them and the conditions they work in to make them.

[Mike_B]

I have a Ka-Bar version. It's cool, but to have the real deal is obviously better. And better still handed down from your step-father.

This guy has an interesting take on the knife-

http://www.m4040.com/Survival/Ghurka/Khukri%20Modification.htm

And thanks for the awesome story, Ruchik....

[gb6491]

My step-dad brought this back from Nepal many, many years ago and gave it to me when he discovered my love of knives. Does anyone know anything about these knives? This one seems a bit crude, especially in the fitting of the metal on the end of the hilt. Should I just use my dremel to grind the metal down to fit the handle better?

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YDr1YQNLxG0/T5l-Z-1uRLI/AAAAAAAALGw/m0LXfB4eJJs/s800/img_7945.jpg

The complete photo album --> HERE (https://picasaweb.google.com/105127384955095661763/Kukri?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCKHI8fzTxdekpgE&feat=directlink).
That certainly looks to be a good quality khukuri, but only a cutting test will tell (the true quality of knife is in the heat treatment). However, it's definitely not what is considered "tourist fare" The handle seems to be water buffalo horn. It has probably shrunk some, thus the fit of the metal piece on the end. It would be best to treat the handle before trimming the metal down. Some folks swear by Hoof Flex, but lanolin (or lotion with lanolin in it) should work: just apply and let it sit overnight. Afterward, treat the handle often enough to combat any further shrinkage/cracking. Treating this way will usually close any small cracks in the horn. Cracks that don't close can be filled with super glue.

Here is a very important link to look at:
http://www.survivalprimer.com/a_word_on_Sunday/Warning_Kukri.htm

The following are some of the links that Bawanna mentioned:
http://www.himalayan-imports.com/FAQindex.html
http://www.himalayan-imports.com/khukuri-history.html
http://www.himalayan-imports.com/kami.html
http://www.khukurihouseonline.com/Content/Makings/Khukuri.php
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oG3i2Wd4hg0

They're great tools, I've cut more wood with this one than I care to remember:
http://i40.tinypic.com/2i1l5k9.jpg
...and I've zombie killer one close at hand:D
Regards,
Greg

BTW, the two smaller tools in your other photos, are called "karda" and "chakmak". The karda is a small utility knife and the chalmak is used like a butcher's steel to maintain the edge of both knives. Quality is usually not good with these, but you can make you own using a small Scandi style blade (http://www.ragweedforge.com/BladeCatalog.html) for the karda and a scavenged ceramic or diamond rod for the chakmak.

[dkmatthews]

Greg, thank you so much for the information and the links!

I will get some lanolin from the drug store and try that instead of the neatsfoot oil I have on hand.

[wyntrout]

Dang! I bit my tongue and didn't jump in, but my first advice would be to keep power tools away from it. It's an heirloom and one of a kind, real knife with a history. I would protect it, treat it, and preserve it for longevity.

Wynn:)

[dkmatthews]

Dang! I bit my tongue and didn't jump in, but my first advice would be to keep power tools away from it. It's an heirloom and one of a kind, real knife with a history. I would protect it, treat it, and preserve it for longevity.

Wynn:)

Okay, Wynn! I promise not to get the power tools out! :)

[CJB]

Interesting side note on the Royal Gurkha Rifles.

During the Falklands War, the Gurkha played an invaluable role in the initial taking East Falkland and eventual capture of Stanley. The Royal Gurkha Rifles were called upon to drop onto the island, disperse, and commence with reconnoiter and subversion on their way to Stanley. The RGR commander was called upon, and asked what he though about his men doing a low altitude airdrop just off the beach. His response was that so long as the planes could get within 100 feet of the water, his men would be able to do the job.

When informed that 100 feet was not enough altitude for the deployment of parachutes... the RGR commander replied "You never mentioned parachutes!"

Those guys are as ****** as it comes. Every bit the contemporary of our Seal Teams.

Their crest says it all: Crossed khukuri.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/6/6a/Royal_Gurkha_Rifles.JPG/150px-Royal_Gurkha_Rifles.JPG

It should also be noted, that the Argentine declared "bloody foul!" at the sending in of Gurkha regiments. The last time such a foul was declared, was when Allied troops began use of "trench sweeper" 12 gauge shotguns in WWI. The Argentine rightly feared the Gurkha.

[bigmacque]

I'm with Wynn on this one .... don't touch it. That thing has more value as an heirloom in it's native state than if you start to do the duck and grind on it.

[dkmatthews]

Okay, folks! I promise not to use any power tools on the kukri!

I guess I wasn't properly appreciating the craftsmanship and the amount of pure, hard labor that goes into making one. Thanks to everyone for their input!

Thanks to Greg's links, I will be able to USE it like a tool but still take care of it and make sure it lasts.

[AUgrunt]

I admire Gurkhas. Read this article and see they are still kicking ass today!! http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1393355/Hero-Gurkha-handed-bravery-medal-Queen-said-I-thought-I-going-die--I-tried-kill-I-could.html and http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2049987/Gurkha-beheaded-Taliban-soldier-Afghanistan-battle-cleared-return-duty.html