About Khukuri/Kukri
The kukri, also known as khukuri, is a short sword with a distinct curve in its blade that originated in Nepal. Although it serves as a melee weapon, it also functions as a regular cutting tool throughout most of South Asia. The word “kukri” is of Indian English origin, with the original Nepalese English spelling being “khukuri”. It is a traditional Nepalese knife that is considered a symbol of Nepalese national identity. The kukri has been used for centuries by the Nepalese people and is the national weapon of Nepal. It is a characteristic weapon of the Nepali Army and has served as a basic utility knife for the Nepali-speaking Gurkhas. Apart from its role in combat, the khukuri has been used for various purposes throughout history, including cutting crops, clearing brush, skinning and cleaning game, cooking, woodworking, and even as a ceremonial tool in some Nepalese religious traditions. Despite many myths surrounding the kukri, such as the tradition of drawing blood before sheathing the blade, it remains an important cultural and historical artifact in Nepal.
History of Khukuri/Kukri
The khukuri has a rich history that dates back to prehistoric times in the Indian subcontinent. The blade’s origins are believed to have come from domestic sickles and bent sticks used for hunting and hand-to-hand combat. It was used as a weapon and as a tool in sacrificial rituals. The khukuri’s design might have been influenced by the ancient Indian saber called nistrimsa or the Greek kopis brought to India by Alexander the Great’s forces in the 4th century BC. A large kukri-like falchion inscribed with writing in Pali is kept in The British Museum, adding to the blade’s historical significance. The oldest known kukris belong to Drabya Shah, who lived in the 16th century.
The khukuri became known to the Western world during the Gurkha War of 1814-1816, when the East India Company clashed with the growing Gorkha Kingdom. Its literary fame rose after Bram Stoker‘s 1897 novel Dracula, in which the protagonist uses a kukri to defeat the titular character. In modern times, all Gurkha troops are issued with two kukris, a Service No.1 for ceremonial use and a Service No.2 for exercise. The weapon’s fame was further enhanced during both World War I and II, and it gained a reputation among both Allied troops and enemy forces. The khukuri’s long and rich history has made it an essential part of Nepalese culture and tradition, representing the country’s martial heritage and national identity.
Making of Khukuri
Design of khukuri
The design of the kukri is primarily focused on its functionality for chopping, with variations in shape and dimensions depending on intended tasks, region of origin, and the smith that produced it. The spine of the kukri can vary from 5–10 mm at the handle and can taper to 2 mm by the point, while the blade lengths can vary from 26–38 cm for general use. A kukri designed for general purpose is commonly 40–45 cm in overall length and weighs approximately 450–900 g. To reduce weight while keeping strength, the blade might be hollow forged, or a fuller is created. Kukris are made with several different types of fuller including tin Chira, Dui Chira, Ang Khola, or basic non-tapered spines with a large beveled edge. The handles are most often made of hardwood or water buffalo horn, but ivory, bone, and metal handles have also been produced. The handle often has a flared butt that allows better retention in draw cuts and chopping. The kukri typically comes in either a decorated wooden scabbard or one which is wrapped in leather. The scabbard also holds two smaller blades: an unsharpened chakmak to burnish the blade, and another accessory blade called a karda. The kukri also features a notch at the base of the blade, which serves various purposes, including preventing blood and sap from running onto the handle, delineating the end of the blade while sharpening, and catching another blade or kukri in combat. The notch may also represent the teats of a cow, a reminder that the kukri should not be used to kill a cow, an animal revered and worshipped by Hindus.
Manufacturing of khukuri
The art of kukri-making is traditionally inherited by the Biswakarma Kami caste. Modern kukri blades are often made of spring steel, which is sometimes collected from recycled truck suspension units. The tang of the blade generally extends through to the end of the handle, with the small portion of the tang that projects through the end of the handle hammered flat to secure the blade. The kukri blades have a tempered edge and a softer spine which makes them durable and resistant to impacts. Kukri handles are usually made of hardwood or buffalo horn and are often fastened with a kind of tree sap called laha, also known as Himalayan epoxy. In more modern kukris, cast aluminum or brass handles are press-fitted to the tang. The profiling of the blade edge is performed by a two-man team using a grinding wheel made by hand from fine river sand bound by laha. Kukri scabbards are typically made of wood or metal and are covered with animal skin or metal or wood. The leather work is often done by the Sarki people.
Uses
The kukri is a highly versatile weapon and tool, prized for its effectiveness as both a chopping and slashing weapon. Its unique curved shape creates a “wedge” effect, enabling the blade to cut deeper and more effectively than a straight-edged blade. While most well-known for its military use, the kukri is also widely used in fields and homes in Nepal as a multipurpose tool. Its uses include building, clearing, chopping firewood, digging, slaughtering animals, cutting meat and vegetables, skinning animals, and opening cans. It can even function as a smaller knife or a small shovel, depending on the part of the blade that is used.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the khukuri is a traditional Nepalese knife that has been used for various purposes, including military, farming, and household tasks. It is a unique and versatile knife that has gained worldwide fame for its design and functionality. It has been used for centuries by the Nepalese Gurkha soldiers and is still widely used as a multipurpose tool in Nepal. At last, the kukri is not just a weapon, but a symbol of Nepalese culture and tradition, and its legacy continues to endure.
