Kukri

Kukri (or khukuri) is a heavy and curved Nepalese knife used as both tool and weapon. It is also a part of the regimental weaponry and heraldry of Gurkha Brigade. Khukuri or khookree is the more accurate transliteration.

Nepali boys are supposed to be able to handle their kukri by the age of five. Most of them are handcrafted (although many net shops seem to advertise hi-tech versions). During the World War Two, Gurkha recruits preferred their village smith’s blade to mass-produced issue one. Obviously the quality of the blade varies widely.

In combat, the main thrust is upwards against the neck. It is never thrown (despite of the stories where it is used like a boomerang)

However, kukri is not only a weapon but also multi-use utility tool. It can be used for building, clearing (like machete), chopping firewood, digging, cutting meat and vegetables, skinning and nowadays also opening tins. Legend that Gurkha never draws the blade without drawing blood is just that – a legend.

Blades are typically 30-38 cm (12-15 inches) but in reality size varies. Ceremonial version can be up to 70 cm (27 inches) long. They have a notch at the base of the blade near the handle. Ceremonial blades used to sacrifice water buffalo are much larger.

Kukri sheaths are usually made of wood with leather covering. Sheath also holds two smaller knives called karda and chakmak. Karda is for skinning. The charmak is used to sharpen the blade and it can be used to start a fire with flint.

Kukri also has a religious significance in Hindu religion and blessed during the Dasain[?] sacrificial festival.

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Kukri is similar to the 5th century BC Greek kopis[?]. It was a slashing sword of the similar shape but three times as large. It may be that the model has carried to Nepal via Scythians.