Kukri

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One of the most iconic and well known working blades the Kukri(Khukuri) was always on my shortlist of must haves simply because they are a tough versatile blade on the belt or in the pack. Famous for being the sidearm of the Gurhka regiments and recently popularized in the Resident Evil films I have been keeping an eye out for the right opportunity.



With lots of modern versions available I wanted to stick to the traditional Nepalese style of Kukri complete with a hardwood handle, fuller, kauda style notch and buffalo leather scabbard. The traditional blade made out of spring steel is usually robust and thick being designed primarily as a farmers utility/working machete.

Ended up winning one on Ebay at an excellent price. Kukris are popular throughout Central Asia and I purchased this blade made in India. It adheres to the traditional style although it came unsharpened. It would give me a chance to work on my sharpening skills.



This is no fancy blade nor did I expect it to be as this is a working blade. Fit and finish of the hardwood handle is rough but it is a full tang and the pommel is peened. I have yet to test it under field conditions but looks near indestructable.



The knife itself is well balanced and weighted forward to slash and chop but feels good in the hand. The ridge along the middle of the grip fits well between the fingers and the swelled pommel ensures a solid hold.



The blade is constructed of spring steel and is a beast of a blade being substantially thick the length of the knife. It took me some time to sharpen; a hand file to create a bevel, a whetstone to apply a moderately sharp edge and then fine tuned with a carbide universal sharpener. Not razor sharp but capable of slicing paper.


No doubt about it the Kukri is a classic blue collar blade that will last a lifetime of hard field work.

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