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TRADITIONAL KUKRIS
by John Powell
August 11, 2003 · Article spans 2 pages
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Various traditional kukris |
Variations abound and these examples show the subtle and not so subtle differences (fig. 7). Some
scabbards are made of elaborately carved wood and some kukris that are of higher quality with etched blades, unique
scabbards and grips of different materials. The subtleties abound. This category also includes a type of kukri that is
easiest to describe as a trousse (fig. 8) with as many as 12 small tools and blades including the chakmak and
karda. The tools vary, but there always seem to contain a chisel, awl, gouger, tweezers and a hook. A saw can also
be found and if its handle has a pronounced curve and is elaborately carved, it is probably a 20th century knife. If there
is a pair of scissors present this usually indicates the same later era. The fewer tools the older the knife. These were
probably used by shamans, a man with medical skills or even a tinker. They are also known to have been used by pipe & drum
members and mess attendants.
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Traditional military kukri |
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An example of a perfect kukri |
Many of these 'traditional' kukris also saw military service as the Gurkhas used their own knives for use in combat. During
World War I this didn't seem to be the case, but later unwritten rules allowed a Gurkha soldier to use his knife in the
field (fig. 9), but also maintain a standardized model for parade and inspections.
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