What is a Nepalese Kukri ?
Nepalese Kukri is a variety of machete, which is traditionally associated with Nepali Gurkhas. The blade of the knife features a pronounced recurve. Throughout most of Nepal, it is used as a melee weapon as well as a standard cutting tool. For the Gurkhas, the blade has historically served as a basic utility knife. The kukri is Nepal’s national weapon, and hence a distinguishing feature of the Nepalese Army.
At the base of the blade, most kukri blades have a notch (karda, kauda, Gaudi, Kaura, or Cho) for a multitude of reasons from practical to ceremonial. The Gurkhas believe that it causes blood and sap to flow down the blade rather than onto the handle, preventing the handle from becoming slippery to demarcate the blade’s end when honing.
History and Legacy of Nepalese Kukri
Many years ago, particularly in the early 1800s, a war broke out between the Gorkhali army of Nepal and the British forces of the East India Company. The British forces led their troops with well-equipped artillery but the Gurkha army with a knife-resembling machete called Khukri/Kukri. The Gurkha army combatted the Anglo war(1814-1815) with equal fierce force. Since the Anglo-Nepalese war, the mighty kukri rose to prominent fame globally.
"Without a sign, his sword the brave man draws, and asks no omen but his country's cause."
It’s also believed that the Gurkha Army’s general practice of carrying the Nepalese kukri dates back to Gorkhali troops of the late Great King Prithvi Narayan Shah. The Gorkhali fighters would use Khukuri as their battle buddy, and it became a requisite element of military equipment during British control.
Nepalese kukri was not only used in wars but also for utility purposes. It was and still is pondered as a versatile and multipurpose tool, contrasting the veto on weapons, which went with a saying,” Once drawn, it cannot be sheathed until it draws blood.”
Moreover, there exist many legends swirling around the bravery of a Gorkhas & their Khukuri. It is said about the Gurkhas that their foes would falter before making contact with them; that the opponents would fear the deadly razor-sharp weapon.
Parts of a Nepalese Kukuri
Blade
It is the primary body of a Khukuri, which contains the point, tip, edge, spine, and heel. Its size, form, and material make a Khukuri distinct and defined from one another.
Handle
In the gripping section of the khukuri, the artsmen opt for RTT( Rat Tang Tail or Parowal) for the handle type. Similarly, rosewood or wild buffalo horn is the ingredient for a perfect handle.
Sheath
It works as a carrier and protects the Khukuri. Also, it is an embodiment of modern-era leather. Industries manufacture the leather and sell it to artsmen.
Phases of forging a Nepalese Kukuri
Hammering
First, the steel is cut off into the desired dimension. Then the bladesmith use their hands to beat and forge the steel into required shape.
Partial Water Quenching method
Bladesmith heats water and coal to intensify the fire and heat. Finally, water is poured evenly from tip to notch over the edge very gently.
Crafting the Handle
Desired patterns are cut out of the rosewood or the wild buffalo horn to make the required handle. Eventually, the handle inserts the tang.
Khukuri as a :
Weapon Machete
Due to its sharp blade edges, it is efficient to strike an opponent leading him to surrender. The attacker may impose severe cuts and pierce bone since it has razor sharpness. The flamboyant of the Gurkhas with Khukuri has given rise to a grand history.
Utility Tool
Though Khukuri won praises for its play on the battlefront, it also has a variety of purposes. Khukuri serves well both in homes and farms. Building, clearing, chopping firewood, digging, cutting meat and vegetables, and skinning animals are just a few of the uses of a Khukuri.
