Kukris - A General Thread

While Made in Nepal Khukuris usually are the most used and discussed in the west I find it interesting seeing khukuris made in regions with a strong influence of Nepalis/Gorkhalis, like Darjeling, Assam and Sikkim of India. While indian internal politics dont really encourage blade manufactuering and much else. I appreciate seeing these local markets, different designs, made more with use in mind then finesse and finish. The leather sheaths looks rather crude, the wooden one probably works great. 

No subtitles, but shows what could be attained from a local market in the hillregions of India. 

kukri bazar


00:39 A not to common kaudi, probably shamanistic in meaning, but who knows. 

kukri market in India

I agree with much of what you said. These water quenched khukuris may be more of a gamble then an oil quenched one, so some export versions may be better in some ways. The quality may be better (if getting a good one, not a souvenir). But these are genuine Khukuris, the authenticity of these for me have just about the highest value of appreciation. It saddens me enormously to see blacksmiths and companies going out of their way making khukuris so non-traditional as possible due to foreign demand (mirror polish, guards, and designs that has nothing to do with Nepal or Gorkhalis). But one cant change things, call it distorsion or progress, but I cant stop it. But I can for those interested, give a glimpse (very limited by my own knowledge) of how traditional khukuris look, are used and by whom.   

From about 00:55-01:30 a shaman using a khukuri, the knife that follows all aspects of life, ever present from worship, to cutting vegatables, to self defence and cutting down trees and slaugther. A very significant and important blade I would say. 

For those interested, this year Dashain begins tomorrow 15 October and ends 28 October.

I hope people dont mind me coming to this thread albeit a little late but I thought it might be time for a slight update regarding Kukuri manufacturers in Nepal . Back in 2021 " Simpleman " named four of the better known manufacturers , HI , Kailash Blades , KHHI and Heritage knives , and I tend to agree with most of what he said regarding these particular manufacturers . I admit to being surprised he did not mention both Tora blades and GGK who in my opinion stand at the top of their game . as Simpleman said each of the better manufacturers all have their own differences in what they offer and no one does everything the best !
Knowing what I know now after many years of dealing with knives in general ( but mainly kukuris ) , there are only certain companies I would actually buy from regarding quality , knowledge , fit and finish , correct forging , heat treatment and tempering together with weight to balance and good ergonomics etc . My choice ( maybe not everyones ) would be Tora Blades , Kailash Blades , Heritage Knives and GGK .I believe that KHHI have let slip their reputation over the years and not really moved forward with their traditional heritage just by producing any old kukuri like knife which has no relevence to the traditional made kukuri in weight ,verses balance verses ergonomics , enough said . GGK ON THE OTHER HAND MAKE SOME GREAT KUKURIS AND IN FACT SEEM TO BE ABLE TO REPRODUCE ALMOST ANY HISTORIC STYLE SWORD A CUSTOMER ASKS FOR . I have four kukuris with my own semi customisation from Mr Purna Darnal of GGK and I have to say he turned out some really nice work with overall good fit and finish . I would say his command of English is not the best making it a little difficult to get him to understand what you really want in the customisation , I was lucky enough to have a Nepali friend translate for me .My only gripe with GGK now is that his prices seem a little high , especially for customisation . Tora Blades have quite a high reputation and a loyal following as they tend to stick with historical accurate replicas of different styles of kukuris but there is no room for any kind of customisation even with their scabbards which tend to be all the same black military style complete with frog , Being a traditionalist I like a little ethnology in my kukuris , ie brown traditional Dap with potuka buttons etc ( just to have that choice would be nice ).Kailash Blades on the other hand seem to make a good kukuri depending on the style you want and do have many different options for the aesthetics etc together with a continuing good all round reputation , good customer service and a very knowledgable guy in charge of the company . Last but not least , Heritage Knives . Once again VK does have a vast amount of knowledge regarding everything kukuri and by all accounts does some brilliant work with well finished and working kukuris . My only problem is after recently contacting him is that he has stopped sending his products to the UK , no slight on VK , just the idiotic UK customs laws making it quite difficult ! Other companies find their way around this so I cant see why Heritage knives cannot do the same .
Hope this has helped a little to understand what is on offer , but as I said these are only my opinions and others may disagree .

I have been more than satisfied with Tora Blades. 

Wrapping worked well for mine.
I have a few knives which have no guard and I was concerned about my hand slipping on the blade when thrusting.
I made thicker wrapping with more overlays near the blade which can prevent it.
In the middle you see a Windlass sold antique kukri, Victorian era, the grip is shorter.



The Assam's blade is a ploughshare, the sheath is terrible, the antique's grip is even worse, I don't like both very much.
The best is the one on the left  .

I just ordered a Cold Steel Gurkha Kukri Plus in CPM-3V steel for $186 from Midway USA, as they are having a 2 day 25% off Cold Steel/SOG sale including clearance items.  I watch for the sale which comes up every six weeks or so and some of the deals are pretty amazing.

Yikes on those prices!  Australia, Canada and other places have higher prices as well.  HUGE price variation even here in the USA depending what store you buy Cold Steel products from.  I had to buy at under 200 bones for so much 3V (I'm kinda a steel snob).

I'm EXACTLY the same way in that I'll always carry and use a non expensive blade to do the deed (especially extra dirty work) while having a "pampered princess" (large harem actually ) at the ready and rotating.  The only logical thing about knife/sword addictions is the need for more backup to the backup to the backup of endless variations...rinse and repeat as finances dictate.