Knives by Hand Kukri's

I am most anxious to see your post concerning a comparison. I am a kukri fan as well as a fan of Windlass. My one and only Windlass kukri is not up to par, but I must say that it was made during the pandemic. It gets much use doing the crappy jobs and thereby saving my other kukris. FWIW, KHHI has an outlet in PA where one can purchase a Nepal made kukri State side at a savings. However, the complete line of KHHI kukris are not there and one must accept the kukris in their default configuration. I usually want one with a modification or two letting me out of the picture.

Well my 3 kukri's came in I have one more coming by Saturday, I plan to take photos when the last one arrives, but my initial impression is amazing craftsmanship! For what you get at the price it is worth every penny. I plan to do a full more in-depth review later, but I am very happy with my purchases and plan to add more from him when some more of the models get back in stock.

Here is the website Knives by Hand

I only scanned KBH site. I am by no means questioning the quality nor functionality of their kukris. They look like the typical kukris designed for the western buyer with possibly a slightly lower price considering shipping and a tax that Nepal throws in. I did take time to read the description of their MK1 and must disagree with parts.

For one, a biggy, “This khukuri was modeled after one made by East India Company in Kolkata in 1914 AD.” After the 1857-1858 Mutiny the security was turned over entirely to the English (British?) Army and in fact the British East India Company was dissolved in 1874, per Wikipedia.

“This is a style of blade that the enemy would have faced in World War I.” Possibly, as a limited standard. In 1903 the army adopted a new kukri, the MK2.

Several companies made the MK1 and no doubt some minor variations appeared. To me, a MK1 had a partial stick tang.

The scabbard and frog are not historically correct. I do not believe that model came with the two small knives but are put there to appeal to the westerner. No chape on the scabbard for sure and the frog is of a later model.

Photo on left courtesy of Wikipedia and the one on the right is what I believe is correct.


      

But I’m being picky and my issue deals with historical accuracy which means little to nothing to the average buyer. I have no doubts those kukris are eye appealing, a feature that most westerners look for, and will function well. But when they changed history to sell their product, well....

Do not misunderstand. I see nothing wrong for a company to cater to the desires of what the consumer wants. They would be foolish not to. It’s just personally that doesn’t interest me. I’ll admit that I’m out there in left field and my thinking often does not go along with the masses. I was not putting the product down, it is their historical info that I object to. In fact I’d be willing to bet they are good kukris.

WOW! I happen to have an original MK2 and only a copy of the MK1.  It will be interesting to compare.  I have been planning a MK2 copy and it's on my short list.  My original MK2 is my favourite combat knife and I want one that I can take out and have fun with without worrying.  And I love the way my MK1 copy handles.  That original MK2 is a horse at nearly a kilo and a 13 mm spine.  It's not your normal run of the mill  MK2.