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Originally Posted by kai
Is there any working list of ethnic groups traditionally utilizing khukuris? I haven't found any on the IKRHS site...
I'm just curious about the extent of any long-established trade going on between local ethnic groups (traditionally utilizing khukuris) and/or people(s) moving around.
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Hi Kai,
Well I can do a rough one now if you like?
The Nepalese.. {which is numerous ethnic tribes.}Garhwallis,Kuamon all regard them as "thier" indeginous weapon.
They are also commonly used by Jammu & some Kasmhiri people & soldiers.
Some Sikhs have used them, some are made & used tribaly in Burma, Some Afghanis have adopted them in the past.
Then less traditionalty used perhaps but Some Arabs in North Africa & middle east have kept , carried & used captured examples.
In ww2 even Many British special forces troops used them. {Chindits.} & indeed US special forces, unit 101, Airboure, Merrils maurders also used them . Many English, Australian & US aircrew also carried them.
So basicaly anyone who came across them in war & liked an efficent tool & weapon seems to use them.
But origins & popular traditional use seems to be the himalayas & nearby associated highland areas.
I dont know about Tibet & Bhutan use, only ever seen one picture from Tibet showing one. So probably not common thiere.
I dont know of deliberate blade trade in the manner you ask, I think most re handling was done for pragmatic reasons when neccasary or desired at a local level.
The Brit army used to buy kukris both from Nepal & India.
To the fellows who make kukri blades, making a handle & bolster & fitting it is the easy part & its the blades that cost the money, when labour is just a bowl of rice.
Spiral