Odd little Kuk

Atlantia · 5th April 2010, 02:34 PM

This one has been in a dealers 'case' for the last few months, and I've ignored it.
Today I noticed it minus its sheath, and was suprised to see that despite the classic Indian horn handle which I'd taken to mean it was a 1970s export/souvenier, it does not have the usual plated blade stamped 'MADE IN INDIA'.
In fact on closer inspection the handle is actually quite well made and the blade is hand forged with a double fuller.
But its really small!
So I'm thinking WTH?
Anyway, bought it, appparently the scabbard was 'tatty' so he threw it away.

Another nominee for a light etch do you think?

Atlantia · 6th April 2010, 09:57 PM

Nobody's feeling the love?

Battara · 6th April 2010, 10:11 PM

The problem is that it is still a kuk made for the tourist trade and export, very recent.

kronckew · 6th April 2010, 11:08 PM

try the etch, if it's differentially heat treated & shows a 'hamon', it might be a 'bilton' model. i've heard that the so. africans liked the nine inch khuks for slicing off chunks of their dried meat jerky that they call 'biltong'.

sadly the grip is very reminiscent of the tourista models as noted. small ones made nice letter openers.

Iain · 7th April 2010, 08:18 AM

Well I like it.

I used to have a couple small ones, which while not particularly old, still had a nice heft. There's something about the feel of a small kukri I really enjoy.

The biltong usage is fairly recent I think, at least according to kukri house (I won't link the website as it's commercial) one of their importers got the ball rolling a number of years ago and I haven't seen most of main kukri makers selling with that handle type.

While the handle is certainly a match for the standard tourist item, personally I haven't seen a blade that well made on one before. I'd say go for an etch, it's probably still a tourist item, but there's no reason a smith can't make a proper kukri for the tourists.

Berkley · 7th April 2010, 01:02 PM

Looks to be a well-made older product of the Dehradun type, could date from before WWII or later. Lack of the "Made in India" marking probably indicates pre-1947 manufacture. Designed for the tourist trade no doubt, although the tourists in question may not have been wearing hula shirts and sandals.

I doubt that an etch will show anything other than the differential hardening line.

5th April 2010, 02:34 PM	#1
Atlantia Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: The Sharp end Posts: 2,928	Odd little Kuk This one has been in a dealers 'case' for the last few months, and I've ignored it. Today I noticed it minus its sheath, and was suprised to see that despite the classic Indian horn handle which I'd taken to mean it was a 1970s export/souvenier, it does not have the usual plated blade stamped 'MADE IN INDIA'. In fact on closer inspection the handle is actually quite well made and the blade is hand forged with a double fuller. But its really small! So I'm thinking WTH? Anyway, bought it, appparently the scabbard was 'tatty' so he threw it away. Another nominee for a light etch do you think?

7th April 2010, 01:02 PM	#6
Berkley Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Austin, Texas USA Posts: 257	Looks to be a well-made older product of the Dehradun type, could date from before WWII or later. Lack of the "Made in India" marking probably indicates pre-1947 manufacture. Designed for the tourist trade no doubt, although the tourists in question may not have been wearing hula shirts and sandals. I doubt that an etch will show anything other than the differential hardening line. Last edited by Berkley; 7th April 2010 at 01:22 PM.

6th April 2010, 09:57 PM	#2
Atlantia Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: The Sharp end Posts: 2,928	Nobody's feeling the love?

6th April 2010, 10:11 PM	#3
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,200	The problem is that it is still a kuk made for the tourist trade and export, very recent.

6th April 2010, 11:08 PM	#4
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,167	try the etch, if it's differentially heat treated & shows a 'hamon', it might be a 'bilton' model. i've heard that the so. africans liked the nine inch khuks for slicing off chunks of their dried meat jerky that they call 'biltong'. sadly the grip is very reminiscent of the tourista models as noted. small ones made nice letter openers.

7th April 2010, 08:18 AM	#5
Iain Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Olomouc Posts: 1,693	Well I like it. I used to have a couple small ones, which while not particularly old, still had a nice heft. There's something about the feel of a small kukri I really enjoy. The biltong usage is fairly recent I think, at least according to kukri house (I won't link the website as it's commercial) one of their importers got the ball rolling a number of years ago and I haven't seen most of main kukri makers selling with that handle type. While the handle is certainly a match for the standard tourist item, personally I haven't seen a blade that well made on one before. I'd say go for an etch, it's probably still a tourist item, but there's no reason a smith can't make a proper kukri for the tourists.