Tourist Kukri?

Spaffo · 22nd December 2016, 09:03 PM

I've learned more about my knives in one post than I did in the 20 years I've owned them. Thanks all.
I got this kukri last week for $20. I assume it's a tourist piece, but it does have a decent edge and a used scabbard. I'll probably use it and not worry about condition if it's not collection-worthy.

DaveS · 23rd December 2016, 03:06 AM

Spaffo: I could be wrong, but it looks to me to be a W.W. 2 British army issue. The kukri experts on here will be able to tell you for sure, but i don't think it is a tourist piece............Dave.

Spaffo · 23rd December 2016, 04:25 AM

Here is a picture of the other side.

Battara · 23rd December 2016, 04:48 AM

Yes I think Dave got it. It is not a tourist piece, but one that saw real use.

Good for you.

iskender · 23rd December 2016, 04:38 PM

hello spaffo, as a collector of british arms for more than 4o years i can assure you that what was issued regulary has the " broad arrow " stamped in ! best regards iskender

colin henshaw · 23rd December 2016, 05:17 PM

Looks tourist to me. I remember these crude kukris with the lion head on the pommel end, for sale in gift type shops and markets in Britain in the 1960/70s. Along with incense sticks and suchlike.

Spaffo · 23rd December 2016, 06:00 PM

This does not have the chrome and engraved blade of most of the tourist types. Most of those also have a black leather studded sheath. This one has real edge, although the build quality is not that high.

RobertGuy · 23rd December 2016, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by colin henshaw

Looks tourist to me. I remember these crude kukris with the lion head on the pommel end.

Colin
Here is a typical Indian tourist lion pommel ring hilt kukri. I don't think it looks anything like Spaffos's item. Can't tell you if it's issue from the photos but definately not typical tourist item either.

Henk · 24th December 2016, 12:39 PM

Spaffo,

Is it possible to post a picture of the pommel? I don't see a lionhead.
I think the pommel can tell us something more. What i see at the moment is a fine kukri.

Spaffo · 24th December 2016, 03:18 PM

Here is the pommel.

mrcjgscott · 24th December 2016, 03:28 PM

What you have there is a commercially produced version of the military MK.5 kukri.

These did not appear until the late 1950's to 1960's, so not WW2 issue I am afraid.

They vary in quality hugely, from very poor to quite decent camping knives. From the rather poorly constructed scabbard, I would estimate that yours dates from the 1970's or perhaps 1980's.

If you are interested in Military Kukris, you can do no better than to read Jonathan's excellent article on the military marks 1-5:

http://www.ikrhs.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=1203

For some kukris to avoid, see these two:

http://www.ikrhs.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=1205

http://www.ikrhs.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=1390

I hope this helps. I often check in to look for a good kukri thread, they seem to have been few and far between of late.

Seasons greetings,

Chris

Spaffo · 24th December 2016, 11:15 PM

Thanks Chris. Those links were very informative.

rickystl · 25th December 2016, 02:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobertGuy

Colin
Here is a typical Indian tourist lion pommel ring hilt kukri. I don't think it looks anything like Spaffos's item. Can't tell you if it's issue from the photos but definately not typical tourist item either.

Hi Robert.

While mostly a novice with Kukris, I remember purchasing this exact one from a high-end antique gun shop back in 1965, Think I paid $11.00 for it then. LOL they had a large one, and a smaller one they called the officers model. I got the larger one. I was only 15 years old then and my muther had to make the purchase since I was not 18 yet. I remember having it sharpened and carrying it in the woods on many exploritory expeditions. LOL

Anyway, as they say........thanks for the memories.

Rick

Battara · 25th December 2016, 02:54 AM

Thank you Mrcjscott, I learned. My interest in kukris drops off around WWI and so I know little about those after.

mrcjgscott · 29th December 2016, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spaffo

Thanks Chris. Those links were very informative.

A pleasure Spaffo, always pleased to see kukri being discussed, whatever their form!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Battara

Thank you Mrcjscott, I learned. My interest in kukris drops off around WWI and so I know little about those after.

Mine too Battara. However, I think it always pays to know as much as one can about these things, and as kukris are a particular area of interest, I try to study them all, the good, the bad, and even the ugly.

RobertGuy · 25th December 2016, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rickystl

Hi Robert.

I remember having it sharpened and carrying it in the woods on many exploritory expeditions. LOL

Anyway, as they say........thanks for the memories.

Rick

No problem Rickysti. That was my first kukri (which I still have). I think these tourist kukris served to introduce many people to the type. Just so long as they are not sold to them as genuine military or tribal items.

rickystl · 25th December 2016, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobertGuy

No problem Rickysti. That was my first kukri (which I still have). I think these tourist kukris served to introduce many people to the type. Just so long as they are not sold to them as genuine military or tribal items.

Hi Robert.

Much agreed. For many years I carried a Kukri while on camping and hunting trips. You have to actually use one to appreciate why they were so popular. The one I still use is the military "styled" one, with the two-rivit handle sold by Atlanta Cutlery. It makes short work while cutting small branches or gathering kindling wood. Even the small knives are really handy for cutting twine - or even a steak LOL.
That said, I can also see the historical collector interest in certain varities. I've seen ones posted by Forum members I wouldn't dream of taking into the field. LOL They are beautiful.

Question: I'm sure this has been answered before on the Forum, but what decade do you think the Kukri originated ? 18___?

Thanks, Rick.

22nd December 2016, 09:03 PM	#1
Spaffo Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Posts: 45	Tourist Kukri? I've learned more about my knives in one post than I did in the 20 years I've owned them. Thanks all. I got this kukri last week for $20. I assume it's a tourist piece, but it does have a decent edge and a used scabbard. I'll probably use it and not worry about condition if it's not collection-worthy. Attached Images

23rd December 2016, 04:25 AM	#3
Spaffo Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Posts: 45	Here is a picture of the other side. Attached Images

23rd December 2016, 04:38 PM	#5
iskender Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Posts: 60	broad arrow : hello spaffo, as a collector of british arms for more than 4o years i can assure you that what was issued regulary has the " broad arrow " stamped in ! best regards iskender

24th December 2016, 03:18 PM	#10
Spaffo Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Posts: 45	Here is the pommel. Attached Images

24th December 2016, 03:28 PM	#11
mrcjgscott Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 189	Kukri... What you have there is a commercially produced version of the military MK.5 kukri. These did not appear until the late 1950's to 1960's, so not WW2 issue I am afraid. They vary in quality hugely, from very poor to quite decent camping knives. From the rather poorly constructed scabbard, I would estimate that yours dates from the 1970's or perhaps 1980's. If you are interested in Military Kukris, you can do no better than to read Jonathan's excellent article on the military marks 1-5: http://www.ikrhs.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=1203 For some kukris to avoid, see these two: http://www.ikrhs.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=1205 http://www.ikrhs.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=1390 I hope this helps. I often check in to look for a good kukri thread, they seem to have been few and far between of late. Seasons greetings, Chris

23rd December 2016, 03:06 AM	#2
DaveS Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 327	Spaffo: I could be wrong, but it looks to me to be a W.W. 2 British army issue. The kukri experts on here will be able to tell you for sure, but i don't think it is a tourist piece............Dave.

23rd December 2016, 04:48 AM	#4
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,219	Yes I think Dave got it. It is not a tourist piece, but one that saw real use. Good for you.

23rd December 2016, 05:17 PM	#6
colin henshaw Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,430	Looks tourist to me. I remember these crude kukris with the lion head on the pommel end, for sale in gift type shops and markets in Britain in the 1960/70s. Along with incense sticks and suchlike.

23rd December 2016, 06:00 PM	#7
Spaffo Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Posts: 45	This does not have the chrome and engraved blade of most of the tourist types. Most of those also have a black leather studded sheath. This one has real edge, although the build quality is not that high.

24th December 2016, 12:39 PM	#9
Henk Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 1,209	Spaffo, Is it possible to post a picture of the pommel? I don't see a lionhead. I think the pommel can tell us something more. What i see at the moment is a fine kukri.

24th December 2016, 11:15 PM	#12
Spaffo Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Posts: 45	Thanks Chris. Those links were very informative.

25th December 2016, 02:54 AM	#14
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,219	Thank you Mrcjscott, I learned. My interest in kukris drops off around WWI and so I know little about those after.