Kukri info

[Changdao]

I purchased a few years ago this small kukri from a local dealer at a very good price. Based on what he told me, and my limited knowledge on kukris, i think that this piece is from 1950 onwards, but I'm just guessing. Can anyone tell me something more about it?

[milandro]

I am not a great expert but since I own a somewhat similar kukri I'd say that yes this is a modern kukri perhaps more modern than what you think, I'd say this may have been bought anywhere between the '70 and the '80.

I hope you won't mind if I'd say that this would be frowned upon by most serious kukri collectors ( remember I have one much like this with yak bone handle ) and would be fairly quickly defined a traveller's kukri.


Yet mine is not a bad blade at all ( I don't know about yours) and is very sharp indeed so, I have it in my collection with other ethnic blades that aren't antiques but functional blades.

the rust van be fairly easily removed

[Changdao]

Originally Posted by milandro

I am not a great expert but since I own a somewhat similar kukri I'd say that yes this is a modern kukri perhaps more modern than what you think, I'd say this may have been bought anywhere between the '70 and the '80.

I hope you won't mind if I'd say that this would be frowned upon by most serious kukri collectors ( remember I have one much like this with yak bone handle ) and would be fairly quickly defined a traveller's kukri.


Yet mine is not a bad blade at all ( I don't know about yours) and is very sharp indeed so, I have it in my collection with other ethnic blades that aren't antiques but functional blades.

the rust van be fairly easily removed

Thank you for your response. I actually did think of it as a 70's/80's item. This was the first object in my collection and I am for the moment fond of it. Like yours, the blade is fairly decent and sharpened, and the construction is very robust.

I have been wanting for a long time a proper kukri, but I have postponed it a few times for a variety of reasons.

[RAMBA]

Yes, 70s or 80s souvenir curio for the traveller. Not for use.

[milandro]

Depends what one means with " use", again I have a similar (in terms of blade, mine is bigger) and can only speak for mine but if you need to chop anything , I wouldn't be disappointed to use my blade. The fact that something isn't an antique doesn't necessarily mean that it is a useless blade. Mine is certainly a more than adequate blade.

[Interested Party]

Originally Posted by milandro

Depends what one means with " use", again I have a similar (in terms of blade, mine is bigger) and can only speak for mine but if you need to chop anything , I wouldn't be disappointed to use my blade. The fact that something isn't an antique doesn't necessarily mean that it is a useless blade. Mine is certainly a more than adequate blade.

In this case bigger, I believe, is better. I have used a kukri that size as a work/garden knife. I prefer a longer blade, 10-12" is a good length for general purpose work and chops exponentially better. Often the small ones I see have a very convex channel grind from the flat of the blade to the edge. If that is thinned to a flat grind I find that they work better for pruning and cutting tasks.

[milandro]

sure, mine is quite a bit bigger, in fact and has a rather thick spine and a double bevel ( I know there is a specific tem but I can't remember is that a Chira?) , nevertheless it is a good knife despite the " tourist" designation.

I feel that, often times, there is the tendency to dismiss a kukri with an engraved blade and a decorated scabbard as being a " tourist piece", irrespective of the fact that it may be a good blade all the same.

Many of the Kukri houses producing modern Kukris produce a different " grade" of modern kukri but, let's be honest, some of those " real kukris" will be rarely used in the filed to be doing what a kukri does best, chopping.

[kronckew]

I recall a certain feisty Nepali female Khukuri manufactory owner carried a small 9 in. khukuri for riding the bus as a deterrent against rowdy amorous troublemakers, and has used it on occasion to quiet them down instantly. Hers was of course VERY sharp. She'd tell them as she drew it, "if you want to keep that hand then keep it off me."

[kronckew]

Originally Posted by milandro

sure, mine is quite a bit bigger, in fact and has a rather thick spine and a double bevel ( I know there is a specific tem but I can't remember is that a Chira?) , nevertheless it is a good knife despite the " tourist" designation.

The 'chirra' are essentially fullers. they vary from one up to 5, maybe more on specials.


A dui (two) chirra antique: (not mine, googled)

[kronckew]

I have more. the top one with the stag handle is a 15" blade beast. The bottom one with the circular guard is the smallest, 6in. blade, and sharp as heck.
Middle photo, top khukuri is a WW1 model with dui Chirra, not quite as distinct as the google one above.