The Khukri - Myth or Fact ?

[sirupate]

These three have by far the most common kaudi

But many early kukri didn't have kaudi at all, this kukri of Prithvi Narayan Shah, potentially lends itself to the blood dripping theory near the bolster;

Even the Gurkhas are unsure about its signifigance, check 13.36 in on the vid;
Gurkhas 'In the Highest tradition'

[spiral]

A clearer Life size photo taken in 2005 by myself showing the slight vestige of the kaudi on the same kukri.

This is typicle on the so called "kaudi less" pieces of this era.

The older the kukri the smaller the kaudi does seem to be generaly true...

Spiral.




Heres a karda based on the same style as many of these old kukris, with the minute kaudi still visible.



{courtsy of Runjeet at Akall arms.}

There are many other examples in Kathmando national museam...

[sirupate]

Interesting point of view about what a kaudi is Jonathan;

In the Nepalese army they refer to the kaudi as the kauda, and their explanation of its function (in both 2008 and 2009) is the notch in the blade that acts as a blood dripper, as did the 3rd Gorkhas when I was invited to have tea with them in 2008.
3rd Gorkhas base


I would also refer you to this link I put up in a previous post, about 13.30 in;
Gurkhas 'In the Highest Tradition'

Here are some notch-less kukri from the National Museum

[Gavin Nugent]

There may be a more simple explanation for these Kukri without a kaudi.

When looking at the karda, the cut out on the blade can be used to get a firmer grip on it, more of the hand.

Looking at the larger Kukri and the curves of the hilt at this point, the same reason can be applied, move the hand forward creating a more controlling grip and thus creating a hand and half use if required.

Gav

[sirupate]

I would definitely agree with you Gav

[fearn]

Yes, but I'm not sure how comfortable a forward grip would be on a Khukuri. Some of them have sharp points on the inside curve, after all.

Personally, I tend to think of it as the equivalent of the old Bennett's Bend patent, which was a nineteen degree bend in a tool handle to make it easier to swing and hold. Obviously khukuris have a >19 degree bend in the blade, but it does have the advantage of not requiring the user to hyperextend the wrist to cut with the blade closer to horizontal.

Best,
F

[Tim Simmons]

I know nothing about these but Gav made good comment. From a carving point of view, as in more controled whittling, for what ever reason choking off the full action of a blade makes good sense.