Steel grip Kukri, info?

[spiral]

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.

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