Khukuri with nicely carved handle

Kmaddock · 25th April 2017, 10:07 AM

Hi All
I just purchased the attached as part of a job lot.
Not my area of collecting but we all know how hard it is to stay focused!

It is the sharpest knife I have ever acquired with 13 inch blade and 5 inch handle
Feels perfect in the hand with perfect balance
The blade has some small forging flaws but they do not detract much, it had surface rust but this cleaned up very well.
Nicely done hollow ground blade

It has an internal tang with nothing showing on but of grip

The carving on the handle is very well executed, this leads me to believe it may be something half special.

Would anyone have any idea on age or origin.

Much appreciated as ever.

Ken

Timo Nieminen · 26th April 2017, 03:23 AM

Looks like a late 19th century Nepalese kukri. The decorative carving looks original to the handle. It looks like the handle originally had the common raised ring, but it was removed some time during the working life of this kukri.

Kmaddock · 26th April 2017, 07:26 PM

Hi Timo
I see what you mean by the removal of the raised ring.
Late 1800 would be a nice date to give to the khukuri, can you tell me what indicates this ( if you have a chance)
Cheers
Ken

Timo Nieminen · 29th April 2017, 06:14 AM

Just comparing it with my own khukuris and other ones I've seen. It's most like the ones from the late 1800s. From the overall appearance, I'd say 1860(?) at the earliest, through to 1920s at the latest.

My impression is that the later ones tend to have bigger prongs in the notch/kaudi and are usually not as well made. So I'd guess late 19th century. But it could be a later very-well-made one.

Berkley · 2nd May 2017, 04:10 AM

Ornamental bands in the chip carving style are frequently seen in better quality older Nepalese kukris:

As with many details, the quality has declined in recent years. Yours certainly seems like an honest example of the earlier work.

25th April 2017, 10:07 AM	#1
Kmaddock Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Ireland Posts: 543	Khukuri with nicely carved handle Hi All I just purchased the attached as part of a job lot. Not my area of collecting but we all know how hard it is to stay focused! It is the sharpest knife I have ever acquired with 13 inch blade and 5 inch handle Feels perfect in the hand with perfect balance The blade has some small forging flaws but they do not detract much, it had surface rust but this cleaned up very well. Nicely done hollow ground blade It has an internal tang with nothing showing on but of grip The carving on the handle is very well executed, this leads me to believe it may be something half special. Would anyone have any idea on age or origin. Much appreciated as ever. Ken Attached Images

26th April 2017, 03:23 AM	#2
Timo Nieminen Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 422	Looks like a late 19th century Nepalese kukri. The decorative carving looks original to the handle. It looks like the handle originally had the common raised ring, but it was removed some time during the working life of this kukri.

26th April 2017, 07:26 PM	#3
Kmaddock Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Ireland Posts: 543	Hi Timo I see what you mean by the removal of the raised ring. Late 1800 would be a nice date to give to the khukuri, can you tell me what indicates this ( if you have a chance) Cheers Ken

29th April 2017, 06:14 AM	#4
Timo Nieminen Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 422	Just comparing it with my own khukuris and other ones I've seen. It's most like the ones from the late 1800s. From the overall appearance, I'd say 1860(?) at the earliest, through to 1920s at the latest. My impression is that the later ones tend to have bigger prongs in the notch/kaudi and are usually not as well made. So I'd guess late 19th century. But it could be a later very-well-made one.

2nd May 2017, 04:10 AM	#5
Berkley Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Austin, Texas USA Posts: 257	Ornamental bands in the chip carving style are frequently seen in better quality older Nepalese kukris: As with many details, the quality has declined in recent years. Yours certainly seems like an honest example of the earlier work.