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Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Nepali khukri

 

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About Khukuri / Kukri

  • The khukuri/kukri national weapon of Nepal.
  • The khukuri/kukri mid-length curved knife, basic and traditional utility knife of Nepalese people.
  • The khukuri/kukri formidable weapon of gurkhas and enquisite piece of local craftsmanship that symbolizes pride, valor and bravery.
  • The khukuri carries grate historic values.
  • The khukuri/kukri is an indistinguishable legacy of legendary gurkha soldiers.
  • The khukuri/kukri ia an versatile and effective working knife.

The spelling of the kukri has been in dispute for some time. It has documented as khookree, khukri, khukuri, kukery, kukoori and kukri. There are mostly from early British accounts.tha spoken word is actually 3 syallable <koo-ker-ee>. Today’s accepted spelling are kukri or Khukri .The kukri is the national weapon and icon of Nepal . It was and still is the basic and traditional utility knife of Nepalese , a formidable and very effective weapon of gurkhas regiment throughout the world and an exquisite piece of local craftsmanship that symbolic pride and valor. It is wickedly curved in shape. it is basically carried in leather case, mostly having walnut wooden grip with two small knives <chak mak>.It is part of many traditional ritual among different ethnic group of Nepal, including one where the groom has to wear it during the weeding ceremony. The khukuri gained fame in the anglo-nepali war fpr its effectiveness and its continued use right through to and including both world war Iand world war II, enhanced its reputation among both allied troops and enemy force. The oldest known khukari are in national museum(Kathmandu in Nepal, and belonged to Drabya shah circa 1559.

Traditionally kami (caste) and bishwakarma are the masters of inherited kukri making art. The present khukuri design found its origin with gurkha tribes in or around 7th century BC (about 2500 years ago). The curved design as we know it today , however derived was born in the hills of Nepal. The khukuri is most commonly employed as multiuse utility tool, rather like a Machete. It can be used for chopping firewood, cutting meat and vegetables, skinning and also for opening tins. A khukuri designed for general purpse is commonly 16 to 18 inches(around 40-45cm) in overall length and weighs 1 to 2 pounds. Probably, the most renowned fighting knife in the world is the kukri, the wickedly curved knife of the gurkhas of Nepal.

Today, Gurkha warrior stand side by side with the British troops in Iraq and the famous khukuri knife is still their fighting knife of their choice. Khukuri blades usually have a notch the (“kauda” or “cho”) at the base of the blade. Various reasons are given for this, both practical and ceremonial :that it makes blood and sap drop off the blade rather than running onto the handle , that it delineates the end of the blade whilst sharpening ,that it is a symbol representing a cow foot ,or shiva (brigade of gurkhas ) . Handles are generally made of hardwood or water buffalo horns, but ivory ,bone and metal handle are often used as well most handles have metal bolsters and butt plates which are generally made of brass or steel . The kukri typically comes in either a dew rated wooden scabbard or leather wrapped scabbard. The scabbard usually houses a karda (knife) as well as chak mak (steel comes flint strkes). It is claimed that a kukri has never been broken in battle. This is not as surprising as it sounds .modern kukri is most often made from leaf spring collected from recycled trucks suspension .it is a full quarter inch in thickness and is hard hammered to shape over a forge and carefully hardened along the edge . The high carbon content of the spring steel when selectively hardened ,produces a quality of hardness in the steel , where by the blade can be flexed without breaking, yet it will take and hold and edge .making a kukri is a task that takes four men an entire day . There is no machinery used and suck ,no two kukri are alike .

There are also huge variation in term of dimension and blade thickness, depending on invented task and kami regional variation .as a general guide the spines vary from 5-10mm by the handle and taper the point and blades. Lengths can vary from 26-38 cm foer general use. Another factor that affects a khukri weight and balance is the construction of the blade, such as being hollow forged, Tin chira(triple fuller),duichira(double chira), Angkhola (single fuller) and basic non tapered spines with large bevel edge. The khukuri has has been the weapon of choice for the gorkhas of the Nepal and the famous Nepali sainik(soldier) of King Prithivi narayan shah since 16th century and used for almost everything froma utility tool to an effective fighting knife in battle to Kukriunique piece of decoration that has marked it’s amazing reputation. It is also believed that the universal custom of Gurkha Army carrying the khukuri began from gorkhali sainik and that was later made an important part of military issue under the british ownership . The kukri is a medium –length curved knife each gurkhas soldier carrier with him in uniform and in the battle . The kukri is also the peaceful all-purpose knife of the people of Nepal .it is a versatile working fool and there fore an indispensable possession of almost every household . The kukri is an exceptionally effective tool that denotes strong character , it also symbolized bravery and valor and is a Nepalese cultural icon ,it also represent an exquisite piece of Nepalese craftsmanship and is indeed a unique memento ful to visit to take back home from Nepal . There is also a belief and saying that “a man with a kukri represent a man of honour , dignity cowage and loyalty who would kill and get killed for the rightful causes" saying by padma shumsher JBR , a former Prime Minsiter of Nepal.

“kukri is the national as well as the religions weapon of the pillow when retired. As a religion weapon it is worshipped during the dashain and at other times whenever any sacrifice is to be made. Besides these, the kukri is the symbol of wealth , status and prestige in Nepal . It is also widely used as the national monogram and the mark of level of ranking in security forces. Kukri grip are normally made from local walnut wood called “sattisaal” in Nepalese, domestic water buffalo horn and some very fancy from brass , aluminium and irons and rhino horn are used for some very special ones. Basically two types are applied, one is the rat –tail tang that all the way through the handle narrowing its surface area as its finishes towards the end of the handle and its end /tail is penned over and secured. The other is the full flat tang that also goes through the handle but the tang can be seen on the side of the handle and steel rivets to secure the handle to the tang and a pommel plate or buti-cap is also fitted at the end to enhance the total fixture. This type is called as panawal handle. Most of ancient kukri used to have wooden handle with rat tail tang . However, the tail did not come all the way through the handle .The handle were curved unlike the modern ones and had steel or iron fixture in most case .the exact origin or who initiated the ”Panawal” handle is not known but probably started in early 1900’s when Kamis were influence by British knives and they undertook the new better version .It is also likely that the handle demanded better treatment as rat tai handle were not strong enough to hold the long blades when put hand on hand.Shape and size of khukuri from ancient to modern ones have varied intensely from place ,person to person ,maker to maker .

Khukari made in eastern village Bhojpur , have fat ,thick blade ,whereas sirupate blade is slim and thin . Similarly ,kukri from salyan are long and slender with deeper belly and Dhankuta , a village in east make simple standard army type blade but gives emphasis on the scaff and by making it decorative and ornate. Moreover ,since all khukuri are totally handmade even the same type and vision tend to differ a bit leaving the impression of the habitual of the makes and his individuality. kukri can be broadly classified into two types eastern and western. Western blades are broader type ,occasionally called budhuna (refers to a fish with a large head) another term is Baspate(Bamboo leaf) which refers to blades just outside of the normal sirupate blade.

The khukuri is also much more than just a knife or a weapon in Nepal because of it’s religious values it carries and beliefs it Gurkhas on the Warhas created in the Nepalese culture. The shape of the blade itself represents the trinity symbols of lord “Bramha” ,”Vishnu” and “Shiva”,the three most famous and influential hindu gods in Nepal and beyond. The notch in the blade signifies the powerful symbol of fertility(OM) of Hinduism and also signifies the cow’s hoof that is believed holy in Nepal. Khukuri is also worshipped in different occasion and festivals and perceived as a dynamic icon of Hindu mythology.Mainly in” Dashain” Nepalese main festival ,the khukuri is worshipped ritually and put to action of beheading domestic animal as offering s to the goddess “Durga”(goddess who slaughtered devils and evils). Similarly in” Vishwakarma puja “ that falls mainly in autumn ,devotees worship khukuri along with other iron and steel tools to pay their respect and loyalty. Besides these khukuri is worshipped prior to any sacrificial ceremonies as there is a belief in Nepalese society that “a khukuri must taste blood to become a khukuri”. This sacrificial tradition also follows in the gurkha army where each year animal are sacrificed to forsee good fortune and blessings to it’s regiments and it’s soldiers.

The faith and belief that the khukuri has produced are remarkable and interesting . A khukuri when kept at home would bring fortune , prosperity and kill evil spirits is a beliefs that continues to survive till today that has been brought down since generations. The khukuri is believed to have spiritual power to scare off demons, evils and nightmares and thus kept under the pillow.

Types of khukuri
British army service
brarse




British Army Service
British Army Service
$135.00

Chitlangi

chitlangi




18 
inch Chitlangi




21 
inch Chitlangi
18 inch Chitlangi
$145.00
21 inch Chitlangi
$150.00

Kobra

kobra




18 
inch Kobra




20 
inch Kobra




25 
inch Kobra
18 inch Kobra
$135.00
20 inch Kobra
$145.00
25 inch Kobra
$195.00




Dhankuta
Dhankuta
$275.00

Krishna giri Special

garamsp




18 
inch Ganga Ram Special

18 inch Ganga Ram Special
$150.00
gelbu special





18 
inch Gelbu Special




21 
inch Gelbu Special
18 inch Gelbu Special
$150.00
21 inch Gelbu Special

specialitems





AK 
Bowie




JKM-1




Kumar
 Karda
AK Bowie
$175.00
JKM-1
$65.00
Kumar Karda
$65.00




Uncle
 Bill Especiale




Kagas
 Katne




Bilton
Uncle Bill Especiale
$195.00
Kagas Katne
$20.00
Bilton
$45.00




Pen 
Knife




Click to enlarge
Pen Knife
$100.00
Blems
Photos of khukuri and bout




If you don't see the item you want listed on our shopping site (under contruction) that means we are either currently sold out of that particular model or are in the process of posting it to our shopping site so please email us to order or get on the wait list.

Here it is -- the BirGorkha Kothimoda , best and biggest Kothimoda in the world.
This khukuri is made by the Royal Kami and rates a 10 out of 10. The scabbard is done by one of the best gold and silversmiths in the Kathmandu valley and also rates 10 out of 10.
Khukuri specs. Weight is 1 lb 11 oz., overall length -- 17.25 inches, width of blade -- 1 & 7/8 wide, blade thickness -- 7/16  inch.
The khukuri, a dui chirra, is mounted in silver with water buffalo bone handle.
The scabbard takes ten days to make. It is the finest water buffalo calf, natural grain leather to be found.   The silver, all 225 grams of it, is .999 pure.
Overall, this is one of the finest kothimodas in the world and one of the heaviest silver laden scabbards ever made.
Those who order this kothimoda will not be disappointed, guaranteed!

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Important notice.  Most of our khukuris now come with Habaki sytle bolster (the brass piece between handle & blade) as shown above!

ang khola
the Ang Khola family -- the unbreakable knife!

ang kholas - ank
top -- 20 inch, 3 to 4 pounds, 5/8 in. thick , usually wood handle
2nd from top -- 18 inch, 1/2 inch thick, 2 to 2.5 lbs, usually wood handle
2nd from bottom -- 16.5 chiruwa, 1/2 inch thick,
bottom  -- *our best seller* -- 15 inch, 3/8+ in. thick, about 1.5lbs, usually horn handle

also available in 12 inch,   3/8 in. thick, about 1.0 lb, usually horn handle

The Ang Khola has a characteristic forged depression that helps to distribute the weight forward on the blade, making the Ang Khola a powerful chopper.
Ang Khola means “back-valley” or "back-hollow", referring to the depression near the spine ('back') of the blade.





30 inch Ang Khola by Sher
30 inch Ang Khola with wood handle
(knife with black horn handle at bottom is a 6in kagas katne shown for size comparison)


mother of 15 inch Ang Kholas -- usually 16 to 17 inches in length, blade 1/2 inch thick, 2+ inches wide, about 1.75 to 2.0+ pounds.  Full tang.  Break or bend it and get two free!

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The Himalayan Imports Ang Khola has been recommended in articles which appeared in every major knife magazine in the US. This knife is considered by many experts to be the toughest knife in the world. It has chopped up steel drums and junk cars with no damage to the knife. In lateral strength tests which destroyed other knives the Ang Khola would not budge. You simply can't break it!  See the links below.






sirupaate
the Sirupati family -- Martial artist favorite


ank sirupati khukuris

top -- 25 inch, about 2.5 lbs, 1/2 in. thick, wood or horn handle

centre --  20 inch, about l.75 lbs, 3/8+ in. thick, wood or horn handle

bottom -- 18 inches, about 1.25 to 1.5 lbs, 3/8inch


also available in 12 inch length, 12oz., 5/16 thick, wood or horn handle

also available in 15 inch length, about 1 lb., 5/16

And available in 30 inch length!  For the dedicated swordsman.

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The Sirupati, traditional khukuri of the Rai and Limbu people of Eastern Nepal, is quick and agile which makes it a favourite of  martial artists. Excellently balanced. Light but still strong enough to do a heavy day's work. Scrollwork and brass inlay along back of blade add to the beauty of this already magnificent blade.












The workhorse of the Gurkas during WWII, this model saw service in both Europe and Pacific theaters.  Our number three best seller, this is probably the best combination of weapon and tool that can be had. This khukuri is the favorite of many Bando practitioners. If you try it you will quickly fall in love with it.


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WWII kukri  




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All khukuris come with traditional scabbard (bottom) --- wood wrapped in water buffalo leather -- 100 year HI superfrog, karda (small utility knife) and chakma (burnishing tool). Top is British Army Service scabbard with military frog. Some scabbards are hand-tooled with images from the tashi dili or Nepali scenes.  Like this:

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hanuman phaltu khukuri




Here are pix of an old style Hanuman we used to offer and our new BirGorkha Hanuman that is our current offering.  The pictures tell a lot about the old Hanuman and what the kamis of BirGorkha feel a Hanuman should be.  Here are some comparative specs and evaluations.

The top picture shows the old Hanuman at top and BirGorkha Hanuman on bottom. Old is 17.5 inches. BirGorkha is 19.5 inches. Old is 3/8 thick. BirGorkha is 7/16. Old weighs 1 lb. 6 oz. BirGorkha weighs 2 lb 2 oz. Big karda and chakma go with BirGorkha, small with old model. Tweezers, buttonhook and awl on BirGorkha model are bigger and higher quality but hard to see in pix so are not shown.

Fit on old is good. Fit on BirGorkha is excellent.

Finish on old is satin, ok. Finish on BirGorkha is magic stone mirror, excellent.

Fullering on the old is very shallow and barely visible. Fullering on the BirGorkha is deep and even.

Hardness on the old model in the picture is unacceptable -- maybe 53 or 54 Rc. The edge folded during QC testing on the model in the picture.  Hardness of BirGorkha is near 60 Rc with softer tip.

Himalayan Imports employee, Chokpa Sherpa, is holding the rigs side and side and the scabbards pretty much speak for themselves.



garuda ang khola



It is called the Garud (dragon) Ang Khola. Bolster and scabbard chape are silver.  The knife is 19 inches overall length. Blade is about 2&1/2 inches wide, 9/16 thick. The knife weighs 2 & 3/4 pounds. Fit and finish excellent. Hardening excellent. Carving is very well done. The wood is saatisal. Karda and chakma are exceptional. Scabbard is excellent and is equipped with the HI superfrog.







This is our standard beefy 15 inch Ak (usually closer to 16 inches) weighing in at 1& 3/4 pounds. The rig is silver mounted and has the carved water buffalo or wood handle as shown. Fit and finish are excellent. Hardness excellent. Scabbard and frog excellent.  Overall quality -- tops.




kagaj katni

Kagas Katne
kagas katne

Kagas Katne means "paper cutter" in Nepali and that's about what this is. It's a 6 inch khukuri style letter opener but forged, hardened and built just like all the Himalayan Imports khukuris. Great stocking stuffer. Order now and be ready for Christmas!! The cigarette lighter is not included. It is shown for size comparison only.

review of kagas katne
Our second best seller. This is the same size and style khukuri (but considerably better quality) that is carried by present day Gurkhas serving in the British Army.
15 inches, horn handle, Wt. 1.25lbs. Battle tested and proven.

Made by the Royal Kami.  
Spotted deer horn handle, mounted in silver, scabbard horn and silver.  Only available from Himalayan Imports.  12 inches and about 1 lb.
 Very limited and there is a wait list.
dhankuta - sheathed knife    dhankuta scabbard detail - dragon

Fit and finish is excellent. The blade looks like it is hollow ground (you can see this in the pix) but is actually forged in this configuration. It is more than 7/16 inch thick at the back of the blade but narrows to about 1/4 inch or perhaps a bit less at the center of the hollow grind. The edge is perfectly hardened -- near 60 Rc in the chopping area and softening gradually toward tip and toward cho. A note of interest, even the karda is hollow ground -- or forged!  We offer this khukuri in lengths of about 18 inches and about 21 or 22 inches.


kobras
(from top to bottom:  30inch Kobra, 25inch Sirupati, 20inch Kobra )
20 inches and about 1 pound.  The lightest, quickest khukuri being made in Nepal today.  Very, very fast.  Serious martial artists take note.
 Also made in 18 inch and 25 inch lengths.

kobra hilts
(handles of 30in Kobra, 25in sirupati, 20in Kobras [from above])
Kami Kumar with 30inch Kobra
Kami Kumar, designer of the Kobra khukuri, holding a 30inch Kobra

The Malla khukuri is replicated from an a khukuri found buried under the floor of BirGorkha and identified by HMG Archeological Society (Nepal) as being an ancient khukuri from the Malla era (13th -18th centuries A.D.).
 The khukuri is 19 inches, 2 inches wide, 7/16 thick and weighs about 2 & 1/4 pounds. There are a couple of unique things about the khukuri which should be mentioned. The spine is flat (rather than in the traditional V ) like our logo khukuri. Fit, finish, hardness, karda, chakma, scabbard and frog all rate excellent.
Kumar Malla & Bura M43-Hanshee hybrid
Malla khukuri (top) vs. M43-hanshee hybrid (bottom)

This 22 inch almost 3 pound khukuri [top] was inspired by an 80 year old village kami named Ganga Ram Bishwakarma and was named after him.  It is excellently executed. Handle may vary slightly from that shown.  (The sirupati [bottom] in the picture is for comparative purposes only)
Also available in 18 inch length.


18 inches overall, 2 inches wide, 1/2 inch thick and weighs 1 lb & 14 oz. Khukuri, scabbard, karda, chakma and 100 year HI superfrog all rate 10 out of 10.
Sanu presents UBE to UB
kami Sanu presents Uncle Bill with the UBE


This knife is the Himalayan Imports BirGorkha factory version of the old American favorite.  This Bowie is 15 inches overall, 2.5 wide, and 7/16 thick.  The knife will come in at about 1.75 pounds depending on the kami who makes it.  We can special order--bigger, smaller, lighter, heavier--on request.  Scabbard is hand tooled water buffalo leather with heavy duty Himalayan Imports 100 year superfrog.

yvsa 
cherokee special
Yvsa Cherokee Special
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This is the silver mounted YCS (Yvsa Cherokee Special) so named after the Cherokee Indian (and HI forumite) Yvsa who designed this version and provided a wood model prototype.   About 18 inches and only 1 lb & 6 oz.  A masterpiece in everyway.  Comes with two excellently done and unique kardas and an awl as shown. 
The blade spine is almost 3/8" measuring 0.370" and distal tapers from the Sword of Shiva to 0.215 which is almost 7/32" at the edge bevel!!! The edge bevel tapers from 1/4" at the bolster to about 5/32" or 0.150" one inch below the tip. The best that I can measure the top fuller is about 1/8" thick and the bottom one is about 0.100 or almost 1/32" thinner than the top one.
The biggest karda in the group is 8 1/8" oal with a 5" blade almost 1 1/8" wide.The karda has a "drop" of 1 3/8" inch. The small karda which takes the place of the chakma is 7 1/4" oal and has a "drop" of 1 5/16" inches with a 3 7/8" blade 1" wide. Both blades are nicely recurved and have a high bevel and are distally tapered. They have a sorta flat, almost hollow ground bevel that makes sharpening to a really sharp edge possible and they are both Much Harder than normal.

10 inches overall length.  Blade thickness 1/8 inch.  Weight 4 oz.  Excellent fit and finish.  Excellently zone hardened.  Good scabbard.  Lightweight frog

This knife was conceived, designed by the late James K. Mattis, one of the most respected members of the HI forum & family, and is named the JKM-1 in his honor.  It is a Nepali version of the Finnish puukko.  About 6 inches in lengh, maybe 6 ounces.  Excellent fit, finish and hardess.  Comes with dangler scabbard as shown.

Seven early Village Models:
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Non-BirGorkha 'Mini' Hanuman villager khukuris:
mini hanuman khukris
3 Village Models by Bura (the Royal Kami):
villagers by burha
Another village model:
bulldog villager khuk
more village khukuris:
more village khukuris
Buy or Inquire about an HI Villager Khukuri






Stocked Products - our most popular knives
Biltong Khukuri (Product Code KILK1)
Price NZ$45 plus postage

This khukuri was originally designated for the South African market. Primarily used for cutting biltong it has also become known as the Pocket Khukuri. It is a handy size and can fit in your pocket or hang on your belt. It is popular in your home bar and for use in the outdoors.

Blade: Resembles the popular shape of the standard Gurkha issue khukuri.

Handle: Indian Rosewood. 

Scabbard: Water buffalo leather and has a belt loop.

Size of Blade: 5 inches (125mm)

Total weight: 100 grams.

Place of Origin: Dharan, Eastern Nepal


Operation Enduring Freedom - Afghanistan (Product Code KILK4)
Price NZ$170 plus postage
This khukuri was designated for soldiers serving in Afghanistan.
Blade: A typical jungle or training/combat knife shaped blade with the mounting peak slightly straightened for swift in and out draw.  Unpolished so that it does not reflect.
Handle: This is a special combat handle made from white rosewood.  The top front portion is raised to protect the user, ensuring the hand stays restricted within the handle.  The full flat tang goes all the way through the handle which makes this a very strong knife.  The tang protrudes out of the handle where a there is a hole for attaching a lanyard. 
Scabbard: Black buffalo leather covered by khaki fabric.
Extras: A small straight backup knife which has been crafted stronger than the regular companion of a khukuri (karda).
Size of Blade: 10 inches (250mm)
Total weight: 750 grams.
Place of Origin: Dharan, Eastern Nepal


Operation Iraq Freedom (Product Code KILK5)
Price NZ$175 plus postage
The Operation Iraqi Freedom Khukuri is a unique khukuri designed for soldiers serving in Iraq.  It is not a standard issue knife.
Blade: This kukri blade is based on the World War II version issued to the Gurkhas.  The blade is semi-polished and has a groove from tip to the notch area.  It is designed to give more strength and durability to the width of the blade while in use and at the same time cuts down the unnecessarily weight of blade without loosing strength.  The curvature adds support to the flat surface for heavy duty work as it absorbs shock.  The unpolished blade retains the temper resulting in a stronger edge and additional sharpness.
Handle: Made from Indian Rosewood.  The "Panawal" style handle has a tang which goes all the way through the handle.  The bolster and pommel are made in iron to give additional strength.
Scabbard: Cream coloured leather for camouflage and twin belt loops.
Extras: Karda (small knife) and Chakmak (sharpener)
Size of Blade: 11 inches (275mm)
Total weight: 900 grams.
Place of Origin: Dharan, Eastern Nepal

World War II (Product Code KILK9)
Price NZ$130 plus postage
Since the formation of first Gurkha military unit in early 19th century many different khukuri knives have been seen together with countless legendary tales.  The World War II khukuri is the same as that used by the British Gurkhas towards the end of the WWII.
Blade: This 11 inch long kukri knife has a beautiful shape with no peak on the back edge.  The belly is small and enlarges towards the point.  The knife carries much of its weight in the front but it remains well balanced and effective.  The blade is well polished.  The rat tang of the blade goes through the handle and is peened over at the brass butt cap.  The bolster and butt cap are brass.
Handle: Wooden.
Scabbard: Buffalo hide leather with a belt loop.
Extras: It comes with the two traditional accompanying knives, Karda (the small utility knife) and Chakmak (the sharpener).
Size of Blade: 11 inches (275mm)
Total weight: 775 grams.
Place of Origin: Dharan, Eastern Nepal


Paper Khukuri with stand (Product Code KILK12)
Price NZ$35 plus postage
Probably the smallest khukuri knife ever made.  Originally manufactured by Khukuri House in 1991 and now copied by others.  The blade is a replica of the original Gurkha khukuri.  It is identical in shape (but much smaller) to the Gurkhas current service issue khukuri.  It is designed as a letter opener and makes an interesting and unique addition to an office desktop.  It comes with an attractive Indian Rosewood stand.
Blade: The blade is made from solid brass.
Handle: Horn and Indian Rosewood.
Scabbard: Water buffalo leather Size of Blade: 4 inches (100mm)
Total weight: 75 grams.
Place of Origin: Dharan, Eastern Nepal

Gurkha Number 1 Khukuri (Product Code KILK14)
Price NZ$130 plus postage
This is one of the two standard khukuris issued to Gurkhas ("Service Ceremonial" being the other one) that came in production from mid 1980's.
From the formation of first Gurkha unit in 1814 to the Great Indian Mutiny in 1857 to the Great War in 1914-18 to 2nd World War in 1944-45 to the Borneo Confrontation in 1962-66 to Falklands War in 1982 Gurkhas have been issued with a number of khukuris.  It is THE knife that can be put to use or added to a collection or as a gift providing an inseparable bond with the Gurkhas.

Scabbard: Water buffalo leather and has a belt loop.
Handle: Water buffalo
Size of Blade: 10+ inches (260mm)
Extras: It comes with the two traditional accompanying knives, Karda (the small utility knife) and Chakmak (the sharpener).
Total weight: 700 grams.
Place of Origin: Dharan, Eastern Nepal

Buff Head (Product Code KILK16)
Price NZ$900 plus postage
This is possibly the largest khukuri in the world.  It is used for slaughtering very big buffaloes during festivals and sacrificial ceremonies.  The beheading has to be done in one single blow otherwise the failure to do so would bring ill-fortune to the whole community witnessing the ceremony.
It takes almost five days for three skilled craftsmen, working around the clock to make a Buff Head. Biswakarmas or the "Born Kukri Makers" are the only people who make the Buff Head.
Scabbard: Water buffalo leather and has a belt loop
Handle: Rosewood Size of Blade (approx): 36 inches (900mm)
Extras: It comes with the two traditional accompanying knives, Karda (the small utility knife) and Chakmak (the sharpener) each of which are the size of standard khukuris.
Total weight approx: 8.5kg.
Place of Origin: Dharan, Eastern Nepal
Limited stock or purchase on order - our other quality knives

Nepal Army Ceremonial Khukuri (Product Code KILK2)
Price NZ$115 plus postage
 
The Nepal Army Ceremonial Khukuri is the second knife issued to the Nepalese soldier.  It is issued upon enlistment and is retained throughout the soldier’s career.  It is a part of a soldier’s equipment and well maintained. It is a prize possession after retirement.  The Nepal Army Ceremonial Khukuri is worn on special parades when high ranking officers and VIP dignitaries are in attendance.

Blade: Slightly smaller than the standard size to make it easier to carry and handle.

Handle: Water buffalo horn. 

Scabbard: Best quality patent leather to give it extra shine and with twin belt loops.

Extras: Karda (small knife) and Chakmak (sharpener)

Size of Blade: 9 inches (225mm)

Total weight: 500 grams.

Place of Origin: Dharan, Eastern Nepal

 Nepal Army National Issue Khukuri (Product Code KILK3)
Price NZ$105 plus postage

This is the standard issue knife of the Nepal Army soldier.  It is issued upon enlistment and is retained throughout the soldier’s whole career.  It is a part of a soldier’s equipment and well maintained.  It is worn on all occasions.
Blade: It is smaller than the khukuri issued to the British Gurkhas.
Handle: Water buffalo horn. 
Scabbard: Water buffalo leather.
Extras: Karda (small knife) and Chakmak (sharpener)
Size of Blade: 9 inches (225mm)
Total weight: 500 grams.
Place of Origin: Dharan, Eastern Nepal

Khurmi (Product Code KILK6)
Price NZ$95 plus postage
The history and significance of the "Khurmi" dates back many decades when it was first used by village women to do their daily domestic and household work when cutting was required.  The same use continues to this day and thus legacy of the Khurmi retained.  It is widely used by women as a domestic cutting tool and for protection from predators when away from the village.  Since ancient times rural women have worn decorative Khurmis during cultural ceremonies and festivals.  The Khurmi is used by all genders and ages in Nepal for doing light domestic work.  The Khurmi is a good working or displaying knife.
Blade: The shape of this knife is not the same as a khukuri, hence it is called "Khurmi".  A typical sickle shaped grass cutter called "Hansiya" influences the Khurmi's shape.  The blade of the Khurmi has no shoulder as with a Khukuri.  Pattern decoration is done all along the blade for decoration and to give it a feminine aspect. 
Handle: The handle is from Indian Rosewood and is round and slender with a decorative pattern carved into it.  The round metal bolster and butt cap are fixed to secure the handle.  Additional brass decoration is fitted on the butt.
Scabbard: Water buffalo leather.
Size of Blade: 7 inches (175mm)
Total weight: 400 grams.
Place of Origin: Dharan, Eastern Nepal

Churi (Product Code KILK7)
Price NZ$105 plus postage
"Churi" means "knife" in Nepalese.  This knife is designed for a wide range of uses from domestic to hunting and jungle warfare.
Blade: The 5 inch hi-carbon blade has a full length flat tang that goes all the way through the wooden handle.
Handle: Indian Rosewood riveted to the tang.
Scabbard: Water buffalo leather with belt loop as well as a retaining loop around the handle.  A metal cap "Kothi" is fitted to prevent the blade from penetrating the scabbard.
Size of Blade: 5 inches (125mm)
Total weight: 300 grams.
Place of Origin: Dharan, Eastern Nepal

Chuppi (Product Code KILK8)
Price NZ$115 plus postage
"Chuppi" in Nepalese means a sharp pointed knife.
Blade: The 5 inch hi-carbon blade has a full length flat tang that goes all the way through the horn handle.
Handle: Water buffalo horn with a lanyard hole.
Scabbard: Traditional wooden frame covered with black Codura fabric with a belt loop at the back and a retaining loop around the handle.
Size of Blade: 5 inches (125mm)
Total weight: 325 grams.
Place of Origin: Dharan, Eastern Nepal

Jung Bahadur - The Ruler (Product Code KILK10)
Price NZ$275

This khukuri was widely used during Jung Bahadur Rana's dynasty in the 19th and 20th century.  Jung Bahadur Rana was the first prime minister of Nepal who came to power in 1846.  His powerful Rana dynasty of hereditary prime ministers lasted until 1951.  These 104 years are considered to be the "dark days of Nepal" where the basic rights of the people were denied.
The Jung Bahadur Khukuri is the exact replica of original one owned by Jung Bahadur Rana himself.  Jung Bahadur is a perfect show piece and a collection item with historic background rarely found today.
Blade: The shape of the blade is similar to the Aitihasik Khukuri used by Gorkhali Sainik, however it slightly more curved and longer.
Handle: The handle is made out of solid iron rod with a hand guard on both sides.  A metal arch is fixed to the front guard of the handle to provide protection during combat.
Scabbard: Buffalo hide leather over a traditional wooden frame.
Size of Blade: 14 inches (350mm)
Total weight: 1400 grams.
Place of Origin: Dharan, Eastern Nepal

Aitihasik - Gorkhali Sainik (Product Code KILK11)
Price NZ$210
The Aitihasik is the legend of all khukuris.  It is a replica in exact style, shape and size of the original khukuri that was issued to the Gorkhali Army in the 18th century.  The Gorkhali Army or Goorkhas were the first recognized and documented armed force of Nepal that was started by King Prithivi Narayan Shah from Gorkha who went to war with a mission to unite all the kingdoms into one.  The strong military force armed with khukuris, spears, swords and few pump guns conquered all the kingdoms and united them into one nation in 1768.  It later became Nepal. 
The Gorkhali Army not only united Nepal but also prevented the British (who had already taken over India by then)
from invading the country. 
Blade: The blade is unpolished as were the originals.  It has two straight fullers, also the same as the originals.  It is wider towards the head to enable a more forcible swing.
Handle: The Indian Rosewood handle is slightly curved towards the end for better grip.
Scabbard: Buffalo hide leather with embossing over a traditional wooden frame.
Size of Blade: 13 inches (325mm)
Total weight: 900 grams.
Place of Origin: Kathmandu, Nepal

Unpolished Gurkha Combat Khukuri (Product Code KILK15)
Price NZ$130 plus postage
This is the favoured Gurkha operational khukuri.  It closely resembles the World War II version but with a horn handle.  It is unpolished.
This is a tough utility khukri knife that will not disappoint its owner. It is well balanced and has effective features that make it an ideal knife to use for just about anything that requires cutting.

Scabbard: Water buffalo leather and has a belt loop
Handle: Water buffalo Size of Blade: 11 inches (280mm)
Total weight: 740 grams.
Place of Origin: Dharan, Eastern Nepal


































































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ani ...........