Kukri
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Kukri_with_hillt.jpg
Kukri and Kukri with a hilt.
The Kukri is a heavy, curved Nepalese knife used as both tool and weapon. It is also a part of the regimental weaponry and heraldry of Gurkha fighters. It is known to many people as simply the "Gurkha knife".
The name is pronounced khu-khoo-ree, although khukuri or khookree are more accurate transliterations. As follows; Kukri is the most well-known and standard spelling of the name of this blade style. In early english writings there were many and diverse spellings of the name. However, khukuri is the most proper spelling which incorporates the three Nepali syllables. Because the middle syllable is difficult for most english-speakers to hear; khukri and kukri were more common and well-known.
Nepalis handle these knives from the age of five. Most kukris are handcrafted, although many internet shops advertise high tech versions. During World War II, Gurkha recruits preferred their village smith's (kami) blade to mass-produced issue ones. The quality of the blade varies widely.
In combat, the main thrust is upwards against the neck. Despite the physical resemblance to a boomerang, the kukri is not designed to be thrown; instead, the blade's distinctive kink is intended to translate and amplify lateral swipes into perpendicular motion.
Although a popular legend states that a Gurkha "never draws his blade without drawing blood", the kukri is most commonly employed as a multi-use utility tool, rather like a machete. It can be used for building, clearing, chopping firewood, digging, cutting meat and vegetables, skinning and also for opening tins.
Blades are typically 30–38 cm (12–15 inches) but size varies. Ceremonial versions can be up to 70 cm (27 inches) long. Ceremonial blades used to sacrifice water buffalo are much larger. Kukris usually have a notch at the base of the blade, the "kaura", situated near the handle. Various reasons are given for this, both practical and ceremonial; that it can be used to catch the strike of a sword, that it acts as a 'blood groove', that it delineates the end of the blade whilst sharpening, and that it is a symbol of potency. Kukri can also have one or more Fullers, including the "aunlo bal" (finger of strength/force/energy), a relatively deep and narrow fuller visible in the modern example above, as well as one or more "chirra", which may refer either to shallow fullers in the belly of the blade or a hollow grind of the edge [1] (http://www.himalayan-imports.com/faq/Construction.html).
Kukri sheaths are usually made of wood with a leather covering. The leatherwork is usually done by a sarki. The sheath also holds two smaller knives called the karda and the chakmak. The karda is for skinning. The chakmak is used to sharpen the blade and it can also be used to start a fire with flint. The flint is sometimes carried in a pouch attached to the sheath.
The kukri also has a religious significance in Hindu religion and is blessed during the Dasain sacrificial festival.
The kukri is similar to the 5th century BC Greek kopis. It was a slashing sword of similar shape but three times as large. It may be that the model was carried to Nepal via the Scythians.
Reference
- Kukri terminology (http://www.himalayan-imports.com/faq/Construction.html)
- Kukri History (http://www.army.mod.uk/brigade_of_gurkhas/history/kukri_history.htm)ja:ククリ sl:Kukri