If you are happy to carry an axe, a saw and a 4" long knife and sharpening stone you don't need to read further - equally if your cutting tool knowledge or experience leads you to believe a 4" blade is the best then please save yourself the eye strain - but if your open to ideas, still seeking the ideal bush-crafting tool and workhorse then you might find the Kukri has a few surprises in its sheath!
All the Kukri's we sell are hand made in Nepal by the same Company that supplies the British Armies Ghurka regiments!
These are GENUINE kukri's no cheap imitations!
And as proof of their quality each Kukri is also engraved BEARCLAW BUSHCRAFT by hand at source.
Forget for a moment the tools awesome reputation as a weapon and imagine it, if you will, as it was originally as the farmers tool - his utility knife - the tool he used to cut and hack and carve and butcher .....all the uses a bushcrafter would have today, and more as the ancient Farmer was using the tool to keep himself and his family alive - not to just play in the woods for a weekend!
All kukri's and Kardas come sharpened but for safety reason (international transportation ect) not razor sharp as such (and as you should be anyway with any knife) you are recommended to sharpen them completely before initial use.
So we have 2500 years of bushcraft and of history as a bushcrafting tool which speaks for itself but these fantastic knives also come with the traditional 2 smaller knives the karda (a small utility knife) usually between 2" and 3" long, but may vary from Kukri to Kukri, used for food and game prep to carve fine work and the Chakmak (a sharpening tool which can also be used with flint for fire lighting) - making them the best all round bushcrafting tool available today and all at exceptionally reasonable prices!.
What are Kadra & Chakmak? Most kukris come with two small knives at the back of the scabbard to make the set complete. The small knife with sharp edge is called "kadra" or an extra knife especially used for skinning purposes or as whittling knife. Another knife accompanying kardra is the "chakmak" or the sharpener. The traditional method of sharpening a kukri is done by using the chakmak against the edge of the blade to and fro. However, a sharpening stone is recommended. Traditionally, chakmak was also used to ignite fire by generating sparks by striking against selective stones found in the hilly regions. Khukuri Knives issued to the Gurkhas during world wars did not have the two small knives however standard issue khukuris at present have both "Karda and Chakmak". Most khukuris from the ancient times also had the two knives along with an extra pocket (Khalti) to store small survival kits
Nepal Army (National Issue)
9" Blade
Weight 700 grams including sheath
This kukri is issued to Nepalese Army on enlistment and they retain it throughout their army career. It is a part of their armor and well looked after until they retire and a prize possession after retirement. This knife is used on both occasions, for parade (the kukri drill) and when on duty. Senior officers also regularly inspect this khukuri in order to maintain the smartness and tidiness of each soldier. Nepal Army kukri is slightly smaller than the standard size as this makes it easier to carry around and can be handled more swiftly. It is the simplest of all kukris. Materials / Features: Water buffalo leather scabbard, water buffalo horn handle, 2 x small knives
World War (Historic)
11" blade
Weight 1000 grams
Since the formation of 1st Gurkha Military unit back in early 19th century many kukri knives have come into limelight and countless legendary tales attached to it. The World War version is one of them and believed to have been used by British Gurkhas towards the end of 2nd world war period. The documented sources do not really point to the fact that it was issued then but because of its more effective size, shape and weight Gurkhas were individually found widely using the kukri during the war torn days.
The historic and commendable relationship of Gurkhas and British has come a very long way that in fact began with horrific violence and intense battle only to turn into mutual understanding, friendship and brotherhood. Both parties were fascinated by the khukuri and when British decided to make it a part of standard gears of a Gurkha it swiftly earned a friendly and fearsome reputation and more so important became a very battle cum domestic utility knife. The same story goes with the World War; one of the many khukuris used by Gurkhas that famed them into glory and victory.
The World War is a very common and famous khukuri in the local khukuri world in Nepal. It actually existed in early 1980's when makers made this kukri believing it was issued and used by Gurkhas in World War days, and hence named so. The khukuri was such a success probably because of its appealing name, shape and size, it quickly stormed the khukuri market and within a year it was seen made by all local and international makers. Ironically, deep study and research does not lead to the fact that world war was indeed issued and officially used. The shape, style, size and structure heavily vary than the original issued versions. Nevertheless it cannot be ruled out that it was never issued as the documented sources are very imprecise itself.
This 11 inch long kukri knife has a beautiful shape with no peak in the back edge. The belly is small and enlarges as it moves towards the head-point portion. The knife carries much of its weight at the front area but nonetheless the over-all weight is well balanced and effective. The blade is well polished and is fitted with a regular wooden handle. The rat tang of the blade goes through the handle and is peened over at the brass pommel cap at the base of the hilt. Brass metal is used to make the bolster and butt cap.
World War has a basic sheath made from wooden frame in inside and wrapped with buffalo hide from outside. A simple single shoe leather (2mm) loop frog is fitted, for the belt to go through.
It comes with two traditional accompanying knives, KARDA (the small utility knife) and CHAKMAK (the sharpener). Materials / Features: Water buffalo leather scabbard, Indian rosewood handle, 2 x small knives
12" Survival Kukri (Alive)
12" Blade
Weight 1300 grams including sheath
This 12 inch long bladed khukuri becomes a crucial tool and an effective weapon when "Just to survive" or "Live to tell the story" becomes the only ambition of the life. One of the strongest contenders of KH's "Survival Series", this khukuri with its practical and powerful features make it possible for the holder to surpass the ordeal, endure the hostility and tackle the uncertainty when one is all by himself in a helpless and hopeless situation. Nick named as the "Alive", it will definitely make its master's life easier and better because of its amazing appetite to serve in all way possible.
The blade is unpolished on practical and usage ground as it is basically a utility knife and its shape follows that of the famous and traditional "World War" issue khukuri of the Gurkhas with an eye to uphold the proud khukuri history, but more importantly for effective and efficient outcome. Similarly the handle composes the khukuri as a complete "Survival" knife or what we call at KH a "PURFECT" knife as the handle is constructed very durable and dainty by giving extra time and effort. The metal tang is full and flat that goes all the way through the wooden handle and further reinforced by steel rivets on both sides to boost the whole fittings. Steel bolster and butt cap are also fixed to the handle for smart look, sturdy grip and longer lifespan.
The 12 inch Survival comes with normal traditional buffalo leather scabbard, however, the interior wooden frame is flat with sharp bends to facilitate swift operation of the blade. Steel chape is completely discarded so stabbing into flesh can be prevented while carrying the khukuri. It comes with two regular small knives, "Karda" and "Chakmak" like most khukuris. Special attention is given to these knives so that they are equally useful like their mother blade.
A basic cutting tool that can be used for just about anything, that comes very handy far out in the woods and even at your own backyard. A must for adventure seekers, nature explorers, wild surfers and die hard collectors. Materials / Features: Water buffalo leather scabbard, full flat tang steel rivets wooden handle, 2 x small knives
BC101 £74.95
The SurvivALL Kukri
A true survivors tool, the SurvivALL kukri is a modern version of the traditional design but still made in Nepal by the same people who supply the British armies famous Ghurkha battalions and as such a genuine Kukri and not a cheap imitation.
The 10 inch sprung steel blade is longer and thinner than traditional blades and is also full tanged with a sharp single bevelled edge making it idea for both hunting and butchery as well as for chopping and finer carving tasks..
Complimented with a more modern shaped handle which sits perfectly in the hand while the lanyard hole offers the option of adding a thong loop to ensure tool security whilst in use.
Brass and Steel rivets lock the buffalo horn scales of the oval shaped grip in place and finish off the tool giving it a pleasant yet workman like appeal.
The black buffalo hide sheath comes with the traditional wooden inserts making this as tough as the tool it holds!
The tool itself weights approx 600grams unsheathed and comes engraved "The SurvivALL Kukri"
Materials / Features:
Flat slender special leather scabbard, water buffalo riveted full flat tang horn handle, semi polished blade
How to maintain your Kukri?
- Apply machine/gun oil on the blade at least once a month or/and every time after use. Make sure not to leave any fingerprint on the blade.
- Incase rust develops on the blade, first clean the blade with some petrol/gasoline then rub the rust off with fine sandpaper; wipe it off with a clean cloth and apply oil. A wheel-shiner machine may be used to re-shine the rust infected area.
- Use shoe polish for the leather case, furniture shiner for the wood, Brasso (brass polish) for the brass fittings and Silvo (silver polish) for silver cases once in a while to keep your khukuri fit and fine.
- Scrub the carved (Dragon) blade with a hard brush (tooth brush) soaked in petrol and wipe it with a clean cloth before display.
- Both sides of the blunt chakmak can sharpen the blade. However, a sharpening stone is recommended for better and faster result.
- While on display, make sure to often clean the dirt particles, insect waste etc on the khukuri surface with a soft dry cloth and always keep away from water.
- Before khukuri is put out of action for a long period of time; oil the blade properly, wrapped it in a plastic or polythene bag and keep it out of the scabbard. Same for the two small knives.
- Always store/keep khukuri in a dry normal temp room.
Caution
- Care should be taken not to expose the khukuri scabbard into the sun for a longer period of time as heating may help it to shrink a bit, and hence making the blade difficult to insert.
- Using the blade on metallic surface and stone etc. should be avoided.
- Keep away from water and fingerprint.
- Khukuri is not a throwing knife so must never be thrown.
- It is also not a hammering tool.
- Over working on the bevel or sharp edge area while maintaining or repairing should be avoided as heat generated from it can spoil/loosen the temper of the blade.
- Guidance and supervision is essential before use and must always be kept out of reach of children.
- Always maintain your khukuri in a timely manner so that its life can be prolonged.
- Using khukuri in extreme conditions should also be avoided.
How to unsheathe your Kukri?
Do not encircle the scabbard with your fingers while drawing out your khukuri. This may cause injury as the two wooden frames used to make the scabbard leave a small elongated gap that only gets wrapped/covered by leather. Therefore hold the upper edge of the scabbard firmly with your palm and fingers but making no finger is placed on the front edge; thumb stretch out over the back edge then draw the weapon out slowly. It works better if the blade's back edge (spine) somewhat touches the inner back edge of the scabbard while drawing out (same while inserting in). Always make sure to keep the khukuri away from body, scabbard holding-hand stretch out, khukuri's sharp edge facing opposite to your body and slightly downward/angular while taking out for easy execution.
ALL information reproduced above is with the kind permission of Khukri House and the Khukri Museum Nepal
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