Sword Sunday #37 - An eastern knife for a western regiment. The Kukri

It really doesn't matter who you talk to in military circles, almost anyone with any world-wide exposure has at least glimpsed a Kukri, if not fully known what it was. The weapon, born in the early years of the 19th century in the mountains of Nepal, if believed to be descended from agricultural sickles on the region. But make no mistake, this blade is is a tool that balances its very existence on the line between utility and lethality in the field. 

A proper Kukri is between 16 and 18 inches long, and between 1 and 2 pounds. The weapon is characterized by its bulbous, leaf-shaped blade with a front-heavy balance, and a distinct forward bend midway down the flat, thick back. Part tool, and part weapon, those who carry it can make fine detail cuts with it, can hack down brush and branches with it, or they can lay open a man's neck with the same stroke. 

The Kukri is largely synonymous with the men who traditionally carry it, the Gurkhas. These Nepalese soldiers are fielded by the army of Nepal, as well as the famed Royal Girkha regiment of Great Britain, as well as adjunct regiments or battalions to the nations of India, Brunei, and Singapore. These are not mercenary troops, but in each case are sworn soldiers protecting the nation they fight for. Gurkhas are renowned for their tenacity in combat, prowess on the field, and quiet determination under fire. Each unit, despite different uniforms, and military considerations, will issue their members Kukri.

The Queen reviewing members of the Royal Gurkhas Regiment.

Historically, the blade has been mentioned in western and eastern narratives and history since its early days. In fact, the attentive reader will notes that in Bram Stoker's Dracula, it was Jonathan Harker's Kukri that was used in the final battle to slit the count's throat before Morris's bowie knife was used to punch the heart. 

Historically, military tales are told far and wide of soldiers who made the fatal mistake of getting into close combat with a Girkha. Both the weapon and the men who carry them are regarded as lethal opponents. Several raid in the first world war African theater were noted when raid commanders would list the number of enemy killed on the mission, and then write 'nil' next to 'ammunition expended'. The weapon was carried by the British Girkha rifles from its foundation in the mid 19th century to the current day, and has seen combat (and taken lives) in both world wars, Korea, Vietnam, and the Falklands, just to name a few. 

Gurkha Service no.1 Kukri

Perhaps one of the most famous of modern tales told about the blade comes from India. Bishnu Shrestha, a Indian of Nepalese descent, and former soldier of the Indian Girkha regiment, was on board a train in India when it was stopped and robbed by 30 men. At first the former soldier was ready to hand over his valuables without protest, but when a young women next to him was pulled form her seat and told she was about to be raped, the former solder pulled his Kukri (which he still carried on him) and sent after robbers. He was seriously injured, requiring months of surgeries and treatments, but did make a full recovery. And he also was noted for having successfully saved the woman from being raped.

Bishnu Shrestha in the hospital following the robbery

In the aftermath of the incident, the family of the women offered to pay for Bishnu's medical expenses. To this, he replied "Fighting the enemy in battle is my duty as a soldier. Taking on the thugs on the train was my duty as a human being,"  and declined the offer.

Today, the Kukri is among one of the most storied military blades of the modern world, known, and used in multiple points around the globe, its own reputation for stone-breaking strength, razor sharpness, and unparalleled durability make an authentic Kukria highly sought after blade for collectors, adventurers, and private military contractors internationally.  The Kukri blade is also recognized as a current and viable weapon and tool, even in the dawn of the 21st century. Kukri and kukri style blades are available for prices ranging from $20 to $400, with many of them now pared with modern material, and tools to enhance their utility in a real world situation. But no mater how much tech you put into it, the enduring shape of the forward bent, leaf-shaped blade is testament to the power, even today, of a design that is over two centuries old. 

A SOG Brand, modern "Kukri type" knife. 

His Lordship Ivo Blackhawk
Kingdom of Ansteorra
"Long Live the King!"