The word ghurka and kukri are two inseparable names; one cannot be said without other. Though in ancient time the knife was known as the ghurkas knife but at present, it is called kukri, khukuri or kukery. Actually, the spelling does not matter at all because it gains huge popularity all over the world. Since kukri is a kind of dagger that can be used as a knife, axe or machete means as a multipurpose tool.
As far as its popularity based on what it did in previous time and what is doing at present. Indeed in both cases the tool doing an unbelievable performance. While to some the knife may be just regarded as an odd looking knife. But in reality, the kukri is a knife that has inwardly curbed blade that looks unique and works excellent.
History of a kukri knife or ghurkas kukri knife
When we come across the history of kukri knife then we have to go back to the 17th century. At that time Gurkhaskingdom used it for chopping branches, cutting vegetable, meat, fish or digging holes and other household things. But the knife becomes a dreadful weapon when the Gurkhas soldiers gain a great victory over enemy during Anglo-Gorkha war. After the triumph, no Gurkha soldier goes ballets without a kukri. From that time the kukri regarded as a reputation and major part Of Gurkhas army and the Nepalese army.
Although there is some debated that where the kukri originated from. But no arguments exit that kukri belongs to Prithvi Narayan Shan the king of the Gorkha kingdom the kingdom of Nepal. One can still see the knife belonging to the Gurkha king at the museum in Kathmandu Nepal.
However, the kukri is not only a great weapon and use as Nepal military issue knife. But at the same time a big part of Nepal tradition such as wedding ceremony. In spite of Nepalese army, now a day the British, India, Singapore even the US army uses kukri as a frightful weapon.
The use of a kukri knife
The famous knife known as kukri is one of the most multifunction tools that ever created by human being. Famous as it is used as a dreadful weapon in the military sector across the worldwide. At the same time work as a versatile tool for a job like chopping, cutting, hiking, digging, slaughtering an animal, dressing fish and many more. The knife having an excellent quality for building and constructing whatever the object is.
Once more the knife can be also used for slashing or stab as it features like a small blade. In case of appreciating its versatile use you can easily figure out the knife has enough function that makes it useful. Comes under light weighed that makes it carryable and workable.
Construction of a kukri or gurkhas knife
At the point of construction the weapons made in very tactfully. The Nepalese formed it for all kind purpose whether as a weapon or household work. Though in a lapse of time the structure comes under modification but the real shape, size, weight, features almost remain same. Now a day not only Nepal but different country’s reputed brands made various kind of kukri assuming the ancient model.
However, the knives appeared in a verity of length and weight. Generally, modern manufacture estimated the size of a kukri between 14 to 18 inches. According to the size, the weigh is probably varied from 1 pound to 3 pounds.
Likewise the size the blade of a kukri made from a different material like carbon steel, stainless steel or other material. Kukri blade is always great that are similar to machete so that can use as a machete or knife.
Although in ancient age the handle of a kukri only made of wood, walnut or chandan. But at present, it varied from one to another depending on which brand you chose. For example, high-quality brand or manufacturer made the handle in shape of kraton G handle, T grip handle, wooden handle any much more. In the distance past the handle were basically curved but modern version are generally straight.
Eventually, now most of the kukri knife comes with a sheath that made by leather, nylon or other material. But we are not sure that is the aged one brings a cover or not.
Kukri parts or technology
Blade: Main part of any kukri is call blade. That is varies in size from one to another and made in different material and pattern.
Edge: The sharpening part or portion of a blade is an edge which is much sharpened. By the way, itis also known as dhaar.
Spine: The top part of a blade is called spine which is not sharpened and maintain a balance between edge and chirra.
Chirra: The fuller part that is the main body of the blade is chirra or fuller.
Tang: The elongated tail piece of the blade is known as a tang.
Cho/notch: The distinctive cut or cho in the blade that situated near to the handle is a notch.
Main body: The main surface or panel of the blade is regarded as a main body of a kukri.
Handle: The part by which one user holds the kukri knife is a handle.
Butt cap: On full-tang knife, the metal cap is called a butt cap.
Handle ring: Traditionally made kukri having handle ring in the middle of the handle. But it does not appear frequently in a modern version.
Final words
Overall, whether the ancient ghurkas or modern kukri no matter because in both names the tool is a very useful device. It is claimed that until now there is not made any such weapon or knifelike kukri. We also believe it in some way. As we founded that kukri is a kind of knife or machete that can be used by anyone for any reason.
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