The Traditional Military Kukri

25,820 views 30 Aug 2021
New projects are always a learning experience, and one of the things that I have found most surprising here at Kung Fu Tea has been the persistent popularity of the one post which I wrote on the Nepalese kukri as a modern combat knife. Perhaps I should have expected this. Kukris are one of the most iconic knives. Their easily recognizable form, extensive mythology and unique history insures that they appeal to number of different market segments. Military collectors appreciate the role that they played in the hands of British and Indian Gurkhas during WWI and WWII. Students of ethnic weapons appreciate their beautiful aesthetic and sheer variety. Martial artists are drawn to the blades sturdy construction and practical nature. Home gardeners love what they can do when clearing land.
If you live in North America this is also a great time to buy a vintage military kukri. Collectors in England have long had access to some very nice knives due to that countries long running military alliance with Nepal. Pickings were slimmer on this side of the pond. Most of what was seen here were either British pattern military knives brought back by US servicemen at the end of WWII or items made for secondary markets and the tourist trade.