The history and significance of the “Khurmi” dates back many decades to when it was first picked up by village women to easily accomplish their daily domestic work when cutting was required. The same train still continues today and thus legacy of the Khurmi retained. It is widely used by women as a domestic cutting tool and as a safe guarding knife from predators when out in wood and wild. Similarly since ancient time rural women have also been wearing (using) decorative Khurmis (horn/ wood scabbard) during cultural ceremonies and festivals.
The shape of this knife is not of a kukri; hence it is called "Khurmi". A typical sickle shaped grass cutter called “Hansiya” influences the Khurmi’s shape, however; it is given much better size and finishing. The blade of the Khurmi has no shoulder like in a Khukuri and follows an arch-shape to the tip as seen in the picture. Pattern decoration is done all along the panel of the blade to decorate and give a feminine aspect. The handle is made round, slender and cylindrical with some pattern (ridges) crafted in the center. Round metallic bolster and butt cap are fixed to secure the handle. A “Clubs” shaped metallic (mostly Brass) décor is fitted at the butt cap to give a womanly touch to the Khurmi.
Despite the fact that a Khurmi is a woman’s khukuri it still can be used by all genders and age groups. It can be a good handy knife for doing light work like cutting grass, chopping, for kitchen use, clearing garden etc.
Khurmi is a good working and displaying knife.