GI4 (Gurkha Issue 4th)

Gurkha Issue 4th (GI4 ); 2nd World War issue Military kukri (MK3)

British Gurkhas or British Indian Gorkhas armed with GI4 kukri in World War II demonstrated awesome feat of military prowess and unswervingly courage and thus in the course permanently registered themselves in the glorious history, later which even succeeded in creating myths and legends of unbelievable tales to this day. With GI4 in a Gurkha’s hand, in a close combat situation, the enemy could not expect what’s next; as we are all too familiar with the beheading of enemy in a single blow, such was the outcome and reputation of the man and his unique knife.

With the beginning of the first kukri officially issued to Gurkhas after the Great Mutiny in 1857 where British finally comprehended the Gurkhas, it is our belief that GI4 is the number 4th official standard Gurkha knife issued by the British as part of the army dress and equipment. GI4 was significantly produced during World War II in 1943-45 and was commonly used by all Gurkha units. It was designed for easy and fast production and was made by many companies so production may have reached even thousands as demands really steeped in the out break of the World War. Like the other issued knives it also had the stampings representing manufacturer, inspector and issued date/year etc. Companies like MIL, WSC (Windlass Steel Crafts), CMW, Chowdri & DKW made very high quality official GI4 kukri that were easily distinctive from others of the same type.

It (one of its variant) is still issued to Indian Gorkha Regiments and widely used as the service no.2 kukri (a field-cum-battle knife).

GI4 (Gurkha Issue 4th) or popularly known as MK3 (military kukri 3) is actually the reproduced version of the original ones in KHHI version made in those days. Genuine effort has been put by KHHI nepal to make it as same as possible however with the slight modifications to better the knife and to adopt with the modern time and need.  The 13 inch long kukri is highly polished unlike other GI kukris and has a pointed-alike overall shape where the main body is not so broad. It has a religious “Cho” like other kukris made on practical and religious motives. The contour of the wooden handle is such that the best possible grip is offered. The full flat tang of the blade goes all the way through the unique handle which is secured by rivets on both sides and further fixed by steel pommel from the end. Surprisingly the regular bolster is completely ignored or discarded in this type; perhaps the creator wanted to break from the typical khukuri look or may be the need for a bolster was never there. Both scabbards of GI4 and GI3 kukris are quite the same. It has a regular leather case with a protective steel chape. The interior wooden box is flat and wrapped by black colored water buffalo hide. The leather frog has twin belt loops at the back for the belt to go through and a fasten-up leather string to fasten the two ends of the frog.

GI4 is the most popular and commonly used kukri by British Indian Army (Gurkhas/Gorkhas) in WW II (world war 2). It made Gurkhas very famous and formidable hence highly recommended for collection as a historic icon. Nonetheless it is still a very versatile working knife be it at home or beyond.

GI4- a combination of deadly and peaceful force at the highest level..

Size of Blade: 13 inches approx.
Materials: Water buffalo leather scabbard, full flat tang riveted single bold ridge wooden handle, twin belt loops frog
Place of Origin: KHHI, Kathmandu, Nepal


A personal note… 
My name is Saroj Lama Tamang, founder and MD of KHHI Nepal, and the man behind all the khukuris of the site. Over the years I have studied, created, used and tested hundreds of khukuris to build my career out of this fascinating knife. Well I must say that GI4 definitely tops my list of the “Best 5 Kukris” of all time. This is particularly because of it’s special features, great feel and effectual advantages it has over other khukuri knives. I really like the blade profile and geometry of this knife. It does not go too curve like other ones which makes cutting more effective as the sweet spot is well exposed. This also enables stabbing more accurate which is as important as swinging in hand to hand combat situation. The shape is beautiful having large shallow fuller that not only balances the weight but also gives strength to the edge by reducing tension felt by the edge while ramming. While the handle is very easy made to nicely accommodate a human hand. The centre bulky but flat ridge also aids to holding. Hence a very strong grip is achieved from this type of handle. Overall the kukri is very well thought of and well executed as both, a lethal knife and a subtle working tool. This must be the reason why the famous, Wilkinson Sword Company, chose this format and took out their own version for army at later stage. Please do not hesitate to own a piece like this. I know you will LOVE it too :)

HAPPY KUKRI !!