GI4 (Gurkha Issue 4th)

GI4 (Gurkha Issue 4th)

Gurkhas with GI4 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 probably the number 4th official standard Gurkha knife issued by 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 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 GI4 that were easily distinctive from others of the same type.

It is still the most commonly issued kukri to the Indian Armed Forces and largely used by Indian Gorkha Army units across the country.

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 khukuris made on practical and religious motives. The contour of the wooden handle is such that the best possible grip is offered by it. 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. Nonetheless both scabbards of GI4 and GI3 are exactly 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 the Gurkhas in WW II that made Gurkhas so famous and formidable, thus highly recommended for collection as the historic icon. Nevertheless can also be used as a domestic or utility knife after all it was and is produced as a versatile working and fighting knife.

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