ISI khukris (Indian Standard Issue, Gorkha Rifles)
Indian Standard Issue (ISI) khukri set of Gorkha Brigade of the Indian Army; no.1 is a Parade-Duty knife and No.2 is a Utility-Combat knife..
Delivery: Estimated between Jan 05, 2025 and Jan 15, 2025
Item Location: Nepal
Default Specification
- Blade Size (in): 10
- Handle Size (in): 5
- Handle Material: horn/wood
- Actual Weight (gm): 475
- Overall weight (gm): 650
- Shipping weight (gm): 1000
- Blade finishing: Polished
- Blade sharpness: Standard (very sharp)
- Blade material: 5160
- Place of Origin: Dehradun, India
- Accompanying knives/B-up: Karda Chakmak
- Blade thickness (mm): 6
- Handle finishing: Polished
- Sheath: Black Leather
- Released date of KHHI Nepal: 2020-03-17
- Tang type: Full Flat
- Fixture: Brass
- Edge grinding: Semi convex
- Edge Hardness: 55-57 hrc
- Blade (panel) Grinding: Full Flat
Official Indian Standard Issue (ISI) khukris issued to Gorkha Rifles
Indian Standard Issue khukri set are issued to the new recruits belonging to the Gorkha Brigade of the Indian Army. As Gorkhas have very close relationship with the Khukri since generations it has always been a part of the man, his behavior, his culture and also an essential part of his uniform as an army man. It is the recognition of the Gorkhas which they carry with pride and responsibility. It is like the extension of his arm; a lethal weapon in combat and a silent useful tool to live on at the same time, and also an ID on the man. These khukris are also the most popular kukri knife set amongst the whole Indian Army.
HISTORY >> the East India Co., The War, Gorkha Brigade & the 'KHUKRI'
Gorkha's
In the wake of Nepal expansion by the Gorkhas, East India Company (British) declared war against Nepal in 1814 to stop the further expansion and to colonize her under the British ownership. Hence a number of wars were fought in various fronts which obviously went very violent but also generated respect and admiration for one another, a kind of soft corner, at the same time. This eventually led to the peace treaty between the two sides famously known as the “Treaty of Saguali” which established perpetual friendship between the two and more importantly gave British the right to employ Nepali (Gorkha) men to serve under them. As a result, the 1st Gorkha Rifles ( the Malaun Regiment) was raised which was later followed by number of Gorkha units raised as per the necessity and interest of the British Raj (reign). There were a total of 10 Gorkha regiments till the 1947 Indian independence with the Gorkha man force reaching close to around half a million. Amongst the 10, 4 (2, 6, 7 and 10th) were taken by British and rest (1, 3, 4, 5, 8 and 9th) stayed back with India. Many soldiers from British Gurkhas opted to stay back with India rather than going to British hence a 11th Gorkha regiment was formed to accommodate these soldiers. All the regiments continue to serve their respective governments with the same energy, zeal and loyalty. Since then many battalions have been raised and major changes have been done to adopt with the every changing time, circumstances and demands by both countries.
Khukri
Khukri was created by the Gorkhas and ever since has been an integral part of their existence, livelihood and recognition since indefinite generations. When the British first faced the wrath of this deadly weapon in Anglo-Gorkha war they could not help but praise and document this incredible weapon. This is when the Khukri came to limelight and the whole world got to know about this amazing knife that belonged to the Gorkhas (warriors form the hills of Nepal). When Gorkhas became a part of British Indian Army the Khukri did surfaced but it was only after the “Great Indian Mutiny” in 1857 when it was standardized and made a vital part of the Gorkhas and their uniform. Thus the official issuance began from this era when Gorkhas was re-addressed by the East India Company under the British Crown. After this number of standard official khukris were issued to new sepoys (riflemen) which continued till 1947 (India Independence). This army tradition continued even after the Gorkha Brigade partition by its each owner (India and British) in its own respective places. However major changes were made on the khukri to adopt with the time, circumstances and modernization of army. Gorkha Brigade of Indian Army opted for shorter blade than its predecessor and as a result now the ISI khukri was the new official knife for all new recruits. First the #2 was issued in mid 1950’s and later #1 came into existence in late 1960s. It is given to all Gorkha Regiments. It is mostly made in army barracks by the people appointed by the ordinance unit.
USAGE of these ISI Khukri's >> Army-Domestic-Religious
Army
ISI #1 >
In army this khukri is primarily a dressed knife that is carried in duty, parade and special army events. Sometimes the soldiers also carry the knife in training, exercise and even take it to battle with him. The knife is used as both, an exhibition kit to represent Gorkha and its reputation, and also a utility knife to do any kind of cutting activities.
ISI #2 >
This is the second khukri issue to a new recruit. It is his main using (cutting) knife carried for exercise, training, combat and war. The blade is longer and heavier hence more coverage and useful; lethal at the same time. ISI#2 is an ideal knife for a soldier to perform any cutting activities he may require during jungle and warfare tasks.
Domestic/Social
Like any other knives, the khukri is a very versatile cutting knife at home and far away. Its sharp edge is used for cutting meat, bones, wood, clearing brushes, preparing firewood, slicing logs and many other tasks/works that require sharp edge. Khukri is also a very effective survival tool since its existence.
Religious
Khukri is the primitive and religious knife in the Indian sub-continent. Its much more than just a literal knife for its master. The very shape of the knife represents the trinity symbols of Brahma, Bishnu and Shiva. The notch itself is the powerful symbol of Hinduism. The khukri is worshipped and Gorkhas have so much faith on the knife that he feels blessed and invincible wherever he carries the knife. Since many generations it has been an inseparable part of the man, his behavior, root, culture, religion and of course his recognition. The man’s soul and his personality can be traced in his khukri while living and even after life.
NOTE: Price is for ONLY 1 khukri. Please mention which one in YOUR MESSAGE field in CHECKOUT page if you have bought only 1 piece. To buy both make quantity 2.