Khukuri Handling

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Khukuri Handling Techniques: How To Handle a Kukri

A kukri /khukuri or khukri knife is a basic and simple knife-cum-tool, requires no real skill or practice to use or handle. Even so Khukuri House Handicraft Industry- KHHI provides you with a few simple techniques that will help you use this trusted tool effectively and efficiently. Learn how to use these amazing khukris like the Gurkhas. Swing like the legends did in the history. Holding, Carrying, Drawing, Using Karda Chakmak, Swinging Blade, Combat Encounter, Stabbing and more...

Here are few method to teach you how to use a kukri knife. These tips and techniques to handle a khukuri are also known as kukri handling techniques. Be careful on how you handle your Gurkha Kukri.

Khukuri Handling Catalog

• Holding - Normal (Basic)
• Holding - Thumbs up (Improvised)
• Carrying (Placement/Wearing)
• Carrying (Placement/Wearing)
• Drawing In and Out
• Karda and Chakmak (Small knife and Sharpener)
• Swinging the Blade
• Combat/Encounter
• Stabbing

Holding - Normal (Basic)

A basic and very simple fist position where the thumb extends/stays straight forward on top of index finger and closed-tight fist grip around the handle as shown in the picture. This position is recommended for use during combat, close encounter, exercise, and training. 

Holding - Thumbs up (Improvised)

Here the thumb stays up slightly bent on the spine of the blade (kukri) with the fist tightly closed around the handle. This position will give the pressure or force to throw or swing the blade against any surfaces. The thumb will maintain the balance and also push the blade forward/downward making the work effective and tireless. This position is specially recommended for cutting, hacking, striking or performing any kinds of domestic, outdoor or jungle work when using a small or med size kukri blade (6" - 10").This grip is also very handy for slicing and peeling off an object.

It is also advised that while using any kukri movement above the waist level, it should be held in the “Normal (Basic)” way, whereas, for movements below waist level the “Thumps Up” position is recommended.

Carrying (Placement/Wearing) The most common and the easiest way is to carrying the kukri at waist level on one side, edge or belly of the kukri facing straight or slightly downward opposite side of the using hand.

Carrying (Placement/Wearing) While drawing (incase of right-handed user), left hand should first hold the back side of scabbard firmly by placing the palm around it and then the right hand should come into action; grip the handle firmly with closed fist around the handle and gently draw out the kukri. In this whole movement, user should make sure that his left hand that holds the scabbard is not overlapping the scabbard’s belly or front edge ( as the sharp kukri blade might cut through from inside and injure the crossing fingers). It is recommended to slightly turn/move the scabbard downward while drawing out for easier pulling.

Carrying (Placement/Wearing) Different people carry kukri in different style or in whatever manner that benefits them the most. Typical village kukris don’t have belt loops since villagers or farmers don’t put on waist belts as they prefer to wear “Patuka or Sash” (a long cloth that goes around their waist circling it twice or thrice). Villagers’ use it to carry their kukri. They keep their kukri inside the Patuka facing downward at about a 60* parallel to land level on stomach portion as shown in the picture.

Carrying (Placement/Wearing) Soldiers on duty wear kukris on the right side of their belt. The kukri remains upright facing its belly straight back. Similarly while on parade, the kukri is worn on the middle/center of the backside. The idea is to get both waist sides free so that hands can be swung and moved freely while performing. However the drawing task is more difficult because of its placement. Practice and body movement to accommodate the draw is crucial.

Drawing In and Out Hold kukri firmly as shown in the picture with its edge/belly facing opposite to the body. The hand holding the scabbard should be at the back encircling it but without overlapping at the front portion of the scabbard. Do not encircle the front portion of the scabbard with your fingers while drawing kukri in and out as this may cause injury. Hold the upper edge of the scabbard with your palm and fingers as shown in the picture and then draw the weapon out slowly. 

Drawing In and Out While drawing out the kukri, make sure that the spine of the blade is always touching the inner back surface of the scabbard. Same while inserting in and follow the curve of the scabbard until the whole blade goes into the scabbard.

Drawing In and Out Sometimes scabbard may open up a little bit because of extensive use and become loose. In case like this after tucking the kukri inside push the handle down against the edge of the scabbard. The kukri will get locked and tightened between the inner wooden walls of the scabbard. Similarly, in case when kukri is too tight to operate; put heavy oil on the both surface of the blade then tuck it inside the scabbard and put the kukri along with its scabbard in a cool/cold dry place for couple of days. The leather will get stretched by doing this and will make more internal space for the kukri.

Karda and Chakmak (Small knife and Sharpener) Almost all kukris come with these two small knives on the back section (throat) of the scabbard. The “Karda” (one edge sharpened) is a small utility knife used to perform tasks that the big kukri blade cannot. The “Chakmak” (Both edge dull/unsharpened) is the sharpener used to sharpen both the main blade, and the small knife Karda. To sharpen the kukri, place the blade firmly against a smooth leveled surface with the edge facing sideward by resting body weight on it as shown in the picture. Applying a little force, drag the Chakmak from the tip of the kukri to the notch (notch works as a stopper and prevents the Chakmak from going further up towards the handle) several times on one side. Make sure you maintain a certain rhythm and always start from tip to notch. Now flip the kukri to the other side and repeat the action. Repeat till you get the desired sharpness or edge. The Chakmak sharpening process is quite laborious and time consuming. Therefore, a sharpening stone or designated sharpening hardware is recommended for faster and better results.

Swinging the Blade In order to get the desired result while swinging a kukri, it should be swung in a slightly angular movement making sure that the edge lands/hits the target angularly (at about 75º angle). Hitting the blade straight (90º angle) at the target should be avoided as it may pressurize the blade, rattling it and hence making cutting laborious and difficult. If the target is fix (cannot be positioned) then swing the blade angularly and if target can be positioned then position it angularly and swing the blade straight. Stand about a foot or two (or as needed) away from the object so that hands can be freely and forcefully swung. It is recommended to find a spot on the target and swing the blade in a rhythm-tic movement always aiming at the same spot. Hard balanced blows should be executed at the target however use of excessive force to achieve the goal quickly should be avoided. Rhythm, aim and consistency are the keys to effective swinging.

Combat/Encounter Grip, aim and body position are very crucial. Targeting a point on the enemy's body is important. A proper body positioning and foot work will ensure a lethal and effective blow that can easily neutralize the enemy.

It is advised to position oneself at a more elevated level than the target by standing on the back foot’s toe. Stand slightly sideward to the target with feet stretched about 2 feet apart with the body weight resting on the back foot prior to striking. Before executing the stroke, keep the kukri-free hand stretched out aiming at the target, and the striking hand bent where the elbow is parallel to shoulder level. When releasing the stroke; the body should quickly lean towards the target transferring the body weight from back foot to the striking hand. Make sure that the hitting arm is well stretched out and the wrist flexible to meet the targeted point at about 45-75* angle. During the striking action, the free hand goes aside and back as the striking hand comes in full strength.

This movement will give a perfect balanced action and thus a clean lethal blow with a fatal consequence.

Stabbing Stand sideward to the target with feet stretched apart, knee slightly bent. Pull the hand holding the kukri backward at about waist level, the free hand should be stretched out forward towards the targeted point prior to the stroke.

Stabbing When executing pull back the pointing free hand out of the way as the striking hand comes in.

Stabbing Move front foot further up while leaning towards the target to generate force/power and transfer the body weight from back foot to the front with back foot resting on sole. Move the kukri free hand at the back as the stroke comes in so that proper body balance can be maintained. Perfect timing and body movement are key to guarantee that stabbing is done swiftly and effectively.

Stabbing Move front foot further up while leaning towards the target to generate force/power and transfer the body weight from back foot to the front with back foot resting on sole. Move the kukri free hand at the back as the stroke comes in so that proper body balance can be maintained. Perfect timing and body movement are key to guarantee that stabbing is done swiftly and effectively.

Kukri handling is not kukri fighting technique , but if you know the best way to handle your khukuri then you can easily use kukri as a fighting tool. Kukri must be used only for self defence. Khukri is not a deliberate fighting weapon so KHHI warns everyone to use the kukri with a responsibilty and respect The Gurkhas and their pride.

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