Making Of Khukuri

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In the majestic valley of Nepal where the mighty Himalayas rule, lives a community of artisans who practice an art passed down to them from generations of their forefathers. Using simple hand tools, these masters transform surplus leaf spring into knives that know no equal. The men are called Bishwakarmas or Kamis (which in Nepali means world markers) and from their forge comes the legendary "Khukuri or Kukri"; the world’s most famous and feared knife.

The objective of this page is to show these masters at work; how they turn a piece of steel into a masterpiece, and also to make all viewers aware of the special skill, hardship, and endurance the maker has to go through to achieve his goal.

How do we make a Khukuri / Kukri Knife?

Before we go into the Making there are a few things to know about the background of the khukuri and its making.

A khukuri like any other knives has three primary sections; Blade, Handle, and Sheath. The assembly and fixing of these 3 departments make a kukri complete.

This historic blade has always been made out of high carbon steel traditionally. First, it was called the “Himalayan Steel”, the iron-ore extracted from rugged hills then came the railway track steel popularly known as "Leak Steel" and now presently the "Leaf Spring" or suspension steel of the vehicles.

Similarly, the partial water quenching to harden the edge has always been a common but skillful practice from the classic days till now. Kukris are never tempered also right from the old eras. Most kukri knives have convex edge for durability and strength since the blade is objected for hacking.

Speaking of the handle, it used to be walnut, now rosewood is more common and water buffalo horn for the army types. Likewise, RTT (rat tail tang or Parowal) has always been the preferred handle type.

Similarly, the leather sheath also evolved over the years and has been heavily affected by the ever changing time. Treated leather that is achieved from the painstaking homely process is now replaced by modern leather supplied by industries that go thru their own leather treatment facility. Sheaths of today are much simpler and less grand than it used to be.

The two accompanying knives, Karda and Chakmak, have almost extinct these days. People hardly value it. 

See our world-class Kamis (Blade smiths) in action!! Various Kukri Making methods at KHHI nepal

'The Khukuri House' has been making high quality kukris and knives since 1991. We undertake THREE methods of making which are briefly explained and captured in the videos below. Come witness the brief step-by-step process of each method.

1. TRADITIONAL method >>

Blacksmiths work in coordination with conventional machines. Forging, hammering, quenching, grinding are the key steps.

2. PRIMITIVE method >>

Dedicated Kami/blacksmith with great skill, hard labor, and max. sweat all the way. The method used centuries ago. Learn more about primitive khukuri making and products available exclusively at KHHI.

3. ADVANCE method >>

CNC machines are used to execute perfection and precision in the outcome. Mostly used for making custom-design and ultra-modern knives.

Learning to make Kukri knife? Below are major steps in khukuri making process >>

You can follow these steps as your guide while making the Kukri, these are performed by highly skilled bladesmiths so it may take you some time to replicate them. Best of luck !!

Forging the knife by hand power ( beating and hammering )

Water Quenching Kukri Knife 

Making Kukri Bolster (Kanzo) 

Joining Blade & Handle of khukuri (rat-tail tang / parowal )(fascinating video) 

Making of Khukuri Scabbard/ Sheath (DAP)

making a kukri sheath all by hand, basic tools, and a lot of skill by our Dap makers at KHHI.

Do visit our official Youtube channel to see more videos of the making process in our facilities. If you are in Nepal, you are most welcome to come and witness the live making and also feel free to try out your skill along with the masters.

Since 24th February 2023, on the occasion of 32nd Anniversary, KHHI has started the 'Khukuri Making Workshop' training. You can learn the old-age traditional khukuri making skills directly from the master. See the pricing and details and Book your class date today.

You can also see the photo collection of making khukuri blade, handle and sheath back in the 90's it was more traditional-painstaking and more lively.

We are extremely proud to offer our Khukuri/knives with the LIFETIME WARRANTY and thankful to all our happy customers for highly recommending and rating us (4.9/ 5 star)  on Google Review.