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Kukri Info

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Khukuri of the Month

Current Issue BSI Khukuri (2022)
Current Issue BSI Khukuri (2022)

Blade Size (in): 10.25

Weight (gm): 515

(1 Review)

USD 69.99

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dbad Big Jim Bowie
dbad Big Jim Bowie

Blade Size (in): 14

Weight (gm): 1000

(1 Review)

USD 190.00

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The JD Tanto
The JD Tanto

Blade Size (in): 13

Weight (gm): 825

(1 Review)

USD 160.00 185.00

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Chuppi (Assault)
Chuppi (Assault)

Blade Size (in): 5

Weight (gm): 250

(3 Review)

USD 49.00 55.00

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Primitive Gurkha Khukuri
Primitive Gurkha Khukuri

Blade Size (in): 10.5 inch Service

Weight (gm): 550

(3 Review)

USD 145.00

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Origin of Kukri

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  2. Origin of Kukri

Origin / History of the Kukri

None of us precisely know the fact as to how kukri originated or who initiated it. The original place and date have also lost in the midst of time. Even the spelling has been disputed or butchered (Kukri, Khukuri, Kukuri, Khukri, Kookuri etc) since someone first tried to describe this knife.

origin-of-khukuriThere are many beliefs and suggestions as to how the kukri came into existence. Amongst them, one of the most convincing and compelling is the Kopi’s version. Origin of the kukri has been unswervingly linked to the classic Greek sword or knife known as “ kopis”, which is about 2500 years old. The shape and style of the knife strikingly resembles the kukri (see picture). This claims that Kopis may well have been the direct ancestor of the kukri that we know today. 
 

origin-of-kukriSome have also suggested that the “Machira or Machaira”, the cavalry sword of the ancient Macedonians that was carried by Alexander's soldiers when they invaded northwest India in the 4th century BC, closely resembels kukri. The sword was later copied by local black smiths or Kamis and perhaps further improvised or changed to better suit their need and demand. The Machira was also molded on practical and religious ground by different makers which later turn out to be a kukri. 

 

Some also believe that kukri originated from a form of knife first used by the Mallas who came to power in Nepal in the 13th Century. There are many kukris still displayed in the National Museum at Chhauni in Kathmandu which prove this statement. The knives possessed by the Mallas are very similar to that of the today’s kukris. Similarly, some claim that the kukri was first used by Kiratis who ruled Nepal before Lichchhavi age, in about 7th Century. Present days’ kukris shape could well have been descended from the ancient Kiratis’ knives as well.
 

origin-history-of-khukuriOther knife experts have also found similarities in the construction of some kukris to the crafting method of the very old Japanese sword. It could have derived from the sword too. However, it is also possible that the kukri is simply a design native to the hills of the Himalayas, perhaps originating from an agricultural tool (as which it continues to serve to the present day).

The people behind the successful story of the knife are the "Bishwakarma" ethnic group who are also known as the "Born Kukri Makers" who have been forging the knives since many generations and continue to do so with much pride and pleasure.  

The oldest kukri known to exist is the one on display at the National Museum in Kathmandu which belonged to Drabya Shah, the King of Gorkha in 1627 AD. It is, however, certain that the origins of the knife stretch further back, way back to 2500 years..


Whatever be the origin, a kukri is undoubtly one of the oldest knives that has survived the ever changing time and arguably the best knife man has ever possessed…

ancient kukriancient-khukuriancient-kukrisancient-khukuris

 
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Primitive Kukri Making

Primitive Kukri Making

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Contact info

Khukuri House Handicraft Industry,
The Khukuri House ( KHHI ) Nepal
Patan Industrial Estate (D-3)
Lagankhel, Lalitpur, Kathmandu 44600
Phone: +977-1-5551171
Cell: +977 9841323111

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All photos, texts and formats in this site are the property of Mr Saroj Lama Tamang/and or KHHI Nepal. Unauthorized use or electronic dissemination is prohibited by any applicable law and or Copyright Act 2022 of the Nepalese Govt. "Khukuri House Handicraft Industry" KHHI Nepal 1991 - 2022