Panawal Dotted (Supreme)

Panawal Dotted (Supreme) Khukuri = Semi Chirra Blade + Full Flat Tang Riveted Handle. Farmer’s first choice kukri.

the term "Panawal" explained...  see photos carefully 
Panawal in strict khukuri term means full-flat tang (riveted) handle. The khukuri blade comes with a one-piece full flat tang in which two handle scales are secured by glue (epoxy) and then riveted to strengthen the whole fixture. “Dotted” used for the name of the khukuri refers to the points or “Khil” in Nepalese made by rivets in the handle. Here a unique distinct handle is crafted where the end of the blade (tang) in the handle section is flat, not narrow and pointed as in other knives. The tang thoroughly follows the shape of the handle and is also visible on both sides of the handle. It is further secured by steel cap and bolster from the two ends of the handle. The Panawal handle is especially designed for heavy stressful work; to endure and to last the harshest treatment. “Panawal Dotted” is the mother (source) of all various Panawal versions crafted by KHHI nepal and many other local companies.

the BLADE ..
Panawal Dotted khukuri has a different and special blade forged to withstand the rough and tough treatment. A semi-fuller layer or hump that runs across the main (above) panel of the blade is forged to give more strength and durability to the width of the blade while in use and also to cut down unnecessary weight of the blade. The curvature gives support to the flat surface by evenly distributing the impact force generated when striking against a target. It is also a display of true craftsmanship as it is very hard to craft. Since a Panawal Dotted is a heavy version the cut down in the weight makes the khukuri easier to use. The knife's balance is such that though heavier it is easier to work with. The thick full tang handle also gives good counter balance to the blade.

[IMP note on Sheath: the steel chape/tip is discarded and instead a lanyard loop is fitted in the tip. A string/cord can go through it to tie the sheath around thigh. This minimizes the wobbling even in full motion. This make the knife more useful]
 

What is a Panawal kukri?
What does Panawal mean?

Panawal in kukri terms means Flat Tang kukri. “Pana” mean Flat Tang and “Wal” mean Type. Any khukuri blade having Full Flat Tang as shown in the photos above is a “Panawal” kukri knife. Here the tang follows the shape of the handle. The handle scales are fixed to the tang by using rivet/s and each end may have metallic ends fitted to complete the fixture. Panawal is a very strong and durable type of handle especially made for heavy-duty cutting works. It also gives good counter balance to the blade since it has mass and thus weight. 

Historically speaking, surprisingly, Panawal handle was not in use in and around the Gorkha era (say until the mid-19th century since we knew kukri). After the Gorkha-British friendship it must be the British influence or ideology or even demand to switch gear from regular tang to full flat tang by the makers. It was only in early 20th century making of the Panawal handle kukris actually started. Large number of army and personal kukris' production with the handle started from early 1900’s. In recent History, Panawal kukri production went to almost nil in the mid-1950’s. It was later in 1990 Til Bahadur Bishwakarma (TB BK) realizing the importance of the Panawal kukri started its production for KHHI (KH then). This was well accepted by the market and soon its production and varieties were seen just about anywhere. “Panawal Dotted” was the first PANAWAL kukri done by KHHI in 1989-90. It is actually the source of all sorts of Panawal kukri knives found these days.

Size of blade: 10 inch approx.
Materials: Water buffalo leather scabbard, twin riveted full flat tang rosewood handle, 2 x small knives 
Origin: Dharan, Eastern Nepal

See the 'Panawal Dotted (Supreme)' Khukuri In action >> Intro & field test