Salyani (Immortal)

Salyani (Immortal), a Historic Khukuri ... the legacy lives on .. Jai Khukuri!!

Salyani, has come a long way which continues to sustain its amazing legacy. It is made as authentic as possible to what it was first forged centuries ago hence nick-named the 'Immortal' khukuri. It is an ideal kukri to own as a show piece, a master collection, and is a great utility knife at the same time.

Amongst hundreds of Khukuri makers (Villages) in Nepal, Salyan, a remote district in west Nepal, is the only place that has retained the originality and authenticity of its original khukuri. Salyan, the origination of Salyani khukuri continues to make the original classic model (version) that was started in historic days when the then Army required khukuri for battles. One of the major producers of khukuris during the 18th and 19th centuries’ wars, Salyanese contributed with varied range of khukuris amongst which this particular Salyani khukuri is a reproduced model that was extensively used in many battles and also portrayed, including the Gorkha campaigns in the “Unification of Nepal”.

Blade explained:

The shape of the Salyani blade is very unique and distinctive with patterns (carvings) all along the panel of the blade. The blade is semi curved, almost a crescent shape with no shoulder (peak) at all. A series of pattern is forged all along the top panel of the blade on both sides. This is mainly done to give a distinctive identity and also to show craftsmanship at the same time. Salyani since the medieval era ( or when the kukri knife was first known) had various traditional and beautiful patterns (buttas) all over the blade, sometimes with gold and silver decoration, to denote the religious and mythical aspect of the carrier and his ancestor. People of high status and figure were often seen carrying this “Buttewal” Salyanis (full of patterns) to exhibit their power and prowess. This itching in the blade is done by bear hands using very conventional tool thus is very time consuming and requires a great skill.

The bevel of the knife is also much bigger (deeper) than the regular ones. This long elongated deep bevel would facilitate a sharp and sleek edge to inflict deep and deadly cut. The legendary religious notch in place furnishes a typical and classic look to the knife. The semi curved blade of Salyani is slimmer and slender thus lighter.

Scabbard & making process in brief:

The scabbard of the Salyani is also very special and laborious. It is where all the time, effort and money is invested. The making or preparation of this special kind of buffalo leather is a painstaking job that needs hard work and patience. It goes through a number of stages and requires numerous materials and supplies to complete the process, which, thus may not be possible to mention all. Therefore, in brief, the buffalo hide is submersed in water mixed with salt and lime for almost a month and regularly rubbed by feet to soften the leather. Adding various natural herbs from roots of plants and barks of selected trees is also one of the steps in the process done to prolong the life span of the leather and to avoid decaying. Then the prepared leather is again continuously rubbed, twisted and folded for hours with “Tori ko Pina” (paste of mustard plant achieved after grinding) while making the scabbard to get the natural embossed pattern within the leather. The excessive rubbing of the leather results into tiny beads like mold all over the surface, which makes the scabbard distinctive, attractive, durable and decay free. Traditional pattern and linings are overlaid in the scabbard to beautify its look. This simple yet attractive adornment of the Salyani is its trademark that distinguishes and recognizes the kukri from the rest.

The old version of Salyani did not come with the belt holder as belt was not in practice (use). It was simply tucked in sash at belly. However in today’s context the belt frog is fixed to ease carry and mobility, to suit the modern time and standard.

Handle: It is basic and simple made from Indian Rosewood however longer and slender comparatively. The end portion towards the butt cap of the handle is slightly curved. It has some pattern made in the center of the handle, done to further beautify the whole look. The handle has steel fixtures (bolster and butt cap). The longer handle also contributes in better handling the blade (counter balance).

The two accompanying knives, KARDA (small knife) and CHAKMAK (sharpener) do not come with the Salyani.

 

Size of Blade: 12 inches approx.
Materials/ Features: Water buffalo treated leather scabbard, rosewood handle, metallic fixtures