The Kukri
The name can be spelt and pronounced numerous ways. The most common names are Kukri, and Khukuri. The kukri, or 'khukuri' (which is closer to the Nepali pronunciation), is the distinctive curved Nepali knife that is synonymous with the Gurkhas and Nepal. The kukri is respected throughout the world for its fearful effectiveness as a close combat weapon, but it is also a humble multi-purpose tool used in Nepal for everyday tasks. This iconic and instantly recognisable blade also holds deep spiritual and historical significance for Gurkhas and the people of Nepal.
Kukris have been used by Nepali (Nepalese) soldiers since the earliest days of the Gorkhali Army which conquered and united Nepal under the Shah dynasty. They have been the symbol of the British Army's Brigade of Gurkhas since it began.
Hand-crafted in Nepal
The kukri's blade is made of steel - very often recycled vehicle suspension bars - and expertly hand-made by highly-skilled Kamis - members of Nepal's blacksmith caste, traditionally one of the poorest castes under Nepal's rigid caste system. Over the course of hundreds of years, Nepal's Kamis have perfected the art of kukri-making - elevating their craft to an artform in its own right.
Origins & Manufacture
The design of the kukri has hardly changed over the hundreds of years that it has been in use. The oldest known kukris, belonging to King Drabya Shah, date back to the mid-16th Century and are displayed in Nepal's National Museum in Kathmandu. Khukuri is a cultural symbol of Nepal which is a working tool, a special gift item, a symbol recognizing the history of Nepalese people and more importantly a handicraft goods. A Khukuri word has carried glorious hitory of Nepal. Black Smith family, who are counted a lowest carste in the caste catatgory of Nepal, are the manufacturer of Khukuries. They are most tallent on their profession which has been handed over to next generation from the ancient time.
