Kukri purpose description. Kukri: a weapon with character

At the traditional ancient looking cold weapons of the peoples inhabiting mountainous country Nepal has a unique name - Kukri (khukuri, khukuri). These are heavy, massive, durable, well-balanced knives that can be used in close combat, making paths and building huts. In everyday life, they can be called anything: cutlasses, machetes, knives and even short swords.

Nepalese kukri knife: main characteristics

A traditional Nepalese knife is made only from high-carbon types of steel, which are sharpened at a certain angle and are zone hardened. The blades are crescent-shaped, with sharpening that runs along their inner sides. In addition, the lower parts of the knives expand so that their centers of gravity are close to the tip. Such unusual shapes make it possible to apply minimal effort when delivering chopping blows.

At the base of the blades of Nepalese classic kukri knives there are special figured cuts called “cho”, and “lobes” or “dales” run along the butts. The presence of such elements is necessary in order to improve the rigidity and shock absorption of the blades. Historians also note their certain symbolic meanings. According to some versions, “dolyas” are the main attributes of the god Shiva and his other half, the goddess Kali.

What is the hidden meaning?

In all elements of kukri knives, in addition to the obvious practical significance, one can also discern the presence of deep symbolic and religious overtones. The triangular shape of the blades in their sections symbolizes the trinity of three gods or Trimurti - Shiva, Vishnu and Brahman. The presence of rings, which are traditionally located on the handles of the kukri, guarantees a good “grip”, even if the palm is wet. In addition, the presence of patterns, as conceived by the first gunsmiths who made such knives, should have resonated with the levels of the universe.

Blades with variable sharpening angles will not only guarantee the highest possible efficiency in the process of delivering chopping blows. They also symbolize the Sun and Moon, which are traditional Nepalese symbols. “Che”, or notches on the handles, can have a wide variety of shapes. They also designate Trishula, “the trident of the god Shiva,” which denotes the triple nature: Creator, Preserver and Destroyer of the Universe. Alternative forms of "che" are called "cow tracks", which in turn represent symbols of the goddess Kali (the Hindu religion is known to recognize the cow as a sacred animal).

Kukri knife: the history of its origin

Today there are several variations in the origin of kukri knives. According to the most popular of them, the ancestor of this unique Nepalese bladed weapon is considered to be the Khopesh sword, which was widespread in the territory ancient egypt, as well as the ancient Greek kopis. Their configurations were repeatedly modified and repeated in a number of very diverse states of the ancient world, which were located in the Mediterranean region, India, and the Middle East.

Kukri knives and Moroccan fleeces, which are straightened and elongated knives created on the basis of ancient Greek kopis, have remained in the status of national edged weapons to this day.

In essence, kukri are smaller versions of the ancient kopis. Nepalese museums contain kukris that were created only in the 15th century. However, the most ancient species and specimens, apparently, simply have not survived.

Traditional views in the Gurkha tribe

According to local legends, kukri, removed from their sheaths, must certainly enjoy the “taste of blood” before putting them back. As a result of this tradition, the Gurkhas adhere to the rule that under no circumstances should they draw their knives unless they have a truly compelling reason to do so. Before sheathing their weapon, the Gurkhas make a small cut on one of their fingers so that a small quantity blood.

Martial arts, which are based on the study of the subtleties and features of the use of kukri, are studied in the Gurkha tribe from a very young age. Such training includes a set of specific ceremonies along with combat and hunting techniques. An extremely important philosophical implication in training may also be that when a warrior does not have sufficient grounds for a fight, it is better to abandon it altogether. However, when it is vitally necessary, the Gurkhas, without hesitation, deliver lightning-fast, deadly knife blows.

Known modifications of kukri knives

Traditional blades of Nepalese knives are sharpened with variable angles. This can be explained by the fact that, as a rule, in the process of cutting, chopping, cutting, and planing, different sections of the cutting parts of the blades are used. Basically, the sizes of Nepalese kukri knives can range in length from 275 to 410 millimeters. At the same time, the thickness of the butts of these blades can reach 8-12 millimeters.

In Nepal itself, a large number of varieties and models of kukri knives are produced, which may differ in their geometry, weight and size. This diversity can be explained by the difference in the purpose of each individual sample. Kukri knives can be used for souvenirs, rituals, combat, and also for utility purposes. It is curious, but kukri combat models are still used as cold standard weapons by the Nepalese police and military, as well as by the mercenary units of the Gurkhas themselves.

Materials used, technological details

More recently, some parts from railway trains could be used to make knives, but sometimes decommissioned rails were also used. Currently, knife manufacturers use heavy-duty spring plates from trucks or buses. The most popular materials may be springs from Swedish and German vehicles, a little less common from Japanese.

At the same time, kukri are produced using traditional technology with mandatory hand forging. Some industries still use hammers or hand hammers. To successfully combine excellent strength properties in weapons, as well as outstanding cutting characteristics, zone hardening is used in large-sized models. The blade bodies are hardened to HRC 35 - 48, the part that is close to the cutting edges is hardened to HRC 56 - 58. The sharpening angles gradually change along the entire length of the knives. Near the handle itself they are minimal, while in the central part of the “belly” they are sharpened to the maximum.

Of the entire variety of kukri knife blades, two types of “doles” stand out: khol and chirra. So, the halls are quite narrow (approximately 5 or less millimeters in width). This type of lobes is deeper. As a rule, two or one hall “runs” along the length of the butt of the blade in close proximity to the handle. In this case, a shift occurs near the place where the edges of the knives begin to bend. In ancient models, cholas were produced to further balance the increase in blade stiffness and reduce it total weight. Today, the kukri knives produced have decreased in size, and khols are now only marked using caulking.

The chairra run along the cutting edges themselves, along the entire length of the blades. This type of lobes is less deep than the lobes and wider (up to 20 millimeters). Most chayrras are used on anghols. As classic version execution are considered to be “triple fullers” (Tin Chirra), which extend onto the blades of the blades, although one or two may be acceptable. Chairrs are sometimes called the wide “descents” of the blades of kukri knives with a concave configuration, which form the cutting edges.

Handles were traditionally made of wood or bone. The installations of the handles were mainly mounted, a little less often plate-type, in cases where the fastenings were carried out using rivets. Today, gunsmiths use brass, aluminum alloys, water buffalo horns, or expensive hard woods as materials for handles. In ancient kukris, rhino horns or ivory could occasionally be found. IN lately Market relations dictate certain conditions for the mass production of knives. Thus, rubber-like plastic with a special anti-slip texture was identified as a common material for handles.

It is generally accepted that the scabbard Nepalese kukri knives should be made of wood and covered with leather. In addition, the sheath can usually accommodate two more, but smaller knives. Genuine fighting kukris have a set of two to six smaller knives. Some were used in a wide variety of household work. Others, which had increased hardness and rough, distinctly rough surfaces, were used for lighting a fire, as well as for straightening the blades of the main blades. The first ones are called “kards”, and the second ones “chakmaks”. As a rule, army kukris do not have additional knives, since they arose almost at the end of the 20th century. Then the Gurkha soldiers decided to return to their former historical and military tradition.

Specific purposes of kukri knives

According to experts, weapons with S-shaped crescent-shaped cutting edges and reverse curvature of the blades have at their disposal ancient history. They were specifically designed to deliver powerful slashing blows. The geometry of the cutting edges was deliberately adapted specifically for this application, which is also facilitated by the center of weight shifted closer to the middle. By the way, with the well-thought-out ergonomics of the kukri, proven over centuries, you can use these knives with virtually no special training.

Accordingly to Russian legislation Kukri knives are not considered melee weapons. Deflections of their butts towards upper parts exceed 15 mm, and the blade tip angles are more than 70°. In accordance with current GOSTs, such signs classify it as household goods.

The traditional weapon of mercenary warriors from the Gurkha tribe has long conquered the whole world with its combination of exotic appearance and extraordinary functionality. True, despite the fashion for kukri, we know very little about it, we often confuse it with a machete and don’t even imagine that this weapon has its own character, even more capricious than any other knife.

The appearance of the kukri and the physics of impacts using it

A weapon with a very recognizable silhouette. It has the opposite (in relation to the usual for us) bend of the blade, that is, it bends inward. Accordingly, sharpening goes along the inside of the blade. The slopes themselves along the entire length are brought together at different angles, since kukri are designed for several operations at once: chopping, cutting, dissecting and planing. This means that different areas of the cutting edge require different sharpening angles.

Traditional kukri It is equipped with two small knives – a sharp one (karda) and a specially dull one (khakma). The first is used as an ordinary pocket knife where it is inconvenient to wield a large kukri. With the help of the second, a spark is struck from the flint, using it as flint, and used as musat.

Kukri has been a traditional bladed weapon of the Nepalese Gurkha tribe since the 19th century. This knife is forged in a single solid structure along with the handle, and its blade is curved downwards, unlike a saber or scimitar. It is believed that this shape of the blade increases the force of the blow by several tens of times. In this case, the center of gravity of the weapon is shifted closer to the handle, which is two to three times shorter than the blade.

Despite how long ago the kukri was invented, this curved knife has not gone down in history: today the Nepalese army and police are armed with it. The production of these knives has reached an industrial level, but while maintaining historical manufacturing traditions. In Russian reality, a kukri knife made according to all the canons with your own hands can lead to problems with the law, since the edge of this homemade weapons between cold and not requiring permission, very thin.

Thanks to its design, the Nepalese kukri knife is multifunctional: it can be chopped, stabbed, cut, skinned, and even thrown. The features that distinguish this knife from others are:

The blade is curved by 20 - 40 degrees with an inclination towards the handle, which is sharpened on the inside with a variable sharpening angle.
The presence of a groove in the butt, which allows increasing the shock-absorbing properties and rigidity of the blade when chopping and striking with the butt.
The presence of rings on the handle, ensuring reliable fixation of the weapon in the hand, even if it is wet.
A recess at the handle, which may be various shapes. Practical significance The recess is that it prevents the formation of cracks that lead to chipping of the blade at the handle.
The presence of a metal cap at the end of the handle, covering the end of the shank and allowing the kukri to be used as a hammer.

The blade dimensions are usually 25-30 cm, its width can vary from 30 to 100 mm depending on the type of kukri. It is made of carbon steel; zone hardening of the blade is used to combine high strength and excellent cutting characteristics.

Nepalese kukri knife: traditional making

In order to make a quality knife with your own hands, you need to have an idea of what the traditional process of making it is.

Before making a kukri knife, the material for making the blade is selected. Carbon steel is carefully selected by inspection for cracks and defects, then weighed. The weight of the finished kukri is usually from 500 to 1200 grams, but the weight of the steel for its production should always be greater, since during processing it loses weight and decreases in area. After this, the required length of the blade is measured using a standard scale with an allowance for compression of the steel (usually about 2 cm), and cut off from the overall piece. Then the steel is red-hot and hammered with a three-kilogram hammer using a sharp metal cutter. The beating process to break the steel is usually done by two people for half an hour.

After this comes important point beating with a hammer synchronously with two hammers and turning the steel on both sides alternately. At this stage, the red-hot steel is given the necessary rough shape, bending, and a shank is formed.

To shape the final design of the blade, a 1.5 kg hammer is used, which requires great skill and experience to give the knife the correct bend and thickness.

After the shape is worked out, a groove is made on the belly of the blade. To form it, a special rod is used, which is pressed against the edge of the blade and carefully beaten with a hammer. The blade heats up again, takes soft form, and the rod cuts off part of the metal from the groove, leaving the desired recess.

The next stage is zone hardening: additional strength is given to the knife edge using careful watering cold water on this part of the kukri. It is important that water only gets on the tip.

After this, the blade is sharpened with a fine file, making the tip thin on both sides. The wooden handle is attached to the shank using glue.

To sharpen kukri, a traditional method is used: seven are made from white river sand, glue and ordinary sand, mixed and left to harden. After this, the hardened mixture is applied to a round iron frame and installed on a wheel, which is used to sharpen the blade.

Polishing a knife is done using a strip of leather (usually buffalo leather).

Kukri, DIY knife: step-by-step manufacturing instructions

Based on the traditional technique of making kukri, and also following step by step instructions, you can make this knife with your own hands. Compared to other knives, kukri is not so easy to make, which is largely due to its unusual shape.

One of the options for making a kukri knife is from a metal sheet of a tractor or car spring, but you can take a regular metal sheet 5mm thick. Often a homemade kukri is made from a bearing race.

A grinder is used to cut a piece of material corresponding to the size of the future blade with small allowances along the edges. It is heated over an open fire or oven, and after that forging begins, trying to give the desired shape to the knife. In this case, both the blade itself and the handle are formed.

Then grinding and sharpening is carried out, which can also be done with a grinder at an angle of about 20 degrees, and the final grinding of the blade is done with fine-grained sandpaper. We must not forget that during the manufacturing process the knife must be immersed in a container of cold water, which leads to the hardening of the blade.

The handle is made from a wooden block (it is better to use oak), inside of which a hole is drilled for the shank and put on it with glue. After this, it is given the desired, convenient shape using a grinder and file. Final sanding is carried out with fine-grain sandpaper and a piece of leather. If desired, you can make a sheath for kukri from genuine leather: for this you need leather soaked in water, which is fixed around the perimeter of the knife until it dries. After this, it takes the desired shape, hardening. Both parts are fastened with rivets, the excess is cut off.

Blade in the shape of a falcon's wing and unusual shape handles instantly attract the attention of not only specialists, but also ordinary fans of edged weapons. Interestingly, no matter how impressive the view kukri, according to Russian laws, it does not fall under the category of edged weapons and, as a result, has no restrictions on sale and possession. This impressively sized knife can be easily carried or carried with you without any permits or other formalities, like any other household item. Anyone over 18 years of age can purchase kukri.

TRIPLE KUKRI. The Nepalese kukri is a very ancient instrument, but its unusual shape still attracts attention today. Mentions of this knife are found in documentary and fiction, it can be seen in films and television shows. Even in toys there are glimpses of familiar-shaped blades.

The design of the kukri is quite complex. Each element of this knife, as well as the sheath attached to it, has not only a special practical load, but also a huge symbolic meaning, so all of them have long been given special names. For example, the rings on the handle of a knife, which secure the entire structure and help the owner hold the knife in the correct grip, symbolize the levels of the universe according to the interpretations of Hinduism. And the unusual blade, on which the sharpening is applied not along the inner curved side, but along the outer side, symbolizes the sun and the moon, which are designed to give their strength to both the blade and its owner.

Curved in reverse side the blade has a well-hardened, hard cutting surface, but at the same time remains elastic, resilient and far from fragile. This knife will not break under extreme loads. Even if the cutting edge crumbles, the blade itself will remain intact. Blade sharpening varies. Closer to the handle, it is “knife-shaped”, with a small angle - such a blade is convenient for cutting, it can be sharpened to a razor sharpness. Towards the end of the blade, the sharpening angle becomes larger, as on cutlasses or even axes - this part is more suitable for chopping. Thus, we get two specialized tools on one blade. The thickness of the blade is quite large: for medium-sized kukris with a blade length of 9-10 inches, it can reach 10 mm or more. With such a thickness, the Nepalese knife turns out to be quite heavy, but that’s how it’s intended. The force of a kukri blow depends not so much on the owner’s muscles, but on the inertia of the blow: it needs to be given good acceleration, and then the heavy and durable blade will do all the work.

The fuller (2) on the blade can be deep and simple, or maybe small, in the form of an ornate pattern. It is called the “Sword of Shiva”, its function is to absorb loads during chopping. In addition, it helps to defeat enemies and protects against evil spirits.

An interesting element of the blade is the groove (4) at its base. Its name is “Tooth of Shiva”. There are similar notches on our axes, but the shape of the kukri is still special. This could be the trident of Shiva, the symbol of the goddess Kali, or the footprint of a sacred cow. Regardless of its shape, this recess performs the “anti-stress” function very well. And finally, the pommel of the handle (5). Usually it is metal, the shank is riveted on it, sometimes a rhombus is visible on it - the All-Seeing Eye, a symbol of God protecting the owner.

The handle of the classic kukri (3) does not have a guard, although this is found in commercial versions. The explanation for this is quite simple: the kukri is not very suitable for stabbing, its element is chopping. It is also convenient for them to inflict cuts, but bayonet strikes are clearly not for him, which means there is no need for a guard. Moreover, in the classic Nepalese knife The handle is solid, of an original shape, with thickenings in the middle for comfortable holding.

Usually the kukri is equipped with a sheath, which consists of two wooden inserts covered with leather. In addition, the classic model comes with two additional small knives: one sharp (karda), designed for small household work, the second blunt (chakmak), used as musat for straightening kukri.

Two additional knives: one for small work, the second for editing kukri.

Kukri terminology

Kukri Blade

Keeper (Hira Jornu): Washer: a metal (copper) plate processed with a diamond file on which the shank is riveted.
Butt Cap (Chapri): A thick metal (copper) plate that usually protects the handle from a strong blow.
Tang (Paro): Tang: The rear portion of the blade that extends through the hilt.
Bolster (Kanjo): Bolster: a thick metal (copper) oval molded plate between the blade and the hilt, used to support and strengthen the blade in the hilt.
Spine (Beet): Butt: The thickest blunt edge of the blade.
Fuller/Groove (Khol): Fuller: straight groove or deep line, which runs along the top of the butt.
Peak (Juro): Apex of the blade: the highest point of the blade.
Main body (Eng): Main blade: the main surface of the blade.
Fuller (Chirra): Curve in the blade designed to absorb shock and reduce unnecessary weight.
Tip (Toppa): Tip: The starting point of the blade.
Edge (Dhaar): Cutting edge: the sharp edge of a blade.
Belly (Bhundi): Belly: The widest part of the blade.
Bevel (Patti): Sharpening: slope from the main body of the blade to the cutting edge.
Cho/Notch (Kaudi): Cho: a technological hole (trident-shaped) located on the edge of the blade and used to relieve stress in the metal.
Rings (Harhari): Ring: round groove in the handle.
Rivet (Khil): Rivet: A steel or metal piece used to secure and hold the handle.
Tang Tail (Puchchar): Tang: The final point of the Kukri blade.

Sheath

Frog (Faras): Suspension: leather band covering the neck, made of thick leather (2-4 mm).
Upper Edge (Mathillo Bhaag): Upper edge: the upper curve of the sheath, adjusted to the shape of the Kukri blade.
Main Body (Sharir): Main surface: the surface of the scabbard, semi-oval in cross-section.
Chape (Khothi): Scabbard: a sharp metal tip used to protect the top of the blade.
Loop (Golie): Loop: leather band for waist belt ( component suspension).
Throat (Mauri): Mouth: the entrance to the blade sheath.
Lower Edge (Tallo Bhag): Curvature of the scabbard.

#Polished. Polished version. The polished version of the Kukri blade goes through many stages of processing, including high heat, which leads to a slight weakening of the hardness of the blade. Recommended preferably for exhibitions, decoration and light work.
#SemiPolished. Semi polished version. The semi-polished version undergoes three stages of processing to achieve the result. High-temperature treatment of the blade is somewhat more moderate, recommended for exhibitions and medium-intensity work.
#Unpolished. Unpolished version. The unpolished version is best for heavy-duty work because its hardness remains unchanged. The blade is only sandblasted and mechanically polished - to obtain a result while maintaining the basic mechanical properties.
#Fuller/Groove. Blade bend. The curve of the blade, which runs along the main surface of the blade, is made for two purposes: to reduce unnecessary weight of the blade and to resist the direct impact of the opposite blade. The curvature evenly distributes the force produced by the back-and-forth motion towards the spine of the blade and reduces stress. The more curved version of the blade is recommended for heavy, strenuous work.
#Full Flat Tang (Dotted/Panawal). Handle shank. The blade tang is flat, extends completely through the handle and is protected by guards secured with steel rivets on both sides. At the same time, the tang is visible from the top and bottom of the handle.
#Rat Tail Tang (Normal/Sada). Blade section. The blade has a diamond-shaped cross-section irregular shape: with a more obtuse angle in the butt and more acute angle at the tip of the blade (a type of wedge sharpening).

Types of Nepalese kukris

The classification of kukri knives is quite complex, because both Nepal and India produce many different models (in terms of size and nuances of appearance). Moreover, it is made by hand. Consequently, even the knives of the same master have differences. But we can still highlight several of the most popular and widespread models.

Bhojpure

This is a heavy model, most suitable for peasant labor and household use. The Bhojpur kukri blade reaches 8-10 mm at the spine, has a wide “belly” and a large (up to 40 degrees) bend. Knives of this design were also used by regular troops in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It is considered the most universal model.

Sirupati

Kukri sirupati is much lighter and thinner than bhojpur. This particular model has a blade similar to the leaf of the Nepalese Siru tree. The knife is very convenient and elegant. The blade has sharper slopes (compared to the Bhojpur blade), and there are even fullers. It is used by both the local population and the military, police, and firefighters. Martial artists who achieve perfection ancient battle kukris also prefer sirupati knives.

Angkhola

The name of this kukri literally translates as “concave back.” The base of the blade of this knife is thinner than that of the first two models, and the center of gravity is shifted even more towards the tip. The bend angle is even greater than that of Bhojpur. The knife is great for chopping.

Buttewal

The name of the knife comes from the word “bata” - pattern. This is a ceremonial parade kukri. The blade is certainly decorated with elegant ornaments; the handles can be made of silver and even gold. Supplied with a scabbard of stunning finishing work. A Gurkha warrior receives such a knife as a gift when he retires.