Kukris are traditional knives of the Nepalese people. Kukri knife: universal hard worker Kukri dagger

The blade in the shape of a falcon's wing and the unusual shape of the handle instantly attract the attention of not only specialists, but also ordinary fans of bladed 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 enormous symbolic meaning, which is why 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. In addition, in a 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 sheath, 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 easy 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 reciprocating movements 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 of irregular shape: with a more obtuse angle in the spine 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 in Nepal and in India many different ones are made (in terms of size and nuances). appearance) models. 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 weighty 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.

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 what is familiar to 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 intended 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 is equipped with two small knives - sharp (karda) and specially dull (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.

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, except 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 are 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 ancient Egypt, as well as the ancient Greek kopis. Their configurations were repeatedly modified and repeated in a number of very diverse states ancient world, which were located in the Mediterranean, 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 Not large number 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 blades 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. The classic version is 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 be found from time to time. Recently, market relations have dictated 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 sheath of 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 an ancient history at their disposal. They were specifically designed to deliver powerful slashing blows. The geometry of the cutting edges was deliberately adapted for this particular application, and the center of weight shifted closer to the middle also contributes to this. 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 bladed weapon of the Nepalese population - and, above all, the Gurkha tribe - is called Kukri (khukuri, khukuri). Kukri is commonly called differently: a cleaver, a machete, a knife, and even a short sword.

Main characteristics of a kukri knife

The traditional kukri blade is made exclusively from high-carbon steel, which in most cases is also zone hardened. The blade has a crescent shape, with a sharpening running along its inner side, and its lower part expands in such a way that the center of gravity is closer to the tip. This unusual shape makes it possible to apply minimal effort in the process of delivering chopping blows.

At the base of the blade of the Nepalese classic kukri there is a special figured cutout called “cho”, and along the butt, along both its sides, there are “dales” or “lobes”. These elements are necessary to improve the rigidity and shock absorption of the blade. Historians also note them symbolic meaning, since “shares” were attributes of the gods Kali and Shiva.

Hidden meaning

All elements of the kukri knife, in addition to their undoubted practical significance, also have deep symbolic and religious connotations. The triangular shape of the blade in cross-section symbolizes the unity of the three gods - Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. The rings, which are traditionally placed on the handle of a knife, guarantee good “grip” even with a wet palm, and the patterns themselves were originally supposed to be reminiscent of the levels of the universe.

The variable angle blade not only ensures maximum cutting and slashing performance, but also symbolizes the Moon and Sun, which are traditional symbols of Nepal.

The "cho", or notch on the handle, can have different shapes. It means the “trident of Shiva,” which is a symbol of strength and the main attribute of this deity. An alternative form of "cho" is called "cow mark", which in turn is a symbol of the goddess Kali (in Hinduism, the cow is recognized as a sacred animal).

The place of kukri in the world of edged weapons

There are several versions of the origin of the kukri, and the most popular of them recognizes the Khopesh sword, common in ancient Egypt, and kopis from ancient Greece. Their form was repeatedly modified and repeated in a number of different ancient states located in the Mediterranean, India and the Middle East.

One of the direct descendants of the copis is the Iberian falcata. Potel from Ethiopia, as well as scimitars from various territories, are very similar to it. The status of national weapons has been preserved to this day by the kukri and the Moroccan fleece, which is a straightened and elongated weapon created on the basis of the kopis. At its core, kukri is a smaller version of the ancient kopis. In museums in Nepal you can find kukris created in the 15th century. More ancient specimens, most likely, simply have not survived.

Traditional look

The Nepalese Gurkha tribe believes that this unusual knife is partly “alive” and does not like certain influences. For example, if you rotate your hand with a knife, it can break out of the grip and fly to the side. The kukri is also not very convenient for stabbing. It is quite difficult for them to parry blows and fencing, since the knife was intended for completely different purposes. Local boys were taught from childhood how to properly handle this unusual appearance edged weapons.

According to legend, a kukri, removed from its sheath, must taste the “taste of blood” before being placed back. Thanks to this rule, Gurkhas try to never take out this knife without having a really good reason for doing so. Before putting the kukri back into its sheath, the Gurkhas make a tiny cut on their finger to allow a little blood to come out.

Martial art, based on the subtleties and features of the use of kukri, is studied in the Gurkha tribe from a very young age. This science includes a set of special rituals, techniques for fighting and hunting. An extremely important philosophical implication of the training is also that if a warrior does not have sufficient grounds for a confrontation, it is better to avoid combat. However, if necessary, the Gurk, without hesitation, will deliver a lightning-fast, deadly knife blow.

Kukri modifications

The traditional blade of the Nepalese kukri knife has a sharpening with a variable angle, which is explained by the use of different parts of the cutting part of the blade for cutting, chopping, cutting and planing. On average, blade length Nepalese kukri ranges from 280 to 400 mm. The thickness of the butt of this blade can vary from 8 to 12 millimeters.

Nepal produces a huge number of types and models of kukri, which differ in geometry, weight and size. This diversity is explained by the difference in the purpose of each model. There are souvenir, ritual, combat and household kukri. The difference in blade shape and weight is also explained by the approaches of local traditional blacksmith schools.

It is interesting that kukri combat models continue to be used as edged standard weapons by the Nepalese police and military, as well as by mercenary units of the Gurkha people.

Materials, technology, nuances

The material used for the kukri blade is carbon steel. In the recent past, parts of railway equipment and decommissioned rails were used to create kukri. Nowadays, manufacturers are increasingly using powerful spring plates from buses and trucks as raw materials. Swedish and German springs are very popular; Japanese springs are used a little less often.

Kukri is produced using traditional technologies using hand forging. In some places, production still uses hammer labor or a hand hammer. In order to successfully combine excellent strength properties coupled with outstanding cutting characteristics in weapons, large-sized models are created using zone hardening. The body of the blade is hardened to HRC 35 - 48, the part that is closely adjacent to the cutting edge is hardened to HRC 56 - 58. The sharpening angle gradually changes along the entire length of the kukri. Near the handle itself they are minimal, while in the middle part of the “belly” the sharpening is maximum.

Among the blades of kukri knives, there are two types of “doles”: chirra and khol. Chirra runs along the cutting edge itself, along the entire blade. This type of lobe is less deep than the hall and wider (the width reaches 20 millimeters). Chirri is most often used on anghols. The classic version is considered to be the “triple fuller” (Tin Chirra), which extends onto the blade of the blade, although two or just one are allowed. Chirra is sometimes called the wide “descents” of a concave-shaped kukri blade, which form the cutting edge.

The hall is quite narrow (about 5 or less millimeters in width). This type of lobes is deeper. Usually a pair or one hall “walk” along the spine of the blade very close to the hilt, approaching close to the place where the spine of the kukri begins to bend. On older kukri models, cholas were made for additional balancing, increasing the rigidity of the blade and reducing its overall weight. Nowadays, the size of kukri produced has decreased and the hall is now only outlined by caulking.

The traditional style handle was made of bone or wood. Mounting of the handle, most often, was mounted, somewhat less often plate-type, when fastening was carried out using rivets. Craftsmen now choose brass, aluminum alloys, water buffalo horn or hard, expensive wood as materials for the handle. Rhinoceros horn or ivory were sometimes found on ancient kukris. Mass production market in recent years dictates its conditions and the most common material for the handle has become rubber-like plastic with a special anti-slip texture.

It is believed that the sheath of a Nepalese kukri should be made of wood and covered with leather, and the sheath usually also houses two other knives of the same type, with smaller dimensions. A genuine combat kukri has a set of two to six smaller knives of the same type. One of them was used for a variety of household work, while the second had increased hardness and a rough, deliberately rough surface, as it was intended for lighting a fire and straightening the blade of the main blade. The first one is called “karda”, and the second instrument is called “chakmak”. As a rule, army kukris do not have additional knives, since they appeared towards the end of the 20th century, when Gurkha soldiers decided to return to their historical and combat traditions.

Specific purpose of kukri

As you can see, weapons with an S-shaped crescent-shaped cutting edge and reverse curvature of the blade have an ancient history and are specially designed for delivering high-power slashing blows. The geometry of the cutting edge is specially adapted for precisely this use, which is facilitated by the center of mass shifted closer to the center. Interestingly, the thoughtful ergonomics of the kukri, proven over centuries, allows you to use this type knife with almost no special training.

In accordance with the law Russian Federation The kukri cannot be considered a melee weapon. The deflection of its butt towards the top exceeds 15 millimeters, and the angle of the blade tip is more than 70 degrees. According to current GOSTs, at least one of these signs gives the right to classify a knife as a household item, since it is difficult for them to stab.

Buying kukri

Dear buyer! On our website you can buy kukri hand made, made directly in Nepal, with handles made of hardwood, horn, brass, with scabbards covered with genuine leather, as well as factory kukris and machetes from Condor (USA), made in El Salvador, of a wide variety of models!

Attention! By purchasing a kukri of any model, you will receive a wonderful gift! Read about what products you can get as a gift when purchasing kukri on the “Promotion” page.

Hello! Finally got around to writing about khukri. I’ve been getting ready for quite a long time, and even planned this article to be one of the first to be posted on the site, but for various reasons, I’m writing only now. So what is it khukri? By the way, how to pronounce it correctly - khukri or kukri? In many modern sources, the second option is often found, but it is most likely not correct, because a person, when translating peculiar language terms, follows the path of simplification and, as a result, not entirely accurate interpretations of the same term or name appear, which subsequently leads to confusion and disputes. The word kukri actually has a slightly different meaning, and serves as the name for the emblem " kukri", meaning a sign of strength, ruthlessness and victory. It consists of two short curved swords crossed with each other.

Now let's look at the Khukri knife - a Nepalese traditional knife that became famous due to its use by the Gurkhas - Nepalese commandos serving in the British Army. - This is a chopping and cutting edged weapon, also used in everyday life. In its unique design and ceremonial and spiritual aspects, khukri is similar to Japanese katana . Besides this, khukri, like katana, was used in battles during the Second World War, and is also used to this day, being a military weapon in service that has not turned into a souvenir and award weapon, such as daggers, protazans or sabers.

In Nepal, there is a special legend about the origin of khukri. According to this legend, back in ancient Nepal, a man saw an unusual hawk in the sky. The wings of this hawk were crescent-shaped, widening towards the middle and tapering to a point. The man was very interested in this intricate shape and later on, he began to use this shape to create weapons with a blade in the shape of the wings of this hawk. Of course, this is just a legend, so now it’s time to turn to the historical facts of the origin of the Nepalese knife.

There are two main historical versions about the origin khukri. According to one version, this includes the troops of Alexander the Great, who invaded the Indian region in 334 - 327 BC. The warriors were armed short curved swords, called –

Another version says that the curved shape of the blade with a sharpening on the inside was brought to Greece from Africa in the sixth century BC, and from there it spread to the Middle East, the Balkans and beyond, influencing the development of a number of knives and swords with a characteristic forms.

In any case, khukri has reached our days from ancient times practically unchanged. On at the moment specimens dating back to the fifteenth century are known and are in museums, and earlier examples simply have not survived to this day.

As noted earlier, the most striking association when mentioning khukri is Nepalese warriors - Gurkhas. It was thanks to them that khukri became famous in Europe and America. It should be noted that these Nepalese warriors have never submitted to any invaders throughout history. Their fearlessness and even insane obedience to orders are legendary. Even when Her Majesty's British troops unleashed their full might on the Nepalese people during the East India Campaign, the Gurkhas survived, and the British themselves admitted that it was impossible to conquer them. After this, the Gurkhas were invited to enter the service of the kingdom, and from 1850, units of Nepalese Gurkhas officially entered the British army. The British government, in turn, paid Nepal for the use of their soldiers. For more than one hundred and fifty years they have been in the service of Great Britain, participating in all armed conflicts.

During the landing in Normandy, the Gurkhas showed themselves to be fearless and obedient warriors - they, following orders, unquestioningly jumped into the water, although many did not even know how to swim, rushed to attack fortified positions with a fearless spirit, a battle cry and, of course, khukri. During the Falkland Islands conflict in 1982, Argentine soldiers began to surrender themselves as soon as they learned that Gurkha units with Khukris had arrived.

Today, khukri is in service not only with the Nepalese army, but also with the police, once again, proving its reliability and ease of use.

Traditions that influenced the design of the khukri.

Today there are a wide variety of varieties of khukri. Moreover, today khukri has become so popular that many manufacturers, mainly from the USA and Germany, produce modern replicas of this legendary weapons. Among the varieties we can note:

• Ang-khola
• Chitlang
• Panaval
• Sirupati
• Ganjaola

The diversity of khukri is mainly due to the fact that Nepalese blacksmiths from various genera passed on their traditional forms and manufacturing secrets from generation to generation.

Thanks to the unique design, the khukri can chop, cut, and act as a hammer. Balancing the blade allows you to throw khukri over short distances. Let's look at the design of the classic traditional khukri shown in the figure.

Main elements:

Traditional khukri has not only variable sharpening angles, but also zone hardening. The blade is softer at the butt and gains hardness as it approaches the blade. Usually the hardness values ​​are as follows: on the butt - 48-57HRC, closer to the edge of the blade it reaches 60-62HRC. The features of traditional forging, passed down from generation to generation, make it possible to maintain the elasticity of the blade despite such hardness. The blade itself is forged by hand from high-quality spring steel.

IN modern production khukri is used spring steel 1095 And 5160 . The raw materials are springs from heavy trucks and buses, then from German cars, and then from the Japanese automobile industry.

Handles for khukri traditionally made from rosewood or water buffalo horn. The handles can be decorated with carvings, various symbols or images of deities. All this gives the khukri more more power from a magical point of view.

In addition to the main blade, the scabbard, usually made of leather and trimmed with metal or brass, also contains two small auxiliary tools. They are called card– an employee for minor work, and hackma or Chakmak- it's just a piece of steel that serves as musata, for straightening the cutting edge, piles or armchair .

What is myth and what is reality?

Now let's look at the main questions that arise when getting to know khukri.

Myth No. 1.

- This is only a weapon and is never used in household work. In reality, everything is a little different. This applies only to blessed khukris. Without this there are no restrictions on use. In Nepal, khukri is often used by butchers to cut up carcasses. Khukri is also used as machete to combat weeds. There is even a special type of khukri - ganjaola, which means hemp cutter, which is the main weed of Nepal.

Myth No. 2.

A Gurkha warrior can cut off a buffalo's head with one blow with his khukri. In reality, during a traditional ceremony in honor of the goddess Durga - one of the incarnations of the goddess Kali, a ritual sacrifice takes place in which the most experienced fighter in handling khukri must chop off the head of a buffalo with one blow. If the blow is successful, then the whole year will be successful for the entire squad. It should be noted that a special ritual khukri is used for sacrifice, significantly larger size and weights than those in service with the Gurkhas.

Myth No. 3.

If a warrior takes the khukri out of its sheath, he must sprinkle it with blood, if not of the enemy, then at least with his own. Reality. This is indeed true, but with one amendment - only if the Gurkha and his khukri went through the Death Ceremony held on the eve of the battle. If the khukri has not been blessed in accordance with the ritual, then it can be used as a household tool, cleaned, sharpened, etc. without sprinkling blood.

Myth No. 4.

Real khukri can only be bought in Nepal. Reality. Currently, many companies are trying to fully or partially reproduce the khukri design in their models of survival knives. However, not a single Western company, with some exceptions, has moved beyond reproducing the shape of the blade. Traditionally produced khukris are currently exported from Nepal by two major firms. Gurkha House And Himalayan Imports. The products of these companies are mainly available in the USA and, to a lesser extent, in Western Europe. In Nepal, the market is flooded with cheap crafts designed for tourists and suitable only for decorating interiors.

Well, our introductory article has come to an end. A lot of interesting information has been prepared for you on this topic, which will soon be published on the website. In the meantime, subscribe to the news and join my group