My grandmother used to to say that in the old times the khukuri was equivalent to possessing a jewelry. Youths in mountains took only a khukuri and travelled through the dense and wild forests to seek a future wherever it led them. That's how life were before roads were built. My late grandfather did the same and later joined the Indian army. I am from Nepal! Jai Nepal🇳🇵

Just to let u guys know, Khukuri is one of those weapons not designed for weapons and actually primarily as a tool. Its an axe, branch cleaver and meat slicer three in one tool used by gurkhas traditionally in Nepal. If u trace down the history there were no axe, meatcleaver or machettes used there. The only other cutting tool was a Sickle for cutting grass. Gurkhas were all farmers with no ruling class until even early 20th century. So they had no armies and no such weapons. It was not until the invading colonies with their force that they started using Khukuris as weapon because its all they had. And boy, it really proved its worth. so next time u buy one of it, u take it to the backyard and use it as a farming tool. Ull get more satisfaction.....

I have to say this video highlights why I love the sword community above all others. You can talk about blood, guts, horrors or war etc but it's always referred to in a sense of "we're all adults here", history is violent and we are learning something interesting that many people shy away from due to its violent nature. I genuinely believe this communities ability to approach topics maturely is one of its hallmarks and really broadens the mind.

My great great grandfather brought one of these with him when he came to New Zealand from India. Compared to the kukri used by modern Gurkha troops it is a far larger weapon. Also, the stories about its use passed down through the family, suggest the thrusting attack was actually done under-handed, stabbing in and upwards. However, that was just from personal experience, I don't mean to suggest it was done exclusively that way.

I brought back 6 from Nepal a few years ago. No problem getting them home as they were packed in amongst some sharp pointy climbing gear. Got some Gurkha issue ones, ceremonial to be used for display, and general service ones and some general purpose jungle ones. Got mine from thr kukri house in Kathmandu. Very impressive to use, and makes short work of chopping up carcases for the dogs, including cow thigh bones.

Awesome video! I never really thought about the purpose of that band before. I have often wondered if there was a reason the band seems to have a sharper ridge near the butt of the handle and a more gentle slope on the other side. When you grip the handle, your hand can go back until it hits the flared end, but it doesn't go forward. That's a beautiful khukuri you have! Really nicely defined fullers and that graceful curve to the blade.

Exellent video! I really appreciate the information that you included.

Oh man, good stuff. Efficient and to the point! Thanks mate

My favourite part of these videos is having someone stab and hack at me over the internet.

In this video your delivery is good. 6 years later your delivery is perfect! Congratulations on improving so much and on your recent 300K

Great Video! That's a sweet kukri you have there.

Awesome, probably my favorite blade style (especially for a sword like the falcata or kopis); it looks interesting yet powerful

Man, you know a lot. Congrats, and thanks for sharing your knowledge

Great video! Thank you for sharing.

Thanks..I was looking for Khukri History and the reason they designed it like this..Only got on your Channel..Thanks Heaps 🙏🏽🙏🏽

The stab is done by throwing the point forward, nor by pushing. When the tip thrown forward while rotating the blade down it has massive penetration power. Imagine starting a chop while your fist is next to you side (blade held at shoulder height fist at heart level) while simultaneously pushing your fist forward in a motion similar to a jab, the tip needs to land just before your arm is straight. The technique also works for spearing bits of wood when chopping firewood.

Science Nerd alert (myself): Your comparison/analogy of stabbing techniques while using the Kukri in comparison to a kitchen knife is brilliant. I also appreciate the other Viewers description about the notches as well!

great vid. That ring is actually more useful in certain aspects than western style finger guards of bowie knives. It loks the grip both up and down, meaninig thrusting and slashing, while the western style guards at the index finger only serve during thrusting. Beautiful patina on that Kukri by the way

Very good revealing explanation ! Thanks!

Intriguing. Thank you.

When I was young, a friend of my fathers was a vet who had commanded a company of Montagnards in Viet Nam. He had a Kukri on display on his mantle that he said was a gift from his company. No idea how they are all connected. I do remember it having that band on the handle, it was very odd to hold for the first time. He was a wonderful guy, gave me my first lessons on how to fight with a knife lol. It was seriously spooky having this Green Beret with real experience wave a knife around me. His intensity just ratcheted up to a whole new level. I remember his first lesson: "go for the balls, no one expects you to go for the balls!" This was followed by, go for the eyes :)

I do have a modern khukuri made custom by a kami and the ring on the handle is a little larger than the other military reproduction models I have. The blade is 12"s long and somewhat pointer than most and would make an excellent thruster type khukuri. Thanks for the great reviews you do so well. 👍

Thanks for yet another great video Matt. I do have an issue with this point though. I own a relatively large (15") Kukri, brought back recently by a friend from campaign in Afghan. Great steel compared to my western store bought Bowies, real horn, peened tang, seems legitimate for comparison. Now I'd had the same thought as you regarding the band, an aid for thrusting seems logical. However on testing cautiously I can say there is no way I'd risk my hand on what, on my example, is a band raised by less than 3mm. I can feel it slightly resist my hand sliding up the handle onto the blade, but not enough to achieve a reliable thrust without seriously endangering my hand. Even the slightest natural oil or sweat on my palm overcomes the ridge and makes it a really risky movement, even when done gently against little resistanc, and totally out of the question when thrusting with any force. Do you think the band on my example is smaller than the norm or should we rethink this? Have you done any tests yourself? Thanks Matt, I'd love to know your opinion.

It's a blade stop. When sword or knife fighting with someone else, it stops your opponent's blade from sliding down cutting your fingers and disarming you.

very useful class about incredible blade - how beautifull work of blacksmithing congratulations

when I spoke to an ex army Ghurka about using the knife he recommended the sirupate,and said that the first jab would be to the midsection,as this would cause the enemy to double over,the second cut to the back of the neck.Very similar to karate and kobudo strategy.

The missing band may have another reason, other than tourist trap... The Nepalese use the Kukri blade for pretty much everything, a cook knife, skinning, removing annoying plant life etc. I would not be surprised if the hilt band was a feature of Kukris specifically made for war.... I think it is important with the Kukri to remember it is a blade used for a huge number of purposes, and is the Nepalese version of the Parang/Machete as well as their general purpose knife. I have seen bespoke custom made Kukris without that hilt band.... but before now I had never really considered why it was there. Now it appears obvious, those with the band (that are not Indian knockoffs), are fighting blades. Those without, are not.

Don't recall if I have mentioned this before in this post (I didn't see it in the comments below, but I didn't go through all of them). I had a brief time with some people who truly knew how to use the Kukri - one of the techniques was a thrust to the belly (blade to the right for a right hand hold). Once in the target, rotate the blade to point to the ground (90 degree rotation), then put your body weight on the blade to cut downward for the removal, producing a rather large exit wound (there is footwork that goes with this as well - you don't just stand there without moving your feet).

great post :)

Thank you for the information! I have an old Khukri that could be twins with yours, and I tried the center wring gripping. (Mine is not quite as pronounced as yours, but it worked) The spine on mine is almost a half inch thick!

"I try not to be too bloodthirsty in the descriptions..." I had to chuckle. Among other things, I teach kenjutsu. Usually during the summer my Juniors (6yo - 12 or so) get one night a week of dedicated kenjutsu training as a reward for training all summer. I have found it's virtually impossible to explain exactly the whats and whys and hows and history without getting very ... ah ... "descriptive." I realized one day I'd just explained why a strike straight down to the forehead is a good way to stop an enemy, and why a diagonal cut all the way across the torso was effective -- to 6, 7, 8, and 9 year olds! I was a bit upset with myself but their parents were there and nodding their heads and seemed to be enjoying hearing all this too. Anyway, late comment on an old video but I was looking for Kukri material and you, as always, provided a lot of great material. I was just remembering the fancy kukri my father gave me when I was 13 or so which started a life-long fascination with them. Thanks!

Bro nice information 👌

I have contemplated this while playing with my British military-style full-tang Kukri. Glad to see I'm not the only one.

Does that semi-circular indentation at the base of the blade serve any particular purpose?

Flared pommels seem to be pretty standard on antique kukris. Any implications for use? It would seem to indicate that the hand slipping back was more of a danger than slipping forward. Or perhaps it is there to enforce a hammer-grip?

I just 20 mins or so ago bought myself a kukri you surely wouldn't approve (of as a 35th birthday present to myself [ my life sucks these days so I had to go for the budget as opposed to gourmet version] -- wanted on for a while, did the best I could) but I wanted to say - you are extremely good at this.... Very very knowledgeable about your subject(s) and good at teaching/conveying your knowledge. I don't want to sound like a bitch but believe in giving credit where credit is due and you're clearly someone who knows his stuff and can talk the talk alongside walking the walk - thanks for the videos and your time sir.

very pointy. and rigid, very strong. close-up mayhem. are they good for throwing like a tomahawk? do you carry two?

Thanks for the information.

Outstanding!

Very instructive thx

My Kukri from India bought 25yrs. ago still going strong after years of use.

Very helpful,just inherited one.

Could the notch at the base of blade be for attaching something like a band or chain to help keep the Kukri attatch to you?

What would be your recommendation on more modern kukris, like some of the ones made by Smith and Wesson with a rubber handle? Most of the things I buy come from local gun shows, and I haven't seen any antique kukris, only more modern versions.

Well you just blew apart any thoughts about the one I have. It belonged to my grandfather. It has a Lion like you described.

Excellent description

Very6 good info

I recently purchased one of these off an old timer who's father was in ww2 and was stationed in Philippines And this khukri has aluminum handle dose that mean anything

Fascinating! I have been wondering about the design and how these warriors used these.

I'd guess that it probably also helps that the handle is offset in the thrust like a pistol grip so that the hand is pushing against the grip at an angle rather than along it as with most swords or daggers, creating more resistance to prevent it sliding forward.

Are there any manuals or training materials from the Gurkha regiments themselves or their troops - either historically or currently?

Very lovely looking tool and weapon

I have a new version Khukuri, and that is its a full tang, it's heavy but also a Tank, but I had a smaller version made the style I selected is the M-43 a beautiful style.

What’s the steel used in these old khukris? Currently the better ones are 5061 carbon spring steel mostly (hopefully).

Just found your channel so I'm playing catch up... lol I have a kukri it's missing the two smaller blades but I cant seem to find any info on mine... it's got 5381 on the tang. It also has several brass emblems on the scabbard which I cant find the exact ones. One in particular is a woman surrounded by flowers and it appears she had flowing wings i have searched the internet and even tried picture search and still nothing. It appears very old definately hand made and chiseled. Any info would be helpful.... thank you for your time..

the thrust into the belly probably a downward thrust, R-elbow rather high, edge to you right; you get more penetration that way, a longer pathway to use; then twist as far as possible as withdrawing; may get around 270dgrees rotation/3/4 of a full circle; as blade exits, can rotate into a nice circular slash, if close enough to opp; skinny kukries no doubt used to stab&twist in ribcage, many ribcage targets; also stab&twist great for grappling when battle-line breaks down

Around 2:35 I was like he seems to know his stuff, I'll subscribe. Then I found out I already was.

I love this weapon! I bought one that was sent to me straight from Nepal. Bronn from Game of Thrones made fall in love with this weapon. Although it's short in length I think it's thick back side is excellent for quick blocking.

On people forgetting history: research how the British Empire forgot the cure to Scurvy.

Nice video

The kukri and karambit are my favorite knives

I like the shape and design of the one you have. I've never found one that wasn't made in Pakistan or Condor, or Cold Steel. I'd use it for pruning my tree and bushes, and gardening. I like the history of it and I'd use it as a tool. I've seen a few modern ones but they are polished to a mirror finish and they're so thick I don't think they would cut anything.

You also have the curve of the weapon preventing you from running up the blade. If you watch how you thrust with it, you can see most if your resistance is going to push against the hilt as opposed to along it.

Btw. you can stab "from above" (having the edge vertically) - the kukri design is excellent for that due to its blade curving. The technique is little odd perhaps from perspective of straight (HEMA) weapons, but it works fine and it is employed in FMA (Filipino knifes, swords and machetes are often crafted in similar way, many times with curving just above the hilt): You cut from above (usually diagonal) and then you make a forward thrust, slightly chopping with your wrist stabbing into your opponents chest. Because of the blade curving your hand ends up in an angle towards the angle of the stab so your hand doesn't slide on the edge and you have plenty of thrusting power since you can push yourself into the stab. (This may sounds complicated but if you try, the movement itself is fairly simple - it allows you to go with diagonal cut and change it into stab when you get an opening - or to go for stab and change it into more defensive diagonal motion easily).

How much does and antique (old) kukri costs? And can I find one on the internet (amazon, ebay, for example)?

Thank you, now I know vulcan salute were does come.

Hi!!! If you can get a Chilean Corvo knife and make a video about it, it would be GREAT!!! Nice video about the Kukri it's a wonderful design.

Hi, thank you so much for this video. Are their sources for your theory about the handle band, or is it what you've found from handling the weapon yourself? I am not trying to discount your theory if it's the the latter- I'm just doing research and would like to know

What is the moon shaped or hoof shaped portion on the blade between the handle and blade for? Ah never mind I saw what the replies about it later in the thread.

Scholagladiatoria - would you be able to tell me how much an executioners kukri knife would be worth? It is quite large, maybe approx. 3 foot and apparently came back from WW2 but not sure exactly how old it is. It is in a good condition and comes with 2 small knives in the case. I appreciate your time.

I like the rustic finish on that blade. Question, Matt sir. When browsing for a kukri blade, should I be willing to spend about the same amount as I would on a really nice dagger, or are they closer to axes in terms of pricing, in that you can get a fairly decent and functional blade between 100-200 dollars?

so just wondering does anyone know of good training books on using the kukri in a fight

I love my kukri, taken from the dead soldier who carried it. Priceless.

Thank you!

What are the 2 mini little knives that also go with the sheath?

They look like a practical strong knife. They remind me of the bill hook used here in Britain. I’m a butcher by trade and could imagine the thicker part of the blade would work as cleaver. I think I have seen the thinner part closer to the handle being used to chop vegetables. I think it’s probably protected when using the thicker end on more heavy work.

very interesting..

great!!!

how big is your knife and where did you get it, im looking to buy one.

Matt, sorry to be a bit gory with this question. Thrust in and rip out techniques, often include a twist. That is, thrust in, twist, rip out. Is there any evidence of the khukri being used in this way, or not? With such a broad blade, it would need to be a rather forceful twist.

very good commentary.

Very good!

The ring serves a very real purpose- a bit of "bat-tape" around the blade-side of the ring helps too, if thrusting is your goal... a Top-edge sharpened an inch or two assists in that as well. Some fighting kuks are designed to deliver a vicious thrust..

I wonder. Whats the difference between blades that are curved forwards and blades curved backwards? Im thinking about the indian tulwar that are curved backwards to be more forgiving(As mentioned in a previous video of yours) Compared to the kukri, is it harder to master a kukri due to its forward-bend? Thanks :)

Got to agree that you are dead on. We often miss or fail to properly appreciate important features of older blades. I had sort of gotten the band as a slip preventer. I would have still liked a modest half guard. The notch most likely would stop your hand with an ouch due to the projection at the bottom. The large broken backed saex has something of the same problem. To me they look like the blade was ideal for stabbing through mail but no guard. Of course if the grip was a large antler base, as seems to have been the norm, it might had had enough roughness to prevent slipping and slicing your hand but still...

mine is only marked on the back of the blade with a number,,,,(2688) its an old1 but would like more info can you tell me about markings?

4:20 That is weird, what kitchen knives are you talking about? All of mine has either a very low blade that blocks that or a 'guard' part of the handle that blocks any slipping

Now that I think about it, a lot of Viking Swords have a similar placed band made with rope under the handle leather, I wonder if it was originally for a similar purpose.

good vid

would this knife be any good for bushcraft?

Hi, really liked your video. I have a Kukri, which I am told is WWII from a Gurkha officer serving in Burma. Would like to PM you some images to see what you think. It only has one of two small knives and I am wondering what the stubby pointed sheath is for? Thanks Alex.

I just got an antique replica. It's fantastic.

u got a really beautiful khukhuri

Interesting.

Great video. Where can I get one like the one you are showing?

I picked up a weird knife/ short sword at a flea market. It is like a mix between a kukri and a Bowie knife . Was wondering if you could enlighten me on what to call such a thing and if any historical examples of such exist?

Well, remember modern fencing uses a pistol/natural/ergonomic grip. It actually does make some sense to have it angled like so for thrusting.

Would love to see some test cutting with kukri. Also what are your thoughts on similar weapons such as the falcata.

what are the two notches in the blade for?

Nice topic. I got a kukri of my own, but I guess its a cheap one... But could you elaborate on design features, that have been discarded, which were formerly serving a purpose?