Kukri Field Guide 1.wmv

[@petrus4]

I've seen lots of posers and children on KZbin, kids. This man is the real deal. No pretention, no bullshit; just personal stories and solid advice. Massive respect, my friend.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

thank you sir..safe journeys to you

[@marcdewilde518]

I fully agree sir. I just recently discovered his videos (but I watched hundreds of others) and this man carries so much knowledge and experience while remaining down to earth and modest. To me he is a modern Kephart. He reallly should be writing books. ATB from Flanders (Belgium)

[@gregknight293]

Totally fascinating subject and knife , Blackie. Thank you .

[@pigbear0606]

This truly is the best, most informative and articulated video on Kukuri blades I have watched to date. subscribed now and I am currently watching the second video now

[@choirboyzcutleryoutdoors]

You have a Masters Degree in common sense my friend! Love this series watching it again!

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@paulie4x1]

Thanx Blackie, that's why I had the smaller Khukuri made, and I agree about the larger Khukuri, that it will get the job done faster, you do know your stuff, Happy Holiday's.

[@TheOverlord2010]

One of the greatest blades ever, got mine from a Gurka I was serving with too many years ago to say, good video my friend.

[@TimRobson30]

i love using a kukri in the woods it is a great tool. i like how it can be used as many tools for many jobs it even makes a prety good draw knife. great video thanks

[@mcpocketsgarage2832]

Excellent video! Your system knowledge is without question. You answered all of my questions about this weapon/tool. It's the best I found on KZbin.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

+george A thank you..safe journeys

[@Matsemundo]

Most informative, useful and intelligent video on this tool so far. Thanks.

[@TerryC69]

Excellent overview. Thanks, Blackie!

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

Much appreciated!

[@rocktroll2002]

nice collection I carry my kukri every time I go into the woods. very versatile knife I love it

[@tims1415]

The kukri is a great tool to have in the woods.

[@gyande]

awesome video ... great depth of details of usage, design and features. Best Video so far. [pronounced (sea-roo-path-ay) ... thin and longer khukuri ]

[@markedeloy]

Extremely informative. Best kukri videos on youtube. Thank you

[@dadsausmchero]

I have loved kukris since I bought my first one when I was a 16 year old kid. Thank you for the informational film series please keep it up.

[@docwilkey]

Great video! I am a fan of the kukri design myself, I have a standard size kukri for every day use. But I now carry the Cold Steel Rajah 2 because its easier to carry every day getting in and out of a car and does not attract attention hanging on a belt.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

@lobo..as i understand it the way they harden the edge in nepal is the knife blade is heated to a certain point..then cold water is poured from a kettle along the edge..this makes a very hard and thus relatively brittle edge..so a notch out in the hard edge will prevent cracking.. thanks for the comments guys...safe journeys

[@paulie4x1]

Thanx Blackie, You gave me the idea, I bought a M-43 British Military Issue Khukuri I think going back to W.W. 1. Anyhow how it's a big piece of steel, Oh its a Beast alright but it gets pretty heavy to carry on person, so I always attached it to my backpack, But when I first seen your smaller Kukuri, that gave me the idea, I had a smaller M-43 made and now I can on person carry it very comfortably but yet it's a great chopper too. We're going out soon again and this is why I'm surfing the Tube. I'm thinking of taking my large Khukuri with a Full Tang and Black Buffalo Horn Handle, I'm also taking a Belt Knife my BK or Magnum Series Vox Collection 2011 Knife a 6"+ Blade made out of 440c. I grew up on that Stainless and at one time it was top of the line before the new super steel's came out. Properly Tempered it holds a decent edge and sort of easy to sharpen. I also got lucky because the knife I'm also taking is my Vintage Myerchin Pocket Knife with the Marlin Spike to untangle knots, but not only does the Myerchin match but is also a good quality 440c stainless and even the blade shape matches it's a modified Warrencliff for the delicate tasks and it's a good carver also. The Myerchin is a Mariner Knife but it's robust and very sharp and it also works wood good. So I didn't have to buy any cutting tool's for the trip and yet it's a great matching set. We will bring an axe and a saw and plenty of food and we're planing to make a shelter for future trios. Thanx for sharing your knowlege.

[@mobilegamersunite]

I love my Kukri blades 😅

[@amir7060]

I was actually doing some study between kukri vs duku chandong. Both are awesome and gets the job done. The technical review from you is detailed sir.i've subscribed to your channel .

[@paulie4x1]

Say Heah Blackie, I took that challenge you took from the year of the Kukuri, with my Machaxe BK-4,0although I brought it on myself. I understand the concept, Here is what I'm finding out. As a chopper my BK-9 out chops it, as a machete, I like my Parangatang better because it's longer, But after all it is called a Machaxe. Just because it doesn't look like a conventional large knife, It still has those two attributes it can still be used as a small clearing tool to clear your way through the heavy stuff and it can chop, So as a large knife, I did what I normally would do with a large knife. This is a isolated experience, Last 4th of July we went out, I brought a smaller knife with my large knife, I could of used many other smaller knives, But I took my BK-2 since it is called the Companion. and the two complimented eachother just fine. I have both very sharp on my Work Sharp, so I actually coukd use my BK-2 to work wood pretty good for such a thick blade, But I also know it's a darn good survival knife on its own. I also had my Mora 510 around my neck and since I didn't have to process alot of firewood to stay warm it actually was a great large knife to bring along. But together, I was able to accomplish everything I had to. I'm also learning I don't always have to hold my knife by the handle, But I hold it in certain possitions to accomplish what I'm doing and that goes for every knife I'm using. I find because the BK-4 has that Kukuri Shape your talking about, I found using it as a large knife is where it shines. Another thing, The BK-4 and the BK-5 are discontinued, So this is a good time to get one since the prices have come down, I really believe both of them will be collectors. Nice to see you in this video again, Actually you got me interested in Khukuris and Kukuries.

[@mainali13]

Man im from Nepal im in US army now just wanna appreciate for your knowledge about my country national weapon

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

my pleasure sir..and thank you for your service..safe journeys

[@pulsenewschannel4024]

Great loves from India.Any time you are welcome in India

[@johnkobbi259]

Man you are right about the notch. I don’t know why people think they are for other purposes!!!!

[@chairmanwho]

Best series review and info out there on this I've seen.

[@meddice]

Hi Blackie. You once mentioned a Kukri that broke on you on it's 1st use. I just had a similar problem. My new Kukri has the rat tail going through the handle. On it's 1st use I was chopping into a pine branch and the small brass cap at the tip of the handle came off followed by the larger brass cap attached to the bone handle itself. I remember seeing a couple in this condition with the guys in the military. Common problem maybe. Will be sending back to the supplier in exchange for a full tang.

[@mikemaccalla]

Blackie excellent intro! I used an HI M43 Kukri as my primary blade over a several year survival living ordeal. It is an even better performer than the AngKhola's. The 12" AngKhola such as the small kuk you show is IMHO the most underrated survival knife out there. The M43 as the Chiruwas AngKhola is full tang so no chance of tang failure.

[@JCRichardson117]

@blackoracle69 the notch is to allow blood to run off the blade to stop it getting on the grip and it sliding off your hand whilst in battle, it also acts as a segregated edge at such, if your going to slaughter a cow for example it acts as a guide

[@azvedicgurukul]

Great video. I especially liked your explanation about the purpose of the notch and how it keeps the brittle hardened edge from reaching the handle. Loads of practical knowledge on this amazing knife. Well done.

[@theeasywayoutcampers6550]

His explanation is bunk. The cookery makers in Nepal in the one major store had lots of Americans and others questioning them about that cut out so they basically made up some bullshit. There's no way a cutout like that would add flexible strength to the molecular structure of the steel.

[@pennsyltuckyreb9800]

​@@theeasywayoutcampers6550 It does. That's why they also do them in certain steel construction. Various bladesmiths, not just from Nepal, but all over have talked about how such holes or notches in the steel make for a stiffer, yet more flexible blade that better absorbs the shocks, blows, and flexing. It's a real thing. I believe it.

[@MikeyELITE117]

Hey, great video. I just wanted to put my 2 cents in regarding the little notch near the handle of the kukri at the base of the blade. The gurkhas had the notch placed there so that the blood of the enemy wouldn't flow to the handle. If you look at the notch, it's designed so that the blood would drip off. Just a cool, fun fact.

[@paulie4x1]

I truly appreciate your Video's, in just a short time I learned so much, Thanx, but I would like to share this with you, I buy blades by steel type, my Khukuris are 5160 leaf spring steel, good stuff, I just bought a Golok by Bark River, in the A 1 steel, Blacked let me tell you, its a great chopper, the reason I got it is, I'm so impressed with my Bravo 1, I had to get the Golok, I wish you could try it. Jason at DLT Trading gave me great deals on both of them. Excellent steel that A 2 is.

[@kwqd54]

Thanks for the great videos on the kukri. Maybe this is mentioned somewhere in the videos or someone else has asked and I missed it, but what is the blade length of larger of the two kukris that you feature in these videos?

[@Psagm]

Great video thanks for the info, was not aware of the functionality of the cho notch as a shock absorber

[@paulie4x1]

Say Heah, I think the M-43 was the first British Military Issue Khukuris, That's why I bought my Copy because it's a Full Tang and it's a Beast. I have several Belt Knives I could team it with. As far as best looking combo would be my Biker 2011 Vox Collection 6" blade a real retro design and go together great. Boot IMHO got the Tempering down path on the 440c. and I have to agree, The knife holds a great edge and most of the time, all I have to do is give it a good stropping to get the edge back to real sharp. But I also like my INFIMandu which is a Ratmandu but in the INFI Steel. Another great combo and perhaps one of my Fav's. When I ordered the smaller M-43,0Yangdu and her husband Bill (R. I. P.) They surprised me and sent me a White Handle Presentation Khukuris but a very formidable chopper I'm it's own right. The problem was I only had a White Handle U. S. A. Schrade Scrimshaw Sharpfinger. So I looked for a better match. I finally got a Battle Horse Attitude modified a little. I had the Attitude Slightly Curved, and I asked them at Battle Horse to Curve Lower the Drop Point, like some of the High End Bushcraft Knives except mine came out 5 1/4" blade. Now I can push cut with my thumb with no problem what so ever and I think that's a great design for a Bush Craft Knife, I got it with a White G-10 Handle and Blue Liners, A outstanding combo that's simply TiT's, Beautiful. The Quality/Price Ratio is Outstanding. I can also squeeze the White Handle Sharpfinger if I want, It's scary sharp and a high carbon stainless that's great for food prep. Thanx Blackie, If it wasn't for me watching your channel, I don't know if I ever would of got one of my Fav's Combos. Thanx, Blackie and I Wish you a Safe Memorial Day.

[@tommygun2668]

Always educational videos Blackie, thanks!!

[@muddog1561]

I'm glad to see another Kukri fan out there. I love all of my Kukri's, all of mine are not imported from Nepal there either American made or made in Japan or China but there all good blades. None of them are the cheap stuff.

[@9Dragons8Diagrams]

?!!?!?!? Dude you just cracked my mind from overfilling.... thanks!!!!

[@paulie4x1]

I got my 1st and 2nd Khukuris from Himalayian Imports, my 1st Khukuri was the M43, blk buffalo horn slab's on a full tang, 28"+ and about a 1/2" thick 5160 deferentially tempered, love at first sight.

[@andrewsheldonreeves]

A kukri is the most awesome videos invented by the minds of man. In the future I hope they come out with a lightsaber version! :) I own the Gurka kukri (the real one) It's awesome. You don't need a saw. It works as a planer. it splits wood. It's the only knife you bring besides your skinning knife in your multie tool. The kukri is perfection.

[@DannoCrutch]

That Kukri Machete is a great yard tool. I reprofiled my Cold Steel, and it has been excellent cutter. Very resilient. I think I paid 11 bucks for mine, with the sheath.

[@douglasreed9237]

What's the blade length on the smaller jungle belt kukri? Thanks for the great review and info. 👍

[@paulie4x1]

Say Heah Blackie, WoW, I remember when you first came out with this video. In fact it was a inspiration for me to get into Lhukuris and Kukuri.I have (2)Lhuris, Both are the M-43 by H.I. In fact Uncle Bill (R.I.P.) made both for me, The larger one is with a Black Buffalo Horn and the smaller one he made in some White Bone, Both are beautiful and yet very functional, my smaller one (10" X 7m/m thick) is lite enough to carry easier because its lighter. But then C.S. came out with a Kukuri Plus in O1 (not a machete) and 5/16" thick I teamed up with my SM3 Master Hunter, A lovely piece of kit. I really like using this set, Your right, I just add a Saw to this combo and I can accomplish most everything I want to do considering its not freezing weather. Because you need a Axe to process alot of firewwod to stay warm, But you can get by until your rescued with this set in a survival situation. Oh, I also have a C.S. Rajah 1, its a Pocket Kukuri, its 6" blade Folder made out of a 6061 Aluminum single billet. (CNC). Yeah, Its a serious pocket knife. I also have a BK-31 on the way, Its also a Kukuri and not a Khukuri, but nor a machete although it's only a 3/16" thick, But the size, shape its a very formidable chopper. Boy, Blackie, this was a fast six years, Thanx You for all the valuable information I learned from you. Thanx You.,,.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

yea its about time i revisited the kukri field guide idea

[@paulie4x1]

You did good Blackie, Thanx You.,,.

[@mryellow123]

The blood drip garbage is just one of many mythical explanation from people who don't know what it is. Blackie's explanation here is the most accurate you will find.

[@Atkrdu]

One thing, and you may very well be right about what those little chips out of the blade do for the metal, I've heard that it's so blood doesn't run onto the handle & make the grip slippery. Maybe it's something that was designed for one thing, but it worked out for the functionality of it. Great videos (had a problem drawing them, myself- your video cleared up that question; thanks). Maybe you could do some videos of you doing various tasks & campwork with the kukri?

[@lutherhgrindstonemtn3456]

Great Video, Now onto number 2! Thanks!

[@thenrylee]

Very good. I don't know much about them other than what I've seen on the web and youtube. They may be the best looking knife out there and I say that being a fan of the Bowie style knife all my life. ( I'm from Texas.) Would like to see more about pricing in you next vid. I noticed Cold Steel had 2 nice ones in their catalog and there was a couple hundred dollars difference and they seemed very very similar in size. They may have had different type steel. I don't remember.

[@afrikan57]

You're an excellent teacher.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

@ foolishgibberish..the big angkola and a few others were given as gifts or traded off..the big ang went to a very large young man headed to afganistan...he returned from that tour with several stories of how it came in handy..thanks for the comments..safe journeys

[@paulie4x1]

Say Heah Blackie, Everytime I use one of my Khukuris or Kukuri, I think of you. Well this week I'm practicing with my O. K. C. Gen2 SP-53 what a excellent chopper, I teamed it with my Ranger T. F. I, Aces. ,, .

[@paulie4x1]

Say Heah Blackie, I come to you for advice, because I know you know your Khukuris, in your opinion what would you consider to be a good all around size for a Khukuri ? and what is your favorite size Khukuri ? and which Khukuri do you use the most when your in the out of door's ?

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

@Shardalon the size of that one is 12 inch overal..with a7 1/2/ inch blade..for me it is the perfect size to a be a kukri knife..that handles small chopping..but is still small enough for use in food prep and basic camp chores..i got it off ebay search for jungle kukri you might find it ...safe journeys

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

@ woods vz....one of the cold steel kukri machetes would be 25 bucks or so..very good one to start with..safe journeys

[@kyletango]

Just bought the Kabar kukri machete. Have not had the opportunity to try it out yet. What do you think about it?

[@kullcraven]

Well done man, i have the cold steel kukri machete and love mine as well. Tho i just got a schrade new design kukri, and was just getting some info on them. I wanted to see your take on them so thanks.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

@meddice..sorry to hear that..thats why i recomend a good full power testing of any new kit beofre taking it to the field..if its gonna fail better to do so at home than miles from no where ..good luck with you khukri...safe journeys

[@paulie4x1]

Blackie, One more request, would you consider a 10" or 15" OAL, 7.5m/m Khukuri to be a sufficient size for a all around size for a Khukuri ? Thanx in advance, Paul

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

@ kevin Daniel..from tip to hilt the blade measures 10 1/2 inches thanks for the comment..safe journeys

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

@ paulie4x1 ..no problem..thanks for the comment

[@exflow2000]

Hi, Love your videos. The Kurri is Something I've been looking for a while but I'm not sure if I wanted to have one. You convinced me with your Series to try one out in the field. can you tell me the blade size of the officers model and the one that you use for your every day chopper. Thanks for your time to make these videos.

[@kscarter1825]

I love Kuks...great vid. I think I'm going to grab one from HI as my next blade purchase....just don't tell my girlfriend. She'll say "Why do you need a big knife like that??" and I'll say "Go watch ol Blackie's kuk video and you'll understand".

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

@paulie4x1..of those choices i would take the 15 for the greater chopping ability..the shorter is a better belt carry ..but the larger gets the work done with less effort..safe journeys

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

@superbamseninja..yep its a wood handle mora..it is my go to knife for detail carving and camp food duties...if you check out my video on beginning bushcraft you will see my knife selection and my reasons for carring them.. thanks for the comment and safe journeys

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

hey..to be honest i do not remember the exact size and weight of that model but if you will look in my video i show a side by side of all of my khukris..ju comapre the cold steel one and i know its size is listed on the cold steel web site..weight was 2-3 pounds it was a one hand axe..thanks for the comments..safe journeys

[@docwilkey]

I to am a big fan of the Kukri design.

[@bushcraftkid100]

Very informative video, I just ordered a condor heavy duty kukri, I cant afford the Himalayan Imports ones, although I sure wish I could!

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

@cammie500 i beleve that is right..i got mine from a search on ebay for jungle kukri..thanks for the comment safe journeys

[@Shardalon]

Hi, I see you mentioning the size of one of those kukri's, but the comment you replied to is gone. What was the size of that smallest kukri knife you showed and handled in the video (not the still shot)?

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

@mrnola31..it has a overall from tip to pommel of 12 inches

[@eagleboy3912]

Do you find it necessary for the kukri to have a hand guard on it to prevent your hand from slipping onto the blade?

[@SpartanJohns]

cool facts. i learned a thing or two about kukris

[@guusdejong2523]

Next paycheck I'm going to get a 10" blade British Army Service kukri. Finally found a european retailer!! Probably not Himalayan Imports. But it is Nepalese, made from a truckspring and the provided pictures and the customer reviews are good. Worth the wager in my opinion.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

sounds good..good luck with it..safe journeys

[@cammie500]

what length of kukri do you carry when you are in the field

[@conch417]

hey blacky, i love the size of the kukri in the photo thats the 3rd from the right. do you remember the name of it?

[@mryellow123]

re: CS "Kukri shaped machete" exactly. re: axe "when you pick one of these up that's what you should be thinking" best safety advice for them! re: "cho", finally a proper explanation.

[@stealthyspider]

Fantastic vid.

[@lexi9956]

VERY helpful, thank you.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

Glad it was helpful!

[@fredgonz7904]

Good stuff Boss K man myself all you posted is good.let's see how many llearn 'hawks

[@robertunderwood1943]

How do you keep rattlesnakes out of your shelter ?

[@Druetty]

Excellent! Very informative,thanks.

[@6leafdom]

how long is the blade on that smaller kukri?

[@andrewsheldonreeves]

A kukri is the most awesome tools invented by the minds of man. In the future I hope they come out with a lightsaber version! :) I own the Gurka kukri (the real one) It's awesome. You don't need a saw. It works as a planer. it splits wood. It's the only knife you bring besides your skinning knife in your multie tool. The kukri is perfection.

[@Wildwestwrangler]

Crazy to think you did this series almost a decade ago!!!

[@monKEYfromUA]

Wow... I like a smallest one. Do you use "Jungle" or "mini jungle" kukri (10 or 8 inches)?

[@WessexBladesHandMadeKnives]

great info...thanks for sharing!

[@Vule34]

Great video!

[@smd482000]

I just bought a Hitdudu ,Kukri so your only one use one so I wanted see your vids on them!

[@conductive13]

I must put my kukri in a video.. (Well I have two, one is original) it is very old and is in original condition needing a polish. I would love to know more about it.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

@trevor6744,,it isa officers model..i got it from e-bay do a search for mini jungle knife..you should find it..safe journeys

[@JohnLamp-g5d]

Check antique butcher knives and cleavers of this shape. Ridges and different thickness works great for the durability of the spot where the "cho" or notch is placed. This is not a breaking point. Probably has some more simple and utility purpose, like holding a string tied on the spot for temporary hand guard or other reason, as well as for easier sharpening purposes like on many blades.

[@Dustypilgrim1]

Glad to see someone get the purpose of the cho/kaura/kardi/karda correct. The stuff about it being a blood drip-off device is nonsense. These notches exist on the majority of genuine kukhuris, and BMI military kukris. They are thus found on the majority of these blades, this majority exist as tools rather than weapons, and thus do not need any blood-clearance device. Similarly, even where the kukri is intended as a weapon the claim of a blood-drip off point is fallacious nonsense. Real CQB with any blade , and especially a full on kukri recurve style weapon would include en masses back-cuts where you club with the spine, reverse grip hammer smashes , and regular pummelling hammer-strikes with the pommel. This means , in real world use , blood and any and all body fluids and gloops , go everywhere . It gets all over the blade, handle , and hand. the neat assumption of blood politely running down the sharp edge is a mistake made in dancing classes in martial arts dojos. the cho (etc) is a shock absorber , pure and simple . It is formed in manners that reflect a variety of spiritual symbology, but it is , in practical terms exacftly the shock absorber the 'author' describes. One thing I would correct the 'author' on... a large kuri is not an axe... The axe is a badly designed kukri... :D BTW... Sirupate... was what you wee looking for for the longer thinner blade. named after a leaf form found in Nepal ... and I believe pronounced 'siroopatteee' .

[@whatilearnttoday5295]

DustyPilgrim1 "The axe is a badly designed kukri... :D" hehe true.

[@zenyatta3947]

Don't be mistaken, the axe is the older tool. An axe is an axe and it will absolutely out-chop any khukuri of the same quality. It still carves and cuts veggies at the end of the day. We all have our prefered tool, no need to shit on the other.

[@SDCromwell]

Informative. Authoritative. Useful. Subbed!

[@leebaylis9306]

Like your out look on the khukuri. However, if you like the ones you have I suggest you try the 3 Chirra ( the Beast), from khukuri house.

[@leastamongyou1111]

Good stuff

[@antigravity6]

The information is wrong about the notch near the handle. The w shaped notch is for the blood to drip down fast to the ground before reaching the handle. The shape of the Khukuri is designed to be effective in chopping heads and limbs in the battle. When Gorkhas chop off head, they hit the enemy in the neck so precisely that the narrow part (just above the w shaped notch) touches first so that it also slices through the enemy's neck.

[@souleater1994122]

The edge at the bottom of the kukhri is shaped like that so that the blood does not drip down to your hand and loosen the grip.

[@Jenjo21701]

What size is the smaller kukri you use ? blade length? great vid

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

+Jenjo21701 the smaller one is a jungle kukri ( or thats how it was listed on ebay..) size is blade 7 1/2 inches handle 4 1/2 over all 12 inch

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

i use the jungle size most..its the right size for me thanks for all the comments guys..../safe journeys

[@woodsvz9956]

Were/what kind of kukri can I get for cheap (50 bucks tops)

[@MrNOLA31]

what is the overall length of your "companion" sized knife? nice videos btw!!!

[@harvestblades]

One of the best kukri videos out there. Wondering if you have any experience with the ExGurhka Kuri House blades. I want a very traditional kukri around 11" blade with a stick tang, with the current Covid pandemic ordering from a few companies like HI, Tora could be six months wait. Hope your still around, and love to hear your current thoughts. Also I hope you are around as I am subbing.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

i have seen up close the kukri house / ex gurkha house / and a few others and i have notice a simula blade design and for lack of a better term blade decoration..i suspect they are all the same company and just seperate import / marketing companies..i may be wrong..

[@BrutalBeefCake]

I've heard that the notch was also used to drip blood off the blade when fighting so it wouldn't make the user's hand slippery. Also I've heard it's supposed to look like a cow's foot since cows are sacred in Hindu culture. Your explanation makes more sense then anything else i've heard though.

[@Wildwestwrangler]

Blood would be able to go down the sides and spine to the handle