Gurkha Kukri Knives - Design, Construction & Form

[@DJ-eg1zg]

I'm from UK. A retired Ghurka I know well (a friend in fact) told me the cho was where the hard temper of the differentially treated blade edge ends and that this creates a 'hinge' allowing flex in the area where the ricasso would be. In such a fashion it prevents the excessive strain on striking a solid object from cracking the blade. In addition it provides an area where the sharpening of the bladed edge ends. The shape he told me, is a 'cows foot' due to the animal being sacred to them as Hindus. However, he saw the specific use of the cowsfoot shape as being an afterthought. They decided upon adding the 'void' and the cows foot seemed an appropriate motif with which to create the shape. I will add that he was massively knowledgeable on kukris even for a Ghurka, had an extensive collection and had talked to countless 'Kamis' (Neapli blacksmiths) .

[@peterwebb8732]

The problem with this idea is that - as any engineer will tell you - creating a notch in this fashion concentrates the stress rather than distributing it evenly. Thus the notch is a weak point and will be the first place to fail if the blade is actually flexing to any degree .

[@Auros-ii8fr]

I'm neplease but most of the nepali who go to British army are not Hindu most follow animism, nature worship, Buddhism and kirati religion

[@billmelater6470]

I'm seconding what Peter said. The notch is actually more of a detriment than anything. There's simply no need for a "hinge" between the soft and hard metal. Simply put, reducing material does not make it stronger and when you localize that material reduction, you create a stress riser. Hard meal will snap in that area and soft meal will bend. Both would be mitigated by not removing material in a localized area in the first place. Personally, I see the kaudi as a choil that's too deep for it's own good. BUT I would welcome anyone who specializes in blade-making or metallurgy to confirm for refute this. All that being said however, this has not come up as a common issue with Khukuri so it's not really worth going into that deeply. A properly made khukuri should have no issues and if anything, an improperly made stick tang is far more of a risk than the notch.

[@bombfog1]

You definitely do not need music in your fine videos.

[@totallyfrozen]

I never noticed that Matt usually doesn’t use music. His knowledge base is so vast and his videos so informative that music isn’t necessary. In this case, he probably used the music to counterbalance (mask) the noise of his vest rubbing the mic.

[@Havvran]

Yes, I can confirm due to personal experience. A larger belly tends to make things heavier.

[@williamk6267]

Whats up with the massage music in the back ground, took me a while to realize it was coming from the video haha. Personally I don't think you need it, you make good interesting content without having to put that overtop .

[@samowar5203]

Hey Matt, I love your videos, but Im not a big fan of that new background music thing. It sounds too much like some kind of yoga class tracklist. Dont get me wrong, I love a good ambient (Jonn Serrie

[@Xmara01]

Hello, Matt Easton. I'm not a native speaker. And it's generally hard for me to understand spoken English. But i did understood your videos perfectly well, until addition of that background music. To me it was better without it. Sorry for intervention.

[@tl8211]

For me it doesn't get to the point I can't understand, but it's very distracting, and makes me lose track of the talk.

[@NightOwlModeler]

I agree... the last video was much worse. But I'd prefer his videos not to have any music.

[@midshipman8654]

i personally like it, its layed back and not overpowering to me. completely fine background noise. but to each their own.

[@RobG001]

Well said

[@superbuddyfranklin]

Yeah, supergay but not happy in any way.

[@derstoffausdemderjoghurtis]

A Recommendation: The Kailashblades forge in Nepal. They make great traditional khukuris, but also modern and custom work. Skallagrimm made a review on their "Mutiny" Blade and was immensely surprised. Now they are even getting into making spears. They deliver great quality for a really reasonably price.

[@tacklengrapple6891]

Agreed, I own three khukuri from them and their excellent! One of my favorite makers.

[@kailashblades]

Thanks guys! If all goes well you may see a blade from us on this channel in the not too distant future.

[@Tommiart]

Lovely discussion, but could do without the BG music- a bit distracting.

[@muninrob]

Love the blade shape on these - the mid to large ones make the most amazing brush knife / machete I've carried.

[@shakerson]

I think the cutout in the blade also has to do with the hardening. Khukuris are differentially tempered and the majority of the blade is soft and slightly malleable. The hardened area is very thin and, due to the heavy use nature of the khukuri, prone to cracking. Separating it at that point breaks the added tension that otherwise would be on the more brittle edge under stress and allows the rest of the blade to act as more of a shock absorber.

[@frankgonzalez3822]

On one of my personal khukuri remakes, I sanded down the ring that is against my palm. I kept the 3/4 of the ring that locks my fingers in. I found this more comfortable for me with my particular khukuri remake

[@ericjohnson8571]

I spent some time in Nepal amongst the People and received several military issue Kukri. Good video, very interesting. Nepalese people are small but fierce and have amazing strength and stamina. The knife has a spiritual connection with the man that carried it.

[@fratercontenduntocculta8161]

I recently purchased my first Kukri about a year ago from Nepal. Glad to know it's a good investment to pass down to the kids!

[@TheMudwatcher]

my favourite video of yours, I reckon. I really thought the sketch/diagram stuff enriched the message/lesson - what you were getting across. I have been watching your stuff for years, and have big interest in walking sticks of all times and places, which runs into interest in universal notions of weaponry and edged tools. So naturally find much of interest in your approach. I am a many generation citizen of Aotearoa, still usually called New Zealand, and so am moderately interested in non metal weaponry and enjoyed your comments on these topics.

[@CSGraves]

I see a lot of folk complaining about the music. Honestly I barely noticed it, and when I did, I didn't mind it. Mind you, I had the volume up just enough to hear Matt clearly.

[@nathanielwilcox4947]

Matt, how should you store swords? In the scabbard or sheath or what? What is the best way for proper maintenance?

[@nathanielwilcox4947]

Thanks for liking my comment!

[@scottmacgregor3444]

Generally you shouldn't store the weapon in the scabbard or sheath long-term. Wood and real leather absorb moisture out of the air and having that in contact with the steel of your sword is not good for corrosion prevention. Sheaths and scabbards are fine for short term storing and transportation, but generally you want to hang your sword freely (not in contact with other things). You can even make a surprisingly effective frog to hang your sword from by bending a wire coat hanger. If you are storing the weapon start by making sure there's no rust on it. If need be give it a quick polish. I use a scotchbrite scouring pad and some mineral oil for light rust and cleaning or paper towel and metal polish (Peek metal polish in my case) for more serious rust. In the worst case I have used oil and sandpaper, but that was on a cheap sword where I didn't care what the finish looked like. Once it's clean then apply a light, barely there, coating of oil (I use food grade mineral oil, but some of the people I know swear cheap Automatic Transmission Fluid works great and is inexpensive). You'll have to re-apply the oil occasionally, even if the sword is just hanging unused. How often is going to depend on the climate of where you are. Moist seaside air is going to require much more cleaning and oiling than a near-desert to prevent rust in high carbon steels. Stainless steel is lower maintenance from a corrosion standpoint, but it is stainLESS steel not stainIMMUNE, and still requires a bit of attention. For longer term storage I hear Renaissance Wax is the pro-play. Caring for the wood, leather, horn, or other organics of handles and scabbard/sheaths and belts is another subject, and I don't really feel qualified to give solid advice on that.

[@chadfalardeau3259]

Oil lightly and wrap tightly in plastic wrap or as the Brits call it cling film then store in a sealed container (to avoid injury) or hang on the wall to display

[@nathanielwilcox4947]

@@scottmacgregor3444 Thank you good sir, for your highly detailed and informative response!

[@nathanielwilcox4947]

@@chadfalardeau3259 Thanks for your response.

[@motaman8074]

Matt, please stop the music.

[@kalinmir]

why?

[@odconstant]

NO!

[@vorrnth8734]

@@kalinmir Because it distracts from the content and I personally find it annoying.

[@RobertInElgin]

I see from some comments I am not alone. Very interesting vid but could only watch 75% of it before the background music drove me mad 😱

[@jacksonhoerster3966]

I only noticed it because I practice certain types of throat singing and I was reminded of that

[@RobertInElgin]

@@jacksonhoerster3966 Sounds more like something special forces would use to desensitise a captive before interrogation :)

[@brokenblackbird]

The volume of the music in the background is now much better now and less distracting

[@NightOwlModeler]

I still found it too much. Much preferred old Matt with no music. Just his good clean English.

[@petermonzel5450]

Matt is in his happy place talking about and handling his kukris listening to planetarium music. Imagine the mountains of Nepal reflected in a kukri blade and relax.

[@yunggolem4687]

My theory on the choate has long been that it's for shock reduction. Much like thinning out an axe handle, it's to deliberately create more flex and reduce shock transmitted to the hand. I've never done any testing with khukuris on that theory, but i've done a fair bit of reshaping axe handles and it certainly makes a huge difference there. You can also see similar design principles in hammers with all metal contruction. The shaft between the head and the handle is typically quite thin.

[@shakerson]

I agree that it's to ceate more flex but I disagree on why. Khukuris are differentially tempered and I think it's to prevent cracks in the blade and allow the softer areas of the blade to absorb the impact. They definitely utilized the rat tail tang to minimise shock transfer to the hand tho.

[@SuperOtter13]

Interesting theories gentlemen. I would very much like to see a test video done on this concept.

[@jimmyrustler8983]

I was told it's simply symbolic, a cows hoof.

[@TheMrPeteChannel]

One practical thing about it is if your hand slides up ( say in a thurst ) the notch will catch a finger.

[@billmelater6470]

@@shakerson But how would that prevent cracking? If they aren't hardened that far back anyway, then I don't see how putting in a stress riser helps things.

[@izzywazzo8397]

Amazing video! I'm working on forging/bladesmithing a kukri design and this has been one of the best videos on their design/composition

[@matthewmarting3623]

Matt, you are the single best source I’ve ever found on blade design and use. I’ve been experimenting with blacksmithing for the past 15 years and always wanted to make some swords but they always turn out handling like a boat. I understand distal taper and some of your videos have specific measurements but there aren’t many sources that give thickness at 4-5 points along the blade. I really can’t think of a better person than you (save maybe Tom or Toby) to make a video on how to design a sword. If you were to design any sword for yourself with modern materials, what would it be like?

[@vyderka]

Please drop the music!

[@buckit099]

The best explanation I've heard is that it removes the hardened edge and allows the blade to flex at the cutout rather than break...a kind of metallurgy explanation.

[@dennislloyd494]

Your artwork reveals you may be ambidextrous, up to this point you appeared right-handed but the sure and gracefull execution of the diagram has me impressed.

[@kailashblades]

That's some very nice calming music in the background! Great to hear the Kopis connection being dismissed. Eurocentric and ahistoric nonsense. I've always felt that the older hanshee style blades with the longer handles needed less flare at the rear because the middle handle ring was a bit more significant and did the job of keeping the blade from sliding forward. A related thought is that when blades became shorter and the handles to match this handle ring was then relocated to between the fingers rather than sitting at the back of the palm. There it helps to lock the hand in as a subhilt but also potentially goes some way to explain why the shape is so unspecific, flares at the top and sides etc rather than just through the fingers- it's partly a continuation of traditional form, much like cho.

[@scholagladiatoria]

Great insights @Kailash Blades - thanks for sharing.

[@balaklava6420]

I have never heard the cho to be a reference to a women's genitalia, you learn something new every day with Matt.

[@rogueraven7603]

Hi Mat. Is it possible the Cho is a heat sink allowing the maker to harden the edge while maintaining the toughness at the handle?

[@ndoghouse6853]

They are glued with what they call Laha! They are very solid. I have a few Victorian age that Id chop with today confidence except ill leave them as is being historical relics. Full width tangs are fine and strong but if your are in the field and need too replace it it is much easier to burn in and carve a single piece of wood rather than trying to replace two slab or scales that are distally tapered and such with rivets. I have a few hundred Khukris myself and i find the evolution is fascinating. Seems like every valley in Nepal has their own version. Also the Nepalis used these as farming implements as well as trench weapons so nowadays you will find modern chopping versions more than fighting weapons because thats what they are doing nowadays. It doesnt change their basic function today. Nonetheless they are beautifully designed and biggest problem I have now with using a khukri is which one do i pick up for todays task! Ha. I love it! Thats not a bad habit to have! I have a replica Kora built by one of the best Kamis in Nepal and you talk about a bad ass weapon! Damn!!!

[@itsapittie]

Sometimes things start for a reason but the reason is eventually forgotten and the thing becomes tradition. That's what appears to happened with the Cho in the kukri blade. It's continued today simply because it's an iconic part of the knife and to many people it just wouldn't be a kukri without it.

[@scottmcmaster4927]

No need for the music. I suggest restricting any music added for stylish flare to a short intro or outro segment and keeping the information delivery portion free of musical distractions that may impede your audiences ability to focus on the content of what you are saying.

[@timothymclaughlin8791]

Excellent information on the Khukuri. Much of my research has brought me to a very similar assessment on the origins and design of these beautiful functional blades. Great job mate.👍🏼😁

[@dronillon2578]

I think it is obvious, that the experiment with background music did not go well and should not be repeated. Anyway, thanks for a great video, as always.

[@markuskristensen2433]

I feel the same the music is too loud and does not fit the video in my opinion

[@robinmarks4771]

I'll echo the sentiment that I find the ambient music super distracting and superfluous.

[@ShagShaggio]

Great video. I find Kukris really fascinating and its 100% thanks to your videos. Still not really a fan of the background music. I think it is completely unnecessary and doesn't add anything to the video and can in fact distract from it. What you have to say is interesting enough and you don't need to add extra noise in my opinion. Cheers

[@ComfortsSpecter]

He’s Vibing Beautiful Oration Great Man Good Work

[@alanlutz8373]

Very impressive collection. By far my favorite style of knife. Seems to me that they're making a comeback. Thanks for the video.

[@horuslux8441]

We need a meme with an innocent-looking Matt on a couch, with a line of Kukris standing behind the couch in their underwear.

[@ExplosiveFetus]

Poor Little British Boi

[@ClintThrust-e8r]

Bet Matt is loving the Superdry summer sale.

[@michaelshelton5488]

"Belly size varies, just like with humans. " 🤣

[@robgoodsight6216]

👍👍👍

[@mikefule]

A big belly is the sign of a powerful chopper.

[@highchamp1]

British Army Field Service Kukri (Falklands 1980s) personal wish list favorite. So many types...

[@gamingwhatwecan]

Hey Matt Easton I used to love your videos but ever since you added background music my ears have started bleeding, I experience recurring nightmares, I developed three mental illnesses, my wife left me and there are warrants for my arrest in six countries on false accusations of impersonation and fraud.

[@maximilianolimamoreira5002]

are you serious,or is this a bad joke?

[@rootstone9883]

@@maximilianolimamoreira5002 he's obviously lying. I can confirm that he is wanted in only five countries.

[@stevenjohnson2273]

Just play the videos backwards, things should improve.

[@slick_slicers]

More of this informative, historical content please. Enjoyed this very much!

[@donavantew8278]

I see that the haters are in the house 🏡, man they will going to do their job. You collection my friend is awesome and I know that you know what you’re talking about. I own a few kukris and I had known idea about the shape and how to tell military model. I just learned a book worth of information. How cool is that, and you get to see alot of blades that you may never get to see. I say job well done my friend well done 👍 indeed. Stay sharp my friend and keep them coming. Best video I have seen in a while. God bless

[@mrod7692]

I'm from the U.S. and I take a lot of heat from people because I like the Kukri design over the Bowie.

[@-Zevin-]

I always appreciate your videos covering Kukri. As it is because of your videos that i started collecting antique and modern Kukri myself, and now i have over a dozen. including 4 from the Nepalese arsenal. *I would love if you would do some weights and measurements of your current collection especially showing the spine thickness and distal taper.* I would also like to say there is some excellent modern kukris being produced today out of Nepal, with many mediocre overweight ones too. 90% of the time people recommend Tora and Himalayan imports, which have a good reputation that is mostly deserved if overpriced. However I would also like to shout out a much lesser known Nepali business, Gorkha Zone Khukuri House. While most people associate small "Kukri house" kukri as being overweight and overly thick crowbars (which is mostly a deserved reputation, companies like "ex gurkha khukuri house (EGKH)" come to mind. Gorkha Zone Khukuri House (GZKH) makes some historically accurate and beautiful modern reproductions, weighing in around 490-600 grams with excellent distal taper. Also worth mentioning that some of these Nepali businesses can and will do custom jobs too, and I have had them recreate antique examples that i have with good results. For unbeatable prices.

[@TheMystique26]

Apart from the curve of the spine, I also notice modern kukris lack the distal taper present in lots of antiques. As well as having narrower bellies with thicker blade geometry, and cho that are located further up the blade. I will note there has been a greater effort by modern makers in Nepal to make more traditionally styled blades. You should check out Tora Blades, Kailash Blades, and Heritage Knives. Lots of kukri houses also offer a few historical models. I won't knock modern kukri designs, but I personally find traditional designs to be much more attractive.

[@kailashblades]

Thanks for the shoutout! Agreed on the lack if distal taper for many modern blades. I really liked how matt dealt with the nuance of the belly and the profile of traditonal designs vs modern ones (some of my own included!). Two other things I'd suggest that are also missed are; Tip drop- The west sure does love a thrusting blade, be it a bowie or a shortsword and when many people are attempting a khukuri pattern they keep the tip drop very limited and end up missing the vibe quite remarkably. At best these can look like a kopis or at worst they can look like a recurve bolo/bowie hybrid. Relaxed recurve transition- Matt's sketch was fantastic and in the transition from the inner curve to the belly he included a large section which is almost straight as the two curves mesh together. You'll not find a single historical khukuri that rushes this transition point but a lot of modern repros and particularly western blades do. As an example within Cold steel's catalogue you have ttheir higher end gurkha khukuri vs their kukri machetes. cdn.myshoptet.com/usr/www.kentaurguns.com/user/shop/big/5418_cold-steel-kukri-machete-cs97kms.jpg?59ef9362 This blade features an extremely strained transition that almost looks like two C sections where one has been flipped and they've been joined. This is particularly emphasised by the lack of tip drop which forces a tight belly also. In comparison the high end gurkha option has a much lazier recurve transition, which coupled with the extra tip drop makes for a more traditional and in my eyes pleasing profile. I think this area of a khukuri is highly valued by the nepalese as it snags brush very well and chops deeply with great consistency against standing objects. In comparison many western khukuris like the previous machete mentioned prioritise the actual belly as the cutting edge as though it were an axe. No simple curves or straight lines- This is a tricky one and one I struggle with a lot. In matt's drawing the overall impression is fantastic and it is a very accurate historical profile. however when breaking down the profile into simple curves the blade lacks a lot of nuance that traditional blades have. This helps for demonstration purposes and in CNC productions it makes construction and programming much simpler. However historical blades have curves that are very nuanced and are often gradually straightening or tightening rather than being semicircular sections. Similarly there are no real straight lines occuring, even on very long sirupate that look straight upon inspection there's always some slight curve. These french curves give an idea of what I mean. www.thesprucecrafts.com/thmb/nIf-DovPnOofutid4A95uIpjPN4=/902x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/clothes-rulers-596f83aa0d327a0010fe5b51.jpg @scholagladiatoria what do you think? Is there anything else in the shaping of these beauties that makes them such a challenge for makers?

[@scholagladiatoria]

Hi @Kailash Blades - great to see you here, I've been admiring your work online. Thanks for the added detail and insights!

[@HanSolo__]

@@scholagladiatoria Although I'm a very big fan of the kukri knives I could not find a traditional one with a handle that would feel comfortable enough to work with it (big hands). Kinda sad, especially because I can't order one from an online store. My biggest issue with all today made kukris is the MASSIVE thickness. I mean 90% of knives have over 1cm thick spine. It gets narrow toward the front but overall builds up a very heavy tool. An ax. Now, this is the place I like modern kukris like the Cold Steel SK5 Gurkha Kukri or Ontario Kukri (OKC). Both perform amazingly and have the thickness and weight I like most. Matt, could you recommend a place to get longer (over 50cm), slim belly, and light kukri with a fairly long handle? I mean a traditional one like those you show. If it could be an older piece - the better. :) Cheers and thanks for a great video on the best knife in the world.

[@nickashton3049]

@@HanSolo__ Both Heritage Knives (which can be found at) www.kilatools.com & www.khotangkhukurihandicraft.com produce "hanshee" kukri's with longer handles, I'm fairly sure the handles measure about 5:5 inchs.

[@SuperOtter13]

Great video Matt. Thank you for the in-depth look at the kukri. I would be interested in watching a video about glued hilts for sure. Thank you again. Cheers!

[@gnomenorthofthewall]

Hi Matt, Thanks for all the great videos! I'am my self bit of a knife hobbyist and have pondered the notch little bit. I agree with you that is not for blood drain or anything like that. But could it's purpose be for "last resort" griping point before your hand slips to the edge? Kukri knives don't have a guard so there is nothing else to stop your hand if it slips. Lets say that in a fight the handle comes slippery from blood, rain, mud or a because of a glove, it is way easier to regain a good grip from the notch and stop hand slipping than from straight solid piece of metal.

[@nickgent3821]

Ive noticed that some contemporary Boti, the floor mounted vegetable knifes available in Bengali and Indian kitchen stores, rather than being billhook, serpent or cleaver shaped resemble an upturned kukri. Perhaps this implies a non Nepali origin and maybe more of a utilitarian function later developing into a weapon?

[@vyr01]

Like those two on the bottom left , sort of greenish handle and the black handle with smaller brass pins

[@rockincon]

I have to echo some of these comments. Couldn't get through the vid because of the music and I normally watch all your vids through. Found it hard to concentrate on what you were saying and found myself zoning out

[@hairutheninja]

Great video Ive been a big fan of kukris for a long time they are my favourite large knife design and this was a fun video in which i learned some stuff i didn't know about them Im still yet to actually own an authentic nepalese kukri but im sure ill get around to it one of these days i just cant make up my mind on one type and then i want to get them all

[@Bast45M8e]

Ah yes, so Indian meditation sect still keeps him imprisoned, now they forced him to talk about their Kukris. Looking at number of blades, even powerful Matt Easton had no chances against such numerous opponents. I'm with you Matt, but I'm too afraid to help, sorry.

[@rovingcossack8889]

It's the vegetarian diet they feed him... Every time he tries to fight or break free, he passes out from the farts he expels. Well, at least they're letting him continue to share his knowledge through these videos!

[@johnshupp1946]

Please Please get rid of the music !!!

[@interdictr3657]

I found the last ones music too distracting, but this one was much better

[@emarsk77]

@@interdictr3657 I find it still utterly unnecessary at best and occasionally distracting.

[@aldahirlopez3757]

excellent video, I think that the kukuri is my favorite type of knife, and having a video of this quality is great

[@simoneriksson8329]

Those earlier, slender kukris in the middle of the table are beautiful :)

[@rjhayward1]

What do you think of Tora Blades? They make WWII replicas.

[@davekingrey1009]

I feel like the kukri and kopis could have easily evolved separately just on the basic concept of trying to combine the nimbleness of a sword with the choppiness of an axe. It's a design that would have eventually come into existence one way or another.

[@dannyleung9448]

most informative video I've ever seen, thanks

[@M.M.83-U]

Wonderfull video. I will love to see you compare some traditional ones to the most modern, like the Extrema Ratio.

[@rolandpl1958]

Can you give me advise where to buy a modern military (full tang) kukri?

[@jimmyrustler8983]

I have two Khukuris made by KHHI, and they're both absolute beasts. The build quality and toughness/heat treat is fantastic, and done the traditional Nepalese way. I opted for full tang "Panawal" style though, as I feel the beefier tang is safer, and gives you a better grip, as Khukuri handles tend to be made for smaller hands. Also, it's said that the Cho is meant to symbolize a cows hoof, which are revered in and around Nepal. 🤙

[@mat7883]

I believe these knives were foremost farming tools, hence the shape of the blade. There second use through necessity was perhaps a weapon. Look back in history and you will see all types of farming tools used on the battle field.The reason for all the different designs is the vast amount of different manufacturer that made them, non are wrong just different processing. Good video by the way!

[@custardthepipecat6584]

Hello Matt but didn't Alexander the great attack India and they had kopis so wouldn't it migrate north the blade concept? just a thought. : ) Avatar image

[@kailashblades]

If it had then potentially there'd be some historical exampled of the blade being there, transition to the khukuri form etc but there's no real proof of that and a time gap of over a thousand years. There's a lot of recurved turkish or persian baldes like the yataghan which are a more likely and influence or even the lowly sickly which independently developed in many places, giving rise to other blades like the karambit also

[@custardthepipecat6584]

Kailash Blades 👍! I 💕your blades are choice I found out about them from the slingshot channel. 😺

[@kailashblades]

@@custardthepipecat6584 Thanks so much! Yeah I think we may have spoken on youtube before if only briefly. Joerg is a great guy

[@firstlast1278]

The theory behind the notch that makes the most sense I've heard of is that it's to stop the flow of blood getting to the handle thus protecting the user from mishaps in what might otherwise be a messy/slippery situation.

[@j.j._]

Great video answered alot of questions i had.

[@wismods]

great informative video. Thank you. It would be good to hear you also describe the intended purpose and use of Kukri knives for Nepalese or Indian culture. I also have my take on the subject of Kukris, but more from a practical stand point. Cheers!

[@Matt_The_Hugenot]

I was told by a kukri maker that the heavy ones are somewhat crude and even large ones should be nimble. Also that the small ones are used in villages as everyday utility knives whereas the larger ones are field blades for farming and bush tasks. He also criticised the military kukris as being crude, mass produced items made by factories that don't understand kukris. I was surprised by the wide variation in styles in the different valleys, they sometimes have reasons for the differences such as local vegetation and sometimes is just the way its done.

[@HanSolo__]

True. Thick ones are so off the scale. I mean 1,3cm on the spine? Over 1kg heavy? Are they mad?

[@DennisMelentyev]

Not an expert at all, but i do think that this is actually just an universal agriculture tool in it’s origin. It can chop through grassy/bushy vegetation to clean the path, it can chop some rather small firewood/bamboo and it can be used as a sickle to harvest some rise/wheat. Evolved later into e weapon in hands of warriors. Thus - longer/lighter earlier examples.

[@brucedeane8]

you're very edumacational ... thank you for your postings ... I have two of these delightful things and apart from being beautifully designed tools I don't find much use for them other than as meat cleavers ... stay groovy and again thanks for your insights

[@corybourn8947]

Matt, if I wanted to buy an authentic Kukri, where could I get one?

[@hermanderaeymaecker4134]

Interesting,as usal. I hope next time you'll include blade thickness as well. Specially when you'll be talking about the garrisson ones. I have 2 different types from there. Altough both have quite some belly their thickness varies a lot. The thinner one (7mm at the handle) feels like a weapon, the fatter one (11mm at the handle) feels massive.

[@ianmarsden1130]

What a very fine, informative and interesting video. Thank you very much.

[@souppiyas6987]

Everytime you said "final point" I have to look into the video's remaining time and everytime it's about half of the video. Cheers.

[@erichusayn]

Looks like a table full of fun to me!

[@erichusayn]

I still think the idea of thinking of the cutout as a hinge is the best explanation. They are differently hardened. It just makes perfect sense...

[@jorgefernandez6407]

A fellow lefty! Oh, and an excellent and fascinating video!!!

[@XxXx-dk3wb]

Hump.. is often slightly rear of the apex of the belly.. this makes drawing much smoother. Shape is difficult to sheath compared to most blades... just a thought... I love these knives. Thx for discussing

[@LS-sp5hr]

Why is there already a dislike? Who turns on notifications just to dislike?

[@NightOwlModeler]

People that have loved his videos without music.

[@kwanarchive]

Matt used to call attention to it, but has since given up trying to figure out who or why. Some sad script kiddie with an axe to grind (haha), or someone doing it for a lark.

[@daveburklund2295]

Does a more gentle curve have any affect on performance? Or is it purely an aesthetic detail?

[@SIJONSS]

Thanks for pronouncing it right 🙏

[@wiskadjak]

It looks like the smith combines two arcs of, maybe, two different circles with the "hump" being where they meet around the mid point of the blade.

[@SeemsLogical]

Hey Matt, I love when you talk Khukuris. You're one of my go-to sources for learning about them. If you can, could you do a video critiquing the major authentic Nepalese khukuri makers? Ex-Hurkha Khukuri House, Khukuri House Handicraft Industries, Himalayan Imports & Tora Blades are the 4 I know of that are major authentic makers. Would love to hear your input on the reproduction market.

[@kailashblades]

There's also some rascals getting around called kailash blades too i hear ;)

[@SeemsLogical]

@@kailashblades Knew I forgot somebody. I saw you guys on AdvancedKnifeBro. You're the new kids on the block who are making a strong introduction so far.

[@kailashblades]

@@SeemsLogical Cheers! Yep only been around for a few years but getting better every day. AKB is such an interesting character, have you been following his stuff for a while? Seems like he's really blown up in the last 9 months or so

[@SeemsLogical]

@@kailashblades Yup, been watching his stuff for about 4 years now and he is one of my favorites. He bridges the gap between sword lovers and knife lovers. I also recall Skallagrim reviewing your khukuri and gave you a nod of approval. That's KZbin gold pretty much. How are things over in Nepal? I know business has taken a hit but are regulations lightening up to let you guys get back to the forge and shipping stuff out or are you still in home quarantine?

[@kailashblades]

@@SeemsLogical Yeah I think he does an amazing job of appealing to a really wide ranged of blade enthusiasts while really avoiding any infighting or whatnot between his fans. Hopefully we can get another blade into Skallagrims hands in the not too distant future! Things in Nepal have relaxed a lot over the last month but we're still left with a big backlog due to the full work shutdowns, materials shortages an staffing issues. We have passed the peak of our real big wave and restrictions have lifted almost completely. We're continuing to see reductions in case growth but it's slowed a little and we're a tad concerned the amount of restrictions that were lifted was too great. At the end of the day though we're in a better position than much of the world and hopefully we can keep things that way. Take care, Andrew and the boys at Kailash

[@Wiromax3]

9:37 What the heck was that sound?!

[@markuskristensen2433]

Epic sound efects mate

[@M.M.83-U]

His microphone touching the table.

[@toddellner5283]

Another wonderful video that puts an enormous amount of information into a logical progression that makes it easy to retain. Where does the Tulwar-hilted Kukri fit into this typologically and historically?

[@gunfighterzero]

Matt, can you go into the use of the Karda and Chakmak tools.

[@jokergwild7676]

You have one just like mine and i was hopeing you would pick it up and u didnt but i got a lil information i was wondering what the button represented on the bottom of mine. It has six dots around each rivet and a wooden handle.

[@kailashblades]

Hey there joker- Andrew from Kailash here Six dots around each rivet is commonly seen on indian tourist pieces, the "lions head" in particular. some information and images for you here: sirkukri.blogspot.com/2015/08/the-gift-of-dying-gurkha-myths-vs-facts.html

[@MiGallagher]

Great video, sir! Full of history and detail! Thank you for the share!

[@James-id7ok]

Thanks Simon, very interesting. Big fan, keep it up mate! 👍😀

[@firewaterforgeofarizona4304]

I've heard that glue called Himalayan Epoxy. I love Kukri blades. If I could only have one blade for the rest of my life, it would be a deep belly Kukri.

[@johng1097]

Love these kind of videos !

[@raphlvlogs271]

What were the scabbards typically made of?

[@VilleKivinen]

Two pieces of wood, covered with leather.

[@andreweden9405]

In my part of the United States during the frontier period(1750ish-1830ish) we had a knife that was actually named for its "belly" shape, called the "roach belly" knife.😁 As for the origin of the "cho" on Ghurka knives, I like the theory of it representing the hoofprint of the Sacred Cow. Also, I like the music in the background because... Why not?! Although it did make me crave some chicken tikka masala really, really bad!😀🤣

[@robertredroff2161]

Andrew that is the best theory yet, a sacred hoof print, the kukri has long been my favorite style of blade ever since I was about ten years old and I always just thought the notch was to help get through those stubborn tendons in the throat lol

[@robgoodsight6216]

The shape of the Kukris have always fascinated me. The "tool" has been thought like any weapon/ tool....old engineering at its best. Also some old knifes had a forward blade...cutting and chopping is easier...

[@manxie1967]

Great video Matt, I've had a few over the years and I've picked up one recently identical to the blade, third one down on your right with brass fittings; any idea what period it from?

[@lightprint348]

Hi Matt, I have made a kukri shaped knives and used it for general bush craft and shed work. The one i made was small and light. A few observations and wonder if there is historical or current traditional evidence for these observations. 1 if you grip across the spine of the belly and the handle in the other hand and pull towards you, they make a good draw knife with lots of control of angles and plane because of the broad flat of the blade. 2, the flared butt and grip allows a for finger and thumb to lock over the back of the grip allowing a swing with a greater leverage and flick or whip... great for chopping. 3, the front 1/4 of the blade when gripped along the near spine makes a good slicing structure. I have used this to gut and processes fish and i imaging it would be good for skinning or flaying a larger animal. Was the but cap designed as a hammer/ nut cracker/ bone breaker? I have yet to hold a traditional Kukri and wonder if the sharpening geometry and signs of wear support these observations cheers

[@renedepaula]

hi Matt! I purchased once a nice kukri from a nepalese maker and I wonder if there are good M43 replicas out there.. any suggestion? are historical ones too expensive?

[@bencekadar8462]

Hi! I think the notch or cho has a very practical effect too besides the religious meaning. Since the blade is differentially heat treated by water the edge becomes really hard while the spine is thick and softer. When you chop really hard with a kukri the softer part allows it to bend a little without breaking and with the notch being there the edge stays in tact without harm. I think this is why there was no recordings of a kukri ever broken in combat.

[@bencekadar8462]

flex without cracks upon impact

[@fredrikandersson8878]

Very nice collection. 👍

[@presentelaw]

Hi, what length are your kukris? 10 inches or 12 inches? Do you prefer more curved or more straight? Thanks!