The Gurkha Kukri - A Collection Examined

Lucy and Matt go through some of their Nepalese kukri collection, looking at different types and features of the famed Gurkha knife.
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[@FailedPoet444]

Make an Iron Throne out of kukris and then shoot all future videos sitting on it.

[@FakeSugarVillain]

And ruin one hundred perfect kukris?

[@tabutog]

This would be a cool idea, nice

[@TheMrPeteChannel]

The Gurkha Throne!

[@teodorbandarmaliev1316]

In Bulgarian the word "chakmak" (which came from Turkish) means the steel bit that you use together with piece of flint to start a fire. Could it be that the kukri's chakmak had the same purpose ?

[@scholagladiatoria]

Could be!!

[@siestatime4638]

That is exactly what popped into my head when Matt discussed the "tinder pouch".

[@mojolotz]

I have heard from natives, taht it is used as a flintstone on the back of the kukri-blade.

[@bmxriderforlife1234]

thats pretty much what ive always assumed it was for. i have modern knives with a spot on the blade for doing that.

[@EattinThurs61]

Matthias K i think I remember that there are very similar word in several West Asian/Turco languages for a striker steel.

[@Max_Flashheart]

10,000 Kukris and all I need is a khopesh....

[@EricDean]

Matt, I just had an idea about the "cho", or blade notch, but I don't have a kukri of my own to try it out. I'm not saying this is WHY they exist, but might be a good way to repurpose the notch. Try tying leather cord around the blade, resting in the cho, with a looped, lanyard section extending from the back edge of the blade and around your wrist. I'm wondering if a lanyard closer to the balancing point of the blade (as opposed to coming from the end of the grip) might make it easier/faster to re-grip the weapon correctly after dropping it and allowing the lanyard to "catch" it. I hope that makes sense. I imagine it would orient itself, when hanging, with the handle closer to the hand.

[@midshipman8654]

Eric Dean hu. That actually sounds like a feasible possibility. We already know that other cultures had similar lanyard like attachments to make sure blades aren’t lost, so it’s not to much of a stretch.

[@dorianshepard2841]

We're reaching levels of innuendo that shouldn't even be possible

[@simonrees9905]

my platoon sergeant had a longer straighter Khukri from his caste as a Limbu, he called it a traditional SIRUPATE KHUKRI and made the statement that most of his village carried that style over the shorter thicker (heavier) Gurung style British Army style Khukri (my preference).

[@python2228]

The Kukri is hands down my favorite knife

[@_Pyroon_]

Oh... I figured that the baby knives could be inserted into the w and tied/embedded some how to act as a knife shield. The blunt one in particular as it is blunt.

[@mtodd4723]

COOL ! I really enjoy the videos that you both are in . I have a feeling you are going to be keeping most of those blades .

[@KingdomOfDimensions]

You two are fantastic on camera together. Also, those innuendos during the Laurel and Hardy part were top. "So you like it long and meaty?"

[@Wetcorps]

That was cool. You two are the cutest couple.

[@ramisabreur7961]

Matt do modern day Gurkhas use the Kukri in the same way as the 19th century ones ?

[@mojolotz]

Its a implement for hitting people and occasionally stabbing. It is basically their knife of choice. I do believe they use it for the same things, cause why wouldn't they. Then just as now it was and is a honor to get your kukri when you pass the tests and become a gorkha.

[@LuxFerre4242]

Since kukris were (and are still) used primarily as tools, my guess would be that the final kukri belonged to an artisan of some kind for use in their trade.

[@spykezspykez7001]

I can just imagine my saying something like, "Honey, we've too many bowies in the house!" She'd be like, "yes" *clankity clank* "Get rid of them!"

[@Robinson.69]

super interesting, thank you! Hard to find all this information elsewhere!

[@MrPaddlingthenet]

I would think the multiple tool kukuri's small pouch you suggested may have contained tinder, would more likely be sewing needles. Just a thought.

[@ronalddunne3413]

These guys need to have a TV show.. Nice pile o' kuks! Speaking from experience, keep em all, or you will be trying to buy them (or similar) back down the road... Oh, Missus Gladiatoria has pretty hands... no offense meant, just sayin... Black blade? Probably someone who used it in the field did that to prevent rust.

[@JaiHind-bb8pj]

I wish you would mention the lengths of the blades you exhibited.

[@macnutz4206]

The M43 is probably my personal favourite. That one will not break with hard use. I find a certain beauty in that ruggedness. Functionality can be beautiful. Border collies were never bred for appearance but are they not beautiful?? 😁

[@ChePennyDK]

heh you're just an adorable couple! Good stuff!

[@sky4eyes]

hi matt is there any account of someone lose his sword when give point to somebody

[@uallas5va]

A pretty good video. I made it to the end and liked it because it was helpful and informative. It would have been more enjoyable (& shorter) without the nagging banter throughout.

[@puranthapa4042]

I liked.

[@gianpalacio5635]

It's funny how his wife just jumps in and asks questions randomly like an eager kid and Matt has so much information on his brain that it takes a while to process the question and choosing how to best answer it. xD!

[@Yeknodathon]

Thanks, that was fun!

[@romarssieverything9667]

They are supposed to be Nepalese and not Indian right? Edit:I should have watched the whole video.

[@peterb.3450]

you could make a kukri jacket as post apocalyptic body armor. :p

[@tlsgrz6194]

They Say banana-Kukri, I will lie awake tonight in fear of Boomerang-Kukris

[@ms.verepaine6914]

A husband and wife talk about there collection of butter knives for half hour...sounds boring unless the married couple is the Eastons and their knives are kukris

[@Wildwestwrangler]

@Caliban777 what a lucky guy!!!

[@aerodylluk2543]

When I try this with my wife she just looks at me like I'm crazy. You are living the dream my man.

[@johnathanblackwell9960]

"I like long and meaty" Lucy Easton 2017.

[@worshipedwarrior441]

Speaks well for Matt

[@alexandrearamis8022]

Pretty good Matt and Lucy.You could use a bit of work on your terminology and various names of styles of khukuri.When the tang runs through the handle and is peened,it is called a Parawol tang.Full flat tang is called Panawal tang.There are more terms I could share but want to keep it short.Cheers for the video...

[@scholagladiatoria]

Thanks! Yes I need to learn more of the proper names.

[@Temujin1206]

Also the straighter thinner blades with a less pronounced belly, as in the metal handled pair you show, are called sirupate (siru-leaf) khukuris or sometimes Eastern (type) khukuris.

[@JG19709]

I am firmly convinced that the notch in the blade is due to the Nepalese love of the Wu-Tang Clan.

[@douglasburt1622]

Nonsense! It’s designed for emergency circumcisions in the field. Never know when some ole Johnny Turk-type might need a trim for Christ, aye what?!

[@Cable941]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@beardedbjorn5520]

"Hold my wine" "Give it a good wiggle" "Hmmm" Perhaps one of my favourite conversation between the Eastons lol Edit.. I take that back, 30:35 I'm dying hahaha

[@EattinThurs61]

Jazza Beardedbjorn indeed

[@darrylviljoen6227]

oh the innuendos :P

[@AnimeSunglasses]

Man tells his wife how much he loves girth, 2017

[@Kargush]

"Hold my wine." Famous last words?

[@blasthardcheese3427]

nah just the classy version of hold my beer

[@arnabmit]

+scholagladiatoria In Sanskrit derivative languages "chakmak" would mean shine/glitter/sparkle. And flint stones are called "chakmak pathhar" where pathhar is stone. Hence the name of the chakmak tool, as a friction fire starter.

[@brettalizer3271]

sparkle stone is a cool name has a nice ring to it.

[@CrazYiRish772]

"Hold my wine" XD

[@xiezicong]

That was the best part! Lucy, you looked really nice today!

[@CarnalKid]

Captain Context is winning big with this video. 40 minutes? I must have died and gone to neckbeard heaven.

[@hotdog8067]

"I think this is all the kukris"

[@isoldmyrdageforshekels]

Matt from a viewer that enjoys almost any topic or video you upload please do not be shy of longer videos than your usual 10-12 minutes, I for one get a very great audio monologue if anything else.

[@xiezicong]

Please listen to this person. Hell if it's expensive, put it up on Patreon and I'll pay for it along with your supporters

[@williamchamberlain2263]

Agreed: I like to have something sane to listen to while I drive.

[@Tectonix26]

Forty minutes of the most well-matched, comedicly-minded, innuendo-blaring couples discussing not just one, but TWENTY KUKRIS? Good lord man, this needs to become a series!

[@MacDorsai]

I thought the different areas of Nepal produced Kukris with different shapes such as Sirupati or Ang Khola. Not just the age or era. Very nice video. I am always amazed at the volume and variety of your collection. Kukris have always been favorites of mine. I particularly like the bone handled one that Lucy is fond of and the 1943 military model.

[@varuug]

(Apologies for the nekropost). Siru is a tall (~6-8 ft) grass with very narrow leaves (paat). Baas paatey is like a bamboo leaf: shorter and broad. There are other names (like Bhojpure = from/of Bhojpur, a place in eastern Nepal) are named after places of orign.

[@Askorti]

Just watched the entirety of a 39 minutes long video about kukris. And I don't even like kukris! :D

[@kamrudjacobson4438]

"We had a 4 year old... but we love Kukris!" Life is full of hard choices

[@1971irvin]

I bought a kukri on a flea market for 6 pounds or 60 norwegian kroner ... lol I thought it was just scrap, but when I look closer to it, it looks like an old model and not a tourist model. Unfortunately, there was only one small knife that came with it.

[@IPostSwords]

My only kukri is a reproduction, which is shameful. So... Looks like I'm gonna be broke very soon.

[@timallen6035]

I know this video is a few years old but..... Now that I have that out of way I have to say that this video did nothing to dissuade me from wanting a Kukuri. If anything it has me wanting one even more. Now I just have to find a decent one in a price that I can afford. That is always the challenge with my wants and desires is trying to find what I want and desire that fits at least close to my budget. I don't mind if it takes a while to save up for anything. I just have to stay focused.

[@Dustypilgrim1]

No such thing as too many Kukris. I offer a rehoming service for stray and pre-loved kukris, which are always welcome in my collection . They all receive the highest standards of loving care. Even the very first two I ever had , a couple of Lion head , plated, dot-engraved complete with the 'INDIA' inclusion , dating back to the sixties and my pre-teen years . So if you ever feel unable to cope with the responsibility of so many, please contact me and I will help you out, no matter the difficulty it creates for me . my regards... me ... Closed chos can be indicative of the region they originate from. Closed chos are often referred to as being sourced from Chainpure or Chitlange regions. However , some regional labels are also appended to blade shapes and patterns merely as a means of labelling them and serving differentiation in retail. The long 'sirupate' style one would be a beautiful piece for use in Martial Arts Kata. And... from what I have read over the years you are totally correct about the multi-tool item and the waxed leather 'pouch' .

[@edjames4057]

Probably already commented on, but as soon as I saw the black blade, it looked like a service issue 70’s pattern, similar to what we would pick up for jungles in the 80’s...so a 10-12” blade... Great war issue tend to be 13” deep belly with a curved handle... good collection though, shame it’s not mine... MOD blades tend to have the broad arrow/ crows foot stamp too..

[@mauricebutler8608]

I have a question and I hope you're still online. My father brought back a Kukri from the WWII that I've inherited. It was old when he got it around 1943 in Nepal and the only thing he ever told me about it was that mountain headhunters used it. Don't know about that but I did notice in your collection you had a very old one that was painted black. This one isn't painted but is like a gun metal black coloration. The tang goes all the way through the wooden handle and is a peened button on the end. No markings on it and the blade is about 31.75cm. I could send you a picture of it and perhaps you could tell me something about its date, use and origin. If you have time. Sincerely Dave

[@brawndothethirstmutilator9848]

Quite a collection! The long slender blade is what is usually known as a “Suripate”.

[@SirKaldar]

Damn, I only have one Kukri... Now I'm worried that I don't have enough!

[@jacksutter1158]

As regards to the Kukri with the blackened blade, perhaps the 69 inscription is a reference to a particular regiment. On a hunch, I started googling "69th Gurkhas", and have found some references to a 69th Gurkha Field Squadron, which according to Wikipedia was part of the Queen's Gurkha Engineers as of 2006 and seems to have been in existence since at least 1948.

[@douglaslester6812]

I'm watching this video 5 yrs after the fact but I have one question from watching the two of you. Did you ever manage to sell any of those knives or are the sitting a display case.

[@RikthDcruze]

We should always keep some khukris in the bedroom. you know... you never know when you might need a trusty Khukri in the bedroom.

[@aptcmpasion]

flint-rocks and traces of tinder have been found in rear-pouches

[@orthochronicity6428]

Kukri pile (0:15) and "I think there might some in the bedroom" (0:33) All the jokes about him reaching down out of the video frame for some random weapon to help illustrate a point implying that his house covered in weapons... confirmed.

[@billzielke6798]

The crochet hook looks like a button hook to me. Were small, numerous buttons part of uniforms or boots from that era?

[@Renagade]

it reminded me of a bird hook for gutting small birds.

[@davesheppard8797]

I used to have 135 Khukuri's and now I'm down to 80 odd. It takes ages to take them all out and check them which I do about twice a year. I check for rust, cracks in horn handles and dryness of scabbards. They range from modern Tora's to very old Gak's, WWI's & WWII's. Dave.

[@NoWay1969]

I would have assumed that the perfect number of Kukris would follow the same formula that you use to get the perfect number of guitars to own but apparently not.

[@RikthDcruze]

I have a Khukri that has the number 776 on it and says "Army". On the wooden handle it's written "BG" Either the person who owned it has scribbled his Initials on the handle. or it's some marking. But markings are hardly ever done on the handles. But interestingly it is not your typical scaled handle. it's a traditional handle with a full stick tang I think. I found it in my family home's attic, and my grandpa did serve in the British Indian army and the Indian army after that. Maybe it's his, but BG is not my grandfather's initials. Maybe he got it from someone. Too bad I'll never know the story behind it.

[@varuug]

It could be British Gurkha.

[@AntOfEgypt]

This video convinced me to subscribe...after watching a few videos I am very well pleased with my decision. Thank you for the consistent, quality, content! Cheers

[@jeremynedrow7003]

I love kukris I just started collecting them.

[@Zajuts149]

Hearing Matt and Lucy constantly saying Kukri, I don't know if I should mention that in Norwegian it translates to "cock ride"...

[@scholagladiatoria]

lol

[@bremnersghost948]

I think the last Kukri with the 4 missing pieces is probably a Medic's toolkit, what's left look like a probe for puncture wounds, with those fine teeth the saw looks like a bone saw, the hook is 1 of maybe 2 retractor's in the kit and I would expect the missing pieces to include a shallower hook/needle for stitching, a clamp for arteries, and something like spoons to retract barbed arrows or bullets, also another waxed package to keep stitching silk in

[@bremnersghost948]

forgot the fire lighting kit so he can sterilise his instruments

[@cabbage0dusk]

Kukri give away!

[@John-sz7vf]

I love kukris. from traditional original borderline art pieces to even some modern renditions of them. thanks for the video Matt

[@astrazenica7783]

What an English rose, hasn't the boy done good

[@grahamthebaronhesketh.]

I think the one with the blade painted black if it were for covert use perhaps the shiny brass tip on the scabbard should be painted out too?

[@leastamongyou1111]

As far as "tribal" or "non military" kukris having the rat tail with no end cap, you need to better explain. Some of The Early Military kukris, like the ones at I'ma with the Devangari script on the blade are the REAL Gurkha kukri, the ones they used not only with Britain, but their own army. Those have the "short rat tail" with "no end cap"and I Know you know this because you own a nice 1

[@varuug]

From what I've seen, the "rat tail" tang is most common in khukuris used as tools. The tang is heated till red hot and then burned into the wood handle. It's easier to make and the handle is easier to replace.

[@leastamongyou1111]

@@varuug I own 6 "military" kukri that were recovered from an old palace in NEPAL. Back then, there was only "rat tail tangs" for military use.

[@chevypbrdipper]

you two are an amazing duo!

[@Baker_7498]

The two Kukri that are very similar have different notches though, better keep both!

[@nhm86]

when she said the m43 was boring, i almost threw my pommel at the screen

[@EricDean]

Matt, if you could design your ideal kukri, what aspects of these various kukris would you combine or eliminate? i.e. tang preference, grip, weight, length, angle, blade grind and cross section. Also, would you recommend a kukri with a bowie style handle and guard, or even with a d-guard for hand protection?

[@JCOwens-zq6fd]

I know that buddists use the open & closed Vajra as a symbol on swords. I wonder if the cho is related?

[@jeffreyoldham55]

I love my 1940's era military Kukri. The woman I acquired it from said that it was gifted to her father by a Gurkha who served with him in North Africa. I've no way of validating it's provenance, but it's very well made and a pride of my collection. I once saw the most beautiful, ivory handled Kukri, but was unable to purchase it for any price, after repeated attempts. I frequently long for the Kukri-that-got-away.

[@PXCharon]

I can't say it speaks for the age of the weapon, but that matte black paint instantly made me think of the black paint used on Enfield bolt action rifles in place of chemical bluing. Did the Royal Ordinance Factories ever produce Kukri?

[@beachmaster3486]

Hey, Matt. Think youtube ate my first comment. 1): What is it about Kukris you and Lucy like? 2): What is like to thrust with a blade like this? I think I recall you saying in another video with a curved knife that it didn't feel that good. 3): How were they as a weapon? Relatively short compared to a sword and no guard

[@whyjay9959]

The painted kukri's scabbard still has a shiny piece of metal on it, so maybe it's not for staying hidden. Well, assuming it's the original scabbard.

[@edi9892]

Regarding the black kukri: I purchased a new kukri and it had exactly the same sheath. It was called jungle kukri, if you want to google images. Thee blade itself looks different though. In particular it's less waisted.

[@s.bhatta2175]

The shape of khukuri is mostly defined by the region from which it has been made. Sirupate khukuri is based on the design of a leaf of a grass known as siru and pate means leaf like, so they are slim long khukuris.

[@dougparkhurst279]

The kukri introduced at 27:40 looks like an early Mk 5 (circa 1950-1970), which is the direct ancestor of the current British Service Issue, except I've never seen one painted black. I've read that the first Mk 5's were issued with a black raw "forge finish" and recruits had to polish the blades themselves. I would give fair odds that the "69" on the blade is the date of manufacture as it's consistent with this style of blade and scabbard, but documentation of the early Mk 5 issue is pretty sparse so it's still a guess. Thanks for this enjoyable video - yours is clearly a match made in blade heaven.

[@finbarscanlonwolf]

Dam I've just come across this video, there's 3 on the right I'd love. Top 1brown handle, the black handle with multiple pins & the white horn handle 1. I'll give you €400 for the 3 of them. 🙂

[@BamboLord]

I found a kukri-esque knife around my house and I have no idea what it is. It has the general shape and proportions of a kukri, maybe a little smaller, but it's definitely more of a modern tool sort of deal. It has cut out holes towards the back of the blade, wooden handle scales, and the overall shape is a little simpler than real kukris. Also it has no notch, for whatever that's worth. It's really good for chopping up bits of wood in the back yard haha.

[@nonyabiz9487]

Kukris are cool but ill take my 556 x 45 NATO M-16 rifle any day and in every climb and place! However im a US Marine that have preserved our freedoms since 1775.

[@vladdrakul7851]

They say that in the kitchen, 'too many cooks spoil the broth'. As Matt and Lucy say here that have had their Kukris in the bedroom in the past as well as well. Does this mean that they were moved because too many Kukris spoil the 'private displays of affection'?? Enquiring minds NEED to know!

[@michaelfoster-brown463]

I was going to paste a photo of a fully enclosed notch on my Kukri (kindly given to me by a Nepalese Gurkha Officer I.E. it's from Nepal), but can't see how to do so here - any advice for an IT Biff?!

[@VTPSTTU]

You're largely responsible for my interest in kukris. I've bought a couple of modern ones that I think come from reputable dealers. I'm mostly looking for something utilitarian with a nice appearance.

[@ambarlimbu9396]

Wow 😮😮😮👍👍👍🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵

[@scottleft3672]

When you promise her a cooking channel, but are too caught up when viewing cutlery.

[@inncubus666]

I've just had another weird though about the cho. The origin may be something like a symbol of progression (adulthood, virginity, what have you); the closed one for pre-, then you file the closed portion off to indicate post-. Obviously that isn't how they are now, but well, musing on origins etc....

[@markfergerson2145]

I realize this video is three years old and you may not even get a notification on comments fr5om "ancient" videos but... Are you quite sure "Stan Laurel" is a kukri and not a sirupate? They both come from Nepal but serve different purposes (as I barely understand it)- the latter s more strictly a day-to-day general purpose tool while the former is primarily a weapon.

[@JustMe-um8zp]

Make a playlist on your channel for "full of innuendo". I don't think it would include ALL your videos.........

[@douglasburt1622]

I have a Cold Steel kukri and would love to have one other - a modern British army model of superior quality. Any thoughts on how I might find one? Very best. And cheers! - Doogie Burt

[@Oialca]

The puns, the god damm puns.

[@poncholefty471]

I was told by a friend of mine that the notch was due to the blade being differentially hardened, and the fact the this tool is made for heavy axe-like chopping. Most differentially hardened blades aren’t made for this kind of work, and thus don’t need a notch. Think of the notch like a “hinge” that transfers the the energy of a heavy chop into the softer metal of the belly. Because of this the edge won’t crack or chip. Worst case scenario the blade bends at the “hinge”. I could have been told completely wrong, but it really makes sense to me. Good video!! Love my kukris too!

[@ricardodemarco3486]

Too many kukris? Only if you keep them all to yourself... In the case that you don't want to get rid of any one of those pretty «knoifes», well, you could just post a 1:1 scale blueprint of a kukri. I make wooden swords for fun, and I cant draw in the wood neither the blade or the handle without that, an example.

[@bobito8997]

I saw that you'd done a 40 minute video on Kukris and thought "Do I really want to watch that?" Glad I did. Really interesting and entertaining. Thanks Matt and Lucy. Great job.

[@zhukie]

And all I want is just one, to make up for my father's WW2 kukhri which bastard burglars stole in 1977 :(

[@djynfxxbdhtbrn6854]

That black Kukri looks a lot like mine. Whats the handle material? Mine is a sort of green-ish horn (apparently buffalo). It isn't painted black but it has the number 16 stamped on the blade so maybe they all had numbers stamped on them at the time. The handle shape is almost exactly the same, with the rib being almost identical. The scabbard also looks almost the same (although mine is a bit more worn) even down to it being hard to get in and out of the scabbard. The man I bought it from also said it was from arround ww1 to ww2.