The kukri notch - nobody knows

[@WildRiverTom1]

I was in the UNC Honor Guard (US Army) in Seoul Korea, 1980, stationed there and living in the same barracks with British Gurkha units, who would rotate every three months (many times from British controlled Hong Kong at that time). I enjoyed hanging out with those crazy little guys "in the ville", and I was given several kukris (war and ceremonial) from different friends during my 12 month tour, and I was even made an "Honorary Gurkha", of all things! The Gurkhas I knew told me that the notch was an old tradition (of course), and that it did serve the purpose of preventing one's hand from sliding to the blade, if it got slick from blood or whatever, acting like a slip guard. This makes more sense if you consider that the blade originated in a highly varied climate, and hands were often gloved in the cold areas, which would snag on it during a slip (you can try this yourself with a glove on). I can not claim right or wrong with this, but that is what I recall from different Gurkhas. Today, not unlike the two small knives that come with it (for sharpening and small cutting jobs, respectively, which are not used much anymore), the notch is simply a traditional ornament with little practical modern use. This was 36+ years ago, and those guys told me lots of great stories while we sat around and drank from their allotment of "Gurkha Rum", (that is other British trivia). They also told of the legend of "spilling blood with each draw of a kukri", but they explained that this practice did not apply to every blade. This was only done with certain ancient war kukris in the past, and was during wartime. That was a great experience I will never forget, and I learned quite a bit of lore and some Nepalese phrases, and even a song that I can still recall. The best was watching & being "taught by" some of the older Gurkhas (war vets) performing the ancestral "Kukri Dance". Being a spiritual thing, they would not just do it for anyone back then. But if you earned their trust and respect, and then drank some rum with them, a few would do it. It was a war-chant (repeating "kukri, kukri..)that was done while someone beat a traditional drum called a "madal" (kind of like a smaller bongo). The dancer would then spin his kukri at the wrist, in a twirling motion, and would make cutting movements that we probably shouldn't have been doing while intoxicated on rum! Great times.

[@8Djoshh]

Wild River Tom I agree this could be it. There is no guard but there is a cho.

[@raymondjones8]

Wild River Tom Thanks for the insight Tom: makes sense thinking about it. Truly an amazing people😎

[@CNNBlackmailSupport]

Hannam Village?

[@jeffslade1892]

My best guess also is that a notch there, which has become stylised on the kukri, stops the forefinger from squeezing down the blade, as it does on other such knives with a notch there and no hand guard.

[@markadams2765]

That's what I was thinking some form of finger guard.

[@bludhakal1992]

I am Nepali. And the correct spelling is " Khukuri" not 'kukri'. Thanks for sharing this. ;)

[@premgurunq]

Hamlai ni thaxa bro tara western language ma kukuri vanxa like international name

[@03ragee]

Should also point out its 'Gorkhali' and not 'Gurkha', the latter being adopted term for the sake of western pronunciation.

[@demo2952]

Ask this guy

[@frankcowan6625]

Good for you!

[@frankcowan6625]

Word, karens.. Hugs all it will be ok.

[@YuriPRIMErpg]

How about tying a piece of cord or string to hang the blade instead of using a sheath? It's close to hand, it's blunt and has a small stud there in the middle, as if for the string not to slip... Would that be outrageous to just comfortably hang it somewhere, or have it tied somehow for safety, so it won't slide out. Like, if gurkhas used it, right... Nepal? Mountains? Climbing? Rough terrain? You don't want your heavy knife to somehow get lost? Depending on the design of historical sheaths and availability of leather, I could see that notch as simply a safety measure to hold the weapon in place. I mean, perhaps a combination of reasons, things started out specific, because it was functional and practical to somebody, like someone deeper in history, where the style of knife was born, it might have been quite useful notch for such manner of carry. But then, like many things and in due time, went into tradition. I mean, you have lush forests in Nepal and other surrounding areas. A bunch of hunters wearing minimal clothing, with their arms just tied via string or a leather strap isn't uncommon even today in tropical areas, although full leather sheaths are much more available.

[@dcmccann11]

Looked at it and thought right away that I would wrap a string around it twice.

[@borggus3009]

Maybe, but I have a few questions that need to be answered before I can accept that. Wouldn't it just swing around when you're walking and cut up your clothes? What would protect the blade from the environments? A scabbard and sheath aren't exactly uncomfortable and don't just fall off on a hike(you could just attach it to your belt), so what is this solving?

[@uncommonman]

+borggus it could be for fastening the knife to the hand so you don't loose it if you drop it.

[@spikeguy33]

I also thought it was for tying a string to it. But it was probably not a replacement of a sheathe. Simply because - you NEVER want an exposed edge on ANYTHING. Even axes had sheathes, as far as i am aware. A razor sharp weapon really should never be exposed, and i'm pretty sure people back then knew that.

[@IdleDrifter]

The cord could be looped around the wrist to prevent loss of the knife during its use.

[@mytraea]

I was told by a Gurkha Soldier that it is The Trident Of Shiva and so honours The God Of Life and Death !!

[@Y2Kvids]

Paul Parkinson could be!

[@JHATTHASIPAHI]

thats what my granddad used to tell me

[@vaulthecreator]

+chetan gurung My grandfather who served with the Gurkhas in Burma during WWII told me the same thing also

[@antonc108]

Gurkhas in Singapore told me the same.

[@paulpolito2001]

This is the most plausible (imo) explanation for the notches that I've heard. Easily my favorite blade style, overall, though a hand guard would be nice.

[@NayumaA]

i grew up using khukuri in eastern hills of nepal. nobody told me any significance of the notch but i was taught by my elders to use that for sharpening other smaller khukuri (karda) that comes in set in khukuri holder (dap). the notch was also used for starting fire when needed with the help of another small blunt baby khukuri called chakmak in nepali. other than that it was also used to hold khukuri tightly in dap by attaching small piece of cloths or strings. these might look very minor uses but they can come handy in lonely hills of nepal.

[@The1Helleri]

*My explanation* I've owned 5 Kuhkris over the years. I bought them all second hand. And all but one of them came with a split sheath from people withdrawing the blade wrong way (not keeping pressure on the spine as they take it out). I have handled 3 others that I can recall and all of those had split sheaths to a greater or lesser extant as well. I've seen this come up as a known issue on topics online. And I even talked to vintage blade dealer at a flea market who showed me a series of in-line scars in the inside crux of his big knuckles on his left hand. Which he claimed came from the first time he pulled a kuhkri out of it's sheath and ended up splitting the sheath and slicing into his hand. apparently as a consequence of the blade shape, sheaths splitting when improperly withdrawn or replaced is common longstanding issue with Kuhkris. Now I have used all of my Kuhkris as yard tools. the last two I owned the sheath had previous (to my owner ship) been split bad enough that there was no point in keeping them in the sheaths when not in use. I tried wood glue on one, I tried wrapping it in twine with the other. Both "fixes" created knew issues (Ill fit and slipping sides of the sheath which caused additional tearing on the spine of it). It's harder to fix than it might seem. I gave up on fixing them and just started carrying the blade around the property tucked between my pants and belt. That notch kept it from shifting position, inching up or slipping out of the belt. With the second one I improved upon this by making a twine thong. (just a loop/bite passed through itself and tied to the belt). this made it easy to sling and un-sling the kuhkri as needed. So that's what I think it was for (at least that's what I use it for and it seems to make the most sense based off personal experience). I imagine this was as much of problem in the way back when as it is now. I figure if some soldier was out in the field and his sheath split or cracked. That he could easily keep going without taking the time and energy out to try and fix it by making a thong for it or slipping it between a belt or sash of some fashion. That notch acts as a perfect little catch for doing that.

[@spikeguy33]

Perhaps the notch is for tying a string or cloth? Perhaps a loop string to go around your hand so you don't lose the knife that easy (although these are usually tied to the pommel)? A cloth to soak up all that blood? Is this an equally stupid idea?

[@Humster]

Actually that makes a lot of sense, since there are no points at the pommel to tie a cloth/string to.

[@wadecole8750]

I was thinking it'd be a nice place to tie a lanyard too.

[@winkleried]

Not really, The handles are fairly well designed to keep your hands where they belong when using this blade. The other problem is that the sheaths tend to be fairly tight on the blades ( Especially on my hand forged Nepalese made ones.) If you had a lanyard on it, there is no way you could get the rest of the blade in the scabbard past that point. This has a secondary effect of completely unbalancing the blade both when wearing it or using it.

[@Anonymous_Man]

That's my guess as well. It's to tie a string to the blade. Why they'd tie a string there is a question in itself. I can't imagine any other utilitarian use for it and believe me I've thought about it for a while.

[@rabbitphobia]

To be honest I thought something along those lines too.

[@ZafrulKarim]

The notches can be used to draw vines, bamboo, rattan, and hide to make strings for tying things. You can also draw twigs to make arrows. The thick metal stands up to full strength and takes out all notches and thorns leaving a smooth long surface. The accompanying small knives are similarly helpful for shaving off sharp edges from split bamboo and for shaping arrows or poles.

[@myfavoritemartian1]

Only one is a knife. The other is dull and is a edge sharpener.

[@bonnysarker]

I just stumbled upon your channel on swords and was hooked. I saw the episode on the notch on a khukri blade. It brought back memories. This is my story. I was commissioned into an Indian Gorkha Battalion in 1976. One of the first things I got was an officer-patterned khukri. The blade was nine inches long and the hilt was made of bone (It had decorative brass strips). The men carried khukris with 11 inch blades and plain wooden hilts. It just happened that the Subedar Major (The senior most Junior Commissioned Officer) was retiring and he focussed on the khukri in his farewell speech. He said a few things which I still remember. The Khukri is a murderous weapon. Draw it only as a last resort. It must have blood before it is sheathed. If you are invited to a friend’s place, tuck your khukri into your waist upside down. That makes it difficult to draw the weapon. That also reassures your hosts. If you have to meet your enemy, keep your khukri ready for use. They will know your intentions. And the last thing he told us was about the notch. This is the hoof of a cow. It is forbidden to kill a cow with this weapon.

[@uweinhamburg]

The position of the notch could indicate that it was like a fixation for something like a piece of string, or leather which could end in a sling to wear around your hand or wrist so not to drop the weapon when your hands get slippery. Another similar idea, it could be simply a fixation for some colorful pieces of string like some friendship wristbands people wear today. With the position of the notch it would prevent these strings to go into the scabbard, potentially blocking the knife to be pulled out when it is needed next time. I can see a young Nepalese girl weaving such a colorful ribbon perhaps including a rib of her own hair, giving it to her friend as a symbol of their relation and him fastening it with pride. On the other hand, both these ideas would have been mentioned in old texts or documented in old drawings...

[@nokiot9]

That’s what I thought maybe too.

[@amandahammond2691]

I had recently had a conversation on this topic with a Nepalese friend of mine about this very topic regarding several of my military khukris. His explanation was that it was just a stop so the chakmak (sharpener that comes with the knife) doesn't hit the end of the grip area, and that it is often stylized by Nepalese smiths as a custom touch to each knife. Just figured I'd throw that out there.

[@colindavies3843]

Or if a knife to knife fight broke out it would stop blade sliding down to your hand like a trap just a thought 😄

[@KalteGeist]

Documentary researcher: "So why is there a notch there?" Nepalese Knife maker: "Because Kukris have notches."

[@krillissue]

My 16th century source asked the same thing

[@SlidingTheTube]

Thiago Kurovski

[@frankkrunk]

OR: Nepalese smith: "Oh shit, I made a mistake, there's a notch!" Western customer: "Hey, what's this notch?" Nepalese smith: "eeeeh... most mysterious oriental notch?" Western customer: "So, like some samurai ninja stuff?" Nepalese smith: "Yes! That's it! Magic and honor and rituals!" Western customer: "My friends will be so jealous of my genuine oriental mystery machete!" Nepalese smith: "Tell them to come to Bibek's Workshop, I will make more!"

[@wesdmf9373]

sword breaker

[@krishanbartaula2377]

KalteGeist the notch is to prevent blood flowing from blade into the handle so the handle doesnt become slippery so that the users of khukuri can usually chop off enemy heads.

[@jollysheldone425]

My Dad was given a Kukri in the 50's after serving in the British Air force in Malaya. He told me, the soldier that gave it to him had told him that, in their tradition, it was bad luck to unsheathe a Kukri without drawing blood with it. He then explained that originally the Cho was a finger groove with a small spike in it, used to prick the finger to appease the blade, and that over time this had been forgotten leading to the Cho becoming nothing more than a decorative piece.

[@retonooze]

This is what my father told me it was for. Can't unsheath the knife unless the users draws blood.

[@jollysheldone425]

@@retonooze My Dads Kukri (Now mine as he passed in June 23) has a very sharp 3 pronged spike in the Cho shaped like a crown, espescially for this purpose. Wouldn't do any more damage than a thumb prick test when giving blood, but it is enough to appease the blade.

[@doolz]

This is what I was told many moons ago.

[@hardrock1826]

The Khukuri is most often accompanied by two much smaller knives. They can be used for processing food or even skinning an animal to be used for food. That little notch is used as a kind of sharpener to tone up the edges on those two smaller knives. Put the blade in the notch and you draw it out. This same action can be done on something like your car window and you can get results of a knife being made sharper. This kind of sharpening device is quite common. It's even used for kitchen knives.

[@nokiot9]

I thought maybe the small knives are softer steel and it’s used to draw sharpen them before you eat?

[@brianfischer5609]

I don't know about that, because usually one of those smaller "blades" doesn't have an edge, because it's made to sharpen your kukuri with.

[@hardrock1826]

@@brianfischer5609 Those smaller blades are used for satisfying a multitude of tasks. They are what would be considered as being the modern day pocket knife or even multi-tool. Whatever task you have before you they can probably accommodate your need. Including working as a sharpening tool.

[@dextrodemon]

but how does the symbolic explanation square with the same thing (more or less) being on bowie knives?

[@dextrodemon]

anyway for fun my theory is that it probably has something to do with sharpening, seeing as the notch separates the ricasso part from the sharp part.

[@gabrielemagnabosco8926]

+Torc Handsomeson like a decorative, sometimes intricate version of the infamous sharpening notch

[@richiesaidthat2198]

the the Gurkha say that the notch is there to catch another bladed weapon. as the 2 blades collide, they tend to slide, or run down, leaving your fingers vulnerable to getting cut, should the opponents blade slide or run down too far. when this occurs, the opponents blade would get caught, preventing your hand from getting cut in the midst. this was the reason I heard of, I thought I would share it.

[@nirocremhe]

That's what I was told as well when I was in Sikkim. I was also told that a farmer's kukri often has a closed knotch so that they can put a line through it for various utility.

[@ardshielcomplex8917]

If you ever actually used one you'd realise thats BS

[@TheSigmaGrindSet]

It’s purely a Hindu religious symbol, told from a Gurkha soldier in the UK. There is a Gurkha and Para regiment just outside my town. To intimidate the enemy on deployment they usually change the story to that once drawn it cannot be sheathed without tasting blood... In war their is a lot of psychological aspects to it ie in the Falklands and Afghan the enemy simply ran away when the learned they were up against a Gurkha platoon

[@BIIGtony]

Maybe this is the one thing that Jon Snow knows?

[@Reasonably-Sane]

lol

[@Correctrix]

Nur, Jon Snur nurs noothing.

[@briana7515]

ehh never seen him wield any. or you are posting for laughs.

[@509Gman]

You'd have to ask Bronn, since he actually has one

[@sdv4675]

thgreatandini maybe he can see it with his sight

[@vsupetran]

I think functionally, it's a blunt part to prevent the user's finger from drifting to the sharp edge given that there's no guard. A notch with ridges is more perceivable than just a flat blunt part. Probably, it was later seen as an opportunity to add decorations by swordmakers/knifemakers.

[@jacobkashola5969]

Seems like it'd be for locking blades, as I've seen a few people mention already. Like a typical "sword breaker" type of deal. Just an extra bit of protection for your fingers in case you're fighting another person using a bladed weapon. You just trap their blade into that notch and twist it to either disarm them or damage their blade. I'm actually surprised he didn't mention that possibility in the video.

[@trefod]

So if nobody knows, can we figure out a practical purpose for it? Could you for instance attach a lanyard to it? Could you run it down a fire flint to produce a spark without dulling the edge? Will it grab your index finger if your grib were to slip on the handle while stabbing? If you draw down the length of a dowel will it create a useful centerline for some purpose? Now I don't own a kukri, so I can't sit there and experiment with it. But I suspect practical uses will become apparent if one were to use it in the field for a while.

[@winkleried]

1)No, you wouldn't be able to slide the blade all the way in the scabbard if you did this 2)Easier to use one of the assessory blades (If Equipped) or the back of the Kukri to strike the flint 3)No, the handles are well designed and traditionally engineered to prevent this 4)No clue what you are even trying to describe on this one 5)Purchase one of the hand forged Nepalese Kukris on the market and post a video of your tests and the results

[@trefod]

Hey I'm just trying to be solution positive and I'm not going to buy a Kukri to fiddle with. It's not really that important. What do you think the notch is for?

[@winkleried]

When a bunch of us hand forged Nepalese made Kukri owners asked the smiths that made our blades what they were for, the smiths replied that they didn't know and put them on there for tradition's Sake

[@trefod]

Sure, but for an inquisitive mind playing with the concept is impossible to avoid.

[@areyouavinalaff]

people do know what the notch is for, scholar just doesn't understand it even though he's been told and he mentioned it in this video. the notch simply redirects vibration away from the fingers because the notch physically stops vibrations ringing along the edge to where your fingers are gripping during chopping so the thicker back of the blade carries the vibration to the palm.

[@PaulMurrayCanberra]

Perhaps it allows the weapon to be peacebonded - locked in a scabbard. You can tie a rope/cord/leather strip around it at that point - the protrusion locks the binding in place. That way, a person can go into a "no knives allowed" place - eg a temple - without surrendering their weapon and having to leave it in the cloakroom (where it will get lost or stolen).

[@jdleffler]

A lanyard (so you don't lose control, or possession, due to a glancing blow) comes in handy if you're chopping at anything and I don't believe there's another (or better) place to which an, occasionally indispensable, lanyard would quickly, uniformly, and safely attach except to these blunted notche without fear of severing. Additionally, a scarf, ceremonial or weaponized, tied properly, can enhance the stealthy use of the blade or blunt force of the butt.

[@davem5308]

I concur. This is my guess. "Lanyard" was the word I was struggling to pull from my brain!

[@bozo5632]

+Dave M - the notch goes into the sheath, so a knot would get in the way. And there would need to be something to tie onto on the sheath. It would be easier to tie around the grip, if the intention was to immobilize it. Lanyards are usually (universally?) attached to pommels.

[@Mike_of_the_Sonora]

why cant it be like a catch for when you put it in a sheath ? just throwing a idea out there

[@Kr-nv5fo]

That was my first thought too. What is the "etiquette" of threatening gestures with kukris? As in, dunno whether it's hollywood or history, but like, drawing a few inches of your blade to show you mean business.

[@Dumorimasoddaa]

I've always coincided it possible to aid in a way to "tie" the blade in to a sheath for either symbolic not going to draw this show or for practical reasons when doing strenuous activity.

[@papasimian4499]

Being without a guard the "notch" on the blade may be a protective measure to protect ones hand from an opponent's blade sliding down the edge of ones own blade. It could also serve the purpose of catching an opponents blade with a two handed block ( the other hand being held open against the back of the blade until contact is made, then gripping the blade solidly and wrenching it from their hands). This is just an educated guess of course.

[@pearseoconnor5507]

The notch (kaura or kaudi) in the blade near the hilt of most khukuris serves as conduit for the blood on the blade to drip out, thus preventing it from soiling the hilt, as well as a device for catching and neutralizing and enemy blade. Got this from (EGKH ) Ex Gurkha Knife House info on a blade. Don't know if it's accurate but info is from Nepalese makers. Cheers. Thanks for all the great sword vids.

[@vlkafenryka788]

I've always heard it was homage to Shiva's trident

[@joedoakes8778]

From the Khukuri House...you can accept it or not... "The most appealing and distinctive part of the khukuri is the notch or “Cho” that separates a khukuri from the rest of the world's knives. Practically the notch works as a blood dipper to prevent the blood or fluid from going towards the handle so that firm grip can be maintained throughout the execution and also as a stopper to stop Chakmak (sharpener) from reaching the handle area when sharpening while running down the edge of the khukuri blade. Similarly the notch also has religious significance as it signifies the Hindu fertility symbol (OM) and represents the sacred cow's hoof (as cow is worshiped in Nepal). It is also believed to have been developed as a device for catching and neutralizing an enemy blade in close combat. However, myths like notch being a target device to capture an enemy's sight within it and hurl the blade like a boomerang to snick of his head is not true as khukuri is never thrown. As well the notch being a can opener or rest curvature for index finger of the using hand while slicing are all fictitious. The first khukuri blade ever known to the modern mankind had the Cho and some drawings found in an Indian temple around 600AD also depict it in the blade. Almost all khukuri that originated in the past had the legendary notch and even the modern ones continue to carry this distinctive tradition."

[@damiangrouse4564]

Joe Doakes Good info! Do they say anything re: the non OM notched blades?

[@joedoakes8778]

Not that I noticed. From what I understand, the military contract khukuri are sans notch.

[@damiangrouse4564]

Joe Doakes 👍🍻

[@joedoakes8778]

You may find this interesting... iccf.freeforums.org/combat-usage-of-the-nepalese-khukuri-methodologie-t158.html

[@403patriot3]

fucking rights, buddy. 100% correct

[@ColonelDoYouReadMe]

Going on the same track as the symbolic jobbie theory, but not quite the same direction, maybe it's a form of signature by the blacksmith that made the weapon? That could explain why the notches look different.

[@scholagladiatoria]

This is not impossible, though many kukris actually have makers' marks on the blades - stamps, symbols etc.

[@ColonelDoYouReadMe]

What about the ornate handles, like the one you have there? Are those signatures of some form, or just general artwork?

[@zembalu]

I have a Khukuri from recent nepalese production. It has an indent, too, but that is square-shaped, and goes to the handle. Although the handle has a bevel to prevent your fingers slipping into the blade, this could be an additional precaution. Even some of my ordinary kitchen knives are shaped the same way.

[@BigBadBill2323]

I just watched another video on making a Kukri. Immediately after notching, the smith began working on the bend of the blade, from the under-side (sharp edge). It caused me to think that perhaps the notch is put into the blade to compensate for the bend. It would allow some expansion of the stock as the blade was thinned along the edge, reducing the outward force which would cause the blade to bend back straight.

[@Furzkampfbomber]

And somewhere in the spiritual plane, the spirit of a nepalese blacksmith is laughing his translucent ass off... for pulling one of the best and most successful trolling attempts in human history.

[@panzerkami2381]

This. Wouldn't surprise me if they started adding those things when victorian gentlemen started to buy them as souvenirs. "Oh yes Sir, this is a holy nepalese magic thingie, excuse me while I go in the back and laugh my ass off"

[@TheZombieburner]

You think so? I always thought it was an artistic thing. I don't know if you could sharpen the little utility blades they come with on that, but maybe? I need to get one of mine out and try it.

[@TheZombieburner]

***** Huh. Well, I guess that's a practical use for it if not necessarily the intended one. Good enough for me. You Nepalese?

[@TheZombieburner]

***** Once, they did. Quite an expansive Empire. Too bad he didn't get to enlist, gurkhas were very respected, and it sounds like he was tough enough to make the cut as one. I actually enjoyed hearing that, actually. For some reason, the British Empire interests me even though America, my country, went to war with them. There's something fascinating about the rule of India and the surrounding region, how these two very old and very advanced civilizations interact and how they both changed from it.

[@TheZombieburner]

***** You should be proud of your country, it's like no other in the world and it's yours. I don't know a great deal about Nepalese culture, but what I do know about it is quite beautiful to me. Always keep that pride for your country and culture. People having pride and love for their country, Nationalism or Patriotism, is part of what makes a nation great! I'm a Nationalist for America, it's nice to see people in other countries that feel the way I do about mine. Everybody should be proud of where they come from, it's part of what makes us who we are as humans.

[@Doc-Holliday1851]

What about catching an opponent's blade? There's no guard, so it could be a way of protecting the hand.

[@ChumblesMumbles]

With no actual guard, it doesn't seem likely that hand protection was a consideration at all when it came to kukris. That little notch wouldn't be enough to make any difference, so rather than counting on it at all, you'd instead wield the blade in a way to prevent every binding with an opponent's blade.

[@Doc-Holliday1851]

ChumblesMumbles While I'll agree that the style would probably reflect the fact that there is no guard. The shape does seem ideal for catching a blade. Not to say that the wielder would rely on the notch but if two blades did collide, it could give some momentary protection from an opponent's blade sliding directly onto your hand. Just my guess, since there's really no way of knowing.

[@ironpirate8]

I think if it was designed for going blade to blade, they would have put a guard on it. I think the notch is too small to hope to get an opponent's blade in there during a fight, and why would they put the metal tongue in it, making it even less practical for that purpose?

[@Nighti88]

The Notch on this kukri is also in a bad position for catching a blade. The blade is formed like a jumping hill befor the notch so a blade would directet away from the catch. Also sharp blades would bite into each other if they are edge on edge.

[@jayleccese7749]

It does look 'catchy.' How about to catch a finger before it slides onto the blade?

[@danieltaylor5542]

So its not a Nepalese response to bollocks daggers then.

[@discipleofkhorne9472]

Did they try to mate a kukri with a bollock dagger to make the ultimate knife?

[@halhoffman6089]

I believe the notches were a tribute to Shiva representing his trident. Also in the video you said that many kukri have different designs. Crucifixes and stars of david were the same. I also submit that crosses in particular do (and did) come in a bewildering array of patterns with the cross of 2 lines being the constant. So to with the kukri

[@DavidHume-Educator]

Could it perhaps either be used to sharpen the ancillary knife that was carried or to strike with a flint for making fire? Some older style scabbards include a pouch for carrying flint or dry tinder.

[@LDGJWZ]

isn't it, just like you see in a lot of knives, just to protect your fingers from slipping on as a last resort?

[@poubelle_blanche]

It is used to wrap a leather tong (the middle bit bites into the leather) and allows you to slide your hand through the loop and if the knife slips your hand you do not lose it. It is rather obvious. I have used a Kukri for over 25 years and mine has always had a strap, And the strap is where you are showing. Sorry for the unsexy use, but there it is. ( and I am sure the Hindus used goat leather or what).

[@scholagladiatoria]

This is incorrect. You *could* do that, but if you do then you will not be able to put the kukri into the sheath!

[@jaysmith-sq4dy]

Someone already came up with the answer, the kukri is supposed to come with 2 other knives (that fit into the sheath on the side) and the notch is for straightening/sharpening them. Best answer I can find. Or, it comes with 1 smaller knife and a sharpener.

[@panzerkami2381]

+jay smith Is there any historic source for that hypothesis or is that just another idea that someone came up with on their own by "thinking" and doing "internet research"?

[@Shooter11B]

From what I have always understood it represents the Trident of Shiva. So, the religious angle seems to me to be the most likely.

[@rabbitskinner]

Bearing in mind the mountain Nepalese are Buddhist I say BS

[@nickashton3049]

@@rabbitskinner Hinduism is the major religion in Nepal with 81.3% of the population practicing it. Only 9% of the population are Buddhist.

[@klausadomeit8523]

alot of good answers. so heres another idea. you mentioned making arrows. could it be to make a groove to attach the feather??? as in put what ever they used to bond flights to arrows in that groove an press the feathers into it?? less drag when shooting??? just a thought i was having????? did like the video an info givin.. thanks

[@SolaceLovesSilas]

Kukri come with two sharpening tools maybe it is a way to reshape them? Also It may be there to reduce vibration when striking objects as a way to disrupt the shockwave traveling down twords the hand?

[@bozo5632]

Has anyone asked the Nepalese? (I don't like any of those guesses, btw.)

[@winkleried]

Yes, some of us that own hand forged Nepalese Kukris did this, We were told that they didn't know and they put it on there for traditions sake

[@Xanatos712]

Maybe that's how it started; some blacksmith notched in a 'signature' of sorts and people making knockoffs just copied that design.

[@shresthakaran]

the notch is placed there to stop blood from dripping onto the hands of user (soldier). So basically the notch stops enemy blood from dripping on the hand of the user and reduces the slip.. The basic or original khukuris are called "Sirupate Khukuri"

[@Xanatos712]

Karan Shrestha Did... did you not watch the video? How'd you come to that conclusion?

[@Unicorn161]

Yes, and they've just been doing it for so long and the actual reason has been forgotten years ago. Nobody knows.

[@Vydonis]

Its to use the sharpening tool, wedge the tool inside the 'notch' on the pin and sharpen the minor skinning tool or straighten the sharpening tool. The Khukri comes with two tool items and they are associated with this 'notch' and it's not a notch. It's also a stopping point for sharpning it as people can sharpen it all the way up to the fingers, which is why its location is there and not somewhere else (like the back).

[@QBLHqblh]

Vydonis good observation. i also noticed the location as a fulcrum point for a wrist wrap or bracelet strong enugh to hold and negate the "blood notch" theory/conundrum/myth. plus the center pin would hold a lanyard well.

[@Vydonis]

another deal is to test the metal by pressing against it when its finished as a quality test

[@bozo5632]

+Vydonis - A proof mark. That could make sense. Similar to testing European plate armor with a musket ball. Although, it seems a bit destructive and tends to weaken the blade. Is there any evidence for this? (You might expect the notch of every kukri to have been slightly bent, if that was the test.)

[@Vydonis]

How easily it bends is how strong the blade edge is. It's not hammered off just bent back and forth. Some clever people use it to split chicken bone with the smaller ones when they use it to butcher meat and want to detach limbs by holding it in the joint and twisting. No need to let go of the knife(sized) khukri. For evidence, I have no link evidence just that old khukri's were brass and how strong it was determined by the tin+copper formula used. Thicker the blade, the less bending it did.

[@TheSteelEcho666]

I'd be very hesitant to throw that, when it comes back it could have your hand off!

[@scholagladiatoria]

lol

[@dvirkes1]

First off - I have no idea either. But I may have a clue. Also I have to check condition of my knives first. I have a few sets of my own. And they tend to get rusty if they fall to negligence. My take - to keep a knife firmly in a sheath. Let me explain. A kukri is held in a sheath that is shaped in a v-shape, not because it follows a shape of a blade, but because you are supposed to push the knife sideways into that slot to sit squeezed in a sheath. That prevents it from dangling in a sheath while you move about. To pull it out you push it to the other side and slide it out. BTW, a sheath is made from wood and thin leather, which dries over time, and is prone to cracking. I found saddle oil to fix it perfectly.

[@philosluijsmans1210]

Kukri's in general are "lose" in they're scabbard. With the notch and a piece of string it could be tighten so it could not fall out of the scabbard when traveling, or in some places where it should not be possible to be immediatly drawn (just like the english/french peace knot).

[@bistrajendra1]

-The notch was supposed to be useful in a blade fight, The opponents sword would slide along the blade of the khukri and get stuck in the notch, from where it could be bent with the khukri, thus temporarily shocking and some time disarming the opponent. -The symbolism theory is never heard off, but the notch seen from the side does look like a trishul. - The blood dripping theory does hold ground, Khukri is used a lot for animal sacrifice. when held horizontal blood does seep along the blade and drips from the notch. This prevents the grip from getting slippery which is particularly important when same khukri is used to sacrifice multiple animals.

[@MrCmon113]

Perhaps an extraordinarily good knife-maker used this notch as a trademark and later others copied it.

[@deathbyastonishment7930]

@HIMAL POUDEL nonsense, blood would run over the entire blade and not just the edge, so it wouldn’t help at all.

[@sergey8914]

To hell with killing Hitler If I get my hands on a Time Machine I'm going back to ask what is the purpose of that notch!

[@scholagladiatoria]

Hehe

[@saltofpetra-4502]

Nah, don't. It's probably "oh, it's to weaken the blade so we have job security." So it's incentive to lie to you.

[@deepkaruwa8500]

Jai the gorkha

[@delutedrepublic7759]

To be able to feel where the edge starts in the dark by feeling the groove

[@samdill36]

i bought a kukri on street in katmandu in 1969. it is not a cheap tourist knockoff, but the simple sturdy type that a nepali villager would use for bushcrafting, firewood, personal protection, etc. . it is so simple and exquisite. beautiful carved hardwood handle, lovely blade with inlaid design, brass handle fittings....sometimmes i just sit and admire it's elegance, the everyday tool of the common villager. it has been with me for 50 years, spltting kindling, working bamboo, etc. and is a prized example of real craftsmanship, function and beauty made to last and passed on as family heirloom in a world of modern crap products. it,s been a working knife from nepal and india, to mexico and the u.s. and now doing it's job in the forests of b.c., canada. the notch is a mystical element, probably pashupati, the forest shiva of the mountains and animals from the shamanic ancient times.

[@dphitch]

Couldn't you simply ask a Gurkha?

[@scholagladiatoria]

They don't know.

[@dphitch]

OK, fair enough.

[@johnlbales2773]

+scholagladiatoria I built a wooden scabbard for mine & inserted a dowel pin to engage that notch to prevent the blade from bouncing about. Enjoyed the video. Thanks.

[@LEO1WOLF]

I may have missed this in the VID - - could be a "stop" (of sorts), in that: You're in battle with your Kukri, when your enemy with a straight sword is chopping downward at you. You then raise your blade to parry his attack. As the sword travels down your Kukri toward your hand - - could it possibly function (at ALL) like a stop from your adversary's sword hitting your own hand?

[@noahcarver6072]

Defensive purpose.

[@Dr_V]

Why do you think shape variations contradict the religious symbol theory? In some aspects Hinduism is less rigid than Islam or Christianity, as far as I know it allows for some degree of free artistic expression in symbolic representations, so these shape variants may be different artistic interpretations of some ancient symbol. The complexity and refinement of the symbol may also be determined by how much the original owner could pay for the blade or even by his own design preferences.

[@RealLuckless]

I don't really buy the "Too much variation" part either. Just look at the "Christian cross". Sure, the version used by many protestant groups that is beyond simple with just two heavy lines, but then there are others with more ornate finishings on the ends. And lets not forget the Orthodox's cross with the extra bits, or the really old styles with the P shape included. Then there are crucifixes added into the mix along with crosses. Any Catholic Basilica I've been in has always used a fairly wide range of them if you look around enough. They're all in reference to the same symbol, but expressed in wildly different ways. Of course my favourite explanation is that it was a shape added for decorative purposes at some point in time, which was copied by other smiths, and then added by all smiths targeting western tourists at some point after someone managed to convince a stupid westerner that it had some specific meaning rather than "Its just a random shape some guy started adding awhile back and a few people liked it."

[@christophernaisbitt6038]

It's good but it's not right ;-). That P shaped one is the Chi-rho. They are the greek letters Chi and Rho and, as I'm sure you'll agree, the first two letters of the word Christ. It does look a bit like a cross though. :-)

[@RealLuckless]

Christopher Naisbitt Actually I was referring to something along the line of the Staurogram, not Chi-rho which I had forgotten about. Regardless, all of these symbols were used in almost interchangeable manners among various groups of Christians, and many are commonly used within the same churches today at the same time. The argument of "Well some of them are different and more ornate than others, therefore we can assume they probably weren't religious symbols" is akin to saying "Well all of these symbols found in Christian art vary a great deal, so we have to assume that this fish shape has absolutely nothing to do with this figure of some dude on a cross."

[@koneal2000]

There's no knowing where he's going

[@jadovaoliaro]

pendulum?

[@koneal2000]

Benerro Moquorro Willy Wonka

[@Dropbare]

Nice avatar! It's one of my two wallpapers for my phone. The other is another wallpaper by that artist.

[@katerrib]

I wonder if that notch would be a lacing point, somewhere to assist with attaching a rope, cord or other securement to help keep the weapon from being removed from the grip if used in rough melee combat? Just a thought

[@nagyzoli]

+scholagladiatoria: Storage? Would it be possible the used to hang the kukri somehow? As this was a tool foremost and not a weapon (more like a machete). I can imagine a lot of kukris bind togheter by ropes for transportation, or on display in shop? Avoid touching the blade somehow?

[@marioduddu471]

It's a weapon and a tool that everybody carried in their day-to-day lives since iron was discovered and put to use in India. Remember, the kukuri, unlike other knives, and because of its shape, is dangerous if it falls out of its sheath during action. The notch is simply to keep it tethered to the sheath and prevent it from falling out during action. However, these days they ignore this, and don't make the groove in the sheath to run the tether.

[@1273824]

Khukari is a tool that were used for both domestic and defensive purpose in Nepal and Khukari's history has nothing to do with India.

[@hardikmhaske9489]

@@1273824 kukri is used by people of India and Nepal but after the arms act all types of blade disappear in india but not in nepal

[@1273824]

@@hardikmhaske9489 In Nepal we call it Khukuri (not Kukri). It originated in Nepal and is used for both domestic and defensive purposes in the village as well as in the Nepal Army- British Gorkhas uses them too. Certain parts of India@ villages where there is Nepali descendants still uses Khukuri ( I don't think in the city)

[@hardikmhaske9489]

@@1273824 yes khukuri/khukri/kukri its a slang for eg in punjab they say eka in other states they says ek in Maharashtrat some people says yak but in last it will always remain १

[@hardikmhaske9489]

@@1273824 not only gorkha but all people was using it but people stop using it we dont know the exact reason why But after arms act kukri was disappeared and not only kukri but all weapons But some survived for ek koita which is very common in South part of INDIA and some parts of Maharashtra state

[@tomcasarella6061]

I always heard it was for ritual blood letting

[@AminKhanOfficial]

its to catch the other persons knife as theres no hand guard

[@MCWren]

AminKhanOfficial Way too small

[@debendragurung3033]

congratulations, u solved it.

[@BrianTaylor-AlwaysInTao]

It could be a leftover from the forge, or even a bronze era variation when it's casting would require a place to grip it with a tool to pound it/vs file it. (In any case it seems likely that however they were originally made required gripping it with a tool or something and it persisted with the style.)

[@dylanlisoway8926]

As for a practical use of it. The Khukuri being a large blade fine work is difficult if not dangerous. Take cordage tied in a loop, and wrap it twice around the cho and the blade (Use either side of the Cho to lock it there.) Use the excess 'loop' to put your forearm through on the back of the blade with your fingers gripping the rear topmost edge. Makes a comfortable razors edge now for carving with the majority of the weight taken off your hand as its 'hung' from your forearm.

[@wailongyeung1]

that notch is for tying a string. after the kukri was thrown, the user can get back the kukri using the string

[@scholagladiatoria]

lol

[@wailongyeung1]

sometimes, it is also used to tie the kukri with the hand.

[@danielmiller1781]

scholagladiatoria I had too listen twice at the end as I thought you said shitfaced lol for your sign off

[@vasuboy20]

Wailung Yeung true

[@slamblamboozled1245]

It may be used that way, but I doubt that was it's original purpose. It'd made way more sense and be much simpler to carve a notch on the bottom of the handle or drill a lanyard hole. That notch would be the worst place to attach a string to retain the blade in your hand. It would be very likely that the string would get severed by an opponents blade in combat.

[@richardwebb9532]

....the khukri, if drawn, must taste blood, the point is there to nick your index finger, if drawn without going into battle....

[@PongoXBongo]

Then shouldn't it be sharp?

[@VishwaneetSingh]

PongoXBongo it's the duty of the khukri user to keep the central point sharp.

[@denispol79]

That's exactly what I thought about after watching the video. I've read about it in multiple sources. But it was never mentioned how exactly and with which part of kukri "the blood taste" should be done. I don't think that this notch has any practical use in battle or everyday tasks.

[@pdallen8355]

Drawing blood is a myth. If it was true Royal Gurkha Engineers wouldn't get any work done. I've seen them use it during construction tasks and even opening beer bottles. No blood was drawn on these occasions. It's just a scary story to put fear in their foe.

[@jakebriley6493]

Well that's just bullshit, they're totally blunt and who would risk the damage/infection of a repeated wound from a tool you would often use?

[@papasimian4499]

It is clearly the Wu-Tang Clan symbol! Mystery solved. :-)

[@raavaolinorman6518]

I agree. Since Wu-Tang is forever it is easily plausible. Everybody no need to crowd, time to go home.

[@offkeylock]

The knotchs are for close quarter knife fighting, used to hook and drag the blade away from your body after blocking a strike with the weapon..block R>L roll & hook clear counter strike.. also disarming with an actual bottle top motion block and bottle top spins and opens the opponents grip on his blade

[@kevinchamberlain7928]

You could plane wood decoratively or create a firelighting groove with the notch?

[@scarab1996ify]

I think the cord or rope it a good idea.. But what if it's there to help it tie down onto a pole or stick for a spear. Or tying a pole - stick to help out with the chopping leverage.. Let me know what you think?

[@gahbah274]

Realize this is quite a lot later, but perhaps it is for affecting the balance of the weapon? That would explain the variety of shapes and sizes. The hand guard/to shield against other blades also seems like a reasonable explanation. Could be useful in the dark with thickly gloved hands as well.

[@wurstest]

what if you're cutting with it, like giving a good push as if it's a saw, and the notch is to stop your knuckles dragging over your work since it has not hilt? Practical, but iffy?

[@slowstuff2661]

Run a small branch section through the notch, it makes the groove for holding embers when starting a fire with sticks. The tool you don't want to use, but it's there if you really need it

[@kishfox]

what do you think about the idea of it being an attachment point for cordage? Whether for stowing during hikes, or for securing it in the user's hand?

[@danielskau99]

about the arrow thing: could it be for the feathers? im thinking that they might used it to center it and/or make a grove for the feather "shaft"

[@LukeA1223]

I don’t know, yet when I made a version out of a 42” concrete cutting blade (about 24” total length) for clearing some 4” to 6” fir/spruce/ pine/ cedar trees (having started without the notch), I found it had an annoying vibration. So, to find out if there is a difference, I took it into my shop and notched it. After commencement of my clearing duties, it didn’t vibrate (as much). Is that why they did it? I’m presently in my shop working on a time machine and practicing my ancient Nepalese... I’ll let you know if I get any results.

[@tombearclaw702]

What if its not for stress relief but to ensure that if there is a catastrophic failure of the blade that it doesn't break in the hand grip area but at the notch?

[@micjolly4623]

Maybe it's kinda an anchor point for honing the blade? You hook the notch on something and it steadies the blade for field sharpening?

[@methuzla]

Is this a possible practicality? Suppose you needed to bind the blade to a stave for cutting something at distance. The notch would act as a good anchor to stop the binding cord slipping onto the blade, and getting cut through. I' ve no idea if that's a practical use for such heavy tool. Or indeed if there are any prohibitions against using it that way. It just seems to be a possible reason (dredged out of my long memory).

[@LEO1WOLF]

I may have missed this in the VID - - could it be a "stop" (of sorts), in that: You're in battle with your Kukri, when your enemy with a straight sword is chopping downward at you. You then raise your blade to parry his attack, albeit, at an unnatural angle. As the sword travels down your Kukri toward your hand - - could it possibly function (at ALL) like a stop from your adversary's sword hitting your own hand?

[@mtgAzim]

could it have been used for some kind of surveying or navigation? maybe tracking the sun, or stars, or distance between landmarks or something?

[@mmulberry]

Perhaps the sharp(ish) notch keeps one’s hand from running all the way down the blade during a thrust by ‘catching’ one’s forefinger? I was holding my Kukri and had that thought today. Why waste good steel on a hilt when you can use it instead to make a longer and more robust blade? Also when blocking, another attacker’s blade may get caught in the notch instead of running down your blade onto your hand?

[@05Rudey]

My dad had a kukri set about 20 years ago, it had two little knives with it, he was given it by a Gurkhas soldier for installing a massive Rice Cooker in one of their London barracks, it was really cool and I remember asking what that notch was for, my dad replied that he asked the very same question and the soldier said it was an ancient Indian war symbol that gives the user good luck, but it also good for swiping fire steel lol..

[@thebluemantis]

If you used the notches as a point for wrapping twine around the bottom of the blade, could it then stop blood flowing down to the handle?

[@MousePoint]

Ceremonial Decoration on high holidays? as far as i know these "knifes" were always part of the live. So my thoughts would be that this notch is for some decorated strings maybe bobbles or pompons. When i look at the original tibetian clothing, i see many decorative parts on the historical clothing. So would it make sense to tie something there so the wool or leather strings would not cut by the blade and hold in place? (Like the european common sword knots - Portepees)

[@RuppHerius]

Could it be a way to tie the knife to the sheath. A "normal" knife has the finger protector that a strap can hold the knife in with. In lack of that you can tie a rope around the notch keeping it in the sheath.

[@jdarxk]

could it be a tie spot (i.e. a location to use twine to tie the kukric into its sheath, if there is one, or tie to a person's body if no sheath is available?

[@admiralgoodboy]

My guess is its a close combat weapon it has no handguard reviewing gurkha kukuri training, the "high" guard position the kukuri is held sharp end topside up. The notch as a last defense stops the opponents blade from cutting the hand. When the opponents blade connects with the kukuris blade to stop the blade from sliding down along the kukuris inward curve and slicing the hand the notch is there so if that scenario happens the opponents blade will slide down and get caught in by the notch and stop it from cutting the hand

[@MrEdium]

It helps to keep your fingers from touching the blade ? It hurts but keeps you aware that your hand is too close to the blade causing you to lose fingers, hence it's blunt ?

[@yogiyoda]

Could it be used for allowing a more secure grip when choking up on the blade? If it's not sharp in that area, this would seem useful when thrusting.

[@bozo5632]

The notch is sometimes very sharp.

[@martyb999]

I trained with the 1/7th Gurkhas and you’re right, nobody there knew. That being said depending on the size and shape of the notch it might help keep SOME blood from running onto your hands? It is also rumoured to be a (very small) fertility symbol?

[@supershane1960]

Hey. No expert but could it be as a catch / stop for the blade of anther weapon sliding all the way onto the handle and wounding the holder. Just a thought... ;-}

[@everybodydothatdinosaur519]

It's probably just a notch for your thumb so it's easier to wield when doing basic every day utility work. Although not exactly well shaped for a human hand, with gloves or with something like designed to fire a bow, like how the Monghols used a bone ring on their finger for quickly grabbing arrows, it may have worked better than just the natural human hand. It also could just be a tooling mark where they grabbed it to work on, when it was originally made or for sharpening, and be incidental. So it's a good spot to clamp it down to work on it.

[@christophergibbons4431]

just a thought, but it seems it might have been used to hold it n its sheath. was there a leather strap that wrapped around it at that point as a retention strap.

[@mrnorvegianguitarman]

just a thought on the matter, could it be kind of like engraving in the sense that the more ornate it is the more craftsmanship/money went in to it and that is the reason it differs so much across the range of blades

[@lyrianxrofficial]

maybe for splitting vines to make twine? cutting fishing line? that's what I would use it for.

[@Awkrin12]

Have you considered it being for stopping another blade from running down to your hand as you parry? Even to catch it.

[@jacknerdlord3244]

I'm wondering if it's for hand wraps to help fasten the khukri to the hand.

[@anthonytecchio6526]

While I am no expert, the first time you held it up and pointed at it i thought it would be really useful for stringing a bow. Loop the end of the bow string around that notch and now you have a handy lever to operate one handed with no stress on the fingers with which to pull over the other end of your bow. You can even use your shoulder on the blunt side of the weapon for added force/ease. Also maybe they didn't have sheaths and its related to how the kept it fastened to themselves. But to me everything about that shape yells string/straps.

[@That0Homeless0Guy]

The one on my kukri has a double bump where you have a single bump. Mine is an old military one which is either first service or was personalised by someone for the soldier as the blade is indented ornately.

[@sirseigan]

Could it be a notch to catch a sliding blade of an enemy? As there are no hand guard to speak of it would make sense. Also the blunt area is where you would prefer to catch an enemy blade and it would probably dent the other blades edge a bit. It is a bit close to the hand though so if it is so it would probably be a last resort rather then a first choice. Just a thought...

[@donloskot4898]

It's a sort of primitive form of choil for choking up on the blade for carving. That is why it is always blunt. It gives a bit of utility for drawing when making quick shelters or shaving bark off hacked tree limbs and the like. Try it yourself and you will see that it does keep the index finger in place from going up the blade. It's not the most comfortable choil but it does in fact work much the same as the void on a modern knife for the same purpose.

[@mikeschumacher9715]

I would offer it's a way to block and lock out an incoming blade attack, twist and possibly break the incoming blade?

[@BladeObssession]

If they used these to chop wheat could they slide the stem through it to knock off the head of wheat? Wonder if you could strike a ferro rod with it?

[@Tannarak]

How was the knife carried when not in the hand? Could this be some sort of belt loop or a way to lash it into a scabard so it doesn't fall out?