The making of a Cashen kukri

Master bladesmith Kevin Cashen makes a forged kukri (khukuri) from start to finish.
Note A common comment is on the spelling of the knife, I hope I can clear this up with a post more people can see before commenting I do not feel that I am qualified to call myself a khukuri maker, so I prefer to title my blade with the Anglicized version out of respect to the craftsmen of Nepal.

[@aayushniraula5113]

as a nepali i feel proud to see this kind of dedication to craft something we nepalese hold very dear to. lots of respect and love from nepal ❤ and the nepalese people would be happy to carry your "khukuri" जय देश। पशुपतिनाथले रक्षा गरून्।।

[@rjsingha9121]

What does Nepali do with this?

[@crowley5186]

@@rjsingha9121 search gurkha videos

[@pratik11-v7x]

Rj Singha it is used like a sword in battlefield

[@verisperrulaias2999]

@@rjsingha9121 ive heard this toool can be quite versatile. from using as a knife to cut things to a makeshift shovel or canoe paddle. a big hunk of metal is good for alot of things

[@LuisGonzalez-gl4wc]

Kevin, that is a beautifully done kukri!! It looks authentic!! Good job, sir!!

[@matthewoveracre795]

Thank you. For the lesson. I have learned allot more than I thought I would. That tool looks too good to use.

[@EduardoGarcia-fj2uc]

Excelent job made from an artist. Simply beautiful. Thanks for the video

[@46danz]

Love watching talented craftsmen do their thing.Beautiful Knives.

[@Sumit-Sh]

Excellent work. We can see the effort, thinking and skill to make this Khukri.

[@Kent4OughtAldridge]

Amazing work. Truly an Artist

[@rajeshshahi3991]

beautifully crafted....great to see a Non-Nepali making a Khukuri with that accuracy

[@kevinr.cashen8544]

Thank you, your words are very kind and encouraging.

[@tenzubee1412]

now thats a beautiful khukuri

[@waldemartellado3248]

Beautiful blade sir!!! Love it!!!

[@guyd3504]

Beautiful craftsmanship

[@rojinabhandari7779]

I wondered how you knew about our Nepalese Khukuri??? I think this khukuri is only made in Nepal and by Nepalese ppl cos it’s our pride and it’s our traditional knife .. but how you can make ??? So shocked to see ... it’s amazing u really did appreciated

[@kevinr.cashen8544]

It can be a challenging knife to make, but I have been a practicing master bladesmith for 25 years, and am currently the Vice-Chairman of the American Bladesmith Society.

[@rojinabhandari7779]

Yeah but it’s Nepalese traditional knife do u agree with me ?

[@kevinr.cashen8544]

Yes, it is a traditional Knife of Nepal.

[@vikramgiri6332]

wow very nice yaar Nepali Gorkha khukuri🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵

[@SirChubblesSteen]

You have an amazing setup of tools, truly professional. Beautiful work sir!

[@shibajirai784]

wow.. really great you did bro...

[@adityadhasmana5254]

you are a great engineer no doubt,don't take it otherwise,just sharing my own view,i belong to the foothills of himalaya,while quenching,edge should be quench fist in case of slashing/hacking tool/weapon,or spine should be covered with clay,in order to get a hardened edge and soft spine,which is thich in these sort of blades,result in a great blades which can bear abuse without cracking,and softer spine act as shock absorber for the hard edge,

[@althesmith]

If you water-quench as the locals do, with 5160, I can see more of a point to leaving the spine soft. But with a deep-hardening steel like L-6 which works best with an oil quench, the blade with proper tempering would imho take anything you can throw at it.

[@InkandFish555]

He's using a modern very tough alloy. There is no need to leave any part of it soft and weak.

[@tikkidaddy]

Monosteel doesn't require differential hardening...modern alloys can take the abuse...if the heat treat is right and it has been properly ground with no stress risers, proper normalization after forging...it works.

[@markmark-rc3mz]

TO BE A GURKHA IS THE ONLY PRICE OF THIS BLADE... WHO DOES NOT FEAR THE DEATH

[@mikemuenze5390]

Beautiful.

[@loveinchrist8988]

Beautiful .....khukuri...brave gorkha ...i would like to learn this work sir ..can you help me

[@kevinr.cashen8544]

Yes sure, how can I help you?

[@sujansendang1636]

What an amazing talent you have sir. Are you also selling these?

[@kevinr.cashen8544]

Only on the rare occasion that I have something like it available, I have not been able to take new orders for many years now.

[@charlesharper7292]

Kinda off subject, other than what you do with it, that massive anvil is almost as grand as the artful blades you make on it. How old and how heavy if I may ask?

[@kevinr.cashen8544]

The anvil is a 1907, 350# Fisher. It was a gift from Dr. Jim Lucie, world's leading Scagel authority, bladesmith, physician and dear friend who is very missed.

[@Kirati-lr6mx]

watching in 2020 😍

[@carlosdinamarcacabrera1435]

Hola cómo estás cual es el valor de tu trabajo en este cuchillo gracias

[@CPatwal]

wow... you should be in the TV show "Forged in Fire" & by the way the "Khukari" or "Khukuri" is commonly used in the Indian states sharing border with Nepal :-)

[@kevinr.cashen8544]

Thank you for the kind words. I belong to a group of old bladesmiths that established our reputation long before the television show you mention, and believe that it does not accurately represent our craft. I have been approached twice to be a judge on the show, but I have a saying- I am too busy being a Bladesmith to play one on T.V. ;o)

[@CPatwal]

​@@kevinr.cashen8544 Great insights from your response about your views. Since, I love watching things getting created with some analysis of what went wrong & what went well with the end result, hence, that show is one of my favorite. Greetings to Master Craftsmen Cashen _/\_

[@ranjanalawati2905]

started by Nepal from gurkha

[@lianboineihsial6991]

Very special. Can I have it through online? What's the prize plis

[@kevinr.cashen8544]

I am sorry, I have not taken any new orders for some time. I occasionally make stock for shows or on speculation but most of my time is taken up with lecturing and teaching the craft.

[@shadatmdmahmudulhasan7501]

How much pric is this

[@shisirkarki631]

how many inch is this khukuri do you describe about this shaped

[@kevinr.cashen8544]

Blade- 31.6 cm. Blade and handle, overall- 43 cm

[@NOOBGAMER-bi5lm]

beautiful

[@jasonrinaldo8872]

Beautiful work! Ok, it's been 5 months since you released this video. It's a learning thing for me, so when is the next video?

[@kevinr.cashen8544]

You are absolutely right! I got too busy producing a DVD in the last several months and have neglected my channel here. I will get some new videos up real soon!

[@jasonrinaldo8872]

Kevin R. Cashen, outstanding! When does your DVD come out?

[@defaultergmz733]

I need this kokri

[@thingmaker3]

Nice work, as always, Mr. C. I am curious: Why was alder chosen?

[@jetsetuk]

I am not the Craftsman who made this video, but have an interest in scabbards etc due to being involved in Re-enactment, specifically Viking re-enactment and so cannot comment if the choice was for aesthetic reasons or otherwise, like the properties of Alder being a Hardwood, with a close grain and relatively easy to work... Some woods are more acidic than others and as such can corrode the metal that's housed in them... Woods such as Oak and Cedar have quite acidic properties (pH values between 3.0 - 5.0) and Softwoods tend to be more acidic than Hardwoods - using these types of wood to make a scabbard would prove detrimental to the article stored in them... A quick check on a scientific treatise looking at neutralising acid in wood seemed to show that Alder was easier to neutralise, and hence would have a lower acidity rating than Pine or Chestnut (Shown in the table used for the above figures gives their values between pH 3.6 - 4.7) which it was shown alongside in a table of results, the acidity of the wood was not shown in that table, but alkalinity of the substance used to neutralise it was, and also the volume used to perform the neutralising... Woods such as Elm and Beech have very low acidity ( pH values between 5.4 - 7.2)... References: www.vam.ac.uk/content/journals/conservation-journal/issue-04/corrosion-of-metals-associated-with-wood/ www.researchgate.net/figure/Estimation-of-wood-acidity-as-a-function-of-pH-value-of-wood-phosphate-solutions_tbl2_224920241

[@josepierini1076]

puxa .linda !!!!!!!

[@jamesball7322]

Well done sir

[@kevinr.cashen8544]

Thank you

[@zheding6452]

oh, this is nice

[@rajkumarbishwokarma7861]

Yo kaha ho

[@nepaliyeklomayahoma]

Woww it is Nepali khukuri

[@kevinr.cashen8544]

Thank you, I am flattered, but I can only hope to approximate.

[@yamgurung9903]

when i watch this video i realize of most of the nepali hide kukuri under pillow to protect from thief or other ....

[@dilghimire3277]

we rn respect this work go ahead

[@loitongbamromesh4770]

Vry nice Nepali krugi.

[@isidormaker2482]

Sympli Wow.

[@grimbears5457]

How much??

[@meyergaelle8108]

Are you selling? How much is it ? Thanks

[@kevinr.cashen8544]

I am sorry, but this blade was sold some time ago.

[@piccolaforgia781]

Notevole!!!

[@thudor1]

Beautiful khukuri! Any Gurkha would be proud to carry it into battle!!😀🇳🇵

[@kesharkhadkapunwar2029]

Thanks! Hail! Nepal !!!

[@harpindermohi1434]

@@kesharkhadkapunwar2029 hello

[@southernboy606southernstyl5]

How much do one of those cost

[@iamshivrai]

From a retired Gurkha with 28 years’ service, well done sir, that is a beautiful piece of art. I would carry that to battle any time !

[@kevinr.cashen8544]

You honor me beyond words, thank you sir.

[@briansingh8257]

@@kevinr.cashen8544 where can I buy one. Thank you

[@fredfry5100]

More than you realize. L6 is one of the most expensive blade metals on the market. The most expensive metals are 5160, 6150 (those are two different metals), and L6. It's that rare.

[@paulosergiosouza8396]

@@kevinr.cashen8544 , Congratulations for your dedication and for your art. Greetings from São Paulo, Brazil.

[@rexalexander4843]

@@kevinr.cashen8544 set up a cutlery & knife unit in india, you will exceed all expectations.

[@neilpetersen5287]

Stunning! Your power hammer is insane. Never seen one with so much control. Please make more videos

[@kevinr.cashen8544]

I am planning on more videos as soon as possible, Right now all of my time is devoted to a DVD project regarding my blades. The power hammer has been with me since the beginning of my career, it is a 150lb Bradley strap hammer. The Bradley's were models of efficiency and virtually indestructible.

[@puskarbista8972]

@@kevinr.cashen8544 ha ha i was thinking you will forget to make one thing but you didn't you are smart guys

[@LIE4ME]

A Green Beret asked me to restore his kukri he had been given while in Afghanistan. My first time handling or even being aware of such a weapon. I was in awe of the look feel and capability of it. The blade looked almost identical to the one 8n this video. His handle had ivory and gold inlays. Great job. That weapon is unique while imitated often.

[@lsubslimed]

Beautifully done! Love how you kept the design traditional but made it more bullet proof with the micarta handle. The double twisted fitting were a very nice touch as well. Thanks for sharing

[@kevinr.cashen8544]

I really wanted to use buffalo horn, but its destination climate was so drastically different than spring in Michigan that the micarta was the safest bet.

[@charlesharper7292]

Kailash is making me one now with a micarta handle.

[@craigcarroll6161]

@@charlesharper7292 Kailash is also making me one, but I chose stacked leather for their Historical Service Issue blade which may well be the pattern Kevin used here. Then I also ordered one of their 9" Mini Khukuri with a choice piece of buffalo horn. This one here though, is breathtaking.

[@TheTimmymango]

I have a kukri that my father brought back from WW2. He was a liberator pilot flying from India over Burma for the Australian airforce. The scabbard has deteriorated, but the knife is still in excellent shape, it is one of my most treasured possessions.

[@kevinr.cashen8544]

A common comment is on the spelling of the knife, I hope I can clear this up with a post more people can see before commenting- I do not feel that I am qualified to call myself a khukuri maker, so I prefer to title my blade with the Anglicized version.

[@rikkic7000]

Sir given what you've just turned out you can call Doris for all I care it's gorgeous

[@sabuchand6478]

What is the price of the knife

[@tikkidaddy]

Well my friend you're not a Nepalese Khami, I get that. BUT if we consider the fact that this knife would pass any test given it in Nepal or if it was fielded by the Ghurkha, or used by the Sherpa people for everyday tasks...what do you think THEY would call you, even in an honorary sense of the word?? They are very open, honest people, poor as Jobs chickens, and hardworking as nails. Personally I would be surprised if they DIDNT accept you as a Khami. Outfreakingstanding sir! Well done.

[@markmark-rc3mz]

@@sabuchand6478 TO BE A GURKHA IS THE PRICE... WHO DOES NOT FEAR THE DEATH

[@ramthapa693]

Gurkha knife from nepal 🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵

[@kesharkhadkapunwar2029]

Yes Please! I am so proud be a Nepali. Hail! Nepal !!!

[@mohitsushmanainwal1338]

@@kesharkhadkapunwar2029 kitne ki pdegi dajyu khukri

[@joydevsarkar4474]

CUTTING A LIFE is very easy but remaking the ripped LIFE is impossible

[@spirituallovers1527]

Not kukri your word is wrong . It's khukuri " Beware of khukuri "

[@colleentippett6231]

that was an awesome video thanks for sharing the time and meticulous effort you put into the piece definitely shows in the end result beautiful

[@kevinr.cashen8544]

Thank you so much for the positive feedback. I am old to the bladesmithing thing but quite new to video making.

[@longrider42]

You Sir, are more then a smith, you are a Artist! Very well done.

[@Warlord2029]

WOW as fan of khukuris this came out beautifully! Loved to have seen a test on it👍

[@tashihishey34]

Would love to see you craft a Samurai Katana or a tanto. I'm sure the Japanese would be as delighted as the Nepalese with the Kukri.

[@jdtheone]

How about I just call it really really cool and a masterpiece

[@panchasubba6891]

I am Nepali and i would say that’s perfect khukuri Not even Nepali makes that pretty looking khukuri

[@kevinr.cashen8544]

Thank you very much.

[@Blagger3000]

The pair of Kukris my father was presented with in Singapore in 1959 by the then resident Gurkha Battalion had a pair of small skinning knives in the top of both the sheaths. They were and still are beautiful knives (still in the family). Every Year a large bullock had its head lopped off by a senior NCO in an annual ceremony, if the head came off in one blow it meant good luck for the battalion for the year. We still have photos of the whole parade and ceremony complete with falling head. My father on leaving the battalion was presented with an engraved gold cigarette case and gold lighter too.

[@lllzooklll]

Beautiful blade, really like the fuller jig you have. Would love to see a quick video showing a little more detail on how you carve the fuller out and finish it

[@saugatofficial9632]

This is nepali traditional knife It’s call khukuri

[@AbhijitDas-xt6zx]

You are a master craftsman Sir. That was an amazing piece of art. I love to own one if possible.

[@evergreen3976]

Khukuri is a (our) Nepalese national weapon.

[@abhijeetjadhav3592]

Amazing skills this is masterpiece weapon of God..👌👌👌💐💐💐🍫🍫🍫

[@mr.pentatonicscale5406]

Respect from the land of gurkhas. 🇳🇵🙏

[@tonyashton780]

Probably the finest custom Kukri you could own.Just a masterclass in metalsmithing .Very nicely done.

[@subman6515]

Amazing skill, you make this process look very easy..... and what a splendid blade at the end

[@rolandpachuau5402]

Among all the european blacksmith your khukri is the best it's original to the gurkha khukri 🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳

[@bkartgallery7]

Super nice idea i am from Nepal love to see your way to make khukuri. #bknarbahadur

[@PhiLeo7973]

Bravo! I consider this piece, the Ultimate handcrafted Khukuri, bar none. I own an early, Himalayan Imports Khukuri, a British Army Service model, from the 1990's when I exchanged many pleasantries with the late, great Bill Martino of H.I. on the Knifeforums & Bladeforums websites. Here's a Heineken toast to Bill( Heineken was Bill's fave), his wife Yangdu, and the artistry of Kevin Cashen.

[@tikkidaddy]

I bought my first traditional Khukuri from UB over the phone before his death. Its a horn handle 18 inch Ang Khola...😆😍 Yes its heavier than a traditional combat model BUT Thats what I wanted. I cannot safely use an axe. That dude was the man. He was SO kind hearted and loved his khamis dearly, did his dead level darndest to make their lives better. He is truly missed.

[@PhiLeo7973]

@@tikkidaddy Mark, I am back again, more than a year later, to re-watch this video, a virtual tour de force, of superlative blade craftsmanship by Kevin Cashen. I somehow missed your comment and response. Yes, Bill Martino of Himalayan Imports was a special man. I dearly miss his prose, comments, and kind & informative posts. Still, I am breathless, at Kevin's detail, artistry, and workmanship. What a Blade! I wish Kevin, Mark, and all my fellow blade aficionados, a blessed, happy, and wonderful Holiday season. Now what steel was Kevin forging?

[@allinone-vq4lc]

Best khukuri it's only found in Nepal because Nepali's knows how to make ..!!!...

[@mukhumor]

Pretty knife. I seen 'em make them in Nepal wearing flip-flops.

[@wannabe_D7000]

jim crow well we make it without wearing flip flops for a change !

[@jockgnu9026]

Craftsmanship === Respect

[@Elfin4]

Very nice workmanship, better than a Napalese made Kukri because they are properly heat treated.

[@wesgreen241]

That's beautiful!! Does the blade need to be warm when going into the high temperature salt? I've thought about getting a salt unit but honestly I'm a little scared of them.

[@kevinr.cashen8544]

The blade needs to be completely dry and clean of any volatile residues, but not necessarily warm. Warming can help burn off moisture. If moisture is introduced to the salts it can be very dangerous.

[@bigt3639]

Stellar work. As a fan of both traditional khukri and modern, this is a great nod to both!!

[@alishxettri6914]

Gurkha Nepal khukuri 🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵

[@borishkashyap6204]

You cannot copy the real fame of The Legendary Khukri

[@rajuwilsonbishwakarma446]

Lots of love from Nepal

[@OberonsOccult]

Hi Kevin. Just wanted to say it was a pleasure meeting you this past weekend at the badger knife club show. I greatly appreciated the insight into the craft that I had recieved from you. Here's to hoping you continue to receive booths away from the rusty jack knife peddlers.

[@dharmendrasahu6008]

Wao excellent expression Have no word to say

[@swaldron5558]

Why fuller groove on kukri? Something to do with blood flows?

[@visiter127]

lovely blade , would it be possible to ake the name of the tool you used for the fuller ?

[@monster_fac3512]

Its amazing! And it’s cover design is great! I loved it

[@davesherry5384]

Awesome work, and as you can see, comments from our revered Gurkha friends that you are perhaps more qualified than your modesty allows. I own a couple of Kukris and am very proud of them. I would love to know how to refurb the leather properly - how did you get the leather on yours looking so beautiful?

[@kevinr.cashen8544]

Thank you, I try to use the best book binding leather I can obtain and the results are what you see.

[@rdl628]

What is the notches in the blade. I have always been curious?

[@tobicalitz9988]

I read the description before watching the video, and thought to myself, "master bladesmith" seems a tad narcissistic, but after watching the video I now understand that it's only accurate, amazing work

[@kevinr.cashen8544]

I understand, but I am glad I won you over. For what it is worth, I didn't give myself that title, it was given to me by the American Bladesmith Society upon passing their certification requirements, and being awarded the rating by my peers who judged my work. After going through the process I agree that it is narcistic for anybody declare themselves a "Master Bladesmith."

[@mtriola2158]

The grip looks just like my British Model No. 1 which has a handle made from water buffalo horn. Love the scabbard, too. If I didn't have so many different kukris already, I'd order one now, LOL.

[@rajj320]

Jai maha kali Ayo gorkhalii Ye kukhri insha'Allah ❤️❤️ Wishes from a defence aspirant 💯 God bless..

[@9abe]

Very Very Very GooD

[@ridemachine885]

FroM ThE ToP Of ThE WoRlD 8848 🇳🇵❤

[@bharatphukon9053]

How much and where Would persone order one of your kukris

[@sr633]

An artist at work with many years of hand on experiance.

[@i_love_crpg]

bloody nice work! but my curiosity is why western Kukri makers make the blade so thick? kukris from nepal have thinner blades which allows the blade to pass through the body more smoothly.

[@CarlGeers]

Beautiful man! Wish I could own one.

[@shashankrajpradhan3879]

Scientific precision! Never seen anyone do better. One point if I may? Front view! Khukuri has a different profile rather than flat. I would love to see you forge one with that too! #Respect.

[@stefanchakov3758]

have only one remark to the master. He never stands with his back to the fire. It seems to me that this is a common practice in America and Europe. I don't know why they do it, the fire must always be under control.