Kukri

The Kukri or Khukuri (Devanāgarī: खुकुरी) is a heavy, curved Nepalese knife used as both tool and weapon. It is also a part of the regimental weaponry and heraldry of Gurkha fighters. It is known to many people as simply the “Gurkha knife”.

The name is pronounced khu-khoo-ree, although khukuri or khookree are more accurate transliterations. Kukri is the most well-known and standard spelling of the name of this blade style. In early English writings there were many and diverse spellings of the name.

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Usage

The kukri is considered a very effective weapon. Despite the physical resemblance to a boomerang, the kukri is not designed to be thrown; instead, the blade’s distinctive kink is intended to translate and amplify lateral swipes into perpendicular motion. It is said that the knife is specifically weighted for the purpose of slitting the throat. The specific strike for which the kukri gains this reputation is difficult to accurately describe, but essentially involves striking near to the jugular with the blade near the handle, followed by a quick draw across the rest of the neck with the remainder of the blade. ^{[citation needed]} Still, it is more commonly used as a woodcutting tool than a weapon, and is a very common agricultural implement in Nepal. The forward curve of a kukri means that even a somewhat dull example can cut furiously. It is however, a very poor stabbing weapon. The most effective kukri is about 16 to 18 inches in overall length and weighs in at one to two pounds. Bigger examples are impractical for everyday use and are rarely found outside of collections or as ceremonial instruments. Smaller ones are of more limited utility, but very easy to carry.

Although a popular urban legend states that a Gurkha “never draws his blade without drawing blood”, the kukri is most commonly employed as a multi-use utility tool, rather like a machete. It can be used for building, clearing, chopping firewood, digging, cutting meat and vegetables, skinning and also for opening tins.

The kukri also has a religious significance in Hindu religion and is blessed during the Dasain sacrificial festival.