View source for Kukri

{{Short description|Knife associated with the Gurkhas of Nepal}}
{{hatnote|"Khukri", "Khukuri", and "Kukuri" redirect here. For other uses, see [[Kukri (disambiguation)]].}}
{{Infobox weapon
| name               = Kukri
| image              = Polished kukri noBG.jpg
| image_size         = 
| caption            = 
| origin             = [[Gorkha Kingdom]]
| type               = [[Edged and bladed weapons|Bladed melee weapon]], [[utility knife|utility tool]]
| is_bladed          = Yes
| service            = {{circa|7th century}} – present<ref>{{Cite web|date=2006|title=Kukri History: Khukuri House|url=https://www.khukuriblades.com/kukri_history/#:~:text=But%20other%20suggest%20that%20the,Nepal,%20originated%20in%20ancient%20times.|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200529044937/https://khukuriblades.com/khukuri_history/|archive-date=29 May 2020|access-date=8 November 2020|website=www.khukuriblades.com}}</ref>
| used_by            = [[Gurkha]]s, [[Khasas]] and [[Kirat]]s {{small| (natively)}}
| wars               = {{ubl
 | [[Anglo-Nepalese War|Gurkha War]]
 | [[Anglo-Afghan Wars]]
 | [[Sino-Nepalese War]]
 | [[Third Nepal–Tibet War]]
 | [[World War I]]
 | [[World War II]]
 | [[Sino-Indian War|1962 Sino-Indian War]]
 | [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1965|Second Indo-Pakistani War]]
 | [[Nathu La and Cho La clashes|1967 Sino-Indian War]]
 | [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971|Third Indo-Pakistani War]]
 | [[Falklands War]]
 | [[Kargil War]]
 | [[Afghanistan conflict (1978–present)|War in Afghanistan (1978–present)]]
 }}
| weight             = {{cvt|450| – |900|g|lb|0}}
| length             = {{cvt|40| – |45|cm}}
| width              = 
| height             = 
| blade_type         = 
| hilt_type          = 
| sheath_type        = 
| head_type          = 
| haft_type          = 
}}

The '''kukri''' ({{IPAc-en|Lang|ˈ|k|ʊ|k|r|i}})<ref>{{Cite web|title=Kukri {{!}} Meaning of Kukri by Lexico|url=https://www.lexico.com/definition/kukri|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200621034713/https://www.lexico.com/definition/kukri|url-status=dead|archive-date=21 June 2020|website=Lexico Dictionaries {{!}} English|language=en|access-date=2020-06-01}}</ref> or '''khukuri''' ({{langx|ne|[[:ne:खुकुरी|खुकुरी]]}}, {{IPA|ne|kʰukuri|pron}}) is a type of [[knife]] or short [[sword]] with a distinct recurve in its [[blade]] that originated in the [[Indian subcontinent]]. It serves multiple purposes as a melee weapon and also as a regular cutting/chopping tool throughout most of [[South Asia]]. The ''kukri'', ''khukri'', and ''kukkri'' spellings are of [[Nepali English]] origin.<ref>{{cite book |title=Illustrated Oxford Dictionary |publisher=Dorling Kindersley |year=1998 |location=Great Britain |isbn=140532029-X}}</ref>{{better source needed|date=February 2021}}

The kukri is the national weapon of [[Nepal]], traditionally serving the role of a basic [[utility knife]] for the [[Nepali language|Nepali]]-speaking [[Gurkha]]s, and consequently is a characteristic weapon of the [[Nepali Army]].<ref name="gurkhabde.com">{{Cite news|last=Latter|first=Mick|date=2013-03-26|title=The Kukri|url=https://www.gurkhabde.com/the-kukri/|access-date=2022-01-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130814072935/https://www.gurkhabde.com/the-kukri/|archive-date=2013-08-14 |website=Welcome to the Gurkha Brigade Association|language=en-GB}}</ref>

There are many myths surrounding the kukri since its earliest recorded use in the 7th century—most notably a traditional custom that the blade must draw blood before being sheathed, when its sole purpose is considered as a fighting weapon. 

In addition to its use in combat, the kukri is also used for a variety of other purposes. It is used by farmers and laborers for cutting crops and clearing brush, and by hunters for skinning and cleaning game. It is also used as a tool for cooking, woodworking, and even as a ceremonial object in some Nepalese religious traditions.

== History ==
[[File:Gambhir Singh Rayamajhi.jpg|thumb|left|Colonel Gambhir Singh Rayamajhi Kshetri, a [[Gorkha Kingdom|Gorkhali]] Commander armed with a Khukuri in his left hand and [[Talwar]] on his right]]

Researchers trace the origins of the blade back to the domestic [[sickle]] and the prehistoric bent stick used for hunting and later in hand-to-hand combat.<ref name=Burton>{{cite book |title=The Book of the Sword |author=Richard Francis Burton |publisher=Dover |year=1987 |location=London |isbn=0-486-25434-8 |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/bookofsword00burt |author-link=Richard Francis Burton }}</ref> Similar implements have existed in several forms throughout the Indian subcontinent and were used both as weapons and as tools. It might have derived from the ancient Indian saber called ''[[nistrimsa]]'' (निस्त्रिंश), itself possibly based on the Greek [[kopis]] brought by [[Alexander the Great]]'s forces to India in the 4th century BC.<ref>{{cite book|author=Duncan Head|title=Armies of the Macedonian and Punic Wars, 359 BC to 146 BC: Organisation, Tactics, Dress and Weapons|date=1982|publisher=[[University of Michigan]]|isbn=9780904417265|page=136}}</ref> [[Richard Francis Burton|Burton]] (1884) writes that the [[British Museum]] housed a large kukri-like [[falchion]] inscribed with writing in [[Pali]].<ref>{{cite web |title=The Book of the Sword, by Richard F. Burton—A Project Gutenberg eBook |url=https://www.gutenberg.org/files/61751/61751-h/61751-h.htm |website=www.gutenberg.org |access-date=25 August 2020}}</ref> Among the oldest existing kukri are those belonging to Drabya Shah (c. 1559), housed in the National Museum of Nepal in [[Kathmandu]].

The kukri came to be known to the Western world when the [[East India Company]] came into conflict with the growing [[Gorkha Kingdom]], culminating in the [[Gurkha War]] of 1814–1816.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Trust |first=The Gurkha Welfare |date=2024-11-27 |title=The History of The Kukri |url=https://www.gwt.org.uk/news/the-history-of-the-kukri/#:~:text=The%20kukri%20knife%20is%20an,a%20weapon%20and%20a%20tool. |access-date=2025-04-25 |website=The Gurkha Welfare Trust |language=en}}</ref> It gained literary attention in the 1897 novel ''[[Dracula]]'' by Irish author [[Bram Stoker]]. Despite the popular image of Dracula having a stake driven through his heart at the conclusion of a climactic battle between Dracula's bodyguards and the heroes, Mina's narrative describes his throat being sliced through by Jonathan Harker's kukri and his heart pierced by Quincey Morris's [[Bowie knife]].<ref>Stoker, Dacre and Ian Holt (2009). ''Dracula the Un-Dead''. Penguin Group. p. 306.</ref>

All Gurkha troops are issued with two kukris, a Service No.1 (ceremonial) and a Service No.2 (exercise); in modern times, members of the [[Brigade of Gurkhas]] receive training in its use. The weapon gained fame in the Gurkha War and its continued use through both [[World War I]] and [[World War II]] enhanced its reputation among both Allied troops and enemy forces. Its acclaim was demonstrated in North Africa by one unit's situation report. It reads: "Enemy losses: ten killed, our nil. Ammunition expenditure nil."<ref>Reagan, Geoffrey (1992). ''Military Anecdotes''. Guinness Publishing. {{ISBN|0-85112-519-0}}. p. 180.</ref>

<gallery mode=packed heights=140>
File:1-4th_Gurkhas_at_kit_inspection_showing_kukris_(Photo_24-98).jpg|Gurkhas at kit inspection showing kukri in France during World War I
File:Ghurkas advance through a smokescreen up a steep slope in Tunisia, 16 March 1943. NA1096.jpg|Ghurkas in action in Tunisia, 16 March 1943
</gallery>

== Design ==
[[File:Knife (Kukri) with Sheath MET 36.25.831a b 001 Apr2017.jpg|thumb|Example with notch and flared hilt]]
The kukri is designed primarily for chopping. The shape varies a great deal from being quite straight to highly curved with angled or smooth spines. There are substantial variations in dimensions and blade thickness depending on intended tasks as well as the region of origin and the smith that produced it. As a general guide the spines vary from {{convert|5-10|mm|abbr=on}} at the handle, and can taper to {{convert|2|mm|abbr=on}} by the point while the blade lengths can vary from {{convert|26-38|cm|abbr=on}} for general use.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ewing |first=Dexter |date=2022-06-23 |title=7 Of The Best Kukri Knife Options |url=https://blademag.com/buyers-guides/best-kukri |access-date=2025-10-28 |website=BLADE Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref>

A kukri designed for general purpose use is commonly {{convert|40-45|cm|abbr=on}} in overall length and weighs approximately {{convert|450-900|g|abbr=on}}. Larger examples are impractical for everyday use and are rarely found except in collections or as ceremonial weapons. Smaller ones are of more limited utility, but very easy to carry.

Another factor that affects its weight and balance is the construction of the blade. To reduce weight while keeping strength, the blade might be hollow forged (or, alternatively, hollow ground), or a [[Fuller (weapon)|fuller]] is created. Kukris are made with several different types of fuller including ''tin Chira'' (triple fuller), ''Dui Chira'' (double fuller), ''Ang Khola'' (single fuller), or basic non-tapered spines with a large bevelled edge.

[[File:Kukri-reihe.jpg|thumb|upright|left|Kukris with a variety of blade shapes and sizes, with thin fullers]]
Kukri blades usually have a notch (''karda'', ''kauda'', ''Gaudi'', ''Kaura'', or ''Cho'') at the base of the blade. Various reasons are given for this, both practical and ceremonial: that it makes blood and sap drop off the blade rather than running onto the handle and thereby prevents the handle from becoming slippery;<ref>{{cite episode |title=Episode 3 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/i/p00jvf2t/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130808221831/http://www.bbc.co.uk/i/p00jvf2t/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=8 August 2013 |access-date=8 August 2013 |series=In the Highest Tradition |last=Wooldridge |first=Ian |author-link=Ian Wooldridge |network=[[BBC]] |station=[[BBC Two]] |airdate=20 November 1989 |time=13 minutes 25 seconds |quote=Here if I may describe, you see a little pattern there, which some people say that it has got some religious significance, but I doubt very much. In fact, that is just so that when you have blood on the kukri, it just sort of naturally drips there, it doesn't get onto your hand and starts clogging up and that is what it is for, that little nick there.}}</ref> that it delineates the end of the blade whilst sharpening; that it is a symbol representing a cow's foot, or [[Shiva]]; or that it can catch another blade or kukri in combat. The notch may also represent the teats of a cow, a reminder that the kukri should not be used to kill a cow, an animal revered and worshipped by Hindus. {{citation needed|reason=Relief cut for differential tempered edge|date=July 2016}} The notch may also be used as a catch, to hold tight against a belt, or to bite onto twine to be suspended.{{original research inline|date=August 2016}}

The handles are most often made of [[hardwood]] or [[water buffalo]] [[Horn (anatomy)|horn]], but [[ivory]], [[bone]], and [[metal]] handles have also been produced. The handle quite often has a flared butt that allows better retention in draw cuts and chopping. Most handles have metal bolsters and butt plates which are generally made of [[brass]] or steel.

[[File:Knife (Kukri) with Sheath, Small Knife, Belt, Pouch and Box MET 36.25.826a g 001 Mar2017.jpg|thumb|Example with decorated belt and scabbard]]
The traditional method of handle attachment in Nepal is a partial length "blind" [[Tang (tools)|tang]] stuck to the grip with a combination of adhesives and tight fit, although a full length tang peened over the butt plate has become popular in the more modern versions.{{citation needed|date=August 2016}} A "slab" or "sandwich" tang, the full size and shape of the grip and exposed along the front and back, is mainly used on some military models but has not become widespread in Nepal itself.{{citation needed|date=August 2016}}

The kukri typically comes in either a decorated wooden scabbard or one which is wrapped in leather. Traditionally, the scabbard also holds two smaller blades: an unsharpened ''chakmak'' to burnish the blade, and another accessory blade called a ''karda''. Some older style scabbards include a pouch for carrying flint or dry tinder.<ref>{{Cite web |last=ltqsaknives |date=2025-11-26 |title=The Enduring Legacy of Kukri Knives: History, Craftsmanship, and Global Impact |url=https://ansariforge.com/the-enduring-legacy-of-kukri-knives-history-craftsmanship-and-global-impact/ |access-date=2025-11-26 |website=Ansari Forge |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Use ==

[[File:Survival training heats up 160830-M-YN982-241.jpg|thumb|Kukri as a tool during survival training]]
The kukri is effective as a hatchet-like chopping tool or weapon due to its forward balance, and the expanding curve of the "belly" causes it to automatically bite in when drawn across a target which makes for an efficient draw cut.

While most famed from use in the military, the kukri is the most commonly used multipurpose tool in the fields and homes in Nepal. Its use has varied from building, clearing, chopping firewood, digging, slaughtering animals for food, cutting meat and vegetables, skinning animals, and opening cans.

The kukri is versatile. It can function as a smaller knife by using the narrower part of the blade, closest to the handle. The heavier and wider end of the blade, towards the tip, functions as an axe or a small shovel.

The kukri often appears in [[Nepalis|Nepalese]] [[heraldry]] and is used in many traditional, [[Hinduism|Hindu]]-centric rites such as [[wedding]] ceremonies.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2014|title=BBC - A History of the World - Object : The Fisher Kukri|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/ahistoryoftheworld/objects/FzDrekacQHusof2P4WULgw#:~:text=The%20Kukri%20is%20the%20national%20symbol%20of%20Nepal.,-It%20is%20a&text=At%20Dashain,%20the%20Hindu%20religious,the%20national%20symbol%20of%20Nepal.|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017172851/http://www.bbc.co.uk/ahistoryoftheworld/objects/FzDrekacQHusof2P4WULgw|archive-date=17 October 2020|access-date=8 November 2020|website=www.bbc.co.uk}}</ref>

<gallery mode=packed heights=140>
File:Rai-Kirati Shaman in Eastern Nepal.jpg|A [[Rai people|Rai]]-[[Kirati people|Kirati]] priest wearing a kukri on his waist
File:Rai_People_Mundumic_Ritualistic_religious_tradition.jpg|Kukri in traditional religious worship of [[Rai people]]
File:Gurkha IOC 3.jpg|[[Gurkha Contingent]] officer with a kukri attached to his belt
File:Coat of arms of Nepal (1962–2008).svg|Coat of arms of Nepal 1962–2008, with crossed kukris
</gallery>

== Manufacture ==

The Biswakarma [[Kami (caste)|Kami caste]] has inherited the traditional art of kukri-making.<ref name="kami">{{Cite web|url=https://himalayan-imports.com/kami.html|title=Kamis, Khukuri makers of Nepal|website=himalayan-imports.com|access-date=10 December 2019|archive-date=25 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125193415/https://himalayan-imports.com/kami.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Modern kukri blades are often forged from [[spring steel]], sometimes collected from recycled [[Suspension (vehicle)|truck suspension units]].<ref name="kami"/> The [[tang (tools)|tang]] of the blade usually extends all the way through to the end of the handle;{{citation needed|date=August 2016}} the small portion of the tang that projects through the end of the handle are hammered flat to secure the blade. Kukri blades have a hard, tempered edge and a softer spine. This enables them to maintain a sharp edge, yet tolerate impacts.

Kukri handles, usually made from hardwood or buffalo horn, are often fastened with a kind of tree sap called ''laha'' (also known as "Himalayan epoxy"). With a wood or horn handle, the tang may be heated and burned into the handle to ensure a tight fit, since only the section of handle which touches the blade is burned away. In more modern kukri, handles of cast [[aluminium]] or [[brass]] are press-fitted to the tang; as the hot metal cools it shrinks, locking onto the blade. Some kukri (such as the ones made by contractors for the modern Indian Army), have a very wide tang with handle slabs fastened on by two or more rivets, commonly called a [[full tang]] (''panawal'') configuration.

Traditional profiling of the blade edge is performed by a two-man team; one spins a grinding wheel forwards and backwards by means of a rope wound several times around an axle while the sharpener applies the blade. The wheel is made by hand from fine river sand bound by ''laha'', the same adhesive used to affix the handle to the blade. Routine sharpening is traditionally accomplished by passing a ''chakmak'' over the edge in a manner similar to that used by chefs to [[sharpening steel|steel]] their knives.

Kukri scabbards are usually made of wood or metal with an animal skin or metal or wood covering. The leather work is often done by a ''[[Sirki|Sarki]]''.

==Anatomy==
{{unreferenced section|date=December 2022}}
[[File:Kukri BLADE Terminology.jpg|thumb|Blade terminology]]

[[File:Kukri, karda & chakmak.jpg|thumb|A kukri (top) with the traditional ''karda'' (middle) and ''chakmak'' (bottom); used as a utility knife and a sharpening tool respectively]]

; Blade:
* Keeper (''Hira Jornu''): Spade/diamond shaped metal/brass plate used to seal the butt cap.
* Butt Cap (''Chapri''): Thick metal/brass plate used to secure the handle to the tang.
* Tang (''Paro''): Rear piece of the blade that goes through the handle.
* Bolster (''Kanjo''): Thick metal/brass round shaped plate between blade and handle made to support and reinforce the fixture.
* Spine (''Beet''): Thickest blunt edge of the blade.
* Fuller/Groove (''Khol''): Straight groove or deep line that runs along part of the upper spine.
* Peak (''Juro''): Highest point of the blade.
* Main body (''Ang''): Main surface or panel of the blade.
* Fuller (''Chirra''): Curvature/hump in the blade made to absorb impact and to reduce unnecessary weight.
* Tip (''Toppa''): The starting point of the blade.
* Edge (''Dhaar''): Sharp edge of the blade.
* Belly (''Bhundi''): Widest part/area of the blade.
* Bevel (''Patti''): Slope from the main body until the sharp edge.
* Notch (''Cho''): A distinctive cut (numeric '3 '-like shape) in the edge. Used as a stopper when sharpening with the ''chakmak''.
* Ricasso (''Ghari''): Blunt area between the notch and bolster.
* Rings (''Harhari''): Round circles in the handle.
* Rivet (''Khil''): Steel or metal bolt to fasten or secure tang to the handle.
* Tang Tail (''Puchchar''): Last point of the kukri blade.

[[File:DAP scabbard Terminology.jpg|thumb|Scabbard terminology]]
; Scabbard:
* Frog (''Faras''): Belt holder specially made of thick leather ({{convert|2-4|mm|abbr=on}}) encircling the scabbard close towards the throat.
* Upper Edge (''Mathillo Bhaag''): Spine of the scabbard where holding should be done when handling a kukri.
* Lace (''Tuna''): A leather cord used to sew or attach two ends of the frog. Especially used in army types.
* Main Body (''Sharir''): The main body or surface of the scabbard. Generally made in semi oval shape.
* Chape (''Khothi''): Pointed metallic tip of the scabbard. Used to protect the naked tip of a scabbard.
* Loop (''Golie''): Round leather room/space where a belt goes through attached/fixed to the keeper with steel rivets.
* Throat (''Mauri''): Entrance towards the interior of the scabbard for the blade.
* Strap/Ridge (''Bhunti''): Thick raw leather encircling the scabbard made to create a hump to secure the frog from moving or wobbling (not available in this pic).
* Lower Edge (''Tallo Bhag''): Belly/curvature of the scabbard.

== Classification ==
[[File:Knife (Kukri) with Sheath, Small Knife and Pouch MET 36.25.828a-d 002june2014.jpg|thumb|left|upright=.6|Broader, Western style]]
[[File:Knife (Kukri) with Sheath, Two Small Knives and Pouch MET 36.25.829a-e 004june2014.jpg|thumb|upright=.6|Thinner, Eastern style]]
Kukris can be broadly classified into two types: Eastern and Western. The Eastern blades are originated and named according to the towns and villages of [[Eastern Nepal]].{{citation needed|date=March 2020}} 

Kukris made in locations like [[Chainpur, Kosi|Chainpur]], [[Bhojpur, Nepal|Bhojpur]], and [[Dhankuta]] in Eastern Nepal are excellent and ornate knives.<ref>Visit Nepal '98: By The Official Travel Manual of Visit Nepal '98 VNY'98 Secretariat, 1998</ref>

Western blades are generally broader. Occasionally the Western style is called ''Budhuna'', (referring to a fish with a large head), or ''baspate'' (bamboo leaf) which refers to blades just outside the proportions of the normal ''Sirupate'' blade. Despite the classification of Eastern and Western, both styles of kukri appear to be used in all areas of Nepal.

There are kukri modelled on the one used by the Gorkhali General  [[Amar Singh Thapa]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/wednesday-evening-with-amar-singh-thapa-khukuri.674412/|title= Wednesday evening with Amar Singh Thapa Khukuri|website=bladeforums.com|date= 9 September 2009|access-date=17 January 2018}}</ref> The real one is archived at [[National Museum of Nepal]] and is more curvy in nature than other traditions.
{{-}}

== Military adoption ==
[[File:Gurkhas exercise DM-SD-98-00170.jpg|thumb|[[Brigade of Gurkhas]] on exercise, kukri scabbard on belt]]
The kukri is in standard service with various regiments and units within the [[Indian Army]], such as the [[Assam Rifles]], the [[Kumaon Regiment]], the [[The Garhwal Rifles|Garhwal Rifles]] and the various [[Gorkha regiments (India)|Gorkha regiments]]. Outside of its native region of South Asia, the kukri also is in service with the [[Brigade of Gurkhas]] in the [[British Army]] and [[Gurkha Contingent]] of the [[Singapore Police Force]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Patial|first=R.C.|date=2019-10-17|title=Knowing The Khukri|url=https://salute.co.in/knowing-the-khukri/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108074936/https://salute.co.in/knowing-the-khukri/|archive-date=8 November 2020|access-date=8 November 2020|website=Salute To The Indian Soldier − Magazine|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Dutta|first=Sujan|date=19 July 2019|title=I Witnessed the Kargil War. That's Why I Won't Celebrate It.|url=https://thewire.in/security/kargil-war-20-years|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031171016/https://thewire.in/security/kargil-war-20-years|archive-date=31 October 2020|access-date=8 November 2020|website=The Wire − India}}</ref> The kukri is not only the staple weapon, but is also the recognisible symbol of all Gurkha military regiments and units throughout the world, so much so that some [[English language|English]]-speakers refer to the weapon as a "Gurkha blade" or "Gurkha knife".<ref>{{Cite web|last=Gurung|first=Tim I.|date=2018-04-06|title=A brief history of the Gurkha's knife – the kukri|url=https://asiatimes.com/2018/04/brief-history-gurkhas-knife-kukri/|access-date=2020-11-08|website=Asia Times|language=en-US}}</ref>

== See also ==

* {{annotated link|Bolo knife}}
* {{annotated link|Falcata}}
* {{annotated link|Husa knife}}
* {{annotated link|Khopesh}}
* {{annotated link|Klewang}}
* {{annotated link|Kopis}}
* {{annotated link|Parang (knife)|Parang}}
* {{annotated link|Puukko}}
* {{annotated link|Machete}}

== References ==

{{reflist}}

== External links ==

* {{commons category-inline}}

{{Knives}}

{{Use British English|date=January 2022}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2019}}

[[Category:Nepal]]
[[Category:Edged and bladed weapons]]
[[Category:Culture of Nepal]]
[[Category:Gurkhas]]
[[Category:Military knives]]
[[Category:Machetes]]
[[Category:National symbols of Nepal]]