My new Khukuri............. -- myArmoury.com

Patrick Kelly · Posted: Wed 15 Sep, 2004 2:19 pm Post subject: My new Khukuri.............

This just arrived about half an hour ago straight from Kathmandu..............................

This blade type has always been of interest to me, since the Kopis/Falcata is my hands-down favorite of the ancient designs. (What can I say, I really like those "in your face" kinds of designs). The Khukuri is the national symbol of Nepal and is believed to have been adopted from Nepalese/Indian contact with the troops of Alexander the Great.

There have been posts of late concerning knives recently purchased from a Nepalese maker know as Khukuri House. I'd never heard of Khukuri House but the price was right($27.99) so I decided to give them a try. I chose the World War model due to the discription of "slightly larger and more curved" than the current Khukuri issued to Ghurka troops. Five days after placing the order this monster arrived at my door.

After getting through the adequate packaging my first reaction was "Twentyseven bucks obviously buys a lot of knife in Nepal!" This thing is quite substantial. The 11 inch blade features a spine that is nearly half an inch thick, as well as a slightly concave flat that rises to it's apex about half an inch from the edge. The edge is quite sharp and evenly honed. I was hoping for buffalo horn for the grip but mine arrived with rosewood as seen in the photo, no biggie there.

The blade is adequately finished. It's obviously forged, and not perfectly finished, but considering the price point it's quite good. The rosewood grip and brass furniture are well fitted, and everything is very tight. The brass bolster appears to have been worked on hot. The Khukuri House website shows the methods of manufacture employed. Considering the very primitive conditions in which the Kamis' operate the fit and finish of this piece is more than satisfactory.

The scabbard is solidly constructed and covered with water buffalo hide. I had an old bomber jacket made out of water buffalo that I purchased in Korea many year ago. My oldest son still wears it (since he's still skinny, unlike his dad) and it's still going strong. The brass chape is tightly fitted to the scabbard and shows a few signs of hammering, but is otherwise well made. The two by-knives included in the scabbard are an interesting feature, actually one is a knife, the other is a sharpener. A collapsable display stand is included with the knife. While I won't be displaying this knife the stand is well suited for sword dispaly, so it's a nice plus.

The only irritating aspect of the transaction was the shipping. With S&H included the total price was $64.00, so the shipping was more than the price of the knife itself. Given the quality of the product this is still pretty cheap. The quality compares quite favorably with that of Himalayan Imports, the other major importer of quality Khukuris, and at a considerably lesser price (for a basic model).

I think I'll have to get one of the larger models to satisfy my desire for a Kopis type short sword Big Grin

Robert Zamoida · Posted: Wed 15 Sep, 2004 7:37 pm Post subject:

Wow, that's nice Patrick!
What's the web address?

Patrick Kelly · Posted: Wed 15 Sep, 2004 8:44 pm Post subject:

Here you go: http://www.thekhukurihouse.com/index.php

Eric Bergeron · Posted: Wed 15 Sep, 2004 9:42 pm Post subject:

I agree with you 100% on what you've said about the kukris. As some of you may not been aware I ordered two of these both the same model Patrick bought as well, the only difference is mine came with water buffalo handles while Patrick's came with rosewood. I am still pretty much awed that for the price of what we paid for them the quality far exceeds what you pay for. I will definately buy from them again.

Robert W. Betten · Posted: Thu 16 Sep, 2004 1:29 am Post subject:

I got the Service #1 model and am very pleased with it, I went outside this fine afternoon and killed some bottles filled with water, done em like butter. I've tested its edge also shaving a section of my arm and it did so effortlessly. I will definately be a return customer and want to order a custom kothimora soon.

Kenneth Enroth · Posted: Thu 16 Sep, 2004 2:26 am Post subject:

Very nice. Only thing is at these low prices I wonder how much the kamis are left with?

I like that 36 inch sacrificial model that weighs 6,5 kilos. Now that's a knife.

Thomas McDonald · myArmoury Alumni

Very decent looking piece, Patrick ! Sounds like it's quite the good deal, too !

Just perfect for riding shotgun in the squad car ;-) Congrats, Mac

Patrick Kelly · Posted: Thu 16 Sep, 2004 6:58 am Post subject:

"Just perfect for riding shotgun in the squad car ;-) "

Yes it is Wink

Jay Barron · Posted: Thu 16 Sep, 2004 11:04 am Post subject:

Is the blade and grip finish on your khukuri as nice as the one in the picture? Himalayan Imports doesn't even have a finish as clean/shiny as that.

Eric Bergeron · Posted: Thu 16 Sep, 2004 1:21 pm Post subject:

Robert Zamoida · Posted: Thu 16 Sep, 2004 5:26 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the address Patrick; I'm looking at their site now and they have some very nice pieces. One I'm looking at now is the Chitlange; very nice and sleek Happy

Patrick Kelly · Posted: Thu 16 Sep, 2004 6:20 pm Post subject:

Patrick Kelly · Posted: Thu 16 Sep, 2004 6:21 pm Post subject:

David Stokes · Posted: Fri 17 Sep, 2004 6:25 am Post subject:

awe geez........... EVERYONE is buying one of these......... Guess I gotta give into the peer pressure......

Robert W. Betten · Posted: Fri 17 Sep, 2004 7:25 am Post subject:

lol David give in and buy one...ya know ya wanna, I popped some water filled bottles the other day...totally massacred them with nice fine cuts, getting myself a custom kothimora from them after getting my latest tattoo.

There's a pic of it on the stand it came with...I love this khukuri, possibly one of my fav knife styles...MUST BUY MORE!!!

Kenneth Enroth · Posted: Fri 17 Sep, 2004 9:12 am Post subject:

Waterbottles? Go and chop down a tree instead.

David Stokes · Posted: Fri 17 Sep, 2004 5:12 pm Post subject:

the "long dragon" with dragon carved blade and the 18" blade is what im after i think

Nate C. · Posted: Fri 17 Sep, 2004 6:41 pm Post subject:

I like the Panawal (full tang) and the Sirupate 15. My custom would probably be a 18" Panawal or a full tang 18" Chitlage in rough polish. Definately a fascinating weapon.

Jay Barron · Posted: Fri 17 Sep, 2004 7:16 pm Post subject:

Jay Barron · Posted: Fri 17 Sep, 2004 7:22 pm Post subject: