Posted on 02/05/2014 7:05:44 PM PST by marktwain
One note though: unless you are buying one of their higher dollar models, expect the "finish" to not be artisan/laser cut quality. These are HAND MADE but are extremely functional. If you want a wallhanger, by a pretty one elsewhere. If you want a tool you aren't going to be afraid to really USE... I'd recommend one.
What is the circular notch near the hilt for?
Khukuri Notch:
The most appealing and distinctive part of the khukuri is the notch or Cho cut into the blade directly in front of the grip and the bolster. The Cho or Kaudi in Nepalese that separates the khukuri from the world of knives arouses much interest because of its unique shape and utility objectives. 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 cows hoof (as cow is worshipped 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 enemys 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.
Well now I know! Thanks.
You are welcome...
Side note: there was a history pamphlet, cert of authenticity, etc in the box with my khukri when it arrived. The same info that’s on the website.
The Cold Steel and Kabar kukris look good and the rubberized handles would be nice until they wore out. However I think their tempered steel high carbon blades would be more brittle than an Indian or Nepali-made kukri. I'm sure they are more now but mine was $20 in the mid '90s. Hard to beat that value.
Agreed on all points.
The spring steel some of the Nepalese blades are forged from are ideal for a hard use blade. Springy, but the “packing”/work hardening of the forging process tempers into a very versatile blade that can hold an equally surprising sharp edge.
Try that with a ground 440C blade... Hehhe...
When you’re running down a trench lopping off ChiCom heads as you go you don’t want the blade of your kukri snapping in two! ;-)
Never had to do that...
I take it I’m missing out. Nice to know I have the right tool for the job should the need arise...
;-)
To be honest I'm not a Gurkha warrior either. But the blade is strong enough to do some serious prying if need be. I would never do that with mine unless it were an emergency of some kind but it carries the potential. It would be difficult to break if you set out to do it.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.