It does not take a kukri “guru” to see that the Wilkinson MK IV was based on the WW2 designed Mk III. Placed side by side the resemblance is striking. However, upon closer inspection there are certain features which set the two Marks apart.
Wilkinson’s produced a high quality kukri. The blades were all hand forged, the butt plates and scabbard chapes were both chromed. The steel used in production was to Wilkinson’s own specification. Such products don’t come cheap, and it is easy to see why the initial order was for such a small number.
Of the kukris produced, 1400 went to the Army, two were retained by Wilkinson’s themselves as samples for possible future orders.
Despite Wilkinson’s maintaining a dialogue with the Ministry regarding further production, none were ever made. Cost seems to be the main issue, as Wilkinson submitted plans for more cost effective models, but by this point, the MK5 had reared it’s ugly head, and sourcing kukri in India was by far the more cost effective solution.
So what became of the 1400 that were produced and issued? Most seem to have found their way to the Far East, for issue in the Malaya and Borneo campaigns.
Such unforgiving jungle environments probably did nothing to improve the chances of survival. Infact, fifty (50) examples were returned to Wilkinson who were asked to rehilt warped English Beech grips. Later they were tasked with supplying a further four hundred (400) replacement hilts and rivet fittings.
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