The Khukri - Myth or Fact ?

sirupate · 23rd December 2012, 05:57 PM

Interesting point of view about what a kaudi is Jonathan;

In the Nepalese army they refer to the kaudi as the kauda, and their explanation of its function (in both 2008 and 2009) is the notch in the blade that acts as a blood dripper, as did the 3rd Gorkhas when I was invited to have tea with them in 2008.
3rd Gorkhas base

I would also refer you to this link I put up in a previous post, about 13.30 in;
Gurkhas 'In the Highest Tradition'

Here are some notch-less kukri from the National Museum

Gavin Nugent · 23rd December 2012, 06:14 PM

There may be a more simple explanation for these Kukri without a kaudi.

When looking at the karda, the cut out on the blade can be used to get a firmer grip on it, more of the hand.

Looking at the larger Kukri and the curves of the hilt at this point, the same reason can be applied, move the hand forward creating a more controlling grip and thus creating a hand and half use if required.

Gav

sirupate · 23rd December 2012, 06:30 PM

I would definitely agree with you Gav

fearn · 23rd December 2012, 06:55 PM

Yes, but I'm not sure how comfortable a forward grip would be on a Khukuri. Some of them have sharp points on the inside curve, after all.

Personally, I tend to think of it as the equivalent of the old Bennett's Bend patent, which was a nineteen degree bend in a tool handle to make it easier to swing and hold. Obviously khukuris have a >19 degree bend in the blade, but it does have the advantage of not requiring the user to hyperextend the wrist to cut with the blade closer to horizontal.

Best,
F

Tim Simmons · 23rd December 2012, 07:13 PM

I know nothing about these but Gav made good comment. From a carving point of view, as in more controled whittling, for what ever reason choking off the full action of a blade makes good sense.

spiral · 23rd December 2012, 08:11 PM

Clearer photos needed, but at least one of those has a kaudi, kauda, cho, etc.etc.

I think at least 2 in the museam didnt though...

spiral

fearn · 23rd December 2012, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim Simmons

I know nothing about these but Gav made good comment. From a carving point of view, as in more controled whittling, for what ever reason choking off the full action of a blade makes good sense.

I use a choked blade all the time (SOG Seal Pup), and it works, but it's not the same as the notch we're seeing here. That's why I question it.

F

sirupate · 23rd December 2012, 11:19 PM

I do think on these kukri that have a cut away as opposed to a kaudi, that the main function is to try and prevent blood/fluids etc getting onto the hand, nonetheless I do think Gavin's point especially regarding the karda is valid.

23rd December 2012, 05:57 PM	#1
sirupate Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: England Posts: 373	Interesting point of view about what a kaudi is Jonathan; In the Nepalese army they refer to the kaudi as the kauda, and their explanation of its function (in both 2008 and 2009) is the notch in the blade that acts as a blood dripper, as did the 3rd Gorkhas when I was invited to have tea with them in 2008. 3rd Gorkhas base I would also refer you to this link I put up in a previous post, about 13.30 in; Gurkhas 'In the Highest Tradition' Here are some notch-less kukri from the National Museum

23rd December 2012, 06:14 PM	#2
Gavin Nugent Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 2,818	There may be a more simple explanation for these Kukri without a kaudi. When looking at the karda, the cut out on the blade can be used to get a firmer grip on it, more of the hand. Looking at the larger Kukri and the curves of the hilt at this point, the same reason can be applied, move the hand forward creating a more controlling grip and thus creating a hand and half use if required. Gav

23rd December 2012, 06:30 PM	#3
sirupate Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: England Posts: 373	I would definitely agree with you Gav

23rd December 2012, 06:55 PM	#4
fearn Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,247	Yes, but I'm not sure how comfortable a forward grip would be on a Khukuri. Some of them have sharp points on the inside curve, after all. Personally, I tend to think of it as the equivalent of the old Bennett's Bend patent, which was a nineteen degree bend in a tool handle to make it easier to swing and hold. Obviously khukuris have a >19 degree bend in the blade, but it does have the advantage of not requiring the user to hyperextend the wrist to cut with the blade closer to horizontal. Best, F

23rd December 2012, 07:13 PM	#5
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,855	I know nothing about these but Gav made good comment. From a carving point of view, as in more controled whittling, for what ever reason choking off the full action of a blade makes good sense.

23rd December 2012, 08:11 PM	#6
spiral Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,712	Clearer photos needed, but at least one of those has a kaudi, kauda, cho, etc.etc. I think at least 2 in the museam didnt though... spiral

23rd December 2012, 11:19 PM	#8
sirupate Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: England Posts: 373	I do think on these kukri that have a cut away as opposed to a kaudi, that the main function is to try and prevent blood/fluids etc getting onto the hand, nonetheless I do think Gavin's point especially regarding the karda is valid.