The Khukri - Myth or Fact ?

[fearn]

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]

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.

[sirupate]

I sent pictures to the former curator of the Nepalese Army museum and famed Nepalese army historian Lt. Col. Prem Singh Basnyat (also a former CO of the Nepalese Para Commando) pictures of the kukri with the cut away area like the ones below, and he said they are not classified as kaudi/kauda, just unusual kukri;

[fearn]

To be clear, the problem with choking up on these blades is the central metal spike at the base of the edge. If you put your index finger on that point and rotate the blade around it, it's going to hurt. One might even hypothesize that some smith put the point there expressly to keep people from choking up on the blade.

The other issue is that, if you do choke up, you've got the mass of the handle hanging out at a weird angle (or the blade is at a weird angle). On a straight knife, choking up is great, because the handle is back, in your hand or out of the way, and acting as a bit of a counterbalance.

I won't say it wasn't done. I'm just skeptical that that was the original purpose.

F

[Gavin Nugent]

Originally Posted by fearn

To be clear, the problem with choking up on these blades is the central metal spike at the base of the edge. If you put your index finger on that point and rotate the blade around it, it's going to hurt. One might even hypothesize that some smith put the point there expressly to keep people from choking up on the blade.

The other issue is that, if you do choke up, you've got the mass of the handle hanging out at a weird angle (or the blade is at a weird angle). On a straight knife, choking up is great, because the handle is back, in your hand or out of the way, and acting as a bit of a counterbalance.

I won't say it wasn't done. I'm just skeptical that that was the original purpose.

F

Interesting thoughts Fearn but these examples shown do not have this acute point but rather an appropriate arc for a finger. That and that the width of the handle and bolster continue through at this width and remain roughly the same but not widening also support this.
I do see the one image where this acute point could be considered but by design, this blade narrows further to allow for a forward grip.