Blade Cut-outs at a Khukri and a Zulfikar

[corrado26]

Looking at some fotos in my archive I found pictures of a fine khukri and a very rare zulfikar with the same cut out at the edge of the blade. Does anybody have an explanation for this?
corrado26

[kronckew]

nepali weapons, usually khukuri, have this cut out, called either a 'cho' or 'kaudi (alt. kauri)'. there has been discussion as to what it represents and/or it's purpose. the answer is 'nobody knows'. some say it's religious, a hindu sacred cow toe mark, to they do come in other shapes (see attached), some saw it's to give blood a place to run off (if so it doesn't work). some say it's a sight for throwing it like a boomerang (when they're being humourous). most say a khukuri is not a real one without it. why one would be on a 'zulfigar' muslim sosun pata sword, i have even less of an idea. maybe a low caste hindu kami's (blacksmith's) protest ;). many early khuks don't have them tho. a mystery wrapped up in a conundrum. puzzling ain't it? :) i have seen a photo of another zulfiqar recurved wootz sosun pata sword with a tulwar hilt and knuckle guard - it also had a kaudi. also see below.

[corrado26]

Thanks a lot for your answer. If such a kaudi appears on hindu arms as well as on islamic swords I think that this cannot have a religious origin :shrug: .
corrado26

[Bob A]

If such a kaudi appears on hindu arms as well as on islamic swords I think that this cannot have a religious origin :shrug: .
corrado26

Not necessarily true; once the original meaning had been forgotten, refraining from use due to religious prohibition would no longer be an issue.