Old Kukri For Comment

[kronckew]

for info, the small 'fullers' are called 'aunlo bal'.

Originally Posted by himalayan imports

Chirra - a fuller in the main body of the blade. fullers are used in blades in order to decrease the weight without decreasing the strength of blade (the same concept as that of 'I-beams' used in building-construction). some khukuris have no chirras, some may have multiple chirras

Aunlo Bal - the small fuller or groove often found along part of the upper spine. sometimes also known as a 'blood-groove' or 'the Sword of Shiva' (origin uncertain).
Other terms used include: "pwankh (the 'feather'), rato karang ('red rib'...from when they used lac to highlight a design rather than using a real fuller), aunlo bal ('finger of strength/force/energy') and others I couldn't even get them to translate". -John Powell
"If the scrollwork and inlay in the Sword of Shiva had any meaning it has been lost in time. The scrollwork and inlay are the "khukuri system" which has been around forever". -Kami Sherpa
"Years ago the scrollwork was etched in by the kamis before the blade was hardened. Later some smart kami made a die so he could punch in the scrollwork and that's how it is done today. It is usually done after the blade is hardened. The brass inlay would not hold up to the heat". -Bill Martino

as noted, nowadays mostly a decorative feature engraved or inlaid in brass or both. the blades are often forged with a noticeable dishing between the edge area and the spine which functions as a proper fullering'.

sirupate with no chirras, but an engraved and inlaid aunlo bal/sword of shiva


more noticable are the chirras,

ang khola (one chirra near the spine)


dui chirra (two very distinct fullers across the blade width)


and tin chirra (three of 'em)


ref: Himalayan Imports kukri construction and terminology


the posted khukuri seems to have a linear feature just under the aunlo bal, which appears to possibly be a lamination indicator. could this be of laminated construction (possibly pre-ww1 then)? any markings on the right side? nice khuk.