The Khukri - Myth or Fact ?

[Jim McDougall]

The lore on historic ethnographic weapons is probably one of the most entertaining aspects of studying them, and quite frankly, most cultural and tribal groups have often had a field day telling these in the queries of curious travellers and tourists.
Myths abound in the west on the intriguing notching of blades as well, and in the years I pursued answers on many of them, there really are none that might be construed as fact, though some have some plausibility.
Some of these are notches on the blades of some 18th c. Austrian cavalry sabres; notches at the back on Meditteranean fighting knives (also a nuance added to original Bowie knives in America) and possibly other instances.

As for the kukri, the 'cho' or choil was profoundly a key feature important to Gurkhas on thier kukri, and while no apparant use has ever been explained satisfactorily for this notch, it was important enough that even military versions produced by the British for the Gurhkas included it. While Spiral and Kronckew are two of the resident authorities here on the kukri now, I recall John Powell who was in my opinion an oustanding authority and author on the kukri, but left here some years ago. It seems that he had rather accepted symbolic purpose for the cho, and most likely toward the goddess Kali I believe it was. The suggestion that it was a bovine hoof was I believe discounted.

I think as Rick has well noted, the kukri is by no means aerodynamically suited as a 'throwing knife', nor would any Gurkha intentionally disarm himself from his key weapon as Knonckew wisely notes. The use of a kukri in this manner in a TV program of course as Ariel says, hardly constitutes worthy evidence, but I am astounded at this incredibly esoteric trivia! You constantly amaze me Ariel!!! Also, as noted, Gurkhas are quite attached to thier personal kukri, and reluctant to give them over to anyone even for curious inspection.

The well worn and seemingly almost universally used 'chestnut' on a blade needing to taste blood before being resheathed seems used for so many edged weapons its hard to list them all, but I think most derive from the old Japanese myth about Muramasa blades, which were cursed and demanded blood. This propoganda was so effective these blades were outlawed if I recall the tale correctly.

The cho to divert flow of blood away from handle, nonsense, much like these explanations for blade features like the fullers being termed 'blood gutters'. These were actually to lighten and strengthen blade and had nothing to do with flowing of blood, though obviously a dynamic expected in use of the sword as intended.

[spiral]

Thanks Jim, yes its a shame JP had to leave the kukri world, {I am sure he looks in & reads sometimes still though.}

The kaudi represt many Gods, Kalis cliterous is certanly one, Shivas cow hoof symboll another, many represents different Temple roofs, including Buddhas. The Nepalis , Hindos & Gurkhas dont follow one God, they follow many.

Heres some clasical temple roof or stupa types...












And thats just of military issue mk.1 kukri, made from 1903 to 1915!

There so many kaudis if studied its unbeliavable!

Even ones like this!

{Courtsey of Singhaofdarjeeling on IKRHS.}

I reckon never mind a chapter a book could be writen on kaudi alone!

Spiral

[fearn]

I'm working on something else, but a while back, on the Himalayan Imports forum, someone published a little computer analysis of a khukuri blade. It was interesting, because it suggested that a lot of stress accumulates on the blade at the cho, and if the cho isn't there, there's a fairly good chance of the blade splitting. Because the cho is there, the blade doesn't accumulate stress on that part of the edge a crack, and therefore, the khukuri can hit with full force. The smiths would have figured this out by seeing blades split where the cho is and experimenting with putting a hole in the blade at that point to stop the crack before it starts.

While I don't think this reason is definite, it's nice in that it doesn't particularly matter what shape the cho is. The fact that there's a break in the edge at the point of maximum stress is the critical thing.

Best,

F

[Berkley]

As with much internet material on my hard drive, the original source for this collection of kaudi photos has been lost. I believe it was originally put together by Artzi Yarom; John Powell posted it on IKRHS. In this version the blade edge is turned up as Spiral suggests to better illustrate the symbolism of the designs.

[spiral]

Excelent Berk, Thanks Fearn if you can find that thread Id be interested to read it.

Although thiese are full of symbolism {Like all Hindu weapons} The kaudi can have less estoteric uses as well.

Pour full fat milk {To emulate blood.}all over the blade & wave the kukri around & you will find less milk gets on your hand if there is a kaudi or step.{Realy... try it. }

It provides a break in the sharpening line so the edge ends at the same spot even if roughly resharpened in the field. {Or village.}

Kukri that break have been overhardend in the riccaso/tang area, fileing the kaudi allows one to know how hard or not the blade is at that point & allows the kami to re adjust temper if neccasary.

I am sure there other practical reasons as well, But putting the power of the Gods into your blade & protecting you from the malevolent spirits Hindus believe are attracted to weapons that have maimed & killed is going to be fairly high on the list, I suspect.

Spiral

[TribalBlades]

Originally Posted by Berkley

As with much internet material on my hard drive, the original source for this collection of kaudi photos has been lost. I believe it was originally put together by Artzi Yarom; John Powell posted it on IKRHS. In this version the blade edge is turned up as Spiral suggests to better illustrate the symbolism of the designs.

Wow superb pictures. dont mind if i use them elsewhere, will ya?

[fearn]

I don't know if you can see this thread without being a member of bladeforums, but here's the blade forums link.

The analysis is also posted here on Google Docs, which requires you to have a Google account.

In reading the Google version, I'll admit that I was wrong, in that the geometry does matter somewhat. A simple semi-circular cutout reduces the stress the most, and sharp angles bring the stress levels back up, where the sharp angles occur.

Hope this helps,

F

[spiral]

Thanks Fearn interesting,,,A fascinating read.

As the auther says though....

"I did not use real values for the geometry. I used generic structural steel material properties and did not account for the variation in modulus from the differential heat treatment or hardening. I did not check for mesh convergence, or verify my results were in accordance with the beam equations. I did not apply realistic loading conditions. In other words, please take these results with a grain of salt!"

As many of those factors are critical in the design & forging of kukris I think his advice to take with a grain of salt is correct.

But Many good points raised especialy re. reduction in transmited shock & vibration I think. I hadnt considered that before. I am sure thats a valuable hypothisis.

Spiral