A classical survival Kukri based on that which was used in WW2 on the China Burma India Front.
C.B.I. Survival MK2 Kukri
A reproduction of the genuine Surivial Kukri based on the original
from WW2 in our collection of Antique Kukri knives.
The Standard Issue MK 2 of World War 2 was reduced for the needs and demands of the Air Force and other units serving on the China Burma India (C.B.I.) theatre. The small MK 2 was popular with many American Air crew, British Armoured Car and Tank crews which are known to have used this type
of shorter MK2.
A few different styles came about of the shorter MK 2, a popular Survival knife among Allied soldiers, especially pilots. The shorter size meant it was better suitable for emergency exits, para jumps and easy to carry over the longer machete or a large kukri.
Today we carry two styles of the CBI Survival MK 2 Kukri which share the same blade but different handles. The classical full tang and the fancier stick tang with alloy metal, brass, copper in the handle. We offer both models with standard 4 inch handle or modern 4,5 inch handle.
While basing the design on an original piece from WW2 we have also refined it by developing a functional design which adds to the ergonomics of our small MK2.
Afterall it’s a military survival knife we are talking about and needs to live up to durability, personal security and functionality.
CBI Survival MK2 Kukri
Blade length: 20,5 cm (8”)
Overall: 30 cm(standard) / 31,5 cm
Steel: Imported high carbon knife steel
Handle: Rosewood
Hardness: 58-60 HRC
Weight:320 g
Sheath: Leather sheath with belt frog.
Etc: Stainless Steel Butt-plate and fittings.
The original WW2 Kukri with horn handle and brass fittings, while our reproduction has a slightly different handle for more comfort and better grip.
available in Full-tang or Stick-tang and with option of handle size;
Classical (10 cm) or Modern (11,5 cm).
Measurements include bolster.
“The vast majority of kukris, especially those carried by troops in Burma during World War, were anonymous, commercially produced weapons. Many were also manufactured in railway workshops, where conveniently available redundant carriage springs were made into blades.”
- National Army Museum, UK.
Handles to fit your hands properly, choose between:
Classical
or
Modern.
“The kukri was favoured over other types of similar knives because it was small enough to be comfortable to carry down a pilot's back, yet very effective in operation.”
- Australian War Memorial
WW1 & WW2 KUKRI KNIVES FROM HERITAGE KNIVES.
At Heritage Knives we go about black smithing in a professional manner. Our blades are made of new High Carbon Steel, properly quenched and given a superior heat treatment.
Its about respect to the raw materials,
the craft and to You.
Read more about our materials and our quality.
“The kukri was worn aligned with the spine of the pilot underneath his parachute, with the handle protruding above. The harness which the kukri and its scabbard fitted into was designed not to hinder the operation of the parachute. A pilot could use the kukri to hack his way through the jungle if he was forced to bale-out, or crashed. The kukri was favoured over other types of similar knives because it was small enough to be comfortable to carry down a pilot's back, yet very effective in operation.”
CBI Survival MK2 Kukri, Full tang version
Made for use, a perfect addition to camping, trekking, jungle safari, bushcrafting and the outdoors.
The China Burma India Theatre (CBI) played a crucial role for Allied success in the Far East during WW2, especialy regarding logistical, material and personnel matters. The Burma front has been described as one of the thoughest and bloodiest of WW2 to stop the Axis forces of Japan to conquer India and China.
“The kukris were obtained, by purchase or barter, from some Troop Carrier crews, perhaps including GPs, who had been sent FROM Europe to the CBI to reinforce the Operation THURSDAY air landing efforts, then came back later in 1944. They had embraced the kukris because they saw them as just the thing to supplement their aircrew survivial kits. The GPs coveted them for the specific purpose of HACKING OUT OF GLIDERS.”
The MK2 Kukri by J.Sedwell/Spiral, based on the longer article on 20th C. Issue Kukri knives.
We check and test each piece with great care and adapt our testing to real use scenarios based on the main function of each Kukri and knive we make.
Heritage Knives
is focused on quality and functionality.