JP had not only a vast knowledge on the Kukri but perhaps a even finer collection of photos of Kukri knives which he had himself, received from other collectors , from auctioners/sellers or aquired for his research from Museums. Some of these images which have not been used in the text material/articles here on the webpage of Heritage Knives, i.e. the series on the Kukri Book and Kothimora, are here shown.
Unusual pattern Kukri,
non-Nepalese.
late 19th and 20th century.
The Kukri is a Nepalese weapon in origin but has since at least the 19th century been made in surrounding countries. By the mid 20th century it is known to have been made in Nepal, India, Sikkim, Tibet, Burma, Pakistan, Afghanistan and even in the United Kingdom.
Now in 2020 it is made on all continents of the globe.
Unusual pattern Kukri,
non-Nepalese.
early 20th century.
Titled "Toy Kukri" but seems more inspired by the North West Frontier style knives.
"unique Kukri from France", bolster and handle reminds of french chef knives...
“The Gurkhas seem to draw only their Khukuri’s-the short curved knife-which is a general utility instrument in the Nepalese countryside, but is represented in the discourse as the national weapon."
- Prof. L. Caplan, 1995
Mini Kukri.
first half of 20th century.
Crescent Moon marked Kukri.
late 19th to early 20th Century.
A beautiful Kukri with carved metal handle and a old style crescent moon as seen in the 19th century.
It is not common but occasionally Kukris are found with an inscription which is not of the Devanagri alphabet but one of the various languages of the North West Frontier, it maybe Urdu, Arabic or a tribal language of the area.
The Crescent moon mark is firstly a talisman symbol based on the cultural heritage of the geographic area, the maker and user, often tied up to Buddhism, Hindusim and Shamanim.
Secondly the mark is a sign of quality and comes in many variations over the past centuries.
It is found on Blades (for example in Kukri, Kora, Tulwar, Ban, Khanda and other weapons) dating back to the mid 18th century to the mid 20th century.
"The Khukuri of the Gurkhas of India is a sword-knife with a blade convex along the back, and expanding so that a large part of the cutting edge is also convex. It is used in hunting as well as in war, and armed with this weapon along the Gurkha will kill a tiger single handed."
- H.S. Harrison, 1929.
Crescent Moon marked Kukri.
Late 19th to early 20th Century.
"KUKRI, COOKRI, KOOKERI - the national knife and principal weapon of the Gurkhas of Nepal. It has a heavy, curved, single-edged blade sharp on the concave side. The hilt is usually straight and without guard; occasionally it has a disk guard and pommel like a sword (kora) from the same sharpener. Quite often one, or both, of these knifes have hilts of branching stag horn. The weight of the blade of the kukri is well towards the point and a tremendous blow can be struck with it with very little muscular exertion. There are well-authenticated instances of a Gurkha having split the head of a man and cut well down into his chest with a single blow. It is carried by Gurkhas at all times and used as a jungle and hunting knife as well as for war.
- George C. Stone, 1934.
A Sirupate Kukri from the Gurkha Museum, UK with the crescent moon mark.
Ang Khola style Kukri, often this style is attributed to British Officers in the Indian Army.
Traditional Kukri.
Bhojpure to Budhume style.
Early 20th century.
"The Kukri is at the very heart of the tradition and culture of Nepal, and, as a very good friend or deadly foe, it mirrors the duality of human nature and nature of mankind."
- Bob Crew, 2003.
"The Gurkhas knife. The presence of the Indian troops in France is exciting the greatest interest in the towns through which they pass to their base. French soldiers, civilians, and girls all want to see the famous Gurkha knife and are some what appalled when the little natives of Nepal solemnly declare that their religion forbids them to draw the weapon without drawing blood."
- The Wodonga & Towong Sentinel, 1915.
Traditional Kukri.
Late 19th to early 20th century.
"The kukhri is not only a weapon but is also used as an implement for cutting through the thick jungles of the Terai and the Himalayan slopes. It has therefore always retained its functional and utilitarian character."
- E.J. Paul, 2005.
A traditional military Sirupate Kukri.
Two traditional Kukris, top military, bottom utility/village style.
Two traditional Kukris, top military, bottom utility/village style.
20th century Kukri´s.
Indian Kothimora Kukri presented to Major Russell Halligan by All Ranks 5th Gorkha Rifles.
Kukris with the Gurkha Bear from the Gurkha Museum (UK).
"It is interesting to note that the first VC won by a Gurkha was given because he saved the lives of his fellow soldiers, instead of killing the enemy during close quarter fighting with his kukri, which many would have anticipated."
- Dr. R.K. Purthi, 2008.
A "janawar katne" (animal cuting) Kukri, would also be called a Bazzar Kothimora...
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