Ardent farmers are always on the lookout for multipurpose tools designed to make their work easier, and a kukri is one of them.
Kukris have a long history dating back to the Gurkhas who used it effectively in battle – not that we want you to get one for your next combat!
Its popularity is based more on what it can do. Actually, this tool is both a knife and an ax. With Kukri, you can chop and use it like a hatchet. As a survival tool, it can be cut and built – for those that love camping – and animal or fish gutting.
Table of Contents
Where does the Kukri come from?
There is an ongoing debate as to where the Kukri originated from. What is certain, however, is its link with Gurkhas. The 17th-century Nepalese army used this knife as an effective combat tool and as an ultimate survival tool to cut branches, dig holes, chop vegetables, slice meat, and do other jobs.
A section of historians is of the opinion that the knife dates back a century before its use by the Gurkhas. There is a drawing in India that may support this view, but there are a lot of disagreements.
However, there is no argument regarding the kukri knife belonging to Drabya Shah. Of course, there is no debate on this because you can still see the knife belonging to the king of Gurkha at a museum in Nepal.
There are accounts attributing the success of Prithvi Narayan Shan’s small army in 1742 to the use of Kukri. The ambitious king of Gurkha fought his way into becoming the first king of Nepal using this knife, actually, his army! It was not long before every Nepalese military member was required to carry a kukri, and they still do to this day.
1824 records recount how a Gurkha unit engaged a band of fierce robbers that had captured a fort at Pooja. The group ultimately vanquished the enemy using the Kukri. Such accounts explain why the Gurkhas were enamored with it.
How you can use a Kukri Knife
Basically, you can use the knife to slash, stab and smash – yes, smash! You don’t need to be told how you slash utilizing a kukri – of course, with the sharp edge. Stabbing, you know how. You use the butt of the handle to smash. You may not also need an ax when you have this knife – it chops pretty efficiently.
The manner in which the weight is distributed can cause unconsciousness by smacking a person with it to the skull – don’t do this to your friend. Its weight and curvature are perfect for slashing – you can picture a camper that has wandered off to an unknown territory in the bush, and a kukri will help keep the shrub out of the way. The design of this knife makes even a slight stroke slice through the skin effectively.
A stronger stroke can go through the bone with ease, and a moderate-force stab can cause considerable damage to the blood vessels and surrounding organs, making it a useful hunting tool – of course, gardeners are not restricted to their gardens; they can go out hunting as another hobby. Longer kukris are used in traditional rituals in India and Nepal.
The Construction
To make it efficient in terms of movement, the kukri balances size, weight, and shape. Traditional Nepalese models had notch cuts on the blade, speculated to intercept enemy blades during combat. It is suggested that this design kept the blood from flowing to the grip, making it slippery. There are other theories suggesting that they depict cow horns – cows are sacred to the Hindu community.
These knives come in a variety of lengths. The most typical range for a kukri is between 14 and 16 inches. But that does not mean that you will not find longer kukris in the market. The best quality blade is made from carbon steel which is durable and maintains the blade’s sharpness for longer.
Commonly, the grip is wooden or made from the horns of the water buffalo. There are fancier models with ivory or brass handles. The handles of olden kukris were curved, but contemporary ones are straight. You will also find handles with synthetic rubber and finger grooves for a better and more comfortable grip. If you see those made from polypropylene, avoid them like the plague, as they are cheaper but of lower quality.
The scabbard is two pieces of wood covered with hiding from either a goat or buffalo. In the past, the scabbard had no unique features that allowed it to be appended to the belt. The sheath protects your blade from the elements extending the blade’s life. It also keeps the edge from finding its way through your fresh should a mishap happen – this is never your goal.
The Review
064206 Ontario Knife Co OKC Kukri Knife
[amazon box=”B00519UT42″ ]
Everyone knows that Ontario Knife Company is up there when it comes to everything knives. This product is the best indication of this, and you can never go wrong with this knife. The plain edge blade is 12 inches with a closed length of 4.17 inches. And at 18 ounces, this knife weighs enough for use in your tasks.
The blade has a non-reflective finish and, for a firmer grip, has finger grooves to ensure a decent grip when in use. This Kukri comes with a nylon sheath making it easier to carry around and protecting it from the elements.
Pros
- Top quality knife
- Durable
- Easy to use
- Non-reflective finish for durability
- Has finger grooves for a firm grip
- A nylon sheath to shield it from the elements and a belt loop for more comfortable transportation
Cons
- The handle could do with some improvement
- Not the best sheath
Ka-Bar 2-1249-9 Kukri
[amazon box=”B001H53Q8A” ]
This made-in-Taiwan Kukri is an appealing piece of equipment. It is black and screams quality through and through. The blade is carbon steel, durable, and maintains its edge. This Kukri is ideal for a host of activities, including clearing the campsite, chopping weed, and gutting animals should you feel a craving for the wild boar.
The handle is ergonomically designed, making it quite easy to perform your tasks – it is made from a durable thermoplastic elastomer material. Its sheath is not plastic but rather a long-lasting leather material.
Pros
- An appealing kukri
- Easy to use – ergonomic design
- Multifunctional – can be used to chop weed, gut animals, and chop wood, among others
- Durable and comfortable handle
- Leather sheath for durability
Cons
- The blade is a bit heavy for some people
- The quality of the edge is not the best
4000352 Cold Steel Kukri Plus Machete with Sheath – 97Kmps
[amazon box=”B00HZIF7N0″ ]
This 2.8 mm blade kukri is made from the highest quality material – you will not be worse off having it in your shed. The overall length of the blade is 18 inches which is not too shabby for chopping wood, clearing the shrubs around your garden, and gutting. Has a durable handle.
The blade is coated with an anti-rust finish for durability. The edge only needs a little work to make it razor sharp for gutting tasks and wood chopping. You can also say that you have got a knife in your hands.
Pros
- 2.8 mm blade
- Ergonomically designed, making it easy to use
- Overall, the blade is 18 inches
- Durable polypropylene grip
Cons
- The blade needs occasional sharpening
- The quality of the edge could be better
Schrade SCHKM1 Large Full Tang Kukri Machete
[amazon box=”B073ZB8W5Z” ]
This is one of those stylish-looking kukris that you will be proud to use before your friends – they may test your resolve by telling you to gift it to them. The blade is a stainless steel blade which means low maintenance. This Kukri has an easy-to-grip T-handle that makes it easy to use.
It also comes with a removable storage pouch and belt sheath made from polyester. At 19.7 overall length, this is among the longest kukris in the market – at least for this review. This makes it ideal for gardening tasks like clearing vegetation and building.
Pros
- Attractive piece
- Stainless steel blade – low maintenance
- Long blade – ideal for clearing vegetation and building
- Easy to use – has an ergonomic design
- Ideal for gardening
Cons
- The carbon steel blade is more rugged
- The quality of the scabbard could be better
- Not the best for tough tasks like wood chopping
EGKH. Genuine Gurkha Hand-Forged Kukri
[amazon box=”B07D4C8Y6L” ]
The Gurkhas are synonymous with the kukri machete. If you are among those fascinated with Kukri and Gurkha history, then this knife is the best you will get close to it. This hand-forged tool is supplied by the company that does the Gurkhas in Nepal – how fascinating!
The Kukri has a pretty sharp edge that will penetrate a log easily. Unlike some of the poor-quality sheaths, this Kukri has one of the best sheaths made from buffalo skin.
Pros
- Handmade and supplied by an organization that does the Gurkhas in Nepal
- Ergonomically designed, making it easy to use
- A pretty sharp edge
- A durable sheath made from the hide of a buffalo
Cons
- The sheath may be a bit too large to hold the knife nicely
Conclusion
A good machete should be multifunctional and should perform almost all the tasks that require a machete, a knife, and an ax. It should have a durable blade that maintains its edge pretty well – you will not need to keep sharpening and worrying about breakage. You will be fine choosing any of the above, but 1064206 Ontario Knife Co OKC Kukri Knife is one resilient and top-quality product.
This Kukri has a good quality blade with a durable and sharp edge to act as an ax and a machete. It will perform pretty well on your hunting trips by helping you deal with the meat.
