Gurkha Knife experts, help ID

[TMF]

My mom just sent me a pic of this today. They're working on a home remodel project for a deceased extended family member's estate. They found this amongst garage junk. Anyone know anything about these things? It appears to be authentic, but wondering if it could be dated to an era. Blade is heavy; near 1/4 inch at the base. Would be neat if this could be identified as WWII era or older.




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[TrickyNicky]

I'm not an expert by any means at all, wouldn't know the genuine article out if a line up even. This looks to be an excellent informative source if some info that may help establishing if this is a military knife or not. Worth a read I imagine.

http://www.swordforum.com/forums/showthread.php?77657-The-20th-Century-British-Military-Pattern-Gurkha-Issue-Kukri&s=339cd795451efb87f0d4dbd500bfe019

[Grand Torino]

I'm no expert but it still is a neat find and something to hold on to. :up:

[TMF]

I'm not an expert by any means at all, wouldn't know the genuine article out if a line up even. This looks to be an excellent informative source if some info that may help establishing if this is a military knife or not. Worth a read I imagine.

http://www.swordforum.com/forums/showthread.php?77657-The-20th-Century-British-Military-Pattern-Gurkha-Issue-Kukri

Thanks. By reading through all that it looks like this was likely a private purchase, rather than military contract production, which was common still with soldiers. The detail and imperfections in the handle kinda too that off, and remind me a lot of handmade knife handles I've come by in Kurdistan and Afghanistan. Still very neat, and I'm sure there is a cool story about it. Dad says he's cleaning it up to try and restore the blade, so something cool to have around the house.


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[Guest Jcmarcum]

Blade definitely looks handmade. Without dimensions it's unclear to its purpose. Scythe/ simmi design is unusual. Best way to date in my opinion is ask local blacksmith and/or farrier they tend to be very knowledgeable with various metals and tooling. Typically they are also friendly and open to questions even if you are not a regular client.

[Oh Shoot]

Blade definitely looks handmade. Without dimensions it's unclear to its purpose. Scythe/ simmi design is unusual. Best way to date in my opinion is ask local blacksmith and/or farrier they tend to be very knowledgeable with various metals and tooling. Typically they are also friendly and open to questions even if you are not a regular client.

 

???

 

It's a quite traditional kukri, used for both utility and combat. Apparently old enough to likely have been made in the original region of heritage.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kukri

 

You know many local blacksmiths or farriers that learned their trade in sight of the Himalayas?  :)

 

You can still get kukris made in Nepal, btw, this importer seems one of the best rated:

 

http://www.himalayan-imports.com/

 

- OS

Edited October 11, 2014 by Oh Shoot

[Guest Jcmarcum]

Nope I don't know anyone living here from the Himalayan Region I was merely suggesting a local source that likely know metals and are accessible. Harder to find someone hanging about from that region. Aging metal/tooling much more accurate first hand. Museums are also great resource. Will say when going to Nepal a stop in Agra should be considered, at least once.

On another note have to say Buffalo Bill Cody in Cody WYO has a truly amazing collection including exhibit from Smithsonian of firearms and weaponry. Some very unique things from 1400s onward including extensive collections from Winchester, Remington... The have letters from Marlin and LC Smith early works. We just visited this July really fascinating.