|
The Gurkha Khukri Fighting Knife
by John Williams
NOTICE: TO ALL CONCERNED Certain text files and messages contained on this site deal with activities and devices which would be in violation of various Federal, State, and local laws if actually carried out or constructed. The webmasters of this site do not advocate the breaking of any law. Our text files and message bases are for informational purposes only. We recommend that you contact your local law enforcement officials before undertaking any project based upon any information obtained from this or any other web site. We do not guarantee that any of the information contained on this system is correct, workable, or factual. We are not responsible for, nor do we assume any liability for, damages resulting from the use of any information on this site.
The Gurkha Khukri Fighting Knife
by John Williams
What is a Gurkha Khukri Fighting Knife? The Ghurkhas are members of
Nepalese commando regiments serving in the British and Indian armed
services. They are renowned for their ferocity, bravery, and efectiveness
in hand-to-hand combat.
The Khukri Fighting Knife is the crescent-shapped issue combat knife used
by the Gurkhas. Its two versions: 1) 19 oz, 9.5" blade, 14" overall. 2) 22
oz., 12" blade, 17" overall. A few months ago, I ordered both versions
from: ATLANTIC CUTLERY CORP., 2143 Gees Mill Rd., Conyers, Ga. 30207, 800-
241-3595/404-922-3700. (Excellent prices, quality products. -ed.) The
smaller officers version costs $25.95; while the enlisted version sells for
$23.95. (These prices are up-to- date. -ed.) Included are rugged rawhide
scabbards and two smaller knives (about 2" long) with each Khukri
(apparently used for food preparation) The knives are geniune Ghurka
military surplus ( AC provided copies of documentation with them) complete
with ceremonial bloodletting notches. The knives arrived medium sharp but I
honed them to perfection.
The Khukri is a very rugged and well-built fighting knife perfectly
designed for hand-to-hand combat. The curvature of the blade, balance,
blade point, and grip construction are ideal for decapitating, slashing or
stabbing an assailant or other slime. Its beauty does not lie in chrome
blade and carved grip, but in their highly regarded survival utility. The
blade is hardened BS970EN43 steel. The grip is walnut, amari,, or similiar
hardwood. I feel that the officers' version has a better grip and better
overall construction.
However, both are very sturdy and well-constructed. Machettes, and hunting,
and US military knives (including bayonets) are no substitute for the
Khukri. Although large, the machette is primarily designed for cutting
vegetation.
Hunting and US military knives are anemic in comparison. They simply lack
that macho feel that tells you that you are optimally fitted for combat.
Both are good for the gross butchering of meat but neither version
(including the small accompanying knives) is satisfactory for a dinner
knife for typical American eating habits. Even though balance indicates
good throwing, I had no luck here.
I strongly recommend buying at least one set of Khukris and that you use
these knives as your primary survival and retreat knives. I think that you,
too, will be as highly impressed with them as I am.
|
|
