Hello all, here is today's article posted on TheArmoryLife.com. It is titled “Kukri: Famed Battle Blade of Nepal” and can be found at https://www.thearmorylife.com/kukri-battle-blade-of-nepal/.
Kukri: Famed Battle Blade of Nepal
- Thread starter Mike H.
- Start date
Sld1959
Ronin
Had a couple Kukris over rhe years. Great blade, excellant chopper and weapon. But, I just never could warm up to them. I tried several times, even bought one of the best from my research, but eventually they were sold off or given away not sure exactly.
The problem was they are relatively heavy which aids in chopping but too heavy and too thick to cut lighter vegitation, thus still needing a machete in some locales. I also find a good shorter machete can be pressed into service for heavier chopping if one is careful not to torque and snap the blade or let it bite too deeply and bind. Plus it make every bit as effective a weapon.
Second while they chopped very well a good belt ax did as well, but was lighter and caused less arm fatigue, plus had a poll for pounding, and was also an effective weapon.
I just never found myself packing the kukri for a trip to the woods after an initial trial.
My two favorites are the Condor Wastelander machete and a belt ax i made.
The problem was they are relatively heavy which aids in chopping but too heavy and too thick to cut lighter vegitation, thus still needing a machete in some locales. I also find a good shorter machete can be pressed into service for heavier chopping if one is careful not to torque and snap the blade or let it bite too deeply and bind. Plus it make every bit as effective a weapon.
Second while they chopped very well a good belt ax did as well, but was lighter and caused less arm fatigue, plus had a poll for pounding, and was also an effective weapon.
I just never found myself packing the kukri for a trip to the woods after an initial trial.
My two favorites are the Condor Wastelander machete and a belt ax i made.
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There weren't only Gurkhas carrying kukris in WW II. Renowned author George MacDonald Fraser's excellent memoir of his service in Burma, Quartered Safe Out Here (1993), dotingly describes the issue kukri he carried in Fourteenth Army under Gen. Slim. Military historian Sir John Keegan wrote: "There is no doubt that it is one of the great personal memoirs of the Second World War." Fraser also waxes eloquently on the British soldier's admiration of, and unabashed love for, the Gurkhas. This book is a "must read"!