KUKRI KNIVES
Used by the Gurkhas in WWII
These are very, very sharp indeed. Total length is about 12 inches, the blade being around 10 inches. The handles are made from wood and bone with ivory inserts along with a fine decorated metal band. Gurkha hands were very small hence the western man finding the hadles too short to grip properly. These above, I believe, are not Military issue as they do not have pivoted sheeths and the handles are carved, this would have been time consuming and would not have been appropriate for the war. The blades are heavy axe like for hacking away undergrowth etc .The Gurkhas would also use them to sneak into German camps at night beheading as many Germans they could while they slept, this damaged German moral heavily and were tired as they feard to sleep at night.
These knives were also used in spiritual rituals to slaughter livestock to the gods and have blood runnels just above the handle running down the blade. Also note the markings on the blade near the handle. These knives are still used today, in the muslim faith although they have somewhat changed design.
These pair, so I have been told, were part of a private collection and were used during the war. Valued betwen £125-£150.
More information is sought after on these two items, if you should have any information please contact us, it would be most appreciated.
