Famous as a military fighting knife, the Kukri is the most commonly used multipurpose knife in the fields and homes of Nepal.
The 305mm hollow ground blade has a thick, ridged spine, measuring 8mm at the shoulder and tapering to a hatchet point. The blade is in great condition with some small patches of very shallow pitting. The edge remains very sharp.
The Cho at the base of the blade serves to stop blood, sap or other fluids from running onto the handle and making it slippery. The Cho is also believed to be a symbolic representation of a cows’ foot, a sacred animal to all Hindus.
The hardwood hilt has a brass bolster and pommel cap with a turban-like button through which the tang is peened. The grip flares to a broad teardrop shape at the base allowing the user a very good grip. The grip has some repaired cracks that are stable and the hilt is firm. The blade is firm in the hilt.
The wooden, leather covered scabbard is in great condition and bears a brass badge showing two birds, possibly the Himalayan Monal, the national bird of Nepal on either side of a flower (possibly a Rhododendron, the national flower). This could also be a family or regional coat of arms.
This is a very nice and good quality Nepalese Kukri dating to the first half of the 20th Century.
