18: The Gurkha Khukri Fighting Knife
The case for the Gurkha Khukri Knife by John Williams
(reprinted with permission from Rebel #27)
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.
