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The Khukuri is the national weapon of Nepalese soldier. During the 1st and 2nd world wars, it was published as a non-exploded bomb or grenade.. More than being just a revered and effective weapon, however, the Khukuri is also the peaceful all-purpose knife of the hill people of Nepal. It is a versatile working tool and therefore an indispensable possession of almost every household. The Khukuri is carreid in scabbard usually made of wood covered in leather. All Khukuris have two pockets on the back of the scabbard which hold a blunt steel called "chakmak" for sharpening the blade or for striking spark from flint and a little knife known as "karda" used for skinning small things as a pen knife. The notch (kaura or kaudi) in the blade near the hilt of most khukuris serves as conduit for the blood on the blade to drip out, thus preventing it from soiling the hilt, as well as a device for catching and neutralizing and enemy blade.
Apart from this, the khukuri symbolizes Nepalese Cultural icon as well as the bravery and valor of the Gurkhas. Moreover, the Khukuri represents an exquisite piece of Nepalese Craftsmanship. THE WAY DRAW IN OR TAKE OUT THE KHUKURI It requires carefulness when unsheathing the Khukuri. Do not encircle the scabbard with your fingers while you are taking the Khukuri out. Some times, the blade comes out from the sheath and it may cause injury on your inner fingers. Hold the upper edge of the scabber with your palm and fingers and then draw the Khukuri out slowly. It should be pushed curvedly as well as slowly when drawing the blade in. HOW TO MAINTAIN KHUKURI? 1. You should apply machine, gun oil or animal fat on the blade every time after use. 2. You are recommended that not to leave any fingerprint. If it is necessary to touch on the blade, you should clean it by using some petrol or oil. 3. Incase of rusting, rub it off with fine sandpaper, clean the dirt using some oil or petrol and wipe it off with a clean cloth and apply oil. 4. You should use shoe polish for the leather case, use the brass polish or silver polish for brass fittings or for silver cases. The blunt knife (Chakmak) is used for sharpening the blade and the other one, Karda, is used for some small task as a penknife |
