The Gurkha kukri is everything you need in a melee weapon— its downward curved blade that could be used for chopping, piercing, slashing, smashing, and eliminating the enemies. Its design is nothing complex yet is effective in serving its purpose.

The Uses of Kukri Knife

Knife (Kukri) with Sheath, Small Knife, Belt, Pouch, and Box.

The kukri is a traditional multipurpose knife of the Nepalese people that can be traced back to the 13th century. However, some historians believe it has been around during the time of Alexander The Great, around 356 – 323 BC. It is typically associated with the Gurkhas, Nepal soldiers recruited by the British Army. Outside of combat, the kukri is Nepal’s national weapon. It is used for regular cutting, clearing, chopping firewood, digging, slaughtering animals for food, and the like. It is also used in traditional rites like wedding ceremonies.

The weapon became popular during the Anglo-Nepalese War, also known as the Gurkha War, a territory disputed between the Gorkhali Army of Nepal and the British forces of India. The war ended with the signing of the Treaty of Sugauli in March 1816. As part of the agreement, the British were allowed to recruit Gurkha warriors and Himalayan men into their army. Since then, the warriors (and their kukris) have been part of the British military ranks.

Combat Use

Gurkha soldiers are still issued their kukri knives, and they are not ones you want to mess with. As Prince Charles once said, “In the world, there is only one secure place; that’s when you are between Gurkhas.” And as per Adolf Hitler, “If I had Gurkhas, no armies in the world would defeat me.”