MY FRIEND KUKRI

History kukri knives extends far into the "dark ages", some researchers believe that these swords were known before our era. In the museum you can see samples of knives, dated XIV and XV century of our ery.Kak any ancient weapons, which managed to keep its shape and scope, kukri overgrown with legends and myths.

Two additional knives, one for smaller jobs, the second straightening kukri.

Blade in the form Falconwing and unusual form of the handle instantly attract the attention of not only experts, but also amateurs knives. It is interesting that no matter how impressive was kind kukri, according to Russian law it does not fall under the category of bladed weapons and, as a result, has no restrictions for the sale and possession. This impressive size knife can safely wear or carry with them without any permits and other formalities like any other item of household.

TRIUNE Kukri. Nepalese kukri very ancient instrument, but its unusual shape and today attracts attention. Mention of this knife found in documentary and fiction, it can be seen in movies and television shows. Even in toys flashing blades familiar form. Such popularity has not gone unnoticed. Many well-known companies began to produce cutlery, knives, openly copying or kukri much like him. Sometimes imitation applies only to the blades, but in some cases the knife is copied in its entirety. Usually plays only a form rarely repeats thickness and, most importantly, the structural features of the kukri. Until I came across a copy of the complete set of three knives.

But let us turn to history. In the form of a knife entered a deep symbolic meaning. All the elements are not only practical, but also a sacred significance. Curved in the opposite direction the blade (1; Fig. On p. 30) has hardened well, the hard cutting surface, but remains flexible, elastic, and not brittle. This knife will not break under extreme loads. Even vykroshitsya cutting edge, the blade itself remains intact.Sharpening the blades is different. Closer to handle it, "knife", with a small angle - so the blade is convenient to cut, it can be sharpened to razor sharpness. By the end of the blade sharpening angle becomes larger as hatchets or axes, - this part is more suitable for cutting. Thus, we get the same blade two specialized tool. Blade thickness is quite large: in medium-sized with kukri blade length 10.9 inches, it can reach 10 mm or more. At this thickness Nepali knife becomes quite heavy, but well designed. Shot Power kukri depends not only on the muscles of the owner, but on the impact of inertia: it is necessary to give good acceleration, and then do all the work is heavy and durable blade.

Dol (2) on the blade is deep and simple, and can be small and, as a flowery pattern. It is called "The Sword of Shiva", its function - depreciation loads when cutting. In addition, it helps to hit enemies and protect against evil spirits.

Kukri blade is in the form Falconwing.

Handle classical kukri (3) has no guard, although commercial versions of this happens. The explanation for this is quite simple: kukri is not useful for stabbing his element - cutting. They are also convenient to apply cuts, but bayonet attack is clearly not for him, and hence the guard to anything. In addition, the classic Nepalese knife handle piece, the original form, with bulges in the middle for easy hold.

After World War I, when the kukri were armed and produced factory, the course went handles of two halves, superimposed on a thick tail. This decision proved to be successful, the pen has become stronger in the case of destruction lining knife remained usable: it could wrap the cloth and work on.Handle material - horn or nut, but more traditional horn.

Complete kit includes self-kukri knife, a knife and two additional cover.

An interesting element of the blade is a sample (4) at its base. Its name - "Tooth of Shiva." Like everything else in the Nepalese knife, and it has a practical and sacred meaning. These recesses are also available on our axes, but the shape of the sample kukri still special. This may be the trident of Shiva, the symbol of the goddess Kali or sacred cow trail. In any form of the function of "anti-stress" This recess has a very horosho.A finally pommel handle (5). Usually it is a metal, it rasklepyvaetsya shank, sometimes it can be seen diamond - all-seeing eye, symbol of the god that protects the owner usually kukri comes with a sheath, which consists of two wooden inserts, leather-covered. In addition, in the classical model included are two additional small knife: one sharp (infarction) for small household work, the second obtuse (Cakmak) used as musat straightening kukri

Talking about the Nepalese knife, not to mention its creators - the Gurkhas. His courage and warlike spirit of the mountain people deserves respect. Nobody has been able to conquer them, even the British, who put up with it, quickly realized that the Gurkhas are obtained from different soldiers, and took them to the service. Highlanders served in individual units formed on a national basis, and have earned the sympathy of the British officers. Here he writes about them British Field Marshal William Slim: "God created the Gurkhas as ideal infantry and archers: brave, persistent, patient, adapts easily, the mistress of disguise, is proud of its military history devotees. Added to this is honesty in words and deeds, perfect order, cheerful spirit. I have always had a lot of satisfaction from service with the soldiers Gorka. "

BATTLE Kukri. Kukri knives are still in service with the British units, formed from the Gurkhas. Of course, like everything produced for the army, they can not "be done on the knee." Throughout its history, the military kukri experienced several modifications, and their quality is not in doubt. But the Gurkhas soldiers choose only those blades, which are made by Nepalese blacksmiths, believing that they have a soul, and will serve as owner better than a "piece of iron", produced at the plant. Many soldiers have two kukri: one for service and one for parades and demonstrations. The first is made of steel and wood, and the second contains the elements of brass, his arm made of horns, polished to a shine. In this case, the front kukri is not a hoax, it is also a reliable weapon, like a normal Nepali knife.

Their courage and fearlessness well demonstrates one documented case. One British officer turned to Gurk with the words:

 - Soldiers, we are a difficult task - night landing at extremely low altitude of 60 meters. Dangerous job, and I need only volunteers. 
All the department has taken a step forward. All faces are calm, and only on the face of Sergeant flashed some doubt. British officer asked:  
 - What confuses you? 
 - Mr. officer - he replied, - is it possible to ask the pilot to fly at least 30 meters? 
The officer rolled his eyes:  
 - But then will not reveal your parachutes! 
 - Parachutes, sir? - Sergeant face shone in the department rolled a sigh of relief. It turns out that about parachutes none of the men did not even think.

Being fearless fighters Gurkhas were cheerful and gentle character. This illustrates another story about how counter-attack Gurkhas in North Africa was thwarted by dense enemy fire, and ... marriage games camels. Never seen such a spectacle Gurkhas just toppled to the ground with laughter, and no threats and orders could not force them to stand up.

At the traditional kukri no guard, but there are models, such as AMERICAN EAGLE, which it has.

But back to the Nepalese knives. Today the real kukri can be found in Russia. It is Nepali, and for a very reasonable price. In Nepal, they produce private blacksmiths, raw materials are mainly spring - this steel is perfectly suited for the production of blades. The technology has remained the same as it was hundreds of years ago. 

The preform is heated in a small mountain on charcoal, blade shape is defined by forging. After the blade takes the form of kukri, it stands out "Tooth of Shiva" and valleys, and then quenching occurs.Not quenched by immersion, and watering from the kettle on the edge of a blade. Doing this can only be experienced master who determines the color temperature and knows the secrets of the blade to give a specific band quenching. After that, the blade passes final processing, customized leather and is fitted to the pommel. When necessary, the polishing and sharpening. Sheath made of wood and covered with leather; suspension formed; a ready-made kit adds two working knife - and everything is ready kukri. Description is quite simple, but looking at the massive blade, you know how much work it took to manufacture, and unwittingly imbued with respect for the Mountain kuznetsam.Mne happened to hold in your hand and try to work Nepalese knife, and that's what I want to note. First of all you need to get used to it. Of course, the Gurkhas from childhood are dealing with this form of the blade and find it very convenient. We harder. When cutting down zognutoe initially prevents the blade, but you get used to it quickly. Hack, on the contrary, once conveniently and easily. Instantly evaluate thickened at the end of the handle and shifted forward balance. After some time of work know that the knife needs work, and above all you need to remove all sharp edges and protruding tops. Conveniently shows a metal "cap" on the sheath. By the way, it is not classical kukri, he appeared first on the knife factory, which made for the British Army, where he was really needed as a tight-fitting sheath quickly wipe the tarpaulin. Sheath covered with leather, in my opinion, do not need it. This tip is widespread and ceremonial kukri, but more as a decorative element. On the job it has to grind knives or even shoot, because he always clings to clothes and even her tears.

Nepalese kukri made by hand, so their shape may vary.

After working in different kukri, I did for a conclusion that the most suitable for the field can be considered as knives size 9-10 inches. Smaller rather weak for cabin, larger too heavy and unsuitable for use.

When choosing a kukri must be borne in mind that they are made by hand and within the same model blades can vary significantly both in shape and thickness. Of course, at first it is surprising that we are accustomed to the standard output. But if you have a choice, you can pick up a knife in weight and size suitable for you. For example, among the models of knives 9 Bahadur I found quite remarkable blade - something between a kukri and Bowie. Perhaps the real fans of Nepalese knife would not understand me, but I have a knife seemed very comfortable. In addition, it is not the only and hopefully not my last kukri.