The kukri (also spelled khukuri) is the national weapon of Nepal and the signature blade of the legendary Gurkha warriors. Renowned for its distinctive forward-curved blade, this heavy-duty, multi-purpose tool is a formidable weapon and highly capable for bushcraft, chopping wood, and outdoor survival. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]

Key Design Features

• Blade Weight: The inwardly curved, forward-weighted belly concentrates devastating chopping power, allowing it to perform like a small axe. [1, 2, 3]
• The “Cho” (Kaudi): A signature notch near the handle. While steeped in religious symbolism, practically it stops sap and blood from running onto the handle and acts as a stress-relief point to prevent blade cracking. [1, 2]
• Companion Blades: Traditional sheaths include two smaller knives: the karda (for small utility tasks) and the chakmak (an unsharpened steel for honing the edge and striking fire). [1, 2]

Styles and Materials

• Traditional Hand-Forged: Authentic Nepalese kukris are usually hammer-forged from recycled high-carbon steel—such as old vehicle leaf springs. [1]
• Modern Tactical: Brands offer modernized designs featuring full-tang construction, micarta or rubberized handles, and high-quality modern steels like 1095 or 5160. [1, 2]

Where to Find & Buy

• Authentic Nepalese Forges: For traditional, hand-forged craftsmanship, you can order directly from makers like the Khukuri House or Great Gurkha Khukuri. [1, 2, 3]
• Tactical & Outdoor Brands: Major outdoor retailers like Blade HQ Kukri Knives or Atlanta Cutlery offer a wide range of field-ready blades and tactical kukri machetes. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
• Historical Replicas: If you are a collector looking for historical or regimental issue pieces, Atlanta Cutlery Antique Kukris offers vintage and antique battle blades. [1, 2, 3]