Knife Blog | Kukri Blades - Part 2

  • Kukri Knives in the Media: Game of Thrones (TV)

    Posted in: Knife Blog by Michael on May 5, 2014
    Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases (affiliate links).
    Warning! Spoilers ahead for Season 1, 2 and 3 of Game of Thrones.
    Actor Jeremy Flynn as Bronn in Game of Thrones.
    Ser Bronn of the Blackwater

    HBO’s Game of Thrones is one of the hottest television shows on the planet. It’s mixture of fantasy, politics, warfare and intrigue has seen the television adaptation of George RR Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire novels attract millions of fans worldwide. A major part of it’s attraction is the range of colorful, complex characters on screen. One of the most popular characters is the hard-drinking, hard-fighting, kukri-wielding, womanizing sell-sword Bronn. A loveable rogue and mercenary, Bronn’s tongue is as sharp as the kukri he carries. Viewers have enjoyed seeing Bronn go from minor character in season one to a major player in the Game of Thrones in season four.

    Who is Bronn?

    Bronn first appeared in the episode ‘Cripples, Bastards and Broken Things’ (Season 1, Episode 4). He is staying at The Crossroads Inn when Tyrion Lannister arrives and, despite initially appearing to befriend Tyrion, he soon reveals his mercenary nature when he agrees to help Catelyn Stark take the dwarf prisoner. When the party is attacked on the road Bronn shows his prowess in combat. Bronn later acts as Tyrion’s proxy in a trial by combat and following his victory the pair become firm friends. Although both parties are aware that it’s a friendship primarily based on financial convenience rather than any great love, Tyrion knows Bronn’s sword and kukri are his to command. Continue reading this post ➜

  • Chakmak and Karda – What is their purpose?

    Posted in: Knife Blog by Michael on April 29, 2014
    Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases (affiliate links).

    Example of Chakmak sharpening tool and small Karda knife.You have probably noticed that most traditional Napelese khukuris include two much smaller knives inside the sheath. They are known as the chakmak and karda. Both of these knives have a good reason for being packaged together with a khukuri. Let’s discuss…

    Chakmak

    Despite appearances, the chakmak technically isn’t even a knife since they are unsharpened and have no edge (though one could be added). The chakmak is a honing/sharpening tool constructed with a piece of hardened “sharpening” steel and wood/bone affixed as a handle for easy use and carry. The purpose of this accessory is to polish and maintain the khukuri by insuring it always has a sharp, straight, and burr-free edge. It isn’t meant to be used as a full on sharpening tool on a already dull edge. The general idea is too keep the blade edge keen after use by regularly using the chakmak before it can begin to dull, thus decreasing the amount of sharpening required and extending the life of your blade. They also work great as a striker for firesteel since the spine of a chakmak is usually perfectly flat and extremely rigid. Continue reading this post ➜

  • Kukri History – Roots of the Iconic Gurkha Military Knife

    Posted in: Knife Blog by Michael on April 17, 2014
    Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases (affiliate links).

    History of the Kukri, the traditional knife used in Nepal by Gurkha soldiers.The Kukri (Khukuri), pronounced koo-ka-ree (with stress on the first syllable), is derived from Sanskrit and means razor. This curved and broad-bladed knife resembling a machete is used primarily in close range hand-to-hand combat. It has been the national weapon of Nepal and a part of the soldier’s uniform since 1837 with the Gurkhas’ struggle for control of the Kathmandu valley.

    The Gurkha soldiers of the Nepalese army, well-known for their fierceness and fearlessness in combat, are trained with the Kukri until they are capable of wielding it as if it were an extension of their own arm. A Kukri in the hands of a skilled warrior is a frightening obstacle. One that is nearly impossible to defend against in melee combat. Let’s continue and uncover the mysteries, origins and cultural significance of this magnificent weapon of war.

    Origin of the modern Kukri knife

    The roots of this weapon might be reliably traced back to the 17th century, when Gurkhas used it for digging holes, cutting vegetables and meat and for other odd jobs. Some historians insist the basic design and shape dates back further as outlined by one temple drawing in India; perhaps up to one thousand years. Continue reading this post ➜

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