Khukri - genuine or not?

[Bushwhacker]

Is there any way of telling if it's a genuine khukri or not? I saw one on an antique market stall at the weekend for £16 but something didn't seem right about it so I never bought it.
I'm sure there's probably cheap copies out there, so are there any stamps/marks to look out for?

 

[Ogri the trog]

As for a definitive answer - I don't know!

However, the traditional Khukri is a working tool, made from recycled suspension springs (amongst other things) and unlikely to be highly decorated. Having seen a few from both sides of the fence, they are relatively easy to seperate - just turn away anything that carries intricate decoration, highly coloured or too thick stock that gives the impression of weight at the detriment of a good geometry are the early signs.

That said however, there are a few ceremonial items around that are of good quality, but I recon most would command a higher price than the one you've seen.

What was it that put you off buying it?

Ogri the trog

 

[Bushwhacker]

What was it that put you off buying it?
Ogri the trog

The price for one thing, I just thought it was too cheap.
Maybe I've turned away a bargain.

 

[launditch1]

A military issue one would be marked so.There are lots of different Indian ect.. makers marks.I was given a Khukri from my wife's grandfather who was given it in India during ww2.It has no makers marks whatsoever!
Im sure there are many 'tourist' type kuks out there...
Google throws up some good links.
HtH.

 

[Richie'66]

I think i'd have bought it anyway and took the risk

My first khukuri I bought at a boot sale , paid something like a tenner and it's a good user. Not pretty by any means though but good steel nontheless.

 

[santaman2000]

The real one are all hand made one at a time by a little man (not every one by the SAME little man) sqatting over a fire and beating metal with a hammer until it's a usable blade. Any markings on the blade will usually be placed there by the customer's request. As stated about military issued ones, they will be marked as such but that is done by the military after purchase and is no guarentee of where it was made or purchased (although it is a fair indication of quality) Your best bet is to shop from reliable sources. KhukuriHouseonline is a good one.