One for the Kukri experts out there.

[Bonzo Frog]

Firstly can anyone identify the era of the Kukri? I don’t think it’s a tourist item as it seems too well made. It came into the family via my Grandfather around the time of the end of WW2 and there are all sorts of tales about how he came across it. I know he didn’t fight with the Ghurkhas as he had a reserved occupation on the railways during the war.


Secondly it was never in pristine condition but I had cleaned it up to a reasonable condition but during 2007 it spent a number of days under the flood waters of the River Avon and has suffered a bit as a result. Any suggestions on how (and if) I can get it back to a good condition as I don’t want to make it any worse but going at it like a bull in a china shop??

Any thought and suggestions gratefully received, it’s an iconic knife and deserves better.

Thanks, Dave

http://www.flickr.com/photos/62388344@N03/6362671725/in/photostream

http://www.flickr.com/photos/62388344@N03/6362678467/in/photostream

http://www.flickr.com/photos/62388344@N03/6362675793/in/photostream

http://www.flickr.com/photos/62388344@N03/6362681535/in/photostream

http://www.flickr.com/photos/62388344@N03/6362684111/in/photostream

 

[santaman2000]

Maybe one of the experts can tell but I think it will be difficult. One of the problems is that even today the real ones are made one at a time and design is largely dependent on the desire of either the Kami or the customer.

Frankly though your knife doesn't look in bad shape at all for a WWII (or older) knife. What wear I see is added character. Considering its age an family history I'd leave it as is and display it (either on the wall or on a stand) rather than remove any of said character.

 

[Bonzo Frog]

I sent the photos to the Gurkha museum asking if they could help and this is the reply I received.....

"This is the second kukri of this pattern I have seen in the last two weeks! The previous enquirer's father had served in Burma in WW2 but not with Gurkhas.

The Kukri was made in India for the commercial British Troop market from 1942-45. The handle is larger than the issue Gurkha pattern but similar size blade. RAF Air Crews were keen buyers! The fact that 'Genuine'was stamped on the blade was to encourage servicemen to buy it, but Gurkhas did not buy them as they received an issue kukri and brought a working (operational) kukri from Nepal.

I have no knowledge as to how many were ever made or sold. They are made to a good standard, but they are not 'balanced' as a good genuine kukri should be. To test the balance it should stand upright on its cutting edge where the white reflection (right end) of the blade section joins the curve just before the Kaura (or notch). A balanced kukri should not topple left or right but remain upright! Try it on a table edge."


So many thanks to the Gurkha museum for answering my question and thanks to Santaman for his input, cheers.