Kukri and Gurkha Myths

Kukri and Gurkha Myths

25th Apr 2021

Updated on April 25th, 2021

The Gurkhas are known for their loyalty, their daring in the face of peril, and the Kukri – a curved blade that serves as an extension of their arm. The Internet is replete with stories of their bravery and the significant role of the Kukri in their deeds. Over time, the courage of these warriors has spawned a number of myths and legends, some of which we will be looking at in this post.  Fact or fiction, you decide.

1. A Kukri has NEVER been broken in battle

There is a legend that no Kukri has been broken in battle. What are these blades made of? The knife is often fashioned of high-grade carbon steel which is taken from truck spring or railway lines. These are hard, tough materials. We can say that the probability of this claim is high.

2. Once the Kukri is drawn, it has to draw blood

As per another myth, once the Kukri is drawn, it has to draw blood (even the owner’s, if no one’s around). Verify this with a Gurkha and he may laugh at your face. In the rural areas of Nepal, villagers use their Kukris for a number of reasons – protection, cutting meat and vegetables, clearing shrubbery, and gardening. So, it’s safe to assume that a Gurkha will draw out his weapon several times during the day. If this legend were true, then entire villages in Nepal will be wiped out. Cause: Exsanguination!

Image Source: Atlanta Cutlery

3. A Kukri has boomerang qualities

And finally, perhaps the most fantastic claim of all – a Kukri has boomerang qualities! According to this lore, a Gurkha has it in him to take careful aim through the notch just above the handle, hurl the Kukri at the enemy, decapitate him, and casually pluck the weapon in mid air as it comes towards him. Possible? This sounds incredible and steel does have stirring properties but magic is not one of them.

The reality is that the Kukri does not require hyperbole. It has done enough over the years to warrant its place, on merit, as one of the great weapons in history.   

We have some exquisite kukris, including Gurkha Regimental Kukris and BhojPure Traditional Kukris, in our catalog. Check them out here.