Cool video. My Dad was in Burma during WWII as well. He used to tell me a lot of stories about the Gurkhas and the Kachins. He held both of them in the highest regard.
My Grandad was in Burma too. He said of the Gurkhas "They would walk 40 miles over mountains to apply to the British Army and some would be told they wasn't fit enough"
I am 70, raised in the Air Force, then active duty until retirement. I know a bit of something, but, I entreat all folks, of all ages, to pay great attention to the wisdom of your elders. This video is full of fascinating truths. Thank you, Ethan!
Very nice and informative video! always love hearing information from skilled designers. the notion about the kukri being an extension of an arm and its sweet spot was especially interesting.
Say Heah Mr. Becker, I bought two Himalayan Imports M-43 Khukuris. I was very impressed how good they are made and especially how much they were when I bought mine, since then they really went up in price. Mine are copies of the British Army Issue, Both have Full Tangs and one has a Black Buffalo Horn Handle and the smaller one is with a White Bone Handle. I use to think it was a White Buffalo Horn Handle. Yeah the larger one is a beast and a little heavy to carry on person but managable. I made a over the sholder harness or I attach it in the back of my backpack. That's why I had a smaller one made same tyoe, I finally just pulled the trigger on a bush craft knife with a white handle so it sort of will match. I also have almost the whole line of your Ka-Bar BK's which I made several sets of of your line, so yeah, I have a nice stable of your knives to beable to do that. I also have a Cold Steel Kukuri Plus in O1, I saw a X-Ray of the tang and it appears to be thicker as it distles. similar to a file before you put a handle on it. So yeah, I bought it. But I also pulled the trigger on your BK-21 Reinhardt Becker 21 Kukuri and I'm ecstatic because I really like the 1095 CroVan, Great Job Mr. Becjer. It just improved my Stable of BK's I'm hoping you bring your Brute BK-1, That would be a awesome match with my BK-2, But I guess the Kukuri is like a white shirt and matches with any color slacks or suit. Keep Up Your Great Work, making us happy. But please remember 5 nickels is better than 2 dimes. some love your wirk, but some can't afford your work. God's been good to me. I'm thinking about the less fortunate. How Great tho art if feeding the less fortunate and allowing one to experience your work. That's the Altamont.
Having served with the Gurkha's in Hong Kong and New Zealand they are truly a great fighting force .... As British Infantry we competed against them during military exercises and in many a march and shoot ... Which for all of us was a great opportunity for us to demonstrate to them and they to us how tough and cunning the British Infantry Soldier and the British Gurkha soldier are , we , the British Tommy being far more cunning . We even practised rioting against one another and much blood , mud and pain was experienced by both . I myself experienced a Gurkha baton attack after having entered a Gurkha unguarded Armoured Personnel Carrier and running off with four of their personal weapons ... So I know , I have been on the receiving end . But I survived , they were not going to beat me . But I was pleased it was a baton and not a kukri that disabled me for a few moments , otherwise I would most certainly have had a kukri blade embed in my right rear lower back . Anyway , the Gurkha's never actually fired a shot as a unit in the Falkland Islands and never drew their kukri's in close quarter battle as a unit ....... They were on the receiving end of artillery etc and men received wounds , but as a unit , unlike the Scots Guards , Para's and Marines , were not fortunate enough to be given positions etc to actually take in combat .
Wow Thank You, this was one of the best videos I have seen. I will be perching one of your BK 21s very soon. I have 3 other kukris form nepal, I have been a fan of the knifes for many years and I also believe that they are a great design, I like the changes you have made and I am looking forward to testing that bad boy out. Once again thank you for taking the time to explain your process and I think you make the best knifes at there price point. Sincerely Joe S.
Nice to hear from a guy who knows what he's talking about. I'm a fan of kukris although I can't claim any great knife knowledge, they just seem to work. The practicality of a hatchet and easy to stuff down a rucksack (you get funny looks in the UK walking round with a great big chopper (fnarr fnarr)). A lot of oomph for a knife and you've got to love the tradition.
I met Ethan back in the 80's at a gunshow in Cicicinatti and purchased one of his first Machaxes when they still had wooden handles. It's one of the finest tools I ever used. Ethan is a super nice guy and a pleasure to talk with.
Officers in the Indian and British army don't carry kukri for parade, they wear swords, If they decide to carry one on operations they either draw out a standard kukri or one they have bought or had made. They are curved to aid the chopping power, not to align the kukri. The legend behind drawing blood comes from the old days, when a Nepalese drew his kukri out in anger and for revenge, he couldn't put it back in until the deed had been done. I'm afraid the patrolling didn't stop, there are plenty of accounts of Gurkha patrols bumping into Japanese or German patrols, most Gurkha engagements were done with Grenade, rifle etc the kukri was obviously used in WW2 as accounts show, but far from all the time. In the Falklands War, the Gurkhas didn't get the opportunity to use their kukri in earnest. On the books you're better off reading books like; 'Gurkhas at War' by JP Cross or 'Even the Brave Falter' By ED Smith, and regimental history books of the 1st GR, 8th GR by Huxford etc The widest part of the belly has always been the main chopping area of a kukri, the inner curve which is missing on your kukri (which is more like a kopis) is the whittling etc area.
Simon Hengle this is why I bought a Tora, because you guys know exactly what you're talking about. no question whatsoever. the khuk should be getting here next month and I can't wait to use it on my next outing!
Simon Hengle your knowledge of kukri and gurkha is very impressive and heartening to see sir. I'm an india man whos been trying to get a Tora kukri but in vain. is there any way possible to get your Tora kukri into india ?.
If you buy a Kukri from Nepal, a good shop. The steel is hand selected from truck leaf springs, Mercedes Benz being the best. I bought mine from Khukuri House of Themel. Very well made, and fitted.
I had KHT make me a custom khukuri. They did a great job of making me a beautiful handmade tool. I talked to Sanjay Dumzon on facebook and he made me exactly what I wanted. A heavy (2.5lb+/1.1kg+) Tin Chirra Panawal khukuri with a guard and full tang. It splits wood like an ax.
I will only buy my knives from Kukri House. Great prices and Im convinced they make blades almost indestructable.. Im going to get a Rambo style knife made by them.. I was watching their vid and a commenter asked about a Rambo knife.. They will make any knife for you
A friend gave me a Himalayan imports kukri!!! It's an angh khola Hanuman!!! Love that thing kinda dressier than most people would use, but it's absolutely functional
The title to the book Ethan mentions is actually called: "Quartered Safe Out Here: A Recollection of the War in Burma" Old dudes like him often get the details muddled in their heads. ;) Too many genius ideas rolling around up there.
I'd love to know more about the older looking one that's "'quite thin" that he picks up at 4:27. It's beautiful and looks very well made. I kept trying to study it for the rest of the video. It's exactly what I'm looking for and having trouble finding... Thanks for sharing!
the native knives come with some kind of "steel" and a smaller "detail" knife for tasks where that big one is a little awkward... also made from any old steel they can find. cheers
I always wanted a Kukri. I came back from Scout camp yesterday, one of the leaders we shared space with had a handmade Kukri and it was awesome for what we did. So I figured that now that I have a job and the money why the fuck just not buy me a Kukri. I am hoping that Becker Kukri is as awesome as I am hoping it will be.
Those types of knives look like they would be better at chopping, but the ones I have now is also great choppers and I love them. I have the BK2 which is one of my favorites and have it in my collectors pile and use another one for camping which isn't quite as good.
Sitting here with one of your pre-KaBar, BK&T Reinhardt, Effingham kukris (stainless), watching this. Kool knowing you had your hands on this yourself at one point.
This is awesome, I had no clue the new Reinhardt was in the works. It will sit pretty next to my Blackjack version that I LOVE so much. When I get that BK21 I may even let it live in the extra Blackjack sheath I got off fleabay for 20$ hahaha.
Went to highschool with Jason Moses who works at KaBar and he made the Bundok Bowie- BK20 which I have been chasing after one for a very long time but just can't seem to find one for sale at a reasonable price...
I have been using Kukri's for 30 years or more. The type that has an actual bend in the blade chop a lot better than the kind that has the continuous curve in the back of the blade. Both are real Kukri designs just from different places in Nepal.
I just bought a BK21. Simply an amazing knife! Sure it's heavy, but the incredible balance makes it easy to use! It exceeds my high expectations. I will use it and abuse it when ever I get the chance. Whether I'm out hunting, fishing or hiking doesn't matter - I'm taking my BK21 with me! :)
+faultroy I mainly use it for making fire when I'm out hunting or fishing - cutting and splitting firewood and making kindling. It has the chopping power of a hatchet but it's also a good cutting tool. I carry it in my backpack - too many Rambo related comments if I hang it on my belt! :) The handle on the BK21 is exactly like the one on the BK9, same size and everything.
I really liked seeing your economy of movement 'using' the blade, letting the weight of the blade do the cutting. I've seen (cof) 'martial' videos where the chaps are taking humongous swings at defenceless objects, serving no purpose other than to waste energy and tire themselves out before the job is finished. If one is using it as an agricultural tool, one would have to work all day. As a military weapon, the Gurkhas (RGR) do not do that huge swing; more of a powerful fast punch. chopping as with a hand axe. Watch their drill (not the dance) as I did when we were stationed in Aldershot, it is more like a tai chi 'form' than a kata. Interestingly there are only about three blows with a couple of variations of grip, left and right handed, and the 'beheading' blows are always made two-handed.
I actually have the Blackjack prototype BK2 never used or sharpened and a Camillus BK2 that is new too never used or sharpened and well ofcourse the kabar BK2 to round out the series/collection! I was born and raised here in Olean NY home of KaBar and Cutco knives....
My father when they got over run in Korea , hooked up with a couple British and gurkhas, Indian troops they just took rope scare ammo, humped up over the mountains and out, I'm a fighting Got hand the hand, the gurka's with the kurki one of the only reasons they got out, you said was unbelievable what a trained person can do with two of them,
Got one and 4/21/21 And it one of the best in the world made by KaBar called the BK21 If you don't have one your missing out because this thing is made for working,it really built for action not wall hanging but you can do that also.
+imsuckingwind "Foxwalk primitive" did a great in depth review of the blade, focusing primarily on the bushcraft applications of it, but briefly mentions the potential as a hand weapon. Chops like a light axe, draw-knifes like a bk4, and carves like a bk2 or bk16... Beckerheads swoon when seeing the RBK.
Hello Mr. Becker, I have a Nepalese Kukri and am quite fond of it. there are a couple of questions I'd like to ask: What are the two small knives in the sheath for and where can I get a Kydex sheath The knife has a very thick black leather sheath with a brass tip on the bottom. It's OK but I don't want to use it in the bush because it might get wet and ruined. Michelle Lamb
I wish the production version of the Kabar Khukhri was the same natural high-carbon steel color as the Becker original. The black is ok, but the original looks super !
I think the thing about Ghurkas needing to draw blood before searching the kukri, and this is pure conjecture, might be because if they took it out in anger, somebody is gonna have a bad time.
Himalayan Imports is generally considered to carry the best quality knives and they are hand made in Nepal. Tora blades usually comes in a close second.
The small knife is a called Karda. It is a small blade for small tasks. The other one is called Chak Mak and it is a flat unsharpened piece of steel used primarily to sharpen the kukri in the field - I gave also seen it used as a makeshift fork or as a fire striker. Most of the ones that you get now (2 small knives) are made from junk steel and are only for display.
George McDonald-Fraser's book is actually titled "Safely Quartered Out Here". I really recommend it! (He also wrote the Bond film "Octopussy".) Enjoy 👍👍
The shape of the bk 21 is more like the original antique kukris found prior to the British presence. The bends being so pronounced and thick stock are post british developments. The ag Russell is closer to the originals.
I have a BK&T KUKRI,, it has been all over the country and out of the country with me camping and hunting,, and I cant tell you how many people have offered to buy it,,,not for sale
OK I always said that you just can not be sure of anything when you get those, just take their word for it. I see now S35VN knives which are made in china...Hmmmmmmm is it really? Cheers BB
HILILAYAN IMPORTS MAKES THE MOST BEAUTIFUL I HAVE SEEN. You may save money elsewhere but where else should money go than to the mountains of nepal to craftsmen who the world shuns
Fun memories of purchasing the becker patrol machete years ago . Chopping 2 inch diameter green maple and the blade snapped in two after 3 measly chops . I contact becker machine tool and a woman tells me I have to pay a $20.00 "restocking fee" after mailing the busted POS blade back to them and have to pay the additional $25.00 for postage to receive a replacement . They wanted $20 bucks to put the busted knife "back into stock" . Ripped off and tossed that worthless blade in a lake . LMAO to this day .
You alluded to "the kukuri must draw blood if it leaves it's sheath". I can personally attest to the fact that there may be some merit to that! I bought my first kukuri a couple weeks ago. I'm no expert, but I'm definitely not a stranger to knives or guns and I'll be damned if my fingers didn't come out knicked after applying my first coat of cleaner/polish to the blade XD
the banana shape of the kukri has nothing to do with affecting the speed of the swing from the wrist. the kukri is a solid object so it makes no difference. you're applying concepts which apply to flexible tools, like flails and nunchucks.... it just doesn't work like that with a solid object. having it bent doesn't affect the impact speed at all, it would need to flex in order to change or affect the impact speed. the kukri is bent the way it is because it eliminates vibrations and resonance moving from blade into handle. vibrations propagate radially in all directions in a linear fashion, so by having the kukri bend it makes it more comfortable to use. pretty important on a short and thick blade whose resonances are totally different to a long thin flexible sword or longer, broader and thinner machette. that's also the purpose of the notch in a kukri.... stops vibration resonating along the edge to the fingers. the notch itself provides a weak spot in the blade which may be prone to cracking due to cyclical fatigue stress... so to preserve the integrity of the notch and give its root some strength and reinforcing, they leave a long prong in the middle of the notch., it's all very smart engineering.
Sir your making me too sleepy ! Can you make a close up of the Kukri knives that you are showing ? Plus who the maker is what size, what steel . where it's made ...
In years gone by, they did draw blood, but they stopped doing it before the ww1.. don't disrespect the gurkhas. That is a fact, told by them! The cho is the cows foot.
It's a misconception that kukris are fighting knives and also that they should be thick. I've lived in New Delhi for 10 years and have known many nepali men and women both within and without our employment. I asked a number of them to bring back kukuris for me on their way back from Nepal and after having been thoroughly unimpressed by the quality of the ceremonial kukuris issued by the Indian government to the 7th and 10th gurkha rifles. Initially, I thought the quality of these bring-back pieces was wanting given the lack of ornamental engraving (punching) and the thickness (thinness), of the blades. I took a bus to kathmandu a couple of years ago as its easier to bring knives across the border on the ground than going through customs with an arsenal of kukuris in New Delhi after landing. The bus ride is about 30 hours long and well worth it. I went to the typical tourist trap shops in KMD completely enchanted by the beautifully finished kukuris and the area otherwise replete with gurkha iconography. Encounters with locals and even active service gurkhas on leave from both the British and Indian armies, would have me believe that these were nothing but display pieces. Gurkhas are small men, and a large heavy blade just makes no sense. Moreover, the kukuri, which has seen extensive use in combat, is no more a combat knife than the Philippine bolo knife (the original variety with the spine and belly recurve). Most nepalis use it for anything from clearing brush, to butchering animals and processing meat. I bought a few tourist pieces, which are still very usable knives for someone of European size (I'm 6'3, 190 lbs). After talking to a few people, I found a few kamis to make me some custom blades. Good ones know that the metal they're dealing with (leaf springs) make tough, semi rust-resistant knives but can have stress cracks. For this reason, good kamis will flux, clean and forge the steel several times before cutting and shaping the blade. I hade them make me 4 blades: 2 were 9" standard service length kukris with the tang modified to be thicker, wider and longer than normal to accommodate my larger hands. Another 10" blade with a full tang and a 12" blade again with a hidden tang. Didn't bother getting them hardened since the results can be wanting when you're working under such horrible conditions. Kamis don't get the respect they deserve being on the bottom of the hindu socio religious and economic spectra, so they're naturally very nice, humble people who are very agreeable to suggestion. Brought the blades back to India and did the finishing work on the blades myself before sending them off to be professionally hardened then subsequently handling them. All brass and rosewood fittings. Really came out spectacularly.
How can you have a discussion on Kukris and have all these other blades in there ? They are choppers US made so.no no Kukri at all ... bit of an insult really !!...
Very informative and Mr. Becker seems like a really nice guy and I like buying knives from nice people. Thank you Mr. Becker.
Cool video. My Dad was in Burma during WWII as well. He used to tell me a lot of stories about the Gurkhas and the Kachins. He held both of them in the highest regard.
My Grandad was in Burma too. He said of the Gurkhas "They would walk 40 miles over mountains to apply to the British Army and some would be told they wasn't fit enough"
Thank you for posting this! I love Ethan Becker's knives.
Ethan becker’s knives
I am 70, raised in the Air Force, then active duty until retirement. I know a bit of something, but, I entreat all folks, of all ages, to pay great attention to the wisdom of your elders. This video is full of fascinating truths. Thank you, Ethan!
Very nice and informative video! always love hearing information from skilled designers. the notion about the kukri being an extension of an arm and its sweet spot was especially interesting.
Mr. Becker is a wealth of information,love to listen to these old timers like him. Awsome!!
Thank you Chance. This is such a great video. I really enjoy listening to Ethan. I have the new Becker Reinhardt Kukri and its a Beast!
Great video. Thanks for posting.
Say Heah Mr. Becker, I bought two Himalayan Imports M-43 Khukuris. I was very impressed how good they are made and especially how much they were when I bought mine, since then they really went up in price. Mine are copies of the British Army Issue, Both have Full Tangs and one has a Black Buffalo Horn Handle and the smaller one is with a White Bone Handle. I use to think it was a White Buffalo Horn Handle. Yeah the larger one is a beast and a little heavy to carry on person but managable. I made a over the sholder harness or I attach it in the back of my backpack. That's why I had a smaller one made same tyoe, I finally just pulled the trigger on a bush craft knife with a white handle so it sort of will match. I also have almost the whole line of your Ka-Bar BK's which I made several sets of of your line, so yeah, I have a nice stable of your knives to beable to do that. I also have a Cold Steel Kukuri Plus in O1, I saw a X-Ray of the tang and it appears to be thicker as it distles. similar to a file before you put a handle on it. So yeah, I bought it. But I also pulled the trigger on your BK-21 Reinhardt Becker 21 Kukuri and I'm ecstatic because I really like the 1095 CroVan, Great Job Mr. Becjer. It just improved my Stable of BK's I'm hoping you bring your Brute BK-1, That would be a awesome match with my BK-2, But I guess the Kukuri is like a white shirt and matches with any color slacks or suit. Keep Up Your Great Work, making us happy. But please remember 5 nickels is better than 2 dimes. some love your wirk, but some can't afford your work. God's been good to me. I'm thinking about the less fortunate. How Great tho art if feeding the less fortunate and allowing one to experience your work. That's the Altamont.
Great video, thank you! I love listening to Ethan Becker.
Me too!
Having served with the Gurkha's in Hong Kong and New Zealand they are truly a great fighting force .... As British Infantry we competed against them during military exercises and in many a march and shoot ... Which for all of us was a great opportunity for us to demonstrate to them and they to us how tough and cunning the British Infantry Soldier and the British Gurkha soldier are , we , the British Tommy being far more cunning . We even practised rioting against one another and much blood , mud and pain was experienced by both . I myself experienced a Gurkha baton attack after having entered a Gurkha unguarded Armoured Personnel Carrier and running off with four of their personal weapons ... So I know , I have been on the receiving end . But I survived , they were not going to beat me . But I was pleased it was a baton and not a kukri that disabled me for a few moments , otherwise I would most certainly have had a kukri blade embed in my right rear lower back .
Anyway , the Gurkha's never actually fired a shot as a unit in the Falkland Islands and never drew their kukri's in close quarter battle as a unit ....... They were on the receiving end of artillery etc and men received wounds , but as a unit , unlike the Scots Guards , Para's and Marines , were not fortunate enough to be given positions etc to actually take in combat .
Wow Thank You, this was one of the best videos I have seen. I will be perching one of your BK 21s very soon. I have 3 other kukris form nepal, I have been a fan of the knifes for many years and I also believe that they are a great design, I like the changes you have made and I am looking forward to testing that bad boy out. Once again thank you for taking the time to explain your process and I think you make the best knifes at there price point. Sincerely Joe S.
Nice to hear from a guy who knows what he's talking about. I'm a fan of kukris although I can't claim any great knife knowledge, they just seem to work. The practicality of a hatchet and easy to stuff down a rucksack (you get funny looks in the UK walking round with a great big chopper (fnarr fnarr)). A lot of oomph for a knife and you've got to love the tradition.
And here it is, 4-1-24 and I have my Becker-Reinhart Kukri which btw, is the best kukri I've "EVER" had!!! Thank you...❤
I met Ethan back in the 80's at a gunshow in Cicicinatti and purchased one of his first Machaxes when they still had wooden handles. It's one of the finest tools I ever used. Ethan is a super nice guy and a pleasure to talk with.
This was a really interesting vid. Thanks for that buddy
Officers in the Indian and British army don't carry kukri for parade, they wear swords, If they decide to carry one on operations they either draw out a standard kukri or one they have bought or had made.
They are curved to aid the chopping power, not to align the kukri.
The legend behind drawing blood comes from the old days, when a Nepalese drew his kukri out in anger and for revenge, he couldn't put it back in until the deed had been done.
I'm afraid the patrolling didn't stop, there are plenty of accounts of Gurkha patrols bumping into Japanese or German patrols, most Gurkha engagements were done with Grenade, rifle etc the kukri was obviously used in WW2 as accounts show, but far from all the time. In the Falklands War, the Gurkhas didn't get the opportunity to use their kukri in earnest.
On the books you're better off reading books like; 'Gurkhas at War' by JP Cross or 'Even the Brave Falter' By ED Smith, and regimental history books of the 1st GR, 8th GR by Huxford etc
The widest part of the belly has always been the main chopping area of a kukri, the inner curve which is missing on your kukri (which is more like a kopis) is the whittling etc area.
Simon Hengle this is why I bought a Tora, because you guys know exactly what you're talking about. no question whatsoever. the khuk should be getting here next month and I can't wait to use it on my next outing!
Thank you, don't forget to post pics on the Tora FB page
Simon Hengle your knowledge of kukri and gurkha is very impressive and heartening to see sir. I'm an india man whos been trying to get a Tora kukri but in vain. is there any way possible to get your Tora kukri into india ?.
how can i buy a kukri from Tora
Sorry for the late reply, try the Tora Blades product page
If you buy a Kukri from Nepal, a good shop. The steel is hand selected from truck leaf springs, Mercedes Benz being the best. I bought mine from Khukuri House of Themel. Very well made, and fitted.
James Hart Its also found in Jawalakhel
Awesome!!!
I had KHT make me a custom khukuri. They did a great job of making me a beautiful handmade tool. I talked to Sanjay Dumzon on facebook and he made me exactly what I wanted. A heavy (2.5lb+/1.1kg+) Tin Chirra Panawal khukuri with a guard and full tang. It splits wood like an ax.
I will only buy my knives from Kukri House. Great prices and Im convinced they make blades almost indestructable.. Im going to get a Rambo style knife made by them.. I was watching their vid and a commenter asked about a Rambo knife.. They will make any knife for you
A friend gave me a Himalayan imports kukri!!! It's an angh khola Hanuman!!! Love that thing kinda dressier than most people would use, but it's absolutely functional
Thanks for your knowledge my good man.
Love your BK series of knives you designed with Ka-Bar. A BK9 with a 1/4 inch wide blade would be pretty awsome just saying.
You have sparked so much more interest in this for me! I know what knife I am going to purchase. I just need to know which kukri exactly...
Thanks for making this video
i like the one they diped in transmission oil. and the one you said everybody would like they are all works of art
I wish Uncle Ethan and Mike Stewart would do more collaborative work. My two favorite makers of slicey things!
Glad to see it finally out, there is not a finer production kukri out there than this one.
Very cool I have wanted to make on of these for a while. I want to make the one from Farcry 4 thanks for sharing this with us very cool.
Great video!
talking with the King.. .. .. Thank You for this video ..
The title to the book Ethan mentions is actually called:
"Quartered Safe Out Here: A Recollection of the War in Burma"
Old dudes like him often get the details muddled in their heads. ;)
Too many genius ideas rolling around up there.
Heh, I bet!
Thanks for clarifying for us...
Great book! The author also wrote the Flashman books as well as the best film version of the Three Musketeers.
All that knowledge gained over the years your bound to forget the small things
A great read is the book "Ghurka", with so many historical facts.
What do you think of the CONDOR HEAVY DUTY KUKRI?
I'd love to know more about the older looking one that's "'quite thin" that he picks up at 4:27. It's beautiful and looks very well made. I kept trying to study it for the rest of the video. It's exactly what I'm looking for and having trouble finding... Thanks for sharing!
CZcams:- "Timothy McLaughlin" on his channel he shows what kukri's his own company produces, & he also reviews other "Kukri Houses" from Nepal.
EXCELLENT!!!
the native knives come with some kind of "steel" and a smaller "detail" knife for tasks where that big one is a little awkward...
also made from any old steel they can find.
cheers
I have your Reinhardt Becker with the gray blade, no markings . Got it at a gun show for my birthday from my brothers .
I always wanted a Kukri. I came back from Scout camp yesterday, one of the leaders we shared space with had a handmade Kukri and it was awesome for what we did. So I figured that now that I have a job and the money why the fuck just not buy me a Kukri. I am hoping that Becker Kukri is as awesome as I am hoping it will be.
Those types of knives look like they would be better at chopping, but the ones I have now is also great choppers and I love them. I have the BK2 which is one of my favorites and have it in my collectors pile and use another one for camping which isn't quite as good.
Ethan Backer mentioned Bill Sigalls kukri type knife witch one I really like. can you please tall me where can I find it?
what brand for italian model?
Awesome
Sitting here with one of your pre-KaBar, BK&T Reinhardt, Effingham kukris (stainless), watching this.
Kool knowing you had your hands on this yourself at one point.
This is awesome, I had no clue the new Reinhardt was in the works. It will sit pretty next to my Blackjack version that I LOVE so much. When I get that BK21 I may even let it live in the extra Blackjack sheath I got off fleabay for 20$ hahaha.
Went to highschool with Jason Moses who works at KaBar and he made the Bundok Bowie- BK20 which I have been chasing after one for a very long time but just can't seem to find one for sale at a reasonable price...
I have been using Kukri's for 30 years or more. The type that has an actual bend in the blade chop a lot better than the kind that has the continuous curve in the back of the blade. Both are real Kukri designs just from different places in Nepal.
Nice one Ethan.
Flashman and kukris. 2 things I like too.
some how i want one
I just bought a BK21. Simply an amazing knife! Sure it's heavy, but the incredible balance makes it easy to use! It exceeds my high expectations. I will use it and abuse it when ever I get the chance. Whether I'm out hunting, fishing or hiking doesn't matter - I'm taking my BK21 with me! :)
+faultroy I mainly use it for making fire when I'm out hunting or fishing - cutting and splitting firewood and making kindling. It has the chopping power of a hatchet but it's also a good cutting tool. I carry it in my backpack - too many Rambo related comments if I hang it on my belt! :) The handle on the BK21 is exactly like the one on the BK9, same size and everything.
so good I like
thumbs up. I am a big khukuri fan.
I really liked seeing your economy of movement 'using' the blade, letting the weight of the blade do the cutting.
I've seen (cof) 'martial' videos where the chaps are taking humongous swings at defenceless objects, serving no purpose other than to waste energy and tire themselves out before the job is finished. If one is using it as an agricultural tool, one would have to work all day.
As a military weapon, the Gurkhas (RGR) do not do that huge swing; more of a powerful fast punch. chopping as with a hand axe. Watch their drill (not the dance) as I did when we were stationed in Aldershot, it is more like a tai chi 'form' than a kata. Interestingly there are only about three blows with a couple of variations of grip, left and right handed, and the 'beheading' blows are always made two-handed.
AH! I have that same pen!
I actually have the Blackjack prototype BK2 never used or sharpened and a Camillus BK2 that is new too never used or sharpened and well ofcourse the kabar BK2 to round out the series/collection! I was born and raised here in Olean NY home of KaBar and Cutco knives....
My father when they got over run in Korea , hooked up with a couple British and gurkhas, Indian troops they just took rope scare ammo, humped up over the mountains and out, I'm a fighting Got hand the hand, the gurka's with the kurki one of the only reasons they got out, you said was unbelievable what a trained person can do with two of them,
I love listening to a genius discussing their craft.
Got one and 4/21/21
And it one of the best in the world made by KaBar called the BK21
If you don't have one your missing out because this thing is made for working,it really built for action not wall hanging but you can do that also.
They're out!! The Becker community is in love!!
The BK21
+imsuckingwind
"Foxwalk primitive" did a great in depth review of the blade, focusing primarily on the bushcraft applications of it, but briefly mentions the potential as a hand weapon. Chops like a light axe, draw-knifes like a bk4, and carves like a bk2 or bk16...
Beckerheads swoon when seeing the RBK.
AMAZING
but why do they still pronounce it like slave owners it is a khukuri
Hello Mr. Becker, I have a Nepalese Kukri and am quite fond of it. there are a couple of questions I'd like to ask: What are the two small knives in the sheath for and where can I get a Kydex sheath The knife has a very thick black leather sheath with a brass tip on the bottom. It's OK but I don't want to use it in the bush because it might get wet and ruined.
Michelle Lamb
Michelle Lamb
Michelle Lamb the two small knives are used to sharpen the blade.
My favorite is Himalayan Imports
I wish the production version of the Kabar Khukhri was the same natural high-carbon steel color as the Becker original. The black is ok, but the original looks super !
That case machete looks quite a bit like Kabar's zombie line "pestilence" chopper... Cool.
Jules Thurongi
I think the thing about Ghurkas needing to draw blood before searching the kukri, and this is pure conjecture, might be because if they took it out in anger, somebody is gonna have a bad time.
The Kukri inspired the design of many modern knives.
Where can I get one of his knives?
EBay, Amazon, just about any knife shop will carry Becker BK&T products. What are you looking for specifically?
Himalayan Imports is generally considered to carry the best quality knives and they are hand made in Nepal. Tora blades usually comes in a close second.
www.gurkhasblide.com
lancer D
Don White
KaBar makes Beckers stuff as of now...
I wonder why they have a smaller blade with these in Nepal?
curious what you mean by smaller - length - spine thickness ??
It's actually two much smaller blades. Those are for all your small or fine cutting chores where the larger blade would be too awkward to use.
The small knife is a called Karda. It is a small blade for small tasks. The other one is called Chak Mak and it is a flat unsharpened piece of steel used primarily to sharpen the kukri in the field - I gave also seen it used as a makeshift fork or as a fire striker. Most of the ones that you get now (2 small knives) are made from junk steel and are only for display.
This man would be happier if he owned some knives.
George McDonald-Fraser's book is actually titled "Safely Quartered Out Here". I really recommend it!
(He also wrote the Bond film "Octopussy".)
Enjoy 👍👍
The shape of the bk 21 is more like the original antique kukris found prior to the British presence. The bends being so pronounced and thick stock are post british developments. The ag Russell is closer to the originals.
Yeah the Indian made Kukri's are hit or miss I got a good one.
Indian dont make khukuri , kami does which blacksmith of nepali are called kami in japanese kami means god btw
I have a BK&T KUKRI,, it has been all over the country and out of the country with me camping and hunting,, and I cant tell you how many people have offered to buy it,,,not for sale
If you don't mind spending $200 or a bit more for the larger kukris, Himalayan Imports have excellent kukris
the whole " if you draw it from it's sheath it must draw blood" is originally from Japanese culture regarding the katana.
Crippling Depression Eh originally from japanese??? what make u think that... its Hindu culture & japan has 0% Hinduism
I got one to I am kid
"440A or 1095 steel you never know exactly what you're gonna get"... what exactly does Mr. Becker mean by that?
Cheers
BB 🍻
Chinese copies/clones?
OK
I always said that you just can not be sure of anything when you get those, just take their word for it.
I see now S35VN knives which are made in china...Hmmmmmmm is it really?
Cheers
BB
Blazin'Blades
Weird... The Ethan Becker I know usually uses an exquisite kitchen knife instead of a kukri to threaten Sinix.
you have it wrong the gurka only draws blood if its drawn in anger
HILILAYAN IMPORTS MAKES THE MOST BEAUTIFUL I HAVE SEEN. You may save money elsewhere but where else should money go than to the mountains of nepal to craftsmen who the world shuns
the Gurkhas never fort in the falklands war coss the argis ran before they got to the top of the mounting
SPEED UP THE VIDEO TO 1.25.........you're very welcome.....
This
1.5 works well too
For your kind information it's not kukri , it's called "khukuri " in Nepal .
Hahaha waaq vai sakei mo ta
Fun memories of purchasing the becker patrol machete years ago . Chopping 2 inch diameter green maple and the blade snapped in two after 3 measly chops .
I contact becker machine tool and a woman tells me I have to pay a $20.00 "restocking fee" after mailing the busted POS blade back to them and have to pay the additional $25.00 for postage to receive a replacement .
They wanted $20 bucks to put the busted knife "back into stock" . Ripped off and tossed that worthless blade in a lake . LMAO to this day .
You alluded to "the kukuri must draw blood if it leaves it's sheath". I can personally attest to the fact that there may be some merit to that! I bought my first kukuri a couple weeks ago. I'm no expert, but I'm definitely not a stranger to knives or guns and I'll be damned if my fingers didn't come out knicked after applying my first coat of cleaner/polish to the blade XD
🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵✊✊✊✊✊❣️❣️❣️❣️
Correct spelling, it's khukuri not kukri.
the banana shape of the kukri has nothing to do with affecting the speed of the swing from the wrist. the kukri is a solid object so it makes no difference. you're applying concepts which apply to flexible tools, like flails and nunchucks.... it just doesn't work like that with a solid object. having it bent doesn't affect the impact speed at all, it would need to flex in order to change or affect the impact speed.
the kukri is bent the way it is because it eliminates vibrations and resonance moving from blade into handle. vibrations propagate radially in all directions in a linear fashion, so by having the kukri bend it makes it more comfortable to use. pretty important on a short and thick blade whose resonances are totally different to a long thin flexible sword or longer, broader and thinner machette.
that's also the purpose of the notch in a kukri.... stops vibration resonating along the edge to the fingers. the notch itself provides a weak spot in the blade which may be prone to cracking due to cyclical fatigue stress... so to preserve the integrity of the notch and give its root some strength and reinforcing, they leave a long prong in the middle of the notch., it's all very smart engineering.
straighter kukris and kukris without nocthes will very likely be the thinner, narrower for their length.
finally a reasonable explanation of the notch
cincinnati pride
Were they ever used as throwing weapons?
Sir your making me too sleepy ! Can you make a close up of the Kukri knives that you are showing ? Plus who the maker is what size, what steel . where it's made ...
Aah... So many wise guys pretending to know better about the khukri in the comments sections... ROFL
In years gone by, they did draw blood, but they stopped doing it before the ww1.. don't disrespect the gurkhas. That is a fact, told by them! The cho is the cows foot.
It's a misconception that kukris are fighting knives and also that they should be thick. I've lived in New Delhi for 10 years and have known many nepali men and women both within and without our employment. I asked a number of them to bring back kukuris for me on their way back from Nepal and after having been thoroughly unimpressed by the quality of the ceremonial kukuris issued by the Indian government to the 7th and 10th gurkha rifles. Initially, I thought the quality of these bring-back pieces was wanting given the lack of ornamental engraving (punching) and the thickness (thinness), of the blades. I took a bus to kathmandu a couple of years ago as its easier to bring knives across the border on the ground than going through customs with an arsenal of kukuris in New Delhi after landing. The bus ride is about 30 hours long and well worth it. I went to the typical tourist trap shops in KMD completely enchanted by the beautifully finished kukuris and the area otherwise replete with gurkha iconography. Encounters with locals and even active service gurkhas on leave from both the British and Indian armies, would have me believe that these were nothing but display pieces. Gurkhas are small men, and a large heavy blade just makes no sense. Moreover, the kukuri, which has seen extensive use in combat, is no more a combat knife than the Philippine bolo knife (the original variety with the spine and belly recurve). Most nepalis use it for anything from clearing brush, to butchering animals and processing meat. I bought a few tourist pieces, which are still very usable knives for someone of European size (I'm 6'3, 190 lbs). After talking to a few people, I found a few kamis to make me some custom blades. Good ones know that the metal they're dealing with (leaf springs) make tough, semi rust-resistant knives but can have stress cracks. For this reason, good kamis will flux, clean and forge the steel several times before cutting and shaping the blade. I hade them make me 4 blades: 2 were 9" standard service length kukris with the tang modified to be thicker, wider and longer than normal to accommodate my larger hands. Another 10" blade with a full tang and a 12" blade again with a hidden tang. Didn't bother getting them hardened since the results can be wanting when you're working under such horrible conditions. Kamis don't get the respect they deserve being on the bottom of the hindu socio religious and economic spectra, so they're naturally very nice, humble people who are very agreeable to suggestion. Brought the blades back to India and did the finishing work on the blades myself before sending them off to be professionally hardened then subsequently handling them. All brass and rosewood fittings. Really came out spectacularly.
U wrong way to hold a kukri by relax u fingers.
Not having a square, good to use blade near the handle seems pretty lame
same copy kukri
How can you have a discussion on Kukris and have all these other blades in there ? They are choppers US made so.no no Kukri at all ... bit of an insult really !!...