Kukri

Kukri, also spelled khukuri, is a traditional Nepalese knife distinguished by a curved, single-edged blade that broadens toward the tip. The blade usually features a pronounced recurve, which contributes to its chopping power. Typical blade lengths range from about 15 to 30 cm (6–12 inches), with overall lengths commonly between 25 and 40 cm (10–16 inches). Blades are typically made from high-carbon steel, and handles are usually wood, horn, or composite materials, sometimes with brass fittings. The sheath is commonly leather or wood with metal fittings.

Historically, the kukri has served as both a versatile tool and a weapon. In daily life it is used for chopping, cutting, pruning, woodworking, food preparation, and other tasks in rural Nepal. It has a long association with the Nepalese Army and the Gurkha regiments, where it is carried as a symbol of tradition and service. The kukri also appears in Nepalese ceremonies and iconography and is widely collected as a cultural emblem of Nepal.

In modern times, kukris are produced worldwide in a range of qualities, from inexpensive utility blades to high-end handcrafted pieces. The Nepalese kukri remains the most culturally significant form and is still manufactured by traditional knifemakers who maintain many historical forging and finishing practices.