Nepalese, Parade Kukri Knife with Leather Scabbard and Karda Utility Knife

*Nepalese, Parade Kukri Knife with Leather Scabbard and Karda Utility Knife*

A classic Nepalese kukri knife of the traditional Gurkha pattern, complete with its leather-covered wooden scabbard and accompanying small utility knife (karda). The kukri is one of the most iconic fighting and utility blades of the Himalayan region and is closely associated with the famed Gurkha soldiers who served in the British and Indian armies.

The blade displays the characteristic inward curve and forward-weighted profile that made the kukri such an effective chopping and fighting weapon. The blade also retains the traditional cho notch at the base, a feature long associated with kukri blades and believed to serve both symbolic and practical purposes. The grip is formed from dark hardwood with brass ferrule and pommel cap, shaped in the classic flared form designed to prevent the hand slipping during heavy use.

The knife is accompanied by its traditional leather-covered wooden scabbard with brass chape and belt frog. As typical of kukri sets, the scabbard originally contained two smaller accessory knives: the karda (a small utility knife used for finer work) and the chakmak (used for sharpening or striking sparks). In this example one of the small blades remains present (karda) while the second accessory knife is absent.

Approx. Measurements – Blade length: 26 cm. Overall length: 36 cm.

History Note:
The kukri is the national knife of Nepal and has been carried for centuries by the Gurkha people. It became internationally renowned through the service of Gurkha regiments in the British Army, where the kukri formed both a practical field tool and a formidable close-combat weapon.

During the 19th and 20th centuries Gurkha soldiers serving across the British Empire carried kukris in campaigns ranging from the Indian Mutiny through the World Wars and later conflicts. The distinctive curved blade proved extremely effective as both a weapon and camp tool, capable of chopping wood, clearing brush and serving as a fighting knife when required.

Traditional kukris such as this were produced by village smiths across Nepal and often supplied to soldiers privately or through regimental channels. Even today the kukri remains an enduring symbol of the Gurkha soldier and Nepalese martial culture.

*Condition*
The kukri remains in solid, honest condition consistent with age and use. The blade shows areas of surface patina and light staining but retains a good overall form. The wooden grip remains firm with minor handling wear and retains its brass mounts. The leather-covered scabbard shows age-related wear and scuffing with some surface cracking to the leather but remains structurally sound. The brass chape is intact. One of the two small accessory knives (the karda) is present while the second is absent. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

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