Thapa Fighting Kukri is one the best combat/utility knives and most popular around the world. “Thapa” is one of the castes (surname) in Nepal. Considering this, Thapa needs weapon that can reflect the nobility of the owner. Thapa Khukri has a beautifully well-balanced design and gives a feel of pride to the owner. As well as it also serves as a real functional weapon. Basically, this kukri is made for combat and fighting purpose with the same feel of design, details and art within the blade. The shape of the khukuri is pretty thin and lightweight but gives an excellent power. Downward slope of this blade gives its distinctive ability for powerful and accurate cuts.
Kukri Design and Technique Kukris are long, single- edged curved knives. The blade features a heavy forward bent, and it is thicker towards the tip, narrower near the handle. That means there is an offset in balance; Center of mass is located above the mid-blade section. That makes kukris proficient choppers and we will return to that in the following kukri knife fighting techniques. This blade is a formidable weapon for slashing with minimum force. Basic Parts of Kukri Machetes Blade – The blade is thick and heavy towards the top. It has a flat, wide spine (up to 8 mm) and a sharp bit. The edge is very sharp near the handle, at its narrowest. The heavy side is less sharp and more suitable for chopping. Most kukris are made from high-carbon steel, but there are a few 5160 spring steel models on the market. Handle – Kukris feature a hardwood or buffalo horn handle. It can be plain or elaborate with lovely patterns and decor. You may find rings and grooves on the handle. These designs are meant to improve gripping. Cho – You will find a cow’s hoof shaped notch on the edge, just above the handle. Cows are sacred animals in Nepal. This sharp opening is useful for many practical tasks like sharpening arrows. Butt Cap – Most kukris have a thick metallic pommel. It adjusts the balance, slightly shifting the center of mass towards the middle of the knife. The butt cap can double as a blunt tool – a strike on the back of the head can render an opponent unconscious. Now that you have some basic knowledge regarding kukri knives, let’s look into the kukri knife fighting techniques. Before getting into the exact moves and angles of attack, we need to understand the grip, the basic stance and how to wear a kukri knife. How to Wear the Kukri Machete? This blade is thick and heavy, which means you need a proper sheath to carry it. You should make sure you are wearing it correctly, for better drawing and unsheathing.
