Amazing GURKHA KUKRI: Victorian style (Salyani) from Kailash Blades - REVIEW UPDATE 

Hey there Matt! Thanks so much for taking the time to share your thoughts and your help over the past year dialling in the specs of this blade. The team are so happy to hear that you're glad with the final result. It's awesome that you've picked up on some of the changes we've been making but we've still got plenty to improve on not only in specs and detailing but also in having a wider range of historical blades available. If anybody has questions- let me know and I'll help out as best as I can :) Some Notes Distal taper: You're definitely right that on a lot of fixed blades there's no taper at all. Aside from not being as critical on smaller blades it's also a lot cheaper and simpler to leave it out when working with sheet steel and stock removal processes. For forging and working from thicker stock though it doesn't add much effort to the process at all- likely a big part of why it was so commonplace on pre industrial blades. The universal benefit to distal taper is about spreading stress throughout the blade- even on smaller knives. The thinner sections near the tip have a chance to bend before they pass the load to thicker parts closer to the handle. This incrementally dissipates stress and makes for a blade that's much less likely to permanently bend or snap than a blade with no taper an isoaltes stress at the handle/ricasso. For medium sized fixed blade a lack of distal taper is often regarded as a benefit for a chopping blade as it helps keep the weight forwards, giving more chopping power. If you apply distal taper for strength reasons though you can then control the chopping balance by creating a broader blade with a pronounced belly. And would you look at that! That's exactly what khukuris do. Butt Plate: The decoration on the butt plate is our logo and the makers mark of the smith that made the blade. The butt plate is one way in which the blade differs from historical examples. A hidden tang (more period correct and specified on the actual blade this is based off) allows for a lower weight and a slightly more intensified chopping balance. However it also can come loose as it shrinks, is more prone to cracking and the results can be catastrophic for the end user. Historically these hidden tang blades were often rehandled! For us we spec a through tang to ensure the blade is at the minimum level of durability and reliability that's expected for a modern made khukuri. With this said though- if you'd like it 100% accurate we can absolutely do a hidden tang. You just need to keep the handle oiled and fed and avoid big impacts. We've been trialling it on our micarta wrapped handles with great results innl terms of balance. Handle length and engraving: The engraving is a little tricky to get done but matches the original much better and really helps the look of the piece. For the blade that this is original is based off the 5.5"and the middle placement of the handle ring is historically accurate. The grip position is a bit strange but I think it's intended to be used a 3 and 1 hand grip (either back for chopping or forward for control) with a 2 and 2 grip in the centre for a compromise. Dap fit: Great to see you pick up on the connection between blade shape and dap fit. typically broader, bendier blades and those with wider bellies tend towards higher retention while narrower, straighter blades tend towards a looser fit. These daps are quite organic- they're almost living, breathing objects. As a result they can be very sensitive to temperature and moisture. A key thing to keep in mind is that the leather is shrunk around the wood and grabs super tightly- as a result the condition of the leather can make a big impact on the tightness of the dap. If it's tight try some mineral oil or leather conditioner to relax the grip. If it's loose you can try soaking the exterior in water then sitting it in the sun or in front of a heater. Another option is to glue a piece of felt or sized piece of leather into the throat of the blade. You can get a nice snug fit when fullly inserted but then have a nice loose action for the rest the draw. Take care, Andrew and the team at Kailash

Kailash's prices are so affordable for the quality of the work they produce.

My father-in-law was a tank driver in Patton's 3rd Army. At one point his group was deployed with a group of Gurkhas, all carrying kukris. He asked to see one of the knives, the Gurkha drew the Kukri and handed to him, he examined it, was impressed, and handed it back. Before the Gurkha re sheathed the knife, he drew the blade across his hand inflicting a deep cut, blooding the blade. Needless to say my father-in-law was aghast, the Gurkha calmly explained that the blade was never drawn in war without drawing blood.

Awesome vid - I've got a 17.5" kukri that was given to my great uncle in either WW2 or Malaya (family stories differ and he has passed on). Awesome to see that they still get made in the size!

This would be a great opportunity to pursue an interview with the manufacturers. Get more context from someone that is of the region about the role of the kukri locally and what they've done to be able to try and revive the traftion and how it's impacted their community.

Awesome to see some coverage of Kukri style blades, they really are an amazing combination of tool and weapon, capable of fulfilling both roles rather well. Also thanks for putting Kailash on my radar, definitely going to have to order one!

Kukri fan here! Love celebrating their perfection.

I have a HSI kukri from kailash blades and it’s amazing. It has an amazing balance, beautiful wood, nice copper fittings, and a very comfortable handle. I’m very happy with it and the sheath is very nice quality. I couldn’t recommend them more.

I have three Kailash blades. Great work. I recommend.

So pleased with my 2 Kailash khukuri. I have a Salyani and a 3 fuller Angkhola. On the latter, you can choose different blade length, finish, tang and grind; handle material and length; hardware material, all in all over 9,000 combinations of that model alone, and then 5 there’s sheaths to choose from……

Nice of Lucy to let you play with her new kukri.

I've wanted one of these knives ever since I started hearing the stories of the Nepalese guys in Iraq/Afghanistan performing feats that seemed completely super human.

Beautiful implement! I love the decorations on the spine of the blade. As a newbie smith myself i have come to realize how bloody hard it is to get that kind of stuff right, or just blade making in general.

I have several kailash blades, all very nice and extremely usable. I've tested them on all types of material and use them often without any real issues. The last mutiny I received is a work of art, same carving, similar overall design.... absolutely beautiful! I can't recommend them enough, Andrew is knowledgeable and great to deal with and shipping is ridiculously fast after the blades complete.

Proud owner of kb kukri. Great tool

It's great that you co-operate with Kailash to produce such gorgeous knives. Personally, I would go for a smaller kukri - more a tool than a weapon, as I camp a lot. Kudos to the thought and consideration that goes into the design and build.

we tend not to consider modern replicas as interesting as the antiques, but i feel like in the future this kind of work will be appreciated. like, 1000ys from now our people will say "ha! look, in the early 21st century there was a reinassance of the ancient weapons, look at that kukri! isn't it beautiful?" i know, we might as well be fully extinct by then, but i like to fantasize.

Wow, what an amazing endorsement of Kailash Blades! I just ordered my very first khukuri last week, an 11" Angkhola Ek Chirra from Kailash. The more I read and researched, the more impressed I became. In fact, I went back and ordered a 7" mini from them a few days after my first order. I was in need of a large 6" belt knife to use around the property and in the woods, then I decided their 7" mini should be even more efficient at applications typical for that size western knife. I'm really curious about their smaller to medium size Sirupate as well.

you're dying for any kukri knife, sooooo much passion & love. I like your style of videos they are PHENOMENAL & AWESOME & OUTSTANDING & INFORMATIVE! So please, keep it up and coming and rocking it🤘😉🙃🤙

I've been looking to get my hands on a Kukri for a while now, so it's great to hear about a reliable, high-quality manufacturer! Went in planning to get a Sayani, but then their Chitlange changed my mind at the last second, so now I'm getting one of those.

Dammit Matt, every time I feel like I'm getting some control over my kukri-cravings, you make another video about them! You make such a good case... that Salyani is just gorgeous... Aaargh!!!🤣

I have four blades from kailash and I love them all. One of them is a salyani, and it's an absolutely gorgeous blade, though it might be a bit long and fine for serious use. Also worth noting that the salyani specific traditional scabbard is incredibly pretty.

My 15inch, heavy-duty grind Fort Williams from Kailash Blades doesn't move so nimbly, but I feel like it could chop a brick house in half so I'll take that compromise. I usually walk the woods with a 9 inch panawal from them though.

First off, I LOVE your videos Matt! You're awesome man! I already ordered a Scourge Anniversary from Kailash and awaiting that blade. I had my eye on the Salyani for a while, but was hesitant on pulling the trigger. Definitely getting one now! Take care sir! Wishing you the best and thank you!

I've been keeping my eye on Kailash and I'm certainly picking up one of theirs soon. Maybe a plain one (a tool) and something fancier. Love their options for customization, extra sheaths, etc.

2 days ago I got a 10" blade with a WWII panawal handle from GK&CO for my camping gear instead of a hatchet. When I was ordering it, I thought the blade might be too small but was I wrong. The thing is a beast. It has some small blemishes but overall, an incredible tool and piece of art.

Just had my MK1 Fort William from Kailash (as a result of this channel) - what a superb thing and brilliant value for money.

I have a Sirupate pattern from Kailash and I love it! It’s handier than a standard pattern and beautiful to boot.

The curve of khukuri and its balance that creates when you hold on hand gives so comfort and confidence is amazing…..,,,

No way! I've been wanting a blade from Kailash for so long, glad to see you post this video!

Sorry Mat. "Why would you whittle with this?" made me laugh. I might get one from Kailash for RP purposes.

My World War 2 MK2 example tapers from 6.82MM at the hilt to 3.35MM at the tip it is a great tool and quite graceful.

I've had my eye on a sirupate or chitlange from Kailash Blades for a while now, I really gotta start saving for one of these beauties!

I love kukhri style knives , excellent mix of utility and offensive capabilities

Hey Matt! I first wanna express my graditute for this explaining video on the Nepalese Kukri. I really wanna say how good of a cut that was on the bottles, it looked so cool. Look quite skilled tbh. I sincerely wish you a good day Matt 😄

Just ordered my own Salyani from Kailash, thank you kind sir!

Very nice video. I have been considering getting a Kurki for quite some time already but was not sure which manufacturer I should go for. Kailash's Kukri really looks amazing and the price is superb as well. I will get the Salyani soon.

These go straight on my wishlist! I have a Cold Steel Gurka Kukri Plus for camping it chops and it splits wood amazingly. I mention it because I am very greatful for its guard, unconventional as it may be. I love its modern design but I sure as shit wouldn't hang it on the on the wall like could with one of these.

Amazing video, I worked with Gurkhas for 10yrs. Top men

Curse you, Matt Easton. Now I'm going to have to see if I can buy another kukri.😄

They have some great designs at attainable prices, for sure. I like the modern knives a lot, although that huge kukri does make me feel a certain kind of way

Metal lovingly crafted into the shape of happiness. 😀 You teased a bit of cutting in the early parts. Will there be any cutting videos with any of these?

Great breakdown of information.

Having done knife restoration since the sixties I really highly recommend Picards Antique Leather Dressing for the sheaths it is simply the best I have ever found.

I know that having two antique kukris doesn't make one an expert but the two antique kukris that I purchased from Atlanta Cutlery both have three fingers above, one below handle rings. Nice to know that if I wanted to have Kailash to make it that way I can.

Beautiful work, definitely going to buy from them in the near future

Thanks for making this video

My father in law has a photo of his father during the war sacrificing a bull with a LARGE kukri shaped blade. The photographer even managed to capture him mid blow as he beheaded the animal.

This channel is sonfreshing I glad I found it.

I accidentally chopped through a 1.5-liter water bottle--with the edge of my hand. It was a clean-cut bottle--done with an empty hand. Another man was trying to goad me into throwing the first punch so that he and his buddies had reason to stomp me--and I swatted at a water bottle to indicate a direction I was moving in. I'm not sure if brandishing a kukri would have been more impressive. I appreciate edged weapons, but the best fight is one that never happens. My accident was lucky. It's still impressive to watch someone slice a plastic water bottle with a large, sharp knife. Thanks for the presentation--I learned something new.

Damn they are gorgeous! I have one for many years which I believe is antique. It's beautiful, with the horn handle and still its original wooden scabbard. The leather is completely cracked and withdrawn but the kukri itself is in perfect condition. I have always regretted not knowing its history. Would it be possible to send you a picture? I'm sure you could tell me more about It. Thank you Matt 😉

Oh man! I want one.

I own three Kukris from Himalayan Imports - I prefer the smallest, as they are beefy blades, with very thick spines and little distal taper. They’re excellent tool knives, but I’ve always wanted a slimmer, fighting-knife Kukri. I’ll check out Kailash, thanks Matt

I have two Kailash Kukri's, both are fantastic knives. The one thing I reccomend is not getting the 5 inch handles, unless you have extra large hands; the handle locks into your hand, when it is shorter, because of the swell at the end.

Thanks for the video ⚔️

So excited I put in an order for there Regent Bowie, I own three of there Khukuri and there all incredible. So hopefully/undoubtedly there wild west knife will be of similar quality. Ps one HSI smacked a piece of quartz and the edge was not damaged dulled but perfectly fine.

I have a Khukuri with a 15 inch long blade with the full tang. Its a lovely chopper. Got mine from Khukuri House Thamel. Yes its big and heavy, but I'm not weakling. I use the weight to do the work, and I just guide the blade to where it needs to be.

Hey Matt i have been eyeballing your collection of antique Japanese swords behind you for a couple of years now and my question is, could you do a show and tell video about your antique Japanese swords please?

i love kukuris. there my favourite knife.

I absolutely love those “banana curve” kukris. I would love to have one, mine is a service style.

Im quite happy with the size of my chopper tbh but I consider getting a second one to play with

Thanks!

I love these blades. I have a folding one by Cold Steel that fits in my pocket. Then I have a large regular one for my house for clearing bush Edit: Time to save up and buy one from this company.

I do prefer the traditional models over the service issue types.

Is the way Matt pronounces "Kay-lash" the correct way? Seems sort of Anglo-mangled but I'm not even sure. After all, the original spelling from centuries ago may have been Anglo-mangled as well.

Pretty and affordable I might have to pick one up

Our best importer in Germany with a own Smithy in Nepal died a View Month ago. He endet importing. Rest in Peace. Please trust Mat Easton. Maybe he can Profide as good Kukris as Michael did. I trust him.

I keep looking at the CHITLANGE they make. I don't know if its historical but a sword length Kukri just looks cool.

i bought a flea market kukri with the scabbard and 2 little knives, it was in 2 pieces - the scabbard was and i used a bicycle innertube to coat it instead of leather and when it came to sealing the bottom of it i used a patch and glue from a bicycle repair kit. its worked fine for the last 10-12 years

Was used to kill the masters in Meereen. GoT Season 4

Would love a review/history lesson on the Chitlange.

Hi Matt, what do you think of the Kukri's from Tora Blades? The model I have has the curved handle and 13 inch blade, same shape profile as what you showed, It's a rat tail tang with the metal butt cap.

The Filipino Itak or Bolo is a great one too.

Great review, thanks. Any info on what steel is used, with hardness rating?

thanks

In my experience, a lot of pocket knives have distal taper. Most traditional slipjoints do. Also, newer 'EDC' knives like Spyderco.

thanks😀

yeah

This is probably beyond what most people want, but I'm often left wondering what the edge geometry is like. If I knew the thickness of the blade at the start of the bevel and knew the breadth of the bevel, I'd have a good idea of the edge angle, even without a visual aid. Even better, I imagine you could probably quite easily create a little visual to show the edge cross section with that data. Just an idea!

What a gorgeous thing. If I weren't from the tribe of the poors and resident in a soft currency backwater I'd be on one of those Kailiash replica's like a fat kid on a biscuit. I have a Khukri House WW2ish pattern example which is a lumpish proletarian thing by comparison.

@scholagladiatoria can you make a video about the tinder pouches on the antiques, not much info out there that I can find.

How do you repair the sheath, I have a small 300mm blade with ornamental handle but the sheath is falling apart. It was purchased in the 60s by someone else and I was bequeathed it.

Is the salyani at the end of the day a pure fighting knife or can i also use it for choping and batoning ?

Is there a reason/fonction/advantage other than coolness for the forward arc?

2:07 Himalayan 4 chops can cut that twig. Depends on your hunger to kill as well. This is not a status symbol but rather a hunger symbol...how hard you are willing to survive.

You need to show the kukri up close. I got one marked 1917 . Trying to find details about it.

Is that scabbard from kailash? I have a kailash salyani and was looking to change the scabbard

Is the mak 1 kukri you have with a stamp ?

Hi Matt, great video always very informative - but maybe you need to state if these are sent free to you from Kailash/Andrew to test and review? Also without testing other makers along side the ones offered for free by Kailash your reviews would be a lot less bias. I would love to see you test the Salyani offered by other markers from Nepal vs Kailash - but this means you need to buy them first ! If Kailash have any more free blades available please send them to me 🙂

were kukries used as off hand weapons together with larger swords or hafted weapons

I wish somebody would come out with a good quality replica of the Moro barong.

I've always wondered what the small cutout at the base of the blade was for. Does it have a functional purpose or is it just stylish?

I really love Kukris. Still, I'm a bit split on their usefulness. Yes, they are amazing choppers, but Bowie- and Tanto-style blades would be better for combat and both have their own merits when it comes to bushcraft tasks (being able to use the point, having a flat section on the blade, potentially splitting wood by batoning, etc.)

I wonder if there are any blades with prominent curves like this that are also double edged 🤔

I am just wondering about the chop and reach mechanics of that "XL" kukri. I would have imagined a blade with bend further down the blade and not so close in for what is effectively a short sword.

My only reservation with the kukri as a fighting knife is the lack of a guard, unlike the Bowie. For general utility work, as Matt demonstrates, it's great. But as Matt himself says, when knife fighting, "take the hand".

Big Kukri Energy

Hello. How is the KBar gurka knife

Martindale still makes machetes with distal taper

Hey what critter is in your terrarium? Those kukris are gorgeous.