Artifact of the Month
The Kukri unsheaved.
The Kukri in the hands of soldiers during World War I.
The Kukri in the hand of soldier during World War I.
The kukri is also considered a characteristic weapon of the Nepalese Army, the Royal Gurkha Rifles of the British Army
The kukri is a knife of Nepalese origin with an inwardly curved blade. It is considered a utility knife in Nepal where it is used both as a tool and a weapon. It is also used in many traditional rituals such as wedding ceremonies.
The kukri is also considered a characteristic weapon of the Nepalese Army, the Royal Gurkha Rifles of the British Army, and all other Gurkha regiments attached to foreign militaries around the world. The association with these military units is so strong that this weapon is often referred to as the “Gurkha blade” or “Gurkha knife”.
This kukri was acquired by T/4 William O’Brien of Co. C, 748th Railway Operating Battalion, while stationed in Assam, India, during World War II.