Slysteel of Idaho Falls, Idaho, has added its own rendition of the kukri to its lineup. It’s not meant to be a 100% homage or reproduction. The company is offering a unique take on this classic design. This is a true survival knife system in every sense of the word, and if you know how to use it to its potential, you can thrive as opposed to just survive with this blade at your side.
KUKRI HISTORY
Although the Western world became acquainted with the kukri a little over 200 years ago through the East India Trading Company, the Nepalese have used them for thousands of years. It is believed that the kukri evolved from a sickle or scythe, and the fact that they are still in use in modern times means that there are a lot of things right with the design.
When we think of the kukri, most of us think of Ghurka warriors carrying these knives into battle as weapons. But the kukri is more versatile than you might think at first glance, which explains its widespread use in Nepal’s farms and homes. The Nepalese use the kukri for a wide range of purposes: building, clearing, chopping firewood, digging, and food processing.
SLYSTEEL’S SURVIVAL KUKRI
If you are looking for a boomerangtype blade shape, buffalo horn handles, and steel that looks like it was hammered out of a car bumper, this is not the kukri you want. Slysteel’s Survival Kukri is inspired by the traditional design, but it takes the kukri in a much more survival-oriented direction.
This story is from the December 2020 edition of Knives Illustrated.
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This story is from the December 2020 edition of Knives Illustrated.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
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I have a confession to make. See if this sounds familiar. I take meticulous care of the knives I use for everyday carry, hunting, and general woods wandering. I wipe them down with an oily cloth after use and I never let them get too dull. Seldom do I have to restore a damaged edge. Most of the time I simply touch up the edges of my pocketknives with a few careful strokes across the rough bottom of a ceramic coffee cup. That’s usually all that’s needed. I don’t use my knives as screwdrivers or pry bars. As a matter of fact, I still have the very first knife I ever owned, an old Boy Scout knife that was handed down from my older brother. The blades have a deep patina that comes with using carbon steel over the years, but the knife is very usable still.
