The Gurkha kukri is designed for absolute devastation
SUMMARY
The kukri, with its iconic downward curved blade, is a chopping, piercing, slashing, and smashing annihilator. It's the traditional utility knife of the Nepalese people but most commonly known for its association with the Gurkhas. Some even call it the "Gurkha blade" or "Gurkha knife."
The weapon became known to the Western world during the Anglo-Nepalese War—or Gurkha War—of 1814 between the East India Company and the Kingdom of Nepal. The conflict started as a border dispute and lasted until 1816. The British company was the invading force, while the Nepalese maintained a defensive position.
During the peace signing Treaty of Sugauli, the British added a clause that allowed them to recruit Gurkha warriors and Himalayan men into its military ranks, and the Gurkhas have been part of the British forces ever since. But the knife—in its current design—can be traced to 13th century Nepal. Some historians place the weapon even further back to around the time of Alexander the Great (356 - 323 BC), making it one of the oldest weapon designs in the world.
Till this day, all Gurkha troops are issued a kukri knife, and for good reason; it's great for what it does:
The multipurpose tool is used for chopping...
... carving ...
... digging ...
... slaughtering ...
... severely hurting opponents ...
... and of course, killing your enemies.
On September 2, 2010, a lone Gurkha warrior was returning home after retiring from the Indian Army when he faced off against 40 armed robbers. He took out his kukri and fought the entire group single-handedly, killing three of them and injuring eight others.
This Cold Steel video shows the effectiveness of the Gurkha kukri knife:
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