Historical Replica Kukri & Khukuri — WWI, WWII & Pre-War Gurkha Patterns

Historical Replica Kukri & Khukuri — WWI, WWII & Pre-War Gurkha Patterns Hand-Forged in Nepal

Faithful reproductions of the historic kukris carried by Gurkha soldiers across two World Wars, the early British Indian Army (MKI, MKII, MKIII), and the pre-1814 antique patterns that defined the kukri as we know it today. Each blade in this collection is hand-forged in our Kathmandu workshop by Kami caste blacksmiths, studied directly from period-authentic kukris held in private collections and the National Museum of Nepal — using 5160 high-carbon spring steel and the same forging techniques used by Nepali blacksmiths for over 200 years.

Patterns Reproduced in This Collection

34 hand-forged historical replica kukris currently available, organized by historical period and military issue:

Pre-World War I Patterns (Pre-1914)

Hanshee Kukri — One of the oldest documented kukri designs, dating from the late 18th and 19th centuries. Long, slender, deeply curved blade. Originally favored by Nepalese aristocrats and used for combat and ceremonial execution. Our replica follows the proportions of museum-documented antique examples.

King Prithivi Kukri — A 15-inch blade tribute to King Prithvi Narayan Shah, the founder of modern Nepal who unified the country in 1768. Hand-forged following the period proportions documented from royal-era kukris.

MKI Kukri (1903–1915) — The first officially issued kukri pattern adopted by the British Indian Army between 1903 and 1915. Issued to Gurkha regiments serving the Crown. Our 12" and 13" MKI replicas, including the distinctive 2 Chirra (double fuller) MKI variant, follow the original spec.

World War I Patterns (1914–1918)

WWI Issue Kukri — The blade carried by Gurkha soldiers in the trenches of France, Gallipoli, and Mesopotamia. Available in 10", 11", and 12" blade lengths to match documented period variations. Each features a 5160 carbon steel blade with full-tang Rosewood handle and traditional buffalo leather scabbard.

WWI Burma Pattern — The variant carried by Gurkha regiments in the Burmese theater. Faithful 10" reproduction with rosewood handle and leather scabbard.

WWI Peace Keeper Pattern — A whitewood-handled WWI replica inspired by the Burma Campaign-era kukri.

Gorkhali Sainik Kukri (WWI) — A 13" reproduction of the WWI-era kukri issued to Nepalese (Gorkhali) soldiers, distinct from British-issue patterns.

Gurkha Angkhola WWI Issue — 13" Angkhola-fullered blade in the WWI specification, with semi-polished blade and horn handle.

World War II Patterns (1939–1945)

WWII Burma Campaign Kukri — Heavier and more curved than the modern issue, designed for the brutal jungle warfare of Burma where the Gurkhas earned their fearsome reputation. Available in 11" and 12" blade lengths with horn or wooden handle. Forged from 5160 carbon steel with full-tang construction.

Gorkhali Sanik (WWII) — 12" reproduction of the heavier, more curved blade carried by Gurkha soldiers in WWII. Differentiated from the British-issue pattern by its weight and curvature profile.

Havildar Kukri (WWI/WWII) — A 14.5" combat blade modeled after the kukris carried by Havildar (Sergeant) rank Gurkha NCOs across both World Wars. Heavy, field-ready, full-tang with carbon steel blade.

Traditional Working Patterns Reproduced

Bhojpure Kukri — Heavy-duty pattern from the Bhojpur region of Eastern Nepal. The workhorse of village life and the ancestor of many military patterns.

Angkhola Kukri — Distinctive single-fuller "body groove" pattern. Multiple variants in this collection including Brass Handle Angkhola, Military Angkhola, and the 13" Gurkha Angkhola in rosewood and horn handle versions.

Dui Chirra Kukri — Double-fuller historical pattern in the bhudhune (belly) shape, with brass handle. Excellent weight distribution, traditional construction.

Panawal Kukri — Full-tang pattern with wide, polished blade and visible rivets. The construction style favored for hard military and field use.

Desert Issue Pattern — A 12" historical pattern adapted for desert combat conditions, carried by Gurkhas in various Middle East theaters.

Forged from Period-Authentic Specifications

Every blade in this collection is hand-forged from 5160 high-carbon spring steel — sourced from truck leaf-spring stock, the same material traditional Nepali Kamis have used for generations. Each kukri is water-tempered for the period-correct hardness profile: a hard cutting edge backed by a tough, flexible spine that absorbs shock without chipping.

We don't make decorative wall pieces. Every replica in this collection is fully functional and battle-ready, forged to the same standards we use for our British Gurkha Army, Nepal Army, and Nepal Police military supply contracts. The MKI replica is a working tool, just as the original 1903-issue blade was. The WWII Burma replica is built to the weight and thickness that made the original effective in jungle combat.

Read the full story of our military supply history and Kami heritage →

How to Identify a Period-Authentic Kukri Pattern

Buyers and collectors regularly contact us asking how to tell whether a family heirloom or auction-house kukri is a genuine period piece. The key markers we look for when studying an antique kukri to reproduce it:

Blade length and curve — Pre-WWI Hanshee kukris are notably longer and thinner than 20th-century military patterns. WWII Burma-issue kukris are shorter and more curved than modern Service No.1 issue. The relationship between blade length, curve depth, and weight is the strongest period indicator.

Fuller (chirra) configuration — Single-fuller (Angkhola), double-fuller (Dui Chirra), or unfullered. The fuller pattern often indicates regional origin and approximate period.

Handle material and construction — Pre-WWI kukris often used buffalo horn or rosewood with rat-tail tang construction. WWI/WWII military issue moved toward stick-tang and full-tang construction with brass or steel rivets. The transition is documented and identifiable.

Scabbard construction — Period scabbards used wood cores wrapped in water-buffalo leather, with brass throat and chape fittings on military patterns. The leather hand-stitching pattern, the brass furniture style, and the karda/chakmak pocket arrangement are all period-specific.

Maker's marks and stampings — Some military-issue kukris carry regimental marks, broad arrow (British government issue), or maker's stamps. Authentic markings are stamped, not etched.

If you have a family kukri and want to know its period or want a faithful working replica forged to your heirloom's specifications, send us photos through our Custom Forge page. We can study and reproduce historical patterns to your exact requirements.

What's Included With Every Historical Replica Kukri

→ Hand-forged historical replica blade — 5160 spring steel, water-tempered
→ Period-correct handle (rosewood, buffalo horn, brass-fitted, or wood depending on pattern)
→ Wooden scabbard wrapped in water-buffalo leather, brass fittings where period-correct
→ Karda — small utility knife in the scabbard
→ Chakmak — blunt sharpening tool in the scabbard
→ Free engraving / personalisation — name, regiment, dedication (period-appropriate fonts available)
→ Photo approval before shipping — we send photos of your finished blade. You approve, we ship.

Worldwide Shipping

Custom Historical Replica — We Forge to Your Reference

Looking for a specific pattern not in this collection? Pre-1814 antique reproduction, regimental WWI pattern, MKII or MKIII variant, family heirloom recreation, or museum-grade reproduction for reenactment?

Our Kami blacksmiths can hand-forge any documented historical kukri pattern to your specifications. Send us photos of the original, dimensional measurements, period references, or museum documentation through our Custom Forge page — we'll forge it to spec. Free engraving on every custom blade. Period-appropriate handle materials, scabbard construction, and maker's marks available.

Request a Custom Historical Kukri →

Frequently Asked Questions