Tora's latest version of the Fort William Kukri is copied from a newly obtained original 2/8th GR stamped Mk1. It has a blade length of 34cm, with a wooden stick tang handle. The stick tang is attached by a sunken knut onto the threaded tang as per the original MK1's. It has a rough weight guidance of 650-725g.
The Mk1 is probably the most famous and most sought after of all the Mark-issued kukri. There is both actual and circumstantial evidence that at some point the 2nd Gurkhas, the 3rd Gurkhas and the 8th Gurkhas used MK1 kukri. Other units like the Garhwal Regiment, the Army Bearer Corps (ABC) etc, were also issued the MK1.
The MK1 is a general issued kukri to those entitled to wear a kukri. Issued date 1903-1917, (I used to have one with a 1917 marking). Whilst the MK1 kukri were initally issued before WW1, they were used during WW1. The blade length was usually 34-35cm. The ideal weight range for the MK1 is around 650-725g. The Mk1 falls into the hatchet and small forest axe range, making it a versatile woodland kukri, however it would be too heavy to be used to cut through dense jungle.
Perhaps the most famous Mk1 kukri is the one picked up by Private RH Wand (16 yrs of age) of the Seaforth Highlanders on the 10th May 1915 at the Battle of Aubers. It is now on display at the Gurkha Museum (GM) in Winchester (well worth a visit). The museum has it down as either from the 1/2nd of 1/9th Regiment, although there is circumstantial evidence that the 1/9th were using Mk2 kukri.
Tora kukri are traditional handmade kukri, made in Nepal, and not the usual export and tourist kukri found on many other websites. Tora strives to make kukri to the traditional specifications as per the original models.
For an easy way to sharpen your kukri please watch this video.
We strongly recommend that the wooden parts on all kukri are treated with the appropriate oil and wood treatment prior to use.
Please note that because all of our kukri are hand-made, variances in size, weight, wood colour, chakmak & karda style etc may well occur. You must be 18 yrs and over to purchase any knife or sword.
Please note that the kukri are now sent directly from Nepal.
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