Kukri

Kukri
Type	Bladed melee weapon, utility tool
Place of origin	Gorkha Kingdom
Service history
In service	c. 7th century – present[1]
Used by	Gurkhas and Kiratis (natively)
Wars	Gurkha War Anglo-Afghan Wars Sino-Nepalese War Third Nepal–Tibet War World War I World War II 1962 Sino-Indian War Second Indo-Pakistani War 1967 Sino-Indian War Third Indo-Pakistani War Falklands War Kargil War War in Afghanistan (1978–present)
Specifications
Mass	450–900 g (1–2 lb)
Length	40–45 cm (16–18 in)

The kukri (English: /ˈkʊkri/)^[2] or khukuri (Nepali: खुकुरी, pronounced [kʰukuri]) is a type of short sword with a distinct recurve in its blade that originated in the Indian subcontinent. It serves multiple purposes as a melee weapon and also as a regular cutting tool throughout most of South Asia. The kukri, khukri, and kukkri spellings are of Indian English origin.^{[3][better source needed]}

The kukri is the national weapon of Nepal, traditionally serving the role of a basic utility knife for the Nepali-speaking Gurkhas,^[4] and consequently is a characteristic weapon of the Nepali Army.^[4]

There are many myths surrounding the kukri since its earliest recorded use in the 7th century—most notably a traditional custom that the blade must draw blood before being sheathed, owing to its sole purpose as a fighting weapon.

In addition to its use in combat, the kukri is also used for a variety of other purposes. It is used by farmers and laborers for cutting crops and clearing brush, and by hunters for skinning and cleaning game. It is also used as a tool for cooking, woodworking, and even as a ceremonial object in some Nepalese religious traditions.