Louis Martin Custom Knives · Est. 1993

Louis Martin Custom Knives

Handmade Kukri Knives

Quick Answer

A Kukri (or Khukuri) is a forward-curved Nepali blade with a heavy belly for chopping and a dramatic inward sweep. The traditional weapon of the Gurkhas, Kukri knives excel at chopping, camp clearing, and field utility. Louis Martin hand-forges Kukri knives in high-carbon and Damascus steel.

The Kukri is one of the most iconic blades in the world — a symbol of the legendary Gurkha fighters of Nepal and a supremely practical camp tool. Louis Martin's handmade Kukri knives honor this tradition with heavy, beautifully proportioned blades forged for real field use.

Characteristics & Construction

Forward Curve

The Kukri's defining geometry is its forward-angled blade that positions the heavy belly forward of the grip centerline — concentrating chopping force at the most efficient point. This is not aesthetic design; it is functional engineering.

Blade Weight

Our Kukri blades range from 10–16 inches with significant blade mass — typically 12–18 oz of blade alone. This mass drives the chopping force that allows a Kukri to outperform machetes of similar length.

Notch (Cho)

Traditional Kukri blades feature a notch near the handle called the cho, sometimes interpreted as a blood groove or as a symbol of Shiva. Our Kukri blades include the traditional cho as a mark of authenticity.

Care & Maintenance

  1. 1

    Oil after chopping

    Kukri blades experience high lateral stress in chopping use. Oil the blade and inspect for any micro-cracks at the edge bevel after extended chopping sessions.

  2. 2

    Sharpen the belly

    Concentrate sharpening effort on the forward belly of the Kukri — this is the primary cutting zone. The tip and ricasso see less wear and need less frequent sharpening.

  3. 3

    Condition handle scales

    Traditional Kukri handles in wood and horn benefit from regular oiling with boiled linseed oil to prevent drying and cracking.

Kukri Knives — Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Kukri knife used for?
Kukri knives excel at chopping, camp clearing, firewood splitting, and heavy-duty field utility. The Gurkhas used them as combat weapons; modern outdoorsmen use them as machete replacements and camp tools. Their forward-curved geometry makes them dramatically more effective at chopping tasks than straight-backed knives of similar length.
What size Kukri should I choose?
A 10–12 inch Kukri is the most practical for camping and outdoors use — heavy enough to chop effectively, short enough to carry comfortably. 14–16 inch Kukri blades are collector pieces and dedicated clearing tools.
Is a Kukri knife or machete better for camp use?
For chopping hardwood, the Kukri is significantly more effective than a machete of similar weight — its forward balance concentrates force on the sweet spot. Machetes have an edge (pun intended) for clearing soft vegetation over long distances due to their lighter weight.

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