Kukri Safety: Handling a Razor-Sharp Blade with Respect
As I write this, there is a bandage on the end of my pinky finger. I cut off a portion of it with a kukri, an incident that serves as a reminder of the importance of handling this weapon, which was once a tool of war, with extreme caution. I picked it up in its sheath upside down, and as it turns out, making a holding strap is a challenging task due to the unique shape of the handle. Additionally, the kukri blade is designed to be razor-sharp, and its edge has been honed specifically for cutting through flesh and bone.
It's crucial to be mindful of where the kukri is aiming when you swing it. If you're not careful, it could accidentally cut you, especially if it comes through an object you're cutting.
Strap Experiment
I used a section of an old belt and a snap kit from a department store's sewing section to make a strap. It was sewn into a belt loop and made tight by stretching it when the leather was wet. As it dries, it should maintain its shape, and it needs to be very tight to work effectively on a kukri handle.
Safety Considerations
1. Be Safe, Not Sorry!
A kukri is a tool with a sharp blade, designed for many useful tasks, but it is not a toy. Handle it with the respect it deserves.
Take the time to learn how to handle a kukri properly. This will make your use more efficient and enjoyable.
Always handle and use your kukri with safety in mind. If you aren't fully committed to safety, don't use a kukri.
2. Learn from Mistakes
The following are some examples of the dangers of improper use:
1. Improper Sheathing:
An inexperienced user might unsheathe a kukri improperly, showing the correct way as well as the wrong way.
A kukri can cut through objects, but it can also cut through you. The safe way involves keeping hands away from the blade as it is unsheathed.
2. Sharp Chape:
Be aware of the sharp chape (the brass tip of the scabbard). Use a file to round this edge off or remove it completely.
3. Regular Maintenance
Keep your kukri sharp and ensure it fits snugly in its scabbard. If repairs are needed, consult the Himalayan Imports Forum or Uncle Bill for advice.
If others handle your kukri, instruct them on your expectations. Under no circumstances should a kukri be given to someone who does not understand its proper use.
4. Watch for Your Fellow Users
Stop and advise if you see someone using a kukri unsafely. Both you and the person using the blade will benefit from your intervention.
5. It's Not a Toy!
Remember that a kukri is a sharp tool designed to harm if not used with proper safety considerations.
6. Responsibility
Uncle Bill Martino, Tom Marker, Russell Slate, MauiRob, Howard Wallace, and other responsible kukri users have contributed this information to help ensure safety. The author of this safety thread is not responsible for how you use the kukri. You are solely responsible for your actions.