Why a Kukri?

            A common thread on forums is “If you had to have only one XXXXX, what would you choose?” If I had to choose only one knife, I know what it would be, but it would be the same choice should the question be one edged tool, one tool or possibly just one survival item!

            My blade of choice is the kukri, and the kukri of choice would be the custom 10” bladed sirupate I have. I will introduce you to this tool in a later blog post, when I can get some more current photos taken.

            Why the kukri? This blog is mainly about self-defence, so we will deal with those aspects of the kukri first.

            The kukri is fast, agile and has formidable cutting power. The shape of the blade creates a mechanical advantage so that anything the edge encounters is drawn along the edge for an increased cutting action. When the kukri encounters something, it bites deep!

            The shape and weight of the kukri tends to bring the point onto the same line as the axis of the forearm, so contrary to nonsense you might read elsewhere, the kukri is a very capable thrusting weapon. The broad thick blade tends to make a big hole.

            Should you need to pummel someone, the kukri is well suited to this too. The butt of the grip has a broad metal plate with a smaller diamond shaped projection, in the middle of which is a small stud. A blow with this section will put a lot of force into a very small area. It will probably make a very effective window breaker too.

            Most knives are poor parrying weapons, while swords are generally regarded as good for parrying. Logically there must be a length of blade where the knife becomes more capable of parrying. Shape and weight characteristics will also contribute to this ability too. A 10” bladed kukri is quite capable of parrying other weapons. I think the forward curve of the blade helps here. The back of the blade is broad and unsharpened so it is possible to use a kukri for a reinforced block or parry. Just place the palm of your free hand on the back of the blade. Someone swings at you with a baseball bat –dodge! If you cannot dodge make a two handed parry with your kukri, deflect his weapon off to one side and then snap the kukri into the nearest body part.

            The forward curve of the kukri also gives it a hooking ability. You can use it to pull a weapon aside or move an enemy’s arm to create an opening. Since this is done with the edge this will often cut them. The spine of the blade is quite substantial. Should you for some reason strike an enemy with this part it will have an effect.

            One of the virtues of the kukri is that it is a versatile utility tool as well as a weapon. This means that you are more likely to have it with you when you need it. My kukri of choice is around 17 oz and 15” long. Similar in weight and bulk to typical hammer. Not exactly a pocket knife but no great burden either. If you are away from civilisation the kukri is a handy thing to have on your belt.

            One of the fundamentals of survival is fire. A kukri can quickly turn any available wood into a pile of shavings, chips and fuel. If you need shelter a kukri can rapidly produce support poles with greater ease than many heavier and more expensive knives. If you need bracken or brush for bedding or cover, the kukri makes a credible sickle. When you are tired, cold, the clouds are gathering and the light is fading, a kukri can rapidly provide you with fire and shelter.

            The kukri is also a rather useful skinning knife. The broad blade has plenty of “belly” and the curved shape helps keep your hand out of the gore. If you need to cut through a joint, ribs or divide your future dinner into chops, the kukri probably has the cutting power you need.

            Posts on this blog have recently dealt with tomahawks. The kukri is a very credible alternative to a tomahawk. It has comparable cutting power but lacks a wooden shaft that might be broken. It can be drawn and brought into action in less time and with less manipulation. It is also more versatile since it can also stab and flense.

            And that is why, if I was to have just one knife, one edged tool or just one tool, it would be a kukri.

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Prince of Darkness, part 2

                There is an interesting footnote to the story of my girlfriend, the flatmates and the “Prince of Darkness”.

            Just a few days after that incident, my lady looks out of the window and sees a naked old man in the garden (I told you this was a really classy area!). The ancient guy sees her, turns and waves his arse at her, wrinkled plums swinging I imagine. He was seriously surprised when the little Brazilian firecracker burst out of the door, gleaming kukri in hand. He actually went pale and probably broke a geriatric sprint record!

         If you have enjoyed this article or it has been helpful to you please feel free to show your appreciation. Thank you.
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Vietnam Tomahawk Part 2 - Applications.

            Since I posted about the Vietnam tomahawk yesterday some comments about using one may be in order. This is going to be very brief and only touch on a few selected topics. If you really want to know about armed and unarmed combat purchase my book. Three hundred or so pages of text and over a hundred illustrations are going to cover far more information than a blog can or should. In this post I will mainly be covering aspects unique to the tomahawk.

            As I have often stated in my book and this blog avoiding or neutralizing a threat should come before counter-attacking. If you can evade or avoid the assault using the techniques in my book or other skills you have acquired, do so. You may still have to block or parry his initial attacks. Virtually all parts of the tomahawk can be used to block or parry. The edge, the backspike, side of the head and shaft can all be used to defend. If you hit an incoming attack with the edge or backspike that may be the end of the fight. Most blocks and parries will be executed with the shaft, however. The axe bit and backspike form an angle with the shaft and this characteristic can work for you or against you. On the positive side, the head can be used to hook or control a foe. On the downside, if you catch a blow below the head it can knock the weapon right out of your hands. Wherever possible attempt to parry and block with the sides of the head or shaft. This also applies to the use of similar shaped weapons such as hammers, Kama and many entrenching tools.

            The short length of the shaft and the backspike prevent the use of certain offensive techniques. You have to be aware of what part of you is behind the weapon as well as what is in front. Yes, I am a little wary of a weapon that nearly killed me the first time I used it! You can use the double headed nature of the weapon to advantage, however. If you miss a target, step forward and bring the weapon back. What the edge misses going one way the spike may hit on the way back.

            Primary offensive method with a tomahawk is to swing it. Try to do this without pulling the weapon back first or making any other telegraphic moves. A technique worth practicing is the thrust, something that many people will not think of when using a tomahawk. It may lack sharp edges but the top of a tomahawk head is still a hard substantial lump of metal. Drive it into the eyes, nose, teeth, chin or throat and use the opportunity created for a follow up attack. The butt of the shaft is also a useful weapon. If you cannot bring the head into play use the butt to employ your kongo techniques.

            The tomahawk can also be used two-handed. Grip the butt end of the shaft with one hand and below the head with the other. The section of shaft between your hands can be used to defend, and is a much stronger defence than if the weapon is held single handed. This is the “Bumper Guard” I describe in my book. This section of shaft can also be used offensively. Drive it into his throat, up under his chin or into his nose or eyes. Either end can be used to strike with this hold. The axe edge can still be pressed into a target or used to slice, while the backspike can stab or rip.

            When LaGana was first marketing the Vietnam Tomahawk he often demonstrated it as a missile. Funny thing. If you suggest throwing a knife someone almost by reflex will bleat something about “throwing your weapon away”. Suggest throwing a tomahawk or entrenching tool and the usual response is “Cool!” Imagine you are in a certain hot dusty country. You are investigating a deserted building for intelligence materials. While your buddy gets distracted by the contents of a desk you decide to break open a nearby cupboard, so approach it, tomahawk in hand. Suddenly the cupboard door swings open to reveal it is the entrance to a concealed room. A sleepy terrorist with an AKM is stepping out and is as surprised to see you as you are to see him. As his hand goes for the safety lever on the right side of the rifle you throw your tomahawk right at his head, buying yourself enough time to draw your pistol and fire first. Sometimes throwing your weapon is a good move if it lets you bring a better weapon into action.

            I’ve heard that the Russians have conducted experiments. Shoot at someone with a rifle and they will fire back. Throw an entrenching tool at them and it is claimed they will drop their rifle trying to avoid it. Then you can shoot them with your rifle. Not sure how reliable and how often this will be true, but it is interesting.

         If you have enjoyed this article or it has been helpful to you please feel free to show your appreciation. Thank you.
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Beware the Prince of Darkness!

            The background to this story is that due to various stupid visa requirements my girlfriend had to live at a different address for some time. She ended up living in a not particularly nice part of town where break-ins and generally anti-social dirtbags were common.

            One night, in the very early hours of the morning she is awoken by a hammering on the front door. The lady likes her sleep, and given the area she tries to ignore it. After about 20 minutes it becomes obvious that no one else in the house is inclined to do anything and the caller is not going to go away. She gets up and answers the door.

            Outside are three drunk and now very pissed off Italian flatmates.  Everything goes very quiet. (Remember these are drunk, angry Italians!)

            After a long pause, one lad asks “What kind of a knife is that?”

            “It is my kukri!” she answers matter of factly. “The Prince of Darkness.”

            She really has named the kukri I gave her for Christmas “The Prince of Darkness”. As she explains it:- “ I move my hand –fttt! there is only darkness!” If she is going to answer the door at 2am in the morning in one of the worst areas of town, she is going to take precautions.

 

            Now, as kukris go, a 10” bladed Sirupate is not that big, but when it is held by a petite Brazilian girl barely five foot tall, it looks massive.  The three Italian lads went to bed without any argument or unpleasantness.  Word spread around the household that disturbing the little Brazilian girl’s sleep was not the best idea in the world.

           Me? I was just pleased to hear her Christmas present was seeing some use and that she had some capability to look after herself.

         If you have enjoyed this article or it has been helpful to you please feel free to show your appreciation. Thank you.
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