Modern Gurkha Kukhri (spelling) Knife, How to ...

[Alyasha]

OK ... This "how to" was brought about due to a discussion between Steel Bonnet, PD and myself .
When I first decided to start customizing action figures (about 4 years ago) there were a few things / topics that I wanted to work on besides , starwars , spetsnaz , cossacks and mongols one of them was Ghurkas .
My idea was to do various bashes of Ghurkas in different theaters and times .
As you can tell , I have not finished one yet even though I have stockpiled ebough parts and sculpts for god knows how many Ghurkas .
(not trying to brag ...Just telling it like it is )

The first photo is of 2 mods and a stock Khukri from here : http://www.gijoeelite.com/f_category...rPart=GIEW-07G

The knife with the Strider type handle was made from a Cotwald Kuhkri and the one with the Modern handle was made from a 21c Khukri .
If you can get your hands on a 21c one ...DO NOT MODIFY IT ! It is perfect .


The idea behind these mods was for some modern Ghurka Rifles in Afghanistan projects . I searched around on the wed and found that several modern knife manufacturers made/make their own version of the Ghurka Kuhkri knife .

Ramble ramble ramble .

[Alyasha]

2.

What you might want to use .

•Sanding block

•Emery board

•Round file

•Hobby saw

•Matte black spray paint

•Metallic paint / brush

[Alyasha]

3.
Peel the cheezy belt loop off of the sheath .

[Alyasha]

4.

The Cotswald sheath is HUGE . I used the sanding block (with rough grit) to thin it down and shorten it a little .

[Alyasha]

5.

Here is a really blurrly and dark photo of the handle aftre the sidess have been sanded flat .

[Alyasha]

6.

This is a comparison photo of a regular knife handle and the Cot's khukhri handle .
Granted the Khukri handle is supposed to be a little bigger , but DAMN !
Also a good way to gague how much to shave off .

[Alyasha]

7.

A little more sanding

[Alyasha]

8.

Here , a steel round file is used to "notch" the handle .

[Alyasha]

9.

Properly "notched" (knife guys ..I know its not the correct term...Please forgive my ignorance).
Alittle bit more sanding as well .

[Alyasha]

10.

Here is a super fine dremmel bit used to make a lanyard loop in the end of the handle .

[Alyasha]

11.

Hole

[Alyasha]

12.

Paint junk .

In this photo the blade has been sanded as well as painted (to sharpen it up as well as remove that ugly gold color paint )with Matte black spray primer

[Alyasha]

13.

Dry brushed with Citidel paints Boltgun Metal .
If so desired you can "shiny it up" more by using Chainmail or Mithril Silver .

[Alyasha]

14.

Here , the sheath has been covered with OPSGEAR British DPM fabric .
The fabric was applied by smearing Fabri-Tac all over the previously sanded sheath , then wrapping the fabric around the sheath.
Later ...Add whatever types of little "doo dads" and straps you like .
I have seen photos of modern 1/1 Ghruka Rifles using thes technique of cammo wraping their Khukri .

I have NEVER seen one applied in a drop down fashion , but it sems like it would look pretty darn cool .

[Alyasha]

15.

Here is a really bad photo of a really old Ghurka Rifles RTO with his new knife .
Gonna have to do A LOT of repainting and weathering . Also need to get rid of that WWII sweater .

Well ... I hope this has been of some help .

Enjoy .

Remeber ...If they don't make it ....you might be able to .

Peace,

Aly

[Alyasha]

D'OH !

Forgot to add the photo !

[Yujin]

Man, Aly. this is DAMN COOL!
Great tutorial!!! How the heck did I miss it?

[Gamilaroi]

Brilliant