BSI Khukuri Quality #1 British Service No.1 Army Gurkha Kukri – The Steel That Cut Through History

Not many military knives carry the legacy, discipline, and emotional weight of the BSI Service No.1 British Army Gurkha Kukri. For survivalists, martial artists, collectors, and self-defense enthusiasts in the US, this is far more than a typical kukri knife—it is a historically accurate reproduction of the blade issued to Gurkha soldiers from 1959 to 1995.

If you’re looking for a real, functional BSI Khukuri rather than a tourist-market imitation, this 10.5-inch model is as authentic as it gets.

A Military Blade That Defined Generations

The Service No.1 Kukri is part of the standard issue kit of every British Gurkha soldier. Each recruit receives one upon enlistment and carries it throughout their entire military career. These kukris are inspected regularly, used during parades, drills, and field duties, and remain one of the strongest symbols of Gurkha identity.

A Blade With Personal History

In earlier decades, Gurkha soldiers often forgot their enlistment year due to constant deployments across continents. To solve this, the Army began engraving the recruitment year and country on the blade—a detail preserved in this replica to honor military tradition.

Blade Quality – Real, Sharp, and Battle Ready

A Performance-Driven Design

The 10.5-inch blade is forged from high-quality carbon steel and heat-treated for optimal hardness, sharpness, and flexibility. When held, the kukri knife feels naturally balanced—light enough for fine cutting but powerful enough for chopping and slashing.

Key Blade Specifications

• Spine Thickness:

  • 3 mm at the tip

  • 7 mm at the belly

  • 8 mm at the bolster

• Weight:

  • 450 grams (kukri)

  • ~700 grams (with scabbard)

These proportions give the blade its signature forward balance and cutting power. This is a military-oriented tool—not a casual garden chopper.

Hardwood Handle With Military Ergonomics

The 4.5-inch hardwood handle offers a secure grip and excellent control during extended outdoor or martial training sessions. Its contour supports quick directional changes, firm retention, and confident handling under stress.

It’s designed to feel natural—not too thick, not too thin—just right for a tactical kukri blade intended for real use.

Traditional Sheath & Companion Tools

Like all authentic Gurkha kukris, the Service No.1 comes with:

• Karda – A small utility knife

• Chakmak – Sharpening and maintenance tool

• Buffalo leather scabbard – With wooden reinforcement and dual pockets

The Kaudi Notch

The blade notch, known as the kaudi, serves two purposes:

• Allows fluids to drip away from the handle

• Can be used to trap or deflect an opponent’s blade

It’s a small detail with enormous historical importance.

Where the Service No.1 Stands Among British Army Kukris

Three Main Types of British Gurkha Kukri

1. BSI No.1 – Parade and duty kukri (this model)

2. BSI No.2 – Jungle-grade combat kukri

3. Kothimora Kukri – Highly decorative ceremonial kukri

Service No.1 is the perfect middle ground: military functionality blended with refined presentation.

Ideal for US Survivalists, Martial Artists & Collectors

• Survivalists value its excellent power-to-weight ratio.

• Martial artists appreciate its smooth flow during striking drills.

• Self-defense practitioners respect its close-combat heritage.

• Collectors cherish its authentic military roots.

This kukri communicates authenticity—proving it’s the real deal, not a decorative replica.

BSI Service No.1 Kukri – Specifications Table

A Blade Forged in Brotherhood and War

Gurkhas have served with the British Army since 1814, earning global admiration and numerous Victoria Cross medals. Their kukri has accompanied them through the Great Indian Mutiny, both World Wars, the Borneo campaign, and the Falklands.

To own a BSI Service No.1 British Army Gurkha Khukuri is to hold a piece of that legacy—a military blade built with discipline, history, and soul.

This isn’t just a kukri.
It’s a living chapter of history—crafted to serve, endure, and inspire.

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