Editing Kukri (section)

== Design ==
[[File:Knife (Kukri) with Sheath MET 36.25.831a b 001 Apr2017.jpg|thumb|Example with notch and flared hilt]]
The kukri is designed primarily for chopping. The shape varies a great deal from being quite straight to highly curved with angled or smooth spines. There are substantial variations in dimensions and blade thickness depending on intended tasks as well as the region of origin and the smith that produced it. As a general guide the spines vary from {{convert|5-10|mm|abbr=on}} at the handle, and can taper to {{convert|2|mm|abbr=on}} by the point while the blade lengths can vary from {{convert|26-38|cm|abbr=on}} for general use.{{citation needed|date=August 2016}}

A kukri designed for general purpose use is commonly {{convert|40-45|cm|abbr=on}} in overall length and weighs approximately {{convert|450-900|g|abbr=on}}. Larger examples are impractical for everyday use and are rarely found except in collections or as ceremonial weapons. Smaller ones are of more limited utility, but very easy to carry.

Another factor that affects its weight and balance is the construction of the blade. To reduce weight while keeping strength, the blade might be hollow forged (or, alternatively, hollow ground), or a [[Fuller (weapon)|fuller]] is created. Kukris are made with several different types of fuller including ''tin Chira'' (triple fuller), ''Dui Chira'' (double fuller), ''Ang Khola'' (single fuller), or basic non-tapered spines with a large bevelled edge.

[[File:Kukri-reihe.jpg|thumb|upright|left|Kukris with a variety of blade shapes and sizes, with thin fullers]]
Kukri blades usually have a notch (''karda'', ''kauda'', ''Gaudi'', ''Kaura'', or ''Cho'') at the base of the blade. Various reasons are given for this, both practical and ceremonial: that it makes blood and sap drop off the blade rather than running onto the handle and thereby prevents the handle from becoming slippery;<ref>{{cite episode |title=Episode 3 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/i/p00jvf2t/ |access-date=8 August 2013 |series=In the Highest Tradition |last=Wooldridge |first=Ian |author-link=Ian Wooldridge |network=[[BBC]] |station=[[BBC Two]] |airdate=20 November 1989 |time=13 minutes 25 seconds |quote=Here if I may describe, you see a little pattern there, which some people say that it has got some religious significance, but I doubt very much. In fact, that is just so that when you have blood on the kukri, it just sort of naturally drips there, it doesn't get onto your hand and starts clogging up and that is what it is for, that little nick there.}}</ref> that it delineates the end of the blade whilst sharpening; that it is a symbol representing a cow's foot, or [[Shiva]]; or that it can catch another blade or kukri in combat. The notch may also represent the teats of a cow, a reminder that the kukri should not be used to kill a cow, an animal revered and worshipped by Hindus. {{citation needed|reason=Relief cut for differential tempered edge|date=July 2016}} The notch may also be used as a catch, to hold tight against a belt, or to bite onto twine to be suspended.{{original research inline|date=August 2016}}

The handles are most often made of [[hardwood]] or [[water buffalo]] [[Horn (anatomy)|horn]], but also [[ivory]], [[bone]], and [[metal]] handles have also been produced. The handle quite often has a flared butt that allows better retention in draw cuts and chopping. Most handles have metal bolsters and butt plates which are generally made of [[brass]] or steel.

[[File:Knife (Kukri) with Sheath, Small Knife, Belt, Pouch and Box MET 36.25.826a g 001 Mar2017.jpg|thumb|Example with decorated belt and scabbard]]
The traditional handle attachment in Nepal is the partial [[Tang (tools)|tang]], although the more modern versions have the stick tang which has become popular.{{citation needed|date=August 2016}} The full tang is mainly used on some military models but has not become widespread in Nepal itself.{{citation needed|date=August 2016}}

The kukri typically comes in either a decorated wooden scabbard or one which is wrapped in leather. Traditionally, the scabbard also holds two smaller blades: an unsharpened ''chakmak'' to burnish the blade, and another accessory blade called a ''karda''. Some older style scabbards include a pouch for carrying flint or dry tinder.{{citation needed|date=August 2016}}