kukuri

The kukri (English: ) or khukuri (Nepali: खुकुरी, pronounced [kʰukuri]) is a type of machete, originating from the Indian subcontinent, associated with the Nepali speaking Gurkhas of Nepal and India. The knife has a distinct recurve in the blade. It is used as both a tool and as a weapon in the Indian subcontinent. Traditionally, it was, and in many cases still is, the basic utility knife of the Gurkha. It is a characteristic weapon of the Nepalese Army, the Royal Gurkha Rifles of the British Army, the Assam Rifles, the Kumaon Regiment, the Garhwal Rifles, the Gorkha regiments of the Indian Army, and of all Gurkha regiments throughout the world, so much so that some English-speakers refer to the weapon as a "Gurkha blade" or "Gurkha knife". The kukri often appears in Nepalese and Indian Gorkha heraldry and is used in many traditional rites such as wedding ceremonies.
A common myth is that a kukri must draw blood before being sheathed; in fact they are frequently used as utility tools. Extraordinary stories of their use in combat by the Gurkhas may contribute to this misconception. The kukri, khukri, and kukkri spellings are of Indian origin, the original Nepali term being khukuri.

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