BSI Ceremonial Kukri (Special Army Events)

BSI Ceremonial Kukri is used during Special Army Events & Kukri Drill by Gurkha Army

Khukuri House's deep research on finding the history behind Army Kukris suggests that the BSI (British Service Issue) Ceremonial was issued quite late around early 1990’s after realizing the fact that the recruits needed more clean and tidy kukri to suit their advanced gear and bring more tidiness. After the formation of 1st Gurkha unit back in 1815-1816 and getting official recognition from the British in 1857 after the “Great Indian Mutiny”, Gurkhas were issued many kukris amongst which “BSI Ceremonial” is the latest version. Before this issue soldiers were found polishing the standard issue (Sarkhari Kukris like MK5 and Service No.1) and sometimes even changing the original buffalo hide scabbard to patent leather on their own to meet the demand of having to maintain cleanliness and looking dignified.

It was from the initiation of Mr. TB BK who was associated with Khukuri House and with few dedicated and knowledgeable Gurkha officers the “BSI Ceremonial” was finally born and started its issue from 1993. Gurkhas carry this kukri on events like 'Ceremonial Kukri Drill' and on special army occasions attended by high-ranking military officers, VIP dignitaries, honorable guests, etc. During the presentation they withdraw the kukri from the scabbard and hold it out for the guest to inspect. 

Ceremonial kukri in detail...

Blade: BSI Ceremonial kukri is basically a decorative (wearable) kukri in terms of army use. It comes with mirror polish finishing that brings the neatness and smartness to the kukri and blends with the uniform exceptionally well. This feature also saved time and labor for a soldier of “Shining the kukri” that had to be done in the earlier issued kukri by earlier soldiers. The khukuri is typical shaped.

Two accompanying knives “Karda (Small Knife)” and “Chakmak (Sharpener)” are also highly polished. BSI Ceremonial has “Nepal” and “Recruitment Date” stamped in the blade to denote the origin and year of recruitment of a soldier.

Handle: It has Buffalo Horn handle well shinned (polished) fitted to go with the boot and belt of a carrying soldier. A rat tail tang goes through the handle (hidden) which is peened over at the brass pommel. Has a typical khukuri handle.

Sheath: The scabbard is made from extra shiny patent leather to furnish shininess and smartness to the uniform and the carrier himself as a whole. Twin belt-loop frog is fitted in the scabbard for the large standard issue belt to go through. A protective brass chape (tip) is also fitted in the scabbard for support and good look.

see the MAKING of BSI in this video. These are how most of the khukuris are made at Khukuri House.

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