Eagle Handle Khukuri (Original)

The EAGLE handle – name, benefit, construction, and history...

This unique handle changed the perception of Khukuri both among the makers and buyers...

A modern kukri knife modified creatively to perform, for protection and for a premium look. Here Khukuri House has completely modernized the traditional handle to provide protection and to give better balance (handling) by fixing vertical guard + thick pommel and by adopting the “Panawal (full flat tang)” version. The new Eagle handle now gives protection to the user’s hand and thus safe handling; something that is/was not possible from the traditional handle.

First of all, why the name Eagle?

When you look at the handle holding the khukuri upside down (tip pointing towards the floor) one can clearly make out an eagle’s head. The pointed flare that ends at the handle is the beak and the lanyard hole is the eye; hence the name “Eagle”. The name is also chosen to classify the khukuri to the eagle’s amazing skill, power, and image that this magnificent bird has.

Benefit...

The main benefit of having an Eagle handle is the protection it provides to the user’s hand. The vertical shaft or Guard divides the sharp edge and handle and ensures that the hand always stays at the handle section no matter what. The partition guard protects (limits) the hand within the handle parameters even in wet and slippery conditions so injury (cut) can be avoided. The handle’s design further balances the knife (great feel) as it contributes the equilibrium close to the notch. This makes the handling very easy and effective. The robust full flat tang (Panawal) handle and thick Eagle butt cap add weight to the handle. This gives the balance point at the right needed area for a hacking kukri like this.  Also the “Panawal” version adapted for the handle is very strong and durable.

Construction...

The same materials, method, and skill are used like in other knives but due to its extra feature like the Guard and Beak (pommel) the maker has to do some extra work. 1st the guard is firmly welded on to the tang from all sides. Then the handle scales are fitted on both sides of the tang by epoxy and rivets.  And then the beak is strongly fitted from the back and later riveted by lanyard hole (washer). Here the maker prepares the pommel from thick iron plate before even doing the handle. The beak shape is achieved from twisting, rolling the metal by hammer in a especially made jig and later both ends are soldered.

History...

In the early years of 21st century, khukuris had very few types and worse, the handle was completely ignored by the local community. Saroj Lama Tamang, founder and MD of KHHI Nepal, was looking new ways to modernized (improve) the khukuri and give new meaning and height to the knife. He soon found out that the need for a better, stronger and protective handle which the traditional ones lacked must be urgently addressed to enhance the knife’s ability. So Mr. Lama came up with this new “Eagle Handle” design that highly benefited the user as he would feel safe to handle the khukuri. The new handle gave a big boost to the khukuri as a dominant, lethal and functional knife and also gave a very appealing look.

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