Description
Combining unique form, function and historical significance, the Mutiny is something we’ve wanted to make for quite some time here at Kailash Blades.
This pattern of blade is the oldest in terms of style that we offer, with this general style of khukuri dating all the way back to the late 1700’s through until the end of the 19th century. This specific blade is based off a Lambendh khukuri which was used by a Gurkha during the Sepoy Revolt or 1st Indian War of Independence (1857-58). By this point, the Gurkhas has already been serving as part of the British East India company since 1815 and had proved themselves to be great soldiers and vital assets to the British Crown in the Battle of Bhurtpore in 1826 and later the Anglo Sikh War of 1848.
However, the Indian Munity stands apart as one of the most important events in the History of the Ghurkas as a conflict which demonstrated the strengths of the connection between the unit and the British Crown. Of all the units in the British East India company’s army, the Ghurkas were one of only a small handful to remain loyal to the British and fight fiercely against their former comrades. Their loyalty and reliability cemented and solidified bonds of honour and respect which still stand to this day.
At this point in history khukuris used in war were becoming more standardised in shape and generalised in use, moving away from the greatly curved and ultra slender fighting khukuris used before the Anglo-Nepalese war and towards the more rugged, utilitatrian patterns that characterised early 20th century mass produced war khukuris. With a Lambendh style strongly curving spine, extended rat tail tang handle for added dexterity in combat, a single, shallow almost sabre like fuller along the spine and a just-slightly-thicker-than-a-sirupate belly often called a Baspate this blade differs quite greatly from our other historical blades not only in aesthetic but also in function. The slender form and length maintains a liveliness in hand, reach and tip speed that well suited to martial applications and brush clearing while the broader belly provides just enough heft and power for powerful cuts and excellent chopping performance.
The standard 15.5″ version has proven one of our most popular and enduring blades due to its versatility, ending up in the hands of many bushcrafters and martial artists alike. If high chopping power, performance brush clearing and low weight are a priority then this is the blade length for you.
Our 14″ version has also gained a significant following with bushcrafters and outdoorsmen that are looking to cover a similar range of tasks but are happy to trade off some of high end chopping power for a more compact tool that offers more control and precision with less fatigue in extended cutting tasks. The 14″ has a new pattern for 2021, bringing across more of the styling and aesthetic of the historical piece.
For hikers, survivalists and other weight conscious gear minimalists we have the 12″ version. Built for low energy brush clearing and light to moderate chopping it’s also at home with batoning, carving and other finer camp tasks. For the contingent of khukuri fans that think a 12″ sirupate is the ideal blade, the 12″ mutiny fits more chopping power and a more refined balance into the same size package.
12″: 8mm spine at bolster, 405g
14″: 8mm spine at bolster, 445g
15.5″ (historical length): 8mm spine at bolster, 530g
All blade lengths include a 5.3″ handle as the default historical length, expect an additional 50g with horn or micarta.
A truly unique blade, not only in terms of its style but also in terms of its agile, exhilarating feel in hand. Add onto that the fact this blade is so significant not only to the history of the Gurkhas but the history of Nepal and you can understand why making this knife was something we’ve had as a goal in our hearts for so long.
Before Purchase, please read through our Options Info page as well as Warranty and Factory Seconds for information on all the different options and grind types we offer and how they affect the level of warranty you’ll receive.