"I can be considered a sort of weapons expert. I wrote articles on knives for ten years for the leading Italian guns magazine : "Diana Armi", and wrote for them the best selling book "Defense weapons and their use".
Khukuri are an old love. I bought my first Khukuri in a Swiss antiquary shop when I was 11 years old, 53 years ago.
Since then I have bought every type and brand of Khukuri, made in Nepal, India, and USA, even going twice to Kathmandu, and coming back with my luggage filled with blades.
After so many years, I have three Khukuri that I consider the best of my collection, and my preferred ones.
One of them, and probably the best design ever, is the Purano Dal (Old Regimental) by Viking Kunwor and Heritage Knives. Its balance, design, handling qualities, and finish are superb.
I can't but recommend this wonderful knife and brand.
- Stefano Agostini, Firenze, Italy.
Master of Matrial Arts,Instructor, Author and Researcher.
"I bought my first kukri in 1995. Although I thought it was fascinating, I could find very little information in print on the subject of kukris. So I turned to the Internet in hopes of expanding both my knowledge and my collection. In the intervening years, I have been privileged to meet (at least in the virtual world) and learn from some very knowledgeable collectors. I have also had the honor of moderating two different online communities, further expanding my understanding of the amazing history of the kukri.
I have known VK Kunwor for a number of years now, and have learned a great deal from him. It is not by accident that his kukris are named "Heritage", because that is what they represent. When you hold a Heritage blade, you realize the incredible research and care that have gone into fashioning a knife that embodies the very best of traditional design, modern materials, and impeccable craftsmanship. They are subjected to the most demanding tests of their performance.
Recently, Heritage was able to produce a faithful recreation of one of my favorite antiques from halfway around the world, working from photos only. The finished kukri is every bit as well made as the antique, and it has been tested in ways that I would never try, with video proof of its successful performance.
I have no hesitation in recommending Heritage Knives kukris to collectors and users who appreciate the very best."
-Mr. Berkley Bettis, Austin, Texas, USA
Kukri godfather, Forum moderator International Kukri Research and Historical Soceity.
Chopped cattle thigh bones lengthwise and crossways, cattle ribs, tropical timber, also 5 hardest full swing blows on side of blade on tree stump.
Stabbed a bronze wrapped steel coin, and a heap of firewood!
Passed with flying colours so a big thank you to Krishna and the guys at Heritage Knives for a kukri that passed my ww2 style Gurkha private purchase type testing!
- Jonathan Said, United Kingdom.
IKRHS Senior Researcher, author of Kukri articles and outdoors man.
On Heritage Knives
The knife industry is a very competitive market, with new companies seemingly cropping up daily. Many tout a unique selling point or “special” method of forging or design that make them most desirable to obtain. This seems to be especially true in the group of “knives” being sold internationally and domestically called Kukri/Khukuri.
The bigger more well-known American companies sell them (although some of these American companies have the blades manufactured in countries like Taiwan), while the so-called more authentic ones are manufactured in the country of their birth – Nepal. To those folks that collect and or truly use a Kukri, a lengthy discussion of history shape style etc. is not needed. So I will focus this brief discussion on my personal experience with the Kukri. As a martial artist and occasional hiker, I was looking for a Kukri that could effectively hack at weeds and brush but also could be utilized as a martial art implement. A friend of mine turned me on to Heritage Knives based out of Nepal and owned and operated by Mr. V.K. Kunwor.
While many companies make Kukri, some to specific traditional design, the Heritage Knives Kukri is birthed through exacting specifications based on authentic Kukri that have withstood the test of time. Mr. Kunwor has been a long-time collector and student of the Kukri in Nepal and has held and used countless Kukri over many years while living in Nepal. This experience gives him a unique vantage point in producing some of the finest Kukri available.
I have compared Heritage Kukri of two designs against two other companies that produce Kukri in Nepal. I put them all through various testing including cutting through bush, chopping at bark and twigs, and in martial art drills. The Heritage Kukriout shone the others. I was so impressed with the Heritage Kukri that I gave one of mine as gift to a fellow Filipino martial artist who was equally impressed by the quality and craftsmanship.
I cannot recommend the Heritage Knives Kukri enough. I especially enjoy using them for my martial art practice. The weight and balance of the Kukri from Heritage Knives is superb. I see it being in my collection of blades for years to come. So, whether you are looking for a good quality chopping tool for camping, or a good self-defense martial art weapon you will not go wrong with a Kukri from Heritage Knives. Two thumbs way up. Please tell my friend V.K. I sent you!
M.A. Founder of Yishendo Escrima Ju-Jutsu, Integral Martial Arts Society &
Integral Knife Fighting International