Language: Nepali
Source: A 1931 dictionary

Description

Bhālu kāṭh (भालु काठ); The wood which is used for making khukurī handles. It is scientifically known as Talauma Hodgsoni and Magnolia hodgsonii, or more commonly; Chinese magnolia.

Bhālu literally means "bear" and kāṭh means "wood".

The tree and its wood are also called Paṭpaṭe (पट्पटे), literally meaning "striped".

Wooden handle on a mid 19th-century khukurī.
Notice the subtle relief created by decades of handling.

Notes
1. Sir Ralph Lilley Turner; A comparative and etymological dictionary of the Nepali language. London: K. Paul, Trench, Trubner, 1931.