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".

 

Kukri hilt

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.

Do you have anything for sale?

I might be interested in buying it.

Contact me

With a very fine Nepalese blade, but kard-like hilt and scabbard.

€3500,-

Early type with very shallow notch in the blade and little flare in the pommel.

€2750,-

Unusual example with hilts carved in lionesque heads.

€850,-

The pierced silver mounts with parcel gilding and red velvet backing.

€775,-

Simple piece with a beautiful blade profile.

€650,-