Language: Nepali
Source: A 1931 dictionary

Description

Karda (कर्द) is the Nepali word for a small utility knife that was traditionally carried in the scabbard of a khukurī.1

The term comes from the Persian word kard (کرد), meaning "knife". A typical khukurī carries one, but some carry two of them in their scabbards.

Karda typically follow a similar construction as their parent khukurī, with wood, horn, bone, silver or ivory hilts and a metal bolster. The blades are usually more straight than khukurī.

Other items typically stored in the khukurī scabbard alongside the main knife are:

Khisā (खिसा); a small purse for carrying tinder, called jhulo (झुलो), literally meaning "fiber".
Cakmak (चक्मक्); a fire striker / sharpening steel.

 

Khukuri with two karda

A fine khukurī with two wood hilted karda.
Sold by Mandarin Mansion in 2020.

 

 

Ivory hilted karda

A pair of ivory hilted karda with silver bolsters, matching the construction of their parent khukurī.
Author's collection.

 

Kukri with scabbard

A fine mutiny era khukurī with two wood hilted karda.
Sold by Mandarin Mansion in 2020.


 

Kukri scabbard

Silver hilted karda and cakmak in the scabbard of a kothimora khukurī.
Sold by Mandarin Mansion in 2020.

 

Further study

For a complete overview of khukurī terminology, see my article: A Nepalese khukurī glossary.

 

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

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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,-

20th century military khukurī with many different tools in ots back pocket.

€650,-

Simple piece with a beautiful blade profile.

€650,-