Meet the versatile exotic chopper from ESEE Knives under the EXPAT Series. The EXPAT Jaraca Kukri Knife was used extensively for food procurement, fire, and raft construction from the Northeast woodlands and Amazon Jungle of Peru. Hard-use gear all the way!
What is a Kukri Knife?
The Kukri is a large Nepalese knife easily identified by its forward curve. This shape, combined with its weight, makes it a powerful chopper. Although the Kukri is most famous for its service with the infamous Gurkha regiments, its primary use is utility. The Kukri withstood the test of time, surviving the East India Trade Company and two World Wars, and is still used on the battlefield today.
EXPAT Jaraca Kukri
The EXPAT Kukri Knife is a powerful, versatile tool that can handle the harshest outdoor challenges. Whether you need to chop wood, bamboo, clear branches, butcher meat, or slice through tough materials, the Kukri will tackle those tasks head-on. As for self-defense, there’s no question about how a Kukri can be used—just look at the Gurkhas.
You’ll notice that the EXPAT Kukri has a long 11.75-inch blade with a forward curve and pronounced swell beyond the bend, tapering towards the sharp tip. The weight is forward, making it feel more like a hatchet. This intentional design gains momentum through the swing, resulting in a powerful chop. The wrist stays in a natural position, allowing the blade to precede the hand, causing less fatigue.
The blade’s sweet spot ranges from the middle, where the belly swells, and a few inches above. The broad portion of the blade is perfect for gripping on top with your free hand while making shavings or debarking wood like a two-handed draw knife. The forward curve offers immense power over any other EXPAT choppers to date!
The EXPAT Kukri Knife provides greater force and leverage than a straight blade, making it perfect for heavy-duty tasks like splitting wood. Crafted from 1075 High Carbon steel, the blade offers easy sharpening and flexibility to withstand rugged use. Its durable Black Traction Powder Coating ensures hassle-free maintenance and protects against corrosion in harsh environments. With a 6mm spine thickness that quickly tapers to a flat grind, it excels at slicing. The resulting convex edge creates a firm, sturdy cutting surface that prevents getting stuck in wood.
Got Big Mitts?
The 5-inch handle has walnut wood scales that offer a natural feel and a secure grip. The forward and rear guards provide safety and assurance while swinging. Additional recesses offer extra grip.
Jaraca in the Jungle
In late 2023, I took the EXPAT Jaraca Kukri Knife to the Peruvian Rainforest, loosely called the Amazon Jungle! The shorter-than-typical tool for this environment had a role in this scenario. Thicker tree chopping for rafts and dried hardwood for fire prep. It fits in as the axe and workhorse.
During fire prep, I chopped and feathered wood for kindling. The recurve makes thin, curly shaving that can take a spark from a ferro rod or quickly ignite with a match in less than two seconds.
Splitting wood with a heavy stout baton was the norm for the EXPAT Jaraca Kukri Knife in the jungle, especially the Northeast’s hardwoods during winter. Bottom line—this tool excelled!
Culmination
The EXPAT lineup has a cleaver and two machetes to its name—now they have a Kukri! Leave it to EXPAT to cover all the bases. The Expat Jaraca Kukri fits right in with the lineup of EXPAT misfits. It also carries the same “No Questions Asked” warranty from ESEE® Knives.
Let’s face it—is there anything more Badass than a Kukri?
For more information, please contact ESEE Knives.
EXPAT Jaraca Kukri Specs
| Overall Length | 16.75 inches |
| Blade Length | 11.75 inches |
| Cutting Edge | 11 inches |
| Maximum Thickness | 6mm (under .25”) |
| Steel | 1075 High Carbon, 52-55 Rc. |
| Weight (Blade Only) | 19.7 Ounces |
| Weight (Blade and Sheath) | 23.4 Ounces |
| Finish | Black Traction Powder Coating |
| Handle | Walnut |
| Sheath | Tan Canvas |
| Made In | El Salvador |
| MSRP | $152.33 |
