Some interesting (or maybe not) trivia about the CS Gurkha. it appears to have been based on a relatively obscure khukuri that appeared during WWII. It was based on the British issue Mark II, which was the first GI khukuri using a full tang with pinned on handle slabs. It was smaller and handier than the WWI and earlier models. This appears to be due to firearms becoming more effective and the khukuri's use being more relegated to field use, though still retaining an excellent martial capability. The Mk. III which followed starting in ~1945 is shorter still and retains the full tang.
The khukuri I referred to in the beginning is known as the M43. The reason for the name is that many were stamped "M43", though not all were. While it resembled the standard Mk. II, it had a few distinct characteristics. The tip was pointier, the handle was smaller and the whole thing was generally thinner, lighter and faster. It was as if someone decided to make a fighter version of the Mk. II, but wanted to retain its robust field capabilities. many of them also had a curious pattern of lines carved into the handle. The lines were obviously there for traction, but they were generally two together and three together.
The "who" part is still a mystery, some 80 years later. There are multiple variations among the M43s I've seen. I've owned several different ones, but only retain what I consider a classic example, just missing the actual stamp. IIRC, there is at least one photograph of an OSS "operator" in Burma wearing one , circa WWII.
Supposedly, there are photographs of LT with an M43. The M43 and CS GK are so similar, its hard not to believe LT based the GK on the older khukuri. Also, LT was a historical edged weapon aficionado and often designed copies of historical weapons in his collection. A more excellent khukuri to use as a model I couldn't imagine. As anyone who's handled a GK, of an M43 for that matter, can attest, its an excellent, relatively compact weapon and field tool.
I didn't intend too get this much in the weeds when so started typing
the study of historical khukuri is fascinating and very frustrating. Few records exist and the examples are slowly disintegrating in attics, garages and Nepalese warehouses.
For anyone who's still interested, here's a pic of my CS GK and a typical M43. If he can find newer or better pics, I'll post them.
