>>2440009It serves several purposes.
A. It marks the point the blade is sharpened from, avoiding the common issue of gouging under the guard.
That's a fairly specific issue common to war blades, often you just have a squared off section but that would stop you cutting vines.
B. it binds an enemies blade, hand to hand knife fighting is significant in Nepal for cultural reasons- you're not permitted to disarm a ghorka so they will often end up fighting each other.
Similar issue with Sikhs and other mercenary castes, their honor weapons are designed with dueling in mind.
C. The notch can be used for retaining the blade should the handle break or a sheath be lost.
You will find because of the balance a khukri can be retained in a crude loop sheath- where a straight blade would simply cut the loop.
T. Jungle tourist
