Language: Mewari
Source: Kirkpatrick, 1811

Description

Chope is the Newar word for khukurī, a characteristic Nepalese knife with a concave cutting age.¹

Notes
1. William Kirkpatrick; Account of the Mission to Nepaul in 1793. William Miller, London, 1811. Page 240.

A khukurī with a wooden scabbard simulating the look of a leather one.
Probably made by a Newar Shilpakar.
Sold by Mandarin Mansion.

Newars

The Newars are the historical inhabitants of the Kathmandu Valley and its surrounding area. Many of its castes are involved in religion and arts and crafts, and they are creators of most examples of art and architecture in Nepal.

The area was conquered by the Gurkhas, of North Indian Rajput origin, in 1768. The Newar, however, remained the primary custodians of the distinct Nepalese culture, arts and crafts under Gurkha rule.

The Newar are divided under many castes, including but not limited to the following crafts castes:

Shakya: Descendants of Lord Buddha's Shakya clan, Buddhist temple priests, and also traditionally goldsmiths.
Kulu/Dom: Traditionally leather workers. 
Shilpakar: wood carvers.
Tamrakar: Trader and merchant group from Lalitpur; traditionally involved as coppersmiths.
Chitrakars: Painters and mask makers.