Whats A Kirpan

[fauji07 2]

what exactly is a Kirpan. how can one tell what is and what is not a kirpan. does it have to be a certan length and style. would a kartar be considered a kirpan is any shastar a kirpan. are kirpans meant just for show or should they be usefull too, can someone have one on there kanga. would really like to know. thanks

[Amrit Kaur Khalsa 2]

Not sure about the actual definition of a kirpan, but u can't have one on ur kanga, coz then it's not a shastar and therefore not a kirpan. It's definately not for show - what would be the point of carrying one? U gotta be able to access it.

[wannabekaur5 1]

Kirpan should really be sarabloh and should be around 3 inches long

[Ramanjot S 0]

3 inches????

[Surinderjit 1]

I say anywhere from 9-12".

wear 2 kirpan, one outside clothes thats 9-12" and another under clothes thats 3-5 inches

[Amrit Kaur Khalsa 2]

Two??? When I wear one under my clothes I wear two 3 inch ones, and when I wear one outside I just wear a medium sized one.(And sometimes I don't take off my small ones so I end up wearing 3)My medium sized one is 9 inches with the handle. By 9 inches do u mean with the whole kirpan or just the blade?

[High Spirits 19]

The requirements for a kakaari kirpaan is stipulated in most amrit sanchaars, if not ask the panj when you take amrit who will clarify this for you.

To what I know your kakaari kirpaan (that you wear as your kakaar to do bhog/rakhya etc with) should be made of one piece of sarbloh (the blade and handle should not be 2 peices joined together) and practical in use e.g. the handle should be big/thick enough for a good grip.

As aforementioned, in most amrit sanchaaars the above requirements along with a minimum size e.g. 9inches (3inch handle, 6inch blade) to wear always is usually given as rehat.

Please add to this if need be Saadh Sangat Jee.

(added after) I also have heard (not sure) that your kirpaan shouldn't be sharp on both sides which makes it a khandaa type shaster, so a kataar would be invalid, thats why a kataar is called a kataar...because its not a kirpan.