18" Kumar M43 review.

DarthTaco123

DarthTaco123

Joined
Mar 28, 2013
Messages
1,730
I got my blem DOTD Kumar m43 the other day and it's the usual outstanding work by the kamis. My first impression was "dang this is heavy" (its' 38 oz), then "Dang this is pretty!" (go figure, right?), and then "I think I hear some blowdowns screaming "get that away from me!"" Well, at 38 oz and 18" this thing is quite literally an axe. Not lying, not joking, this is serious, this thing performs like an axe, but an elegant one. It took me a while to find the blem on the horn handle (which had been repaired by Kumar) and it won't effect the function of the blade anytime soon, if ever. The fit and finish was superb, as always, and it even ALMOST has chirras, it hollows between the edge and the spine just a bit and is super cool. The marks are a combo of chisel and punch. In terms of the horn vs wood debate I saw a bit ago, I notice no real difference in grippiness, although this seemed to maybe stick a bit better in my hand. Now, on to images. This thing I did a five chop test, it took about 10 to get through a 6 inch log.
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Great review, Darth.
And thank you for proving my point. If one can swing them there isn't anything like a heavy khuk. The mass drives the edge and after awhile with the right technique (raise-drop-accelerate-snap) you can blow chunks of wood out almost effortlessly and punch your way right thru.
 
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I honestly think I'm going to start packing this or my Purna dui chirra instead of my vintage boys axes, this does the same job a bit better in a more compact package.
 
Nice blade! That branch didn't have a chance against that beast.

If you plan to make this a user and want a bit more grip, you can put a light brushed finish on the horn with some 600+ grit sandpaper.
 
I was actually thinking about doing that, it wouldn't hurt to sand down the repair a little too, it feels different from the handle texture just enough to get noticed. Sanded down you probably won't even notice it's there.
 
Great pix and review, thank you for sharing
 
DarthTaco123 said:
.... The fit and finish was superb, as always, and it even ALMOST has chirras, it hollows between the edge and the spine just a bit and is super cool....
Click to expand...

I think the "almost chirras" that you describe are a natural consequence of the forging process. As the kamis hammer a blade into shape the hammer blows tend to thin out the steel between the spine and the edge. Almost every khukuri I've held, even WWII vintage blades, have a bit of a hollow. Sometimes it's hard to see, but if you hold the blade at an angle against the light, or run a straight edge across the spine and edge line, you can see it.

Apart from looking good, this helps to keep the blade from sticking in thick wood during chopping.
 
All of mine have the almost chirra, but this one is a bit more pronounced, just like the ridge on the spine. I loves it.
 
:barbershop_quartet_Taco taco man, I want to be, a taco man!:barbershop_quartet_

Nice review buddy, thanks for sharing. Hope you can keep up with it ;)
 
It's giving me a hell of a run for my money, I can tell you that! Deciding on going on a little backpacking/snowshoeing trip instead of firing up my much neglected forge to make that damn Laraw knife/machete/sword.
 
DarthTaco123 said:
It's giving me a hell of a run for my money, I can tell you that! Deciding on going on a little backpacking/snowshoeing trip instead of firing up my much neglected forge to make that damn Laraw knife/machete/sword.
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38 oz! Wow! That just registered with me. Thats a chop monster! Im imagining something between my 20"AK and 16" CAK. That would be perfect for processing volumes of wood on cold nights. Grats on a beautiful blade. I always did think Kumar put extra work making them handles nice! Dont forget your camera if you decide to go packing:thumbup:
 
I'll post some soon. I think I have what you're looking for, 60's 6 lb splitting maul. Has the same paint scheme as a COllins but no markings.
 
More to review! Took it out on it's first real adventure in the woods, and he was a good boy about it. Ran into a nasty poplar that's been down for about two years, and about 8" thick. I figured it was time I let the m43 off his chain and see what he could do. The handle on it was just large enough for two handed swings (if needed). Chopped it up into three parts (three set's of chops) in under 10 minutes, and that's including the time it took to walk out. Oh my beast.
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Yep, going to turn the straighter part into an open faced scabbard for my father's old Panga machete. Something like this:
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DarthTaco123 said:
Yep, going to turn the straighter part into an open faced scabbard for my father's old Panga machete. Something like this:
Click to expand...

Man those are some fine blades. I love the staple style of sheath like that. Cool being able to see the blade sheathed:thumbup:
 
Once I have dispensable funds I almost want to see if I can't commission a blade like it. Seems like a great blade, but you don't see many aboriginal Taiwanese blades on any market, let alone a western one. As for the Panga, imagine a 3/8" thick Panga, dear god. I have a list of stuff to hammer out in my forge but it seems like the coal keeps running low.
 
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