A New Member Of The M43 Cult

[Big Bob]

I came home from work yesterday to find the triangular box waiting for me. Inside was the M43 from the 9/30 Deals.

This is my first khukuri by Sher and I'm quite impressed. It's appearance is what I'd term wicked grace...smoother, more elegant profile than most of the other HI models but having the aura of a fighter. The balance is more forward than many khuks, but it actually feels light in my hand (never thought I'd say that about a Sher khuk). The scabbard's leather is very well made and is the best leather I've seen from HI yet. It contributes to the M43's aura: rugged, no-nonsense (no pretty designs or artwork like past scabbards), and allows the blade to be effortlessly withdrawn. The word slick comes to mind whenever I remove the blade. The chappe is nicely filed down so as to minimize painful pokes.

Overall the M43 is a nice addition to my collection. Several of its characteristics (chiruwa handle, no center handle ring, buttplate, etc) aren't present on my other khukuris, so it really stands out.

Bob

 

[ferguson]

The M43 really is a different animal, isn't it? Took me a while to get used to how it chops. Totally different from my other khuks, but good once you get used to it. An awesome weapon. A good chopper. Listen to her when you start using her and she'll tell you how different she is.
Steve

 

[Yvsa]

Have to admit that I've never chopped with my HI M-43 as yet other than initially testing it, but I'm sure I will love it when I do finally get it out for a small workout. I have chopped with an original M-43 which is quite a bit lighter and was impressed at its performance. The HI should be a better chopper due to its weight.
Some people don't like the way the fully curved or even the forward curved khuks chop but I prefer them over the standard angled blade khukuri.
The fully curved ones seem to be a helluva lot more accurate for me.
I have noticed however that, it seems to me, the smaller the khuk the more accurate it is on the target.
I was very impressed at the 12" AK's chopping ability and accuracy when using it for some precise chopping to remove excess material on a handle for an ndn Eagle wing dance and ceremonial fan.