Bajra Sword and M-43 for 9/19

[Steve Tall]

just wondering if by describing "15 inch" is that blade length and what is also meant by chiruwa style horn handle? as im new to this game any info is much appreciated

Lengths here are overall.
"Chiruwa" is the type of full tang where the steel is sandwiched between two slabs of wood or, in this case, water buffalo horn.
The common alternative to the chiruwa type is a sturdy tang running the full length through the center of the handle, and peened at the butt end.
Both styles have their fans for various reasons.

Lots of good information at the HI Links Library:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/719860-New-Members-Please-take-time-to-Read-the-Himalayan-Imports-Link-Library

 

[davidf99]

I received the satisal wood handled M-43.

The workmanship is perfect as one expects from Rajkumar. Length 15" and weight 24 oz on the nose, as posted. Spine thickness is a hair under 3/8" at the thickest point near the handle and tapers to 1/4" almost to the tip. The bolster and buttcap are steel rather than "white metal." Steel is always a plus. Like most well-made M-43s, it has a graceful curve all along the spine and down the handle to the butt.

This is one of those "do everything" khukuris. It would work well for tough chopping tasks and is light enough and well shaped for use in self-defense.

For guys who are bigger and stronger than average and do a lot of wood chopping, I'd recommend the 18" model in the 28-32 oz range, but this 15" M-43 should be able to do all the same things. Might take a little longer, but easier to carry and to swing for extended periods.

Just to show that I can nitpick: Rajkumar's kami mark was not his usual graceful twin mountains. It was more like a capital "M" with two sharp points at the top. Nothing wrong with that, just different. And the scabbard is too tight, so I had to push hard with my thumb to get the blade out. But that's an easy fix, and better too tight than too loose.

-- Dave

 

[verpra]

I did some cut tests with this sword and just WOW! Came in razor sharp. My new Zombie slayer of choice..... Thank you Auntie and HI for these soulful pieces of art

 

[kukrifan]

Hey Davidf99,

Just wondering what the length of the handle and blade of your M43.

Cheers and Many thanks

 

[davidf99]

Hey Davidf99,

Just wondering what the length of the handle and blade of your M43.

Cheers and Many thanks

This is for my 15" M43:

Blade length is 10 3/8", overall handle length is 5". The usable part of the handle, including the bolster but not including the curved butt plate, is about 4 3/4".

You can estimate handle size from a good photo if you know the overall length, which Yangdu always posts. For example, the photo of this posting shows that the handle length is about 1/3 of the overal length, hence 5", which my tape measure confirms.

It's a great knife, but if you have larger than average hands you might prefer an 18" model, which will likely have a somewhat longer and thicker handle.