check my math = comparing CAK and M43

[snow and steel]

I'm trying to understand the relationship of the steel here betweent hese two.

IF I understand correctly;
the CAK typically runs between 16 to 17 inches, and weighs 1.75 lbs

The M43 runs approx. 18 inches, and also weighs approx. 1.75 lbs.

[now corrrect me if I'm wrong on these numbers]

So if I'm understanding these numbers correectly, I'm assuming...

...with the M43 being LONGER, the blade would have to be slightly thinner, and that the extra weight mde in the CAK is probably in the fullers that are in the CAK [where it makes it thicker in areas along the blade] as well as a slightly thicker spine?

Am I right, or completely off there?

Also, on a cosmetic note [if my eyes dont deceive me], the M43 seems to have a smightly gentle over-all curve, handle to blade, whereas the CAK is nearly straight from handle to the sharp bend in the blade.

sound about right?

 

[7rip13a]

Hey Snow,

You're pretty much right. I'd just add that CAKs aren't always 16-17 inches, they can be longer and shorter, but are still generally heavier than M43s. Also, fullers are depressions in the blade, and thus weight should be reduced around that area. Of course, it makes up for it in other parts, whereas the M43 is a little more even overall.

 

[shortwinger]

Snow,

The textbook M43 should be in the 17.5 inch size and weight about 700-725 grams (1.5 lbs or 24.5 oz). Most of the ones you see now are up around the 30-32 oz mark (2lbs) and the length is around 18 - 18.5 inches.

My son-in-law's CAK is almost double that in weight and the handle is almost as thick as my wrist. And as 7rip said, the CAK comes in a wide variety of lengths.

The M43 blade is thinner at the bolster than most (max 1/4 ") and tapers more evenly to the tip than most. It is all about being light, perfectly balanced and agile and not at all about being a heavy chopper like the CAK. They should be very dissimilar in every way...

When you swing the M43 you will notice that at the end of the swing or when you impact something, the curved handle does not allow the butt to poke into the palm of your hand like a straight handle does. Real use drove this adaptation and only adds to the overall perfection of this design. (am I biased or what?)

The M43's blade and overall shape is said to follow the elegant curve of the bamboo leaf.

 

[alexs]

My 16.5" CAK is 31oz. with a 7/16" spine. And my 18.5" M43 is 33.8oz. and 3/8" spine. Just to add a datapoint to your stats, also, in the same class, my 18" WWII is at 30.8oz. and a spine of 7/16". The WWII, having a hidden tang, is the most chopper-like, and the CAK is the quickest weapon thanks to its thick tang bringing the POB aft. That said, I have 3 other CAKs that are nothing like this one in many respects. And for a time, there were Chiruwa WWII made for DOTD just a year or so ago.

 

[shortwinger]

It would be interesting to go back and see where the thought of the M43 being a big heavy chopper started and where the specs started inching there way up. The pic on the HI store site, if that even exists anymore, looks like a pretty traditionally sized and proportioned M43.

At some point someone must have asked for a large custom and planted the "big" seed. I'll bet Tirtha and the guys sit around laughing and say, "lets see if someone can hold this 22" / 54 oz (3.4lbs) monster!"

 

[wildmike]

There is a much greater difference between the two knives than the figures indicate. The blade on my older style M-43 by Bura is indeed thinner than on a CAK. But definitely not thin enough to make the blade weak (I have used that same knife as my main survival tool over several tough years, including the building of two trappers cabins and numerous other shelters and much else.). The M-43's design makes it exceptionaly fluid in the hand and increases its tip speed which makes it a real shear cutter. It cuts like a much larger and heavier knife. To fully appreciate the differences one must handle both. For me the M-43 is the ultimate.