Compare, Contrast 18" WWII and M43

[HoosierQ]

I am learning. The 18" WWII seems to have a (much?) bigger handle than the M43 which would be important to me. Are there other compare and contrast kinds of points about these two Khukuris? Besides the full tang thing?

 

[Dirtbiker]

I wouldnt say that. The M43 handle is quite long. I also like that the M43 has a smooth handle (no ring).

The M43 is a much heavier chopper, the WWII feels more lively in the hand.

I'm a fan of both so I say get one of each when money allows.

 

[arbiter]

I wouldnt say that. The M43 handle is quite long. I also like that the M43 has a smooth handle (no ring).

The M43 is a much heavier chopper, the WWII feels more lively in the hand.

I'm a fan of both so I say get one of each when money allows.

I'll second that.Don't have a lot of experience with the WWII yet,but Dirtbikers synopsis is correct.The M-43 runs about 4-6 ounces heavier and has a very different feel in hand.Either one will serve well in the field, but neither are lightweights.Personally, I prefer the feel of the WWII,but both are worthy tools without question.

 

[HoosierQ]

I am not a big fan of the ring for ergos. I am sanding my BAS down to a comfortable level right now so that's a plus for the M43.

 

[pialia]

I am learning. The 18" WWII seems to have a (much?) bigger handle than the M43 which would be important to me. Are there other compare and contrast kinds of points about these two Khukuris? Besides the full tang thing?

What full tang thing? I am also learning, so please elaborate

 

[HoosierQ]

M43 is a full-wide tang with pins holding two handle scales instead of a single tubular handle with tang through the middle. Given the size and thickness of HI Khukuris, the usual advantage of the full tang over what is often called a stick tang is greatly diminished but just in terms of the physics, a full tang knife will be stronger. It also imparts some shock to the hand and in cold climates, imparts chill to the hand and the hand can freeze to it....witness the fact that ALL scandinavian knives lack a full tang so that the hand touches only warmer wood.

 

[pialia]

M43 is a full-wide tang with pins holding two handle scales instead of a single tubular handle with tang through the middle. Given the size and thickness of HI Khukuris, the usual advantage of the full tang over what is often called a stick tang is greatly diminished but just in terms of the physics, a full tang knife will be stronger. It also imparts some shock to the hand and in cold climates, imparts chill to the hand and the hand can freeze to it....witness the fact that ALL scandinavian knives lack a full tang so that the hand touches only warmer wood.

Interesting, thanks for the clarification.

 

[HoosierQ]

pialia

I just saw you're from Sweden...so I guess you get the Scandinavian knife thing then :thumbup:

 

[wildmanh]

There are a few note worthy differences between the Original H.I. M43 and WWII handles. The ones that I can remember are listed below (I've owned 3 WWII's and 1 M43 over the years but it's been a long time since I had a M43 so I'm a little rusty)

18" WWII:
Handle on the longish side
Standard tang is full length and hidden
Straight or slightly curved
Ring around the handle
Standard bell at the end of the handle
Handle to shoulder of knife is mostly straight

M43:
Smallish handle
Full width tang with slab scales
Curved handle often compared to an old BP pistol (remember that we are talking the older M43)
No ring on the handle, it's completely smooth
Bell is curvier
Handle to shoulder is more curvy, some had a smooth curve all the way from the handle to the shoulder

Most of the current M43's have Longer straighter handles, still no ring and the transition from handle to shoulder is a bit straighter. I recently got to play with a new M43 pattern with the longer handle and straighter spine. Even though the handle was a bit different then the M43 I used to have (6th to come from H.I. IIRC) it still had that magical feel, though a bit different. The handle didn't feel as much like an old BP pistol as my old one but it still felt different then my other Khukris.

A Chiruwa (Exposed tang, slab scales) style WWII still has the straighter handle, straighter spine, ring in the handle and standard bell. Same shape as it's hidden tang brother but different balance and heft do to the difference in the tang. Do to the differences in handle and shape differences over all, the two Khukri's will handle differently.

I've noticed something about M43's over the years since H.I. Started making them back in 2001. And that is, that certain M43's (I call them properly made M43's) act as if they are laser guided to the impact point and that along with hitting the target exactly where aimed 95% of the time, that the sweet spot hits the exact target 95% of the time also. In other words a Properly made M43 is very easy to get on target the way it should all the time. . . . When a user has proper form a Khukri should hit where you want it and hit with the belly. A Proper M43 feels laser guided to do it, IE It's so much easier for it to do it even if the user isn't as experienced with the M43. Hope that makes sense.

 

[pialia]

pialia

I just saw you're from Sweden...so I guess you get the Scandinavian knife thing then :thumbup:

I do :>

 

[HoosierQ]

So how long is the typical M43 handle? I have big if not huge hands. Men's XL gloves fit me only about 1/3 of the time. I usually choose XXL if I can find them. We're not talking Shaq here but for example my hand covers the horn handle of my BAS with very little black showing except at the bell. It fits but just...if it were a cold weather glove, I'd want it bigger. If I can get my hand fully on an M43 with a little horn or wood showing, I'll be fine.

 

[HoosierQ]

I do :>

I have too many Moras to count. Every possible config. In fact, I have plans to take, maybe an M43, doctor up the sheath, and include either a Mora of some sort or maybe an ESEE-3 or Izula in place of the traditional Karda. Just one of my thoughts.

 

[pialia]

I have too many Moras to count. Every possible config. In fact, I have plans to take, maybe an M43, doctor up the sheath, and include either a Mora of some sort or maybe an ESEE-3 or Izula in place of the traditional Karda. Just one of my thoughts.

If I possessed the skill necessary to make a good looking modifcation on one of the original sheaths so it could hold a neck knife I would. I've seen looooads of HC blade neck knifes going dirt cheap on the exchange here, apparently they're very popular for people who are just starting out in knifemaking. I've seen quite a few models that would fit my needs perfectly. I need to learn how to work with leather!

 

[wildmanh]

Hoosier, the old M43 pistol handle would not have fit your hand. You would be off the handle onto the Bolster or past it. The newer M43 handle is more suited to larger hands. I believe that is why the Kami's switched handles, so that us Bigger Americans and Europeans use the Khukri easier.

Forum Member jdk1 has larger hands like you so he custom ordered his M43 with a bit longer handle. I got to play with it a bit over the winter and it was much longer then my old pistol handled M43. I can't tell you how much longer the handle was then a standard M43 is today, but I do know that his handle was touch longer then the handle on my 18" WWII. I recommend buying a standard M43 and see if it fits you comfortably. If so, you are good to go. If not sell it and order a custom with a longer handle (I'd be interested if I have the money at the time).

So to sum it up, a Modern H.I M43 is better for people with larger hands. Only trial and error can tell you how well the new ones will work for you. Hope this all helps.

 

[wildmanh]

BTW Gents, I'm a full time sheath maker and leather bender. If/when you want some help, feel free to ask. There are others that hang out here that could help also. We probably just need to keep such things in the Cantina when we talk about it.