Differences between old style and new style M43 Kukri.

First up a couple of KLVUKs, second up to bat will be an old traditional with multiple fullers (been scouting old khukuri style pages), and then thirdly will be the M43 or similar with full handle width tang and white bolters.....this is all quite fixed in mind.....the WWII already hit the combo use and construction technology blend itch to hold me until then....
 
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Two of my favorites: Kumar 25 wood and 27oz horn
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Ndoghouse, that is why I went with the M43, versatility and great performance in a lighter package. However, I would still keep the weight under 30oz. After that performance would suffer.

Dobe those are lovely blades!
 
wildmike said:
Ndoghouse, that is why I went with the M43, versatility and great performance in a lighter package. However, I would still keep the weight under 30oz. After that performance would suffer.

Dobe those are lovely blades!
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This statement needs to be quantified.
Some users like the heavier beasts and have shown that extra weight allows for deeper bites during chopping.
Some larger users will be able to wield the heavier ones with ease and may find lighter ones less effective.
It is up to each user to deduce what works best for them as to length, weight and style.
There is no real one size fits all when it comes to khukuri.
 
wildmike said:
Ndoghouse, that is why I went with the M43, versatility and great performance in a lighter package. However, I would still keep the weight under 30oz. After that performance would suffer.

Dobe those are lovely blades!
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Thanks WildMike, and where can I get an account of your bushcraft skills with a khukuri? Did you post anything, or YouTube it?
 
Back then I couldn't post anything, I had no ability to take pic's, still have no ability to take or post video. I really wish I did as the Kukri is my favorite tool for outdoor use. And that is even after now having and using high quality axes, various custom and semi-custom knives etc.

I am waaay behind the curve on all this electronic technology. Plus lack a second party to do the filming. I still think it would be a fun and worthwhile project.

Karda's point is well taken. I am a large man, but I prefer a Kukri that moves with speed, and that I can work with all day. A heavier kuk moves slower, and does not in my experience give that much greater penetration. This is due mainly to the thicker blade. That is one of the reasons I went with the M43 after I read the Kukri FAQ on the Site. I figured the combination of thinner shearing edge, increased blade drop, handle drop, increased tip speed, would combine to give great cutting performance. I was not disappointed when I put the knife to work.
 
Are the m43 full tang? Or do the handles slip on like a file? Just wondering because I plan on getting something for heavy use
 
It's pretty near impossible to "rank the kamis" in any meaningful way, and I would consider it disrespectful to these incredibly skillful crattsmen to attempt it.

Like everybody who's been around for a while I have favorite kamis, but the favorites vary from one person to another. Once you decide what model would be best for you, and what size and weight, it would be counterproductive to wait for any particular kami to make such a knife. You could end up passing on some excellent blades and wait months or longer for the "best" kami to make the perfect knife for you -- and then someone else might get it ahead of you.
 
Tommy Taylor said:
Can someone rank the Kami's please
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davidf99 said:
It's pretty near impossible to "rank the kamis" in any meaningful way, and I would consider it disrespectful to these incredibly skillful crattsmen to attempt it.

Like everybody who's been around for a while I have favorite kamis, but the favorites vary from one person to another. Once you decide what model would be best for you, and what size and weight, it would be counterproductive to wait for any particular kami to make such a knife. You could end up passing on some excellent blades and wait months or longer for the "best" kami to make the perfect knife for you -- and then someone else might get it ahead of you.
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What Dave just said.
 
Realistically they are all very good or they wouldn't be making knives for HI.
I've had several favorites and find that it often changes, some are especially good at one or two models, some are very good at anything they make. I usually don't even look at the maker, if it sings I go for it.
 
Tommy Taylor said:
I wasn't trying to be disrespectful. Just wondering if certain Kami's specialize in certain kinds of blades
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Fair enough. That used to be true of certain models, but not so much lately. Some models are named after a particular kami, but are also made by other kamis. The Kumar Kobra is one example. Some models were originally made by one kami -- the Bonecutter, I believe, was made only by Sgt Khadka -- but over time that changed. Some kamis have passed away, and of course their models are now made by others.

Bawanna expressed it accurately: "some are especially good at one or two models, some are very good at anything they make."

Some kamis are very artistic and embellish their blades with elaborate handle carvings and blade engravings, or carved heads at the butt-end. Some kamis tend to make their blades extra thick and heavy, yet are also capable of producing excellent lightweight versions of the same models. Basically we're looking at an art form embodying an extremely high level of craftsmanship learned over many years or decades, by knifemakers who usually start as children working with their fathers.

If you end up with only one or two HI khukuris none of this affects you much, apart from general interest. If you end up collecting khukuris you will become more familiar with the kamis and their styles. Of course you get a lot more information by following this forum than just the knives that you own.
 
Tommy Taylor said:
I'm excited I'm getting a m43 by Kumar from Yangdu
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You will love the M-43. I like the grip much better on the M-43. It has a palm swell, and an enlarged pommel. I like the lines of the M-43 also. It is aesthetically pleasing with the arcing spine. I have a 28, 27, a 25 ,and the 22 oz. on its way.
 
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