Dimensions/Comparison of WWI & M43

[shortwinger]

Do any of you own both a 16.5 inch WWII and a M43? I was interested in some stats and comparisons. (I am asking to compare the M43 to the 16.5 inch WWII because the WWII is the only other HI kukri I have)

1. Is the spine on the M43 as thick as the WWII or is it a more accurate copy of the old MKII? If you provide a spine measurement can you please give one at the bolster, one at the shoulder and one at the tip?

2. What is the weight of the M43?

3. What is the handle size of the M43 compared to the WWII? (generally speaking, no exact measurement is needed, just trying to get a feel)

4. General opinion on the balance of each.

Any other observation or comparison of the two would be welcome.

Thanks,
Bill
Virginia

 

[warty]

This one I can't help with, I don't have an M43. Hopefully someone will step up and shoot you some pix like hey few I sent of the ASTK-V and Tarwars

 

[stickfred]

Hey shortwinger. Been busy getting a business trip planned or else I'd have responded earlier.

I used to own an M43. The next khuk that I got after that was a WWII by Kumar that was chiruwa handled. The M43 (made by Young Sher) was 18 3/8" long, 13 1/4" blade, 5 9/16" handle, 3/16" handle tang, 2 1/4" max blade width, 3 1/4" POB from bolster, 3/8" spine at thickest and 30.5 oz. weight.

The WWII is 16 5/8" long, 11 5/16" blade, 5 7/16" handle, 3/16" handle tang, 1 15/16" max blade width, 2 3/8" POB from bolster, 3/8" spine at thickest and 26 oz. weight.

I have only measured the spine at the widest point so perhaps someone else can jump in with that information.

Interesting that you are asking about the handle and handle feel. The M43 handle is smooth, that is without the ridge that most khukuris have on the handle. My impression was that the forward weight of the M43 with the smooth handle made it feel like it was always trying to slide out of my hand. There was a forumite that ordered an M43 with a ridged handle so that can bed done and would probably give better control, IMO. Maybe it was the particular one that I had but the M43 that I had never felt comfortable in my hand, whereas I don't have any problem holding or using my 18th Century model that is similar in style and forward weight. I may try another one later as I like the rounded shoulder look of the khukuri. The handle sizes were pretty close to each other with the M43 being maybe a little bit bigger.

As for the balance of each, its like night and day. The WWII doesn't feel as forward heavy as the M43. Its not as neutral feeling as my Gelbu Special, but it is a lot more neutral feeling than the M43.

I always chop a 3-3.5" maple limb with each khuk that I get just to get a general feel comparison. Both the M43 and the WWII chopped reasonably well but with the ones that I had the M43 had more weight and thus chopped better. While I haven't done much with the WWII, it obviously is a good all around khukuri. It is easy to see why it is such a popular model as it can be used to chop, dig, trim and slice.

The Search function will bring up quite a bit on the M43 and you may get some useful information by reading a variety of posts. I know there are more than a few fans of it out there of the M43 and I'm sure some will be along soon to add more information.

Rick