This post is a little late, but a couple of weeks ago I received my first HI khukuri: an M43. I had originally ordered a 20" chitlangi on a deal of the day thread but then read up quite a bit more about the various models, especially Wildmike's experiences with his famous M43. Don't get me wrong, I was still excited about the chitlangi, but I knew that the M43 would make for a better all-around user for my needs and some saving would be in order to purchase one later in the year. Well, it just so happened that destiny intervened and there was an order mixup on the chitlangi which Auntie apologized for and was ready to ship a replacement right away but, after talking to her, we reached a deal for the last M43 she had in stock instead. I was pleased to see how quickly Auntie was willing to resolve the issue and that she was willing to switch the order at my request. HI's reputation for top-notch customer service is definitely well-deserved.
It was only a couple of days later that I received and email to pick up a package in Sumas. Upon seeing the return address and feeling the heft of the box I was all grins and happily unwrapped it in the car like a kid on Christmas morning. This is the first non-production, let alone hand-forged, blade that I have owned and wow, was it ever impressive to see the craftsmanship and character that Tirtha put into the creation of this blade. I see now what other members have said about some khukuri's having a "soul" of their own. The more I handle this beast the more it feels "right", for lack of a better term. Unfortunately, due to how busy things have been lately, I haven't been able to get out in the woods to put it through its paces but my kids and I finally got out in the backyard last night to chop up some bottles and they were stoked to see how easily the M43 sheared through them. We are all looking forward to it warming up a little more and starting the camping season up. This blade will definitely be on my pack for hikes and family camping trips this summer, that's for sure. Here are a couple of pictures to go along with the story:
It was only a couple of days later that I received and email to pick up a package in Sumas. Upon seeing the return address and feeling the heft of the box I was all grins and happily unwrapped it in the car like a kid on Christmas morning. This is the first non-production, let alone hand-forged, blade that I have owned and wow, was it ever impressive to see the craftsmanship and character that Tirtha put into the creation of this blade. I see now what other members have said about some khukuri's having a "soul" of their own. The more I handle this beast the more it feels "right", for lack of a better term. Unfortunately, due to how busy things have been lately, I haven't been able to get out in the woods to put it through its paces but my kids and I finally got out in the backyard last night to chop up some bottles and they were stoked to see how easily the M43 sheared through them. We are all looking forward to it warming up a little more and starting the camping season up. This blade will definitely be on my pack for hikes and family camping trips this summer, that's for sure. Here are a couple of pictures to go along with the story:
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