For those who own one: handle preference for M-43?

FSCJedi

FSCJedi

Joined
Oct 19, 2002
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711
So my wife and I discussed creating individual "wish lists" to post on our refrigerator. Items that we would like to have and would probably buy for ourselves, but that weren't really a priority for either of us. I'm putting one of those compact 15" M-43's on my list. My question is for those who own one: do I want a wooden or a horn handle? I'm a big "pros and cons" kind of guy, so feel free to be specific about which I may want. I currently have a wooden handle kukri that is serving me well, but it doesn't have a traditional kurki handle shape, so I can't judge by that. Also, I've not handled a horn kukri before.
 
What Dirtbiker said.

Wood goes better in cold climates (not cracking), grip is firmer; and if you are lazy or prefer not to mess with yet another product for handle maintenance, you can just use the same mineral oil that you put on the blade on it, too.

While horn looks flashier definitely, I prefer the nice texture of the wood, most of the times.

That being said, wood can crack, too, but it's less of an occurrence.

Obviously, both can last you a lifetime or more, it's just a better chance with wood.

(Great choice for a knife, btw.)
 
I generally prefer wood, but I'm not picky. My compact m43 has a villager finished horn grip, and it gives plenty of purchase. My older full size m43 has a wood grip, and I don't notice a performance difference.

In short, I like the look and feel of wood, but I've never had an issue with horn. I think I've had 3 horn handles develope weather related hairline cosmetic cracks, nothing structural at all. I've never had an issue with either material in a chiruwa format. I've got samples of each that haven't been babied and used hard with over a decade under their belts:)

A 15" m43 is a good decision. I've used the heck out of mine this winter.
 
I have a even number of both. I love the look and feel of smooth horn, but I like the ease of repair and products available for wood... Tough call
 
Hmm... you've definitely given me something to think about, guys. It sounds like I'm probably gonna be safer going with wood. Maybe I'll save a horn handle for a more traditional-shaped grip.
 
My first HI khukuri was a sirupati sold as a blem because of some cracks in the horn handle. I repaired the cracks with superglue and sanded it smooth with 400 grit silicon carbide paper, planning on polishing it back to a shine. But I've found that the matte surface left by the 400 grit provides a very good grip, and while not as pretty as a high polish, I've kind of grown to like the matte black look. Since it's one of my "users", I may never get around to polishing it. I live in the high (and dry) desert, so I tend to buy wood handled khukuris when I have a choice, since I think they are less likely to have cracking issues in the very dry climate (but even wood can crack), but if one comes along that I like that happens to have a horn handle, I don't consider it to be a deal breaker.
 
moparsbob said:
My first HI khukuri was a sirupati sold as a blem because of some cracks in the horn handle. I repaired the cracks with superglue and sanded it smooth with 400 grit silicon carbide paper, planning on polishing it back to a shine. But I've found that the matte surface left by the 400 grit provides a very good grip, and while not as pretty as a high polish, I've kind of grown to like the matte black look. Since it's one of my "users", I may never get around to polishing it. I live in the high (and dry) desert, so I tend to buy wood handled khukuris when I have a choice, since I think they are less likely to have cracking issues in the very dry climate (but even wood can crack), but if one comes along that I like that happens to have a horn handle, I don't consider it to be a deal breaker.
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See, this is what I was thinking about doing anyway. I've heard that sanding the surface to "rough up" the smooth texture helps with horn grips. This isn't going to be a presentation piece by any means. Where I am in WV, we get all four seasons, and this past year saw a lot of extremes (for our area). Highs over 100, lows below 0 (with wind chill). This kukri could end up living in my car. I assume these are some things I need to consider with a horn handle?
 
Also, in my little bit of research, it seems that the preferred kami's for this style blade is either Kumar or Sher. Is that the general consensus?
 
You can't go wrong with any kami working for HI, but Kumar and Sher are very experienced and make beautiful blades.
 
I chose horn for my CAK as I wanted to avoid the sharp tang getting exposed if the wood shrinks. Hopefully the thin horn pieces wont crack on me. Gonna get some of that cream horse owners put on hooves to keep them in good condition.
 
FSCJedi said:
See, this is what I was thinking about doing anyway. I've heard that sanding the surface to "rough up" the smooth texture helps with horn grips. This isn't going to be a presentation piece by any means. Where I am in WV, we get all four seasons, and this past year saw a lot of extremes (for our area). Highs over 100, lows below 0 (with wind chill). This kukri could end up living in my car. I assume these are some things I need to consider with a horn handle?
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If it is going to live in your car, you might be safer to go with wood. That said, no natural handle material holds up to extreme condition without preventative care. If you aren't talking about 2 months straight of intense focused heat and plan on giving the khuk a wipe down at least ever couple months, either will probably be OK, but keep them hydrated. Mineral Oil or Hooflex i great from horn. I usually rub wooden grips down with a light bit of tung oil or maybe a little linseed oil. Then again, I'm a very lazy man. I've used Pledge as well, and that seems to protect the wood well enough for a user.

FSCJedi said:
Also, in my little bit of research, it seems that the preferred kami's for this style blade is either Kumar or Sher. Is that the general consensus?
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Both of those guys can rock a blade. Even though they are brothers, it's interesting how different their styles are. Kumar has always been my go-to kami, and I'm soooo glad to see that he is back with HI. However, Sher has made both of my M-43s with about a decade of time in between. Both of his knives are very, very robust yet balanced. I chopped a lot of wood with my recent compact model. It will still slice paper :eek:. This floors me, and I am a guy that has seen a lot of time behind a khuk. Sher made this one special:)
 
Steely_Gunz said:
Both of those guys can rock a blade. Even though they are brothers, it's interesting how different their styles are. Kumar has always been my go-to kami, and I'm soooo glad to see that he is back with HI. However, Sher has made both of my M-43s with about a decade of time in between. Both of his knives are very, very robust yet balanced. I chopped a lot of wood with my recent compact model. It will still slice paper :eek:. This floors me, and I am a guy that has seen a lot of time behind a khuk. Sher made this one special:)
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I think I read that Sher likes making the lighter blades, and I'd like mine to be between 24-27oz, so perhaps I should specify him (if possible).

Thanks for the input everyone!
 
I have a rather large m43 with a Horn handle. I use it regularly. I am in the habit of using gloves and i took some athletic "sticky tape" and wrapped the handle tightly with a few wraps. No problems with slipping. I use a product called "break free" that is great for cleaning Firearms but also conditions about anything including wood and leather . I used it on the handle before the idea of Tapeing it and it simply made the Horn shiny and supple. The smooth handle without the tape never slipped because of the "bell shape" and whoever made MY knife made it for himself with the love he put into it and the detail is impeccable ,,, Buy another ? Yep, someday!!!
.
 
FSCJedi said:
I think I read that Sher likes making the lighter blades, and I'd like mine to be between 24-27oz, so perhaps I should specify him (if possible)....
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Actually Sher was known for making very robust blades. I have some of his that are built like tanks. However, he is very skilled and versatile and has also made some super-light (but still strong) blades.

This Chainpuri by Sher is 18" OAL and only 16 oz.

View attachment 505424

By contrast, this massive UBE by Sher is 18" OAL and 33 oz.

View attachment 505427

View attachment 505428
 
My recent Sher M-43 villager finish 15" is 26oz with wood handle, just FYI. It is a seriously solid tool. I'd probably be fine with either handle material but wood seems more appropriate for the more basic, villager finish (to my mind).
 
Cheerwino said:
My recent Sher M-43 villager finish 15" is 26oz with wood handle, just FYI. It is a seriously solid tool. I'd probably be fine with either handle material but wood seems more appropriate for the more basic, villager finish (to my mind).
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Do you have a pic or a link to the thread where it was listed? I like the sounds of that. All the "villager" finish means is that everything isn't polished, right? I don't want rough joining seams around the grip or anything.
 
Villager finish is just not highly polished. Everything else is A+. My m43 has a nice satin finish, and like others, I prefer the grippier rough horn to the super polished stuff.

On top of that, villagers tend to develop a really nice patina. For a user, you can't go wrong.
 
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