Got my first HI kuk

K

Kohei

Joined
Jan 23, 2004
Messages
87
Hello,

Purchased my first HI kuk recently. An M43 blem by Sher.
A lovely blade to add to mine and Simons collection.

As some of you may know, I am also involved with Tora Kukri in the UK. I have posted a review on the HI kuk over on the British Blades forum and thought some of you may be interested to have a look.

Here is the link,

HI M43 Blem review

Cheers,

Kohei
 
Kohei, Thanks for the review, comparisons, and Simon’s testing. The HI M-43, by Amtrak, that I just got, is slightly thinner and lighter than yours, and a bit thicker, and an oz, heavier than my ATD-43 original (hard to tell the difference in feel). Either way, while I think the M-43 is one of the handsomest military khuks, I feel that the weight and balance aren’t as good a fighting or GP khuk as the K-45 variety. (Except maybe, for the shorter, fatter officers variant). The M-43 handles about like the Mk I and Mk II WWI models that I have. They are all favorites, look wicked, and mean business.

I must have one of the Tora M-43s that was off-spec (an eBay acquisition). It is a very light 13 oz, and only has a 1/8” (3.5 mm) spine. OK for martial arts practice, but on the lightweight side as a chopper. Also either the wood had shrunk or wasn’t fitted properly. I took off about 1/16” of tang on the top and bottom, with a belt sander, to get a proper fit. Looks good now, though! In any case I think that both the HI and Tora M-43s are more akin to the Mk II, since neither have the one-piece blade and bolster. I’ve seen some pictures of Mk IIs that didn’t have handle rings and even look like a M-43 grip.

For your next HI, I might suggest the 16.5" WWII or BAS. Simon might choose the 18" WWII, if he's planning on any more Nepalese bear encounters.

 
Hi Rio Jim,

Definately agree that the M43 is a handsome kukri and that both HI and Tora M43's are more like WWI MkII due to the fact they aren't made from a single piece of metal. I do like M43's!!

Must say that i'm not too keen on K45 shape myself, don't know why, it just never looks quite right to me!!

My HI M43 is definately a keeper and once Simon's worked on the blade, it'll be shipshape in no time. We are going camping soon, and the HI is definately coming along for the trip!

Thanks for the advice on what to go for next..... We'd like to get a lighterweight and longer handled M43 Kuk first and go from there, HIKV I believe!!

Thanks for responding.

Kohei ;)
 
I've never seen an m-43 with a handle as long as the Tora one. Can you post a pic of the original M-43 that your folks work with? The HI m'43 that I have (RR kami) is really close to spec when it comes to physical proportions. I am comparing this to an old M-43 I own. The HI may be a few ounces heavier.

FOr a longer handled HI model, try the 18" variants, like the AK or GS. The 18" GS I bought has a 6 inch handle.
 
Hello Keith,

I prefer not to talk specifics on Tora kukri's here due to etiquette etc, but as you have asked on here, I feel I should beable to answer.

Tora's World War M43 (based on Simons M43 originals) model has a longer handle to fit western hands, where as the originals were made for Nepali hands. Regarding weight, the original M43's weighed around 22 - 23oz and the WWI MkII weighed around 25 - 26oz, the WWI mkI weighed around 29 - 30oz.

The blade shape of the Tora M43 World War is correct including the 7-8mm spine, 5mm sharpening edge and balance, but our handle is longer as a requirement for the British market and handsize.

Hope that answers your question.

All the best, Leanne.
 
I do think the 5mm beveled edge is perhaps closer to the M-43 spec. The original m-43 I have has some other interesting edge geometries going on that I have yet to see anybody repro.

Keith
 
Good to hear from you Kohei. I'm sorry you had some slight edge rolls. I don't like that. My HI khuks haven't done that without provocation- like a rock- though Hollowdweller reported some soft edges by Bura recently. Amtrack is/was becoming known for a nice hard edge.

I do recall seeing some HI M43's recently for sale as 'blems' that were thinner and or lighter than the one you have.

I don't know anyone who likes the english lettering. It does suggest cheapness. The Gosh darned Kami's kept swapping symbols and for some reason won't write their initials in home language.

Though beautiful, my humble opinion is the curved line of a m43 will never cut wood as well as a more pronounced angle with straighter lines such as an AK or even WWII.

munk
 
Hi Munk,

The edge can be filed back and will be fine i'm sure once Simon does a bit of work on it, i'm no good at that sort of thing, so I leave that side of things to him!!

Would be good to have a lighter weight version at some point, we'll keep eyes peeled for one, but they go so quickly, blink and you miss it!!!

I also like the World War II models for chopping Munk, haven't tried an AK though, will get around to it one day.

All the best,

Leanne
 
spiraltwista said:
Any photos of Kohei with Kukri? [Red latex or black leather optional.] ;) :D
Spiral
Click to expand...
Didnt know khuks came with red latex sheaths, though I thought the black leather on the scabbards was standard :p
 
..er uh..a cheese cake photo of an about to be married woman? No thanks, I can't look; too old fashioned. Well, maybe just a peek.




munk
 
:D



If you're looking for something heavier, may I recommend an 18" GRS?
If lighter, a 14" BDC does nearly as much work as my 15" BAS can and has beautiful fullers.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top