Handle sizes on M43

S

soupah

Joined
Dec 1, 2005
Messages
221
So I'm this close to buying today's M43, but looking at the pictures from today and past M43s in DOTDs, it just seems like the M43 has a smallish handle- especially in comparison to the blade length. It appears in DOTD pics that M43 handles are about as big those on khuks like the 12" AK and PK. Skimming the first 30 or so threads from a search, I find lots of good stuff written about the M43 but not much on the handle save details on the unique cross-section and chiruwa style. It made me nervous enough to pass on it.

So set me straight, M43 owners. What are the handles like? Is it just some optical illusion that throws me off, am I loopy, or are those M43 handles on the small side compared to other 17-18" khuks?

Soupah's grip(e)
 
M-43 handle length is 4 3/8 inch.
 
Soupah, because of the curve the M43 handle does look smaller, but I have large hands and don't find them at all uncomfortable. Kumar has made the vast majority of M43's in the past few years, but Bura has made several and I think Sher has done one or two. Today's by Vim is his first or second, and has the classic look to it.

Bura's handles on this model seem to run slightly longer. Bura realizes the value of a longer handle to westerner's and frequently makes his handles longer, not just on the M43. Just 1/4" or 1/2" can make a big difference. However the shortest handle I have on an M43 is an old horn one by Amtrak and it is very comfortable to me.

Personally I don't think you would have a problem with it. Just my .02 cents.

Norm
 
I don't own a M43, but looking at them the handles sometimes are a little short, but not too short- like the Samsher I have. The circumfrance is fine.


munk
 
The thing about the M-43...or least the one I own is that they do not really lend themselves to multiple grips. They are a forward weighted, forward curved chopping machine. Unlike the WWII which generally has a longer handle and thus the ability to choke up or down with different grips, the m43 seems to be designed to lock into your hand so that the chopping motion is maximized. I guess this is a good thing as it has no handle rings to prevent forward hand movement. Even if it comes in feeling a bit smallish, I highly praise them as great user blades. It's kind of like a khuk with a pistol grip:)

Jake
 
I have a M-43 on order with certain specifications (which yesterday's offering almost matched). It is the blade model that brought me to this place.

Eric
 
I have small hands, and I think the M43 barely fits me. So it's perfect for me, but probably not for my German friend with fingers the size of bananas (or about 40% of the rest of male America).
 
Follow-up; deep breath....bought the M43....exhaleeeeee.

Will post a mini handle/usability review when I gets it.
 
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