Hanuman, WWII, or M43

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PeteG1027

Joined
Feb 25, 2010
Messages
166
Hello All, I am going to buy my first Kukri from Himalayan Imports this week. I have read many posts here, but still am having a difficult time deciding on a M43, WWII, or an Hanuman Ang Khola.. Whatever I buy, will be used for a variety of things, camping, clearing brush, firewood, etc... Basically from heavy to light use, and all in between..
Any opinions on which is a better all around Kukri? Or if there is a good argument for a horn handle, compared to satisal wood? I l have up to $250 to spend, and am looking for something that can withstand use, and will last a lifetime.
I'd like to Thank in advance, all who reply, Thank You, and enjoy the upcoming 4th of July holiday... ...

p.s. I understand that the Hanuman is big, but I love the look of that kukri. For some reason, it just seems to speak to me..
 
My experience is as follows:

-The typical M43 is over 30 ounces and, as such, is not well suited for light work. My M43 is 32 ounces and seems a perfect design for chopping wood. They chop very well, but once the swing starts, it takes a lot to stop or re-direct it.

-The Hanuman is decorative, but can be used as any HI khuk. The warranty will not cover field use, as it is not designed for such. Some use them and love them.

-The WWII is a favorite of mine. My main HI user is 16.5" and about 25-26 ounces. It handles regular chores and brush clearing well. It doesn't handle machete duty, but it's not a machete, it's a khukuri:) They are actually appearing on the DOTD much lighter, around 20 ounces. Those should be incredible for general use/camp chores/hiking/etc.. It also has the strong field use warranty. It's a great khuk.

My advice would be to try and snag a good user/blemished WWII off the Deal of the Day (DOTD) as they can be had for under $100 commonly, if you're fast. It's a great blade to start with and leaves you cash for your next HI khuk purchase, which will follow;)
 
Hello Pete-The Hanuman has a carved decorative handle and is not warranted for hard use.So for a user,I would not choose that one.As for the WWII and M-43,the 43's tend to run heavier(usually 30-34 oz.),and the WWII's between 26-30 oz.,sometimes a little lighter depending upon length.Either the WWII or M-43 will serve very well,but I think the nod goes to the M-43 as far as toughness goes-they are nearly indestructible with reasonable use(no chopping rocks or bone,steel fence posts,etc.!). You really can't lose with a WWII or M-43-and you should be able to purchase your choice for considerably less than your budget allows. Joe.
 
Welcome Pete!,

The guys pretty much got you covered.(Thanks for the great help!). Nothing more for me to say except don't discount the Ang Khola or Chiruwa Ang Khola.
 
For wood and brush I like the WWII pattern. My 16.5" has been used for both for years on campouts. It's been my main camp chopper for many years. Not only will the 16.5" WWII (keep it around 24oz or lighter) handle chopping and splitting, it will also handle some brush work. I've cleared a few trails with it, split and chopped firewood and even used it to do some brush work around my yard and on trails.

I have lots of blades large and small. Sometimes when I go camping I bring a bunch to play with. Those include Bowies, Khukris and Machetes. But when I only want to bring one large chopper it will either be a Machete or a WWII Khukri.
 
WildMike will be by shortly to tell you the M43 is the ultimate all-rounder (I can't disagree, I've got an M43 enroute). I will tell you get the one that speaks to you in addition to the more "practical" blade. You'll not be satisfied until you get the one that speaks to you and you end up buying others and spending more money in the long-run. Just MHO and that of my bank account.
 
Yeah, I'm going to cast my vote for the WWII as well. Either 16.5" or 18", they are fantastic do-it-all khuks. Currently, I would pick the M43 over the WWII. However, had I purchased the M43 first, I don't know if I would have. The M43 (at least my curvy older variety) swings entirely different from the WWII or any of the other straighter khuks. I find the WWII to be a much better Jack of All Trades.

The good news/bad news...you aren't going to end up with JUST one;)
 
Steely_Gunz said:
The good news/bad news...you aren't going to end up with JUST one;)
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Ain't that the truth! The credit card companies must love HI :D I've accumulated four HI products this spring and gifted one of them ("15 AK, "15 BAS, "18 WWII, "11 YCS Karda) ;) I've already decided that HI khukuris and knifes will be my sharp pointy objects of choice for the rest of my life and I plan to acquire a small selection ranging from the handy little belt knife up to proper sturdy chopper size. Of course I'll need a few spares in case I loose one (these things don't really "break") :D Next on my list is a couple of R-10s and a "16,5-17 M43, Foxy Folly or non-embellished YCS.

Mac
 
M43. While the newer series are all tad heavier, the way they carry the weight still leaves them very nimble interest hand, fast with great chopping ability and control. Mine have worked very well indeed on both light brush, and equally well on heavier stuff as well. The first half of my first trappers cabin all I had was my M43 I used it to do every cut on the 8" plus dia logs, from cutting to length peeling notching, all of it.

The physics involved in the design of the M43 amplify every good attribute of the Kukri design. It cuts like a much larger knife, while handling more nimbly and deftly than most smaller one's.

It is a moot point though. Once infected with the deed HIKV you will never stop with just one.
 
jdk1, when you say that the wwII doesnt handle machete duty do you mean it is less useful than a machete or too heavy to be used as often as one? im still new and trying to get a better understanding of the khukuri. I have generally used tomahawks for a all purpose tool before now. thanks, dan.
 
danboy357 said:
jdk1, when you say that the wwII doesnt handle machete duty do you mean it is less useful than a machete or too heavy to be used as often as one? im still new and trying to get a better understanding of the khukuri. I have generally used tomahawks for a all purpose tool before now. thanks, dan.
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I just mean it's not ideal for whispy brush and grasses. My WWII is my favorite HI khuk user. It's length and weight make it very handy and enable it to be used and carried all day long. It's shape makes cutting woody stuff easy, but the thickness and weight make it less than ideal for really flexible vegetation. Nothing handles this stuff as well as a machete, though a friend's Gelbu cuts salt cedar like a light saber! The qualities that make it not the best for machete tasks do make it suitable for other things. It chops tough wood well and would make a decent prybar. I placed it into the "V" of a tree doing the UB flex test and it passed with flying colors. I would also not hesitate to use it as a hammer if needed. It can handle some serious punishment. I think the WWII makes an outstanding general purpose khuk. UB felt the same way, as do many others here. This and the fact they come up often on the DOTD makes them perfect for a first time khuk buyer or someone who needs a workhorse to treat like the proverbial borrowed mule! Since you say you are new to khuks, I can think of no better model with which to get some hands on experience. It's a best seller and perennial favorite for a reason. Mine really handles like a part of my arm. It's just a great design. Take care.
 
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Like Wildmike I prefer the M-43. Of course, it's also my only HI blade...
 
My 16.5" tapers nicely from the spine to the edge, has fullers and in parts is slightly hollow ground. This makes for a very fast, deep cutting blade that can take on Light to medium duty wood work or Brush. Now my 18" WWII on the other hand isn't a fast light blade. Despite it having the same spine thickness as my 16.5" it feels slower and much heavier. The blade doesn't taper as much and there are no fullers. Hard knotty wood isn't a problem for the 18" but it doesn't like brush work. Might have to pair it up with a Sirupati or Machete.

Each blade is different, even if the same Kami made the same model and size. Finding one that works for you is the trick.
 
I want to thank You all for responding.. I ended up ordering the 16.5 inch WWII because it is lighter than the M43. I'll be using it extensively, and was worried about arm fatigue. I can't wait to get it. I have a feeling that I'll be ordering a M43 real soon. From what I've read from members here, it' difficult to own just one.. I guess I should stay away from Himalayan Imports web site... Thanks Again for all the info gentlemen....
 
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