Lite weight M-43 and father's military replica Knife for 9/15

Yangdu

Yangdu

Himalayan Imports Owner ~ himimp@aol.com
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Apr 5, 2005
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18 inch 27 ounce M-43 by Kumar. Satisal wood handle. Leather sheath. True workhorse at $195.

17 inch 22 ounce villager fit and finish father's military replica Knife by Manoj. Satisal wood handle. Leather sheath. $165.

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Email to himimp@aol.com to order one or both
First come first served
 
Finally got in some lite weight M-43’s! I’ve got 2 Kumars identical in weight and length to this one. I highly recommend as these are hard to come by at this weight
 
I know some people have wanted lighter weight M43's, but 27 oz is about as light as they get in the 18" length. To get one even lighter you have to go down to 15", which is not a bad idea for most purposes and most people. The same goes for the AK's and CAK's.

An extra couple of ounces makes a big difference, especially when swinging a blade for more than a few minutes. Also, the 15" models feel lighter than an 18" blade of the same weight because the center of gravity is closer to your hand.
 
They are really thin as I recall. Like I said, I have 2 at 27 oz. one is 18 1/2”
I’m thinking 5/16” thick. I can confirm but too lazy to get up and measure as I’ve been weed eating most of the day getting caught up on my yard work. Wonderful to swing but as David said 15” at the same weight seems easier as the center of gravity is definitely closer to the hand.
 
Good one. Nice. Showed up late to the party. I love my M-43, but it could use a slim companion. On the other hand, I was saved from my self! :D
 
If I may add, looks like the handle has been significantly reduced to save weight as well.
 
"On the other hand, I was saved from my self!"
on the other hand...I wasn't. Now I want one of those VUKs!

"If I may add, looks like the handle has been significantly reduced to save weight as well."
Perfect. It's exactly what I was looking for.

"I hope you sent an email to Ms Yangdu."
yes I did.
I have a tin chirra that I purchased here about 18 years ago.
Its the craziest thing. I convexed the edge 17 years ago and have never had to sharpen it since.
Chops wood, clears brush. Still hair poppin' sharp after 17 years. It's a little heavy, but a great chopper. I really have been wanting a thinner blade.
Now in Humboldt full time. I can't wait to put the M-43 on the trails.
 
The M43 is a beast, that's all I can say. It's a beauty too.

There's almost nothing about it I don't like, except that it was a bit heavy for packing, but these new lite M43s are just about right.
 
F9077B8E-A232-4D5B-AB4E-CECACEF9E312.jpeg It’s not the best photo. The 2 bottom are 27oz 18 & 18 1/2” Kumar and the top one is 18” 31 oz Ram Kumar M-43’s. I love these babies!!
 

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Those are beautiful.
The one in the middle has a nice blade shape.
They all have three tang pins. The one Kumar above has only two.
 
Two is more than plenty in any case. The slabs are put on with Laha, their version of epoxy and it's strong tough stuff. I've replaced a few handles and those pins are the easy part.
Basically only there for shear, you could leave them out and the handles would probably never come off on their own.
 
27 oz is the lightest that I've owned or seen posted for an 18" M43. However, the kamis could make one lighter if they wished. It would just have to be a little thinner. You can also find those in WWII vintage blades from the auction sites. Most of the vintage blades are lighter and thinner than HI versions. They were military issue, combination fighter and chopper, but more on the fighter end. HI blades are more on the chopper end of the spectrum, given the practicalities of modern civilian and military life.

I'm sure a lighter weight 18" M43 could be special-ordered from HI. However, keep in mind that a 25 oz M43 at 18" will still feel heavier than the same weight in a 15" M43.
 
davidf99 said:
27 oz is the lightest that I've owned or seen posted for an 18" M43. However, the kamis could make one lighter if they wished. It would just have to be a little thinner. You can also find those in WWII vintage blades from the auction sites. Most of the vintage blades are lighter and thinner than HI versions. They were military issue, combination fighter and chopper, but more on the fighter end. HI blades are more on the chopper end of the spectrum, given the practicalities of modern civilian and military life.

I'm sure a lighter weight 18" M43 could be special-ordered from HI. However, keep in mind that a 25 oz M43 at 18" will still feel heavier than the same weight in a 15" M43.
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Thank you for the kind reply. 27-25....wow. Good to know. You're right, there's always auctions (and others), but I'd rather give HI my business :) well then, I'll keep a look out for 27's for sure.... and wow... one in 25... or two! wink wink....

Thanks again!

xx
 
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