- Joined
- Feb 14, 2011
- Messages
- 32
There was a discussion a few months back asking about comparing an M-43 and a GRS. Just before the discussion started, I sharked an M-43 (I think the last one to appear as a DotD) to be a companion for my GRS. Do to various reasons, I had to wait to actually see my M-43 and make any side by side comparisons. Here is what I saw between the two and hopefully it helps someone who was having a hard time between the two.
GRS:
Kami: Bhakta
Weight: 949 g / 33.5 oz
OAL: 18 5/8"
BL: 13 1/4"
Thickness
(Bolster;Shoulder;Tip): 7/16" ; 3/8" ; 5/16"
Belly: 2 9/16"
M-43:
Kami: Tirtha
Weight: 931 g / 32.1 oz
OAL: 18 1/2"
BL: 12 3/4"
Thickness
(Bolster;Shoulder;Tip): 3/8" ; 11/32" ; 1/4"
Belly: 2 3/16"
Both khuks are approx. the same length, weight, and thickness. This was not the intention when I bought them, but it works well for the basis of comparison given the different geometry.
Though both weigh about the same, the M-43 feels lighter. When I first opened the package and took it out, I thought that it had to be less than the GRS. The M-43 feels more balanced in my hand, with less tendency to want to keep falling forward. I think a lot of it has to do with the curvature of each blade. The M-43 has a more pronounced curve, from pommel to tip, to where when I hold it straight in front of me the tip of the blade is at the same height as my hand and wrist. With the GRS, the handle is more straight, and there is less of a curve in the blade, which keeps the tip about an inch or so above my wrist.
In terms of usage, I have not been able to take either one into the woods yet, but I have been able to complete the whack test and take swings at smaller dead branches and old lumber. With what I have done, it is very quickly apparent how different they are.
The GRS, to me, feels almost more like a hatchet. It is not hard to hit it in the sweet spot, and it feels like there is some heft behind it. It will take a decent chunk out of the wood, and though I probably couldn't use it for hours on end, it feels like it would be good for heavier camp chores.
The M-43 surprised me a bit at first. I didn't really think about the blade curve, and when I took my first swing I didn't expect it to hit the wood quite when it did. As my hand came down to point at the wood, the blade was already stuck in the wood 1/2". I can definitely see how people have gone through tree limbs unexpectedly.
It is nice to be able to hold the two together and feel the differences. They are different tools for different uses. The GRS feels more like a brute that wants to smash through things like a hammer, where the M-43 feels a little quicker and more precise. I don't know if I can say that I would prefer one over the other since I can chose between either one. I will use them for different tasks, and enjoy every minute.
GRS:
Kami: Bhakta
Weight: 949 g / 33.5 oz
OAL: 18 5/8"
BL: 13 1/4"
Thickness
(Bolster;Shoulder;Tip): 7/16" ; 3/8" ; 5/16"
Belly: 2 9/16"
M-43:
Kami: Tirtha
Weight: 931 g / 32.1 oz
OAL: 18 1/2"
BL: 12 3/4"
Thickness
(Bolster;Shoulder;Tip): 3/8" ; 11/32" ; 1/4"
Belly: 2 3/16"
Both khuks are approx. the same length, weight, and thickness. This was not the intention when I bought them, but it works well for the basis of comparison given the different geometry.
Though both weigh about the same, the M-43 feels lighter. When I first opened the package and took it out, I thought that it had to be less than the GRS. The M-43 feels more balanced in my hand, with less tendency to want to keep falling forward. I think a lot of it has to do with the curvature of each blade. The M-43 has a more pronounced curve, from pommel to tip, to where when I hold it straight in front of me the tip of the blade is at the same height as my hand and wrist. With the GRS, the handle is more straight, and there is less of a curve in the blade, which keeps the tip about an inch or so above my wrist.
In terms of usage, I have not been able to take either one into the woods yet, but I have been able to complete the whack test and take swings at smaller dead branches and old lumber. With what I have done, it is very quickly apparent how different they are.
The GRS, to me, feels almost more like a hatchet. It is not hard to hit it in the sweet spot, and it feels like there is some heft behind it. It will take a decent chunk out of the wood, and though I probably couldn't use it for hours on end, it feels like it would be good for heavier camp chores.
The M-43 surprised me a bit at first. I didn't really think about the blade curve, and when I took my first swing I didn't expect it to hit the wood quite when it did. As my hand came down to point at the wood, the blade was already stuck in the wood 1/2". I can definitely see how people have gone through tree limbs unexpectedly.
It is nice to be able to hold the two together and feel the differences. They are different tools for different uses. The GRS feels more like a brute that wants to smash through things like a hammer, where the M-43 feels a little quicker and more precise. I don't know if I can say that I would prefer one over the other since I can chose between either one. I will use them for different tasks, and enjoy every minute.
