M-43

D

DPris

Joined
Nov 27, 2003
Messages
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So- is the DOTD that just arrived a standard configuration for the M-43 model, with dark wood slabs, chirruwa rivets, steel pommel cap & bolster, and dual pommel cap attachment points?
Denis
 
Hmmm.
Looks to be a strong all-round package.

Steel fittings can rust, but appear to be less likely to deform than brass.
Chirruwa style tang adds strength (I know the rat-tail's good enough for heavy use & involves less vibration, but something somewhere in the back of my head just keeps telling me for sheer toughosity go chirruwa...).
And with two pommel cap peening points it appears to severely resist the possibility of that cap loosening.

Maybe the strongest (most durable) model, overall?

Anybody have much experience with the M-43?
This one's a 15-incher.
Denis
 
I had an 18" for a bit but recently sold it, while they ARE heavy they're balanced so as to really not feel it. The vibration all in all isn't that bad considering the specs of the thing you're swinging. You could nearly 2 hand mine so the chopping was that much more efficient. Works like a boys axe with more functions.
 
Rust is neglect pure and simple. Love it, fondle it, use it, keep it oiled and maintained and rust won't be an issue.

I think you may have found your soul mate.
 
I'm not concerned about it rusting, I can handle that.

I was just pro-ing & con-ing. :)

Looks like, so far, 15 inches is about right for a compromise on a khukri as far as carry and general utility goes, for me.
Going longer & heavier can handle wood a bit better, but begins to get too bulky for on-body carry.

I've preferred the more angular profile of the AK's spine, but after looking this M-43 pattern over & hefting it, I'm thinking it may just be The One. :)

Is there a lot of variation in blade lengths in the model?
The website only shows one.
If I order more, am I likely to get the same general length, or will it vary markedly?
Denis
 
Those can wear blisters, but I find they kinda help anchor the handle in my hand.
Dickering with Mr. Puckett on a sheath now.
Denis
 
The handle's special..."spine", for a ack of better word, offers all the retention you need. Ring or no ring, it's te same to me.
 
I'm thinking the ring should also help keep the hand from slipping forward on a forward thrust in a defensive situation.
Kinda curious about why it'd be omitted from a "military" version khukuri.

Ease of manufacture, maybe?

One clear advantage of the missing ring is that it'll be a bunch easier to file the tang sides down to the wood. :)
Denis
 
DPris said:
I'm thinking the ring should also help keep the hand from slipping forward on a forward thrust in a defensive situation.
Click to expand...

Shavru pointed out that the angled blade of the Kukri keeps the hand from jumping up the blade on a thrust so I tried it repeatably in a tree. Turns out Shavru was right. Although I once wanted a guard for that reason, turns out it is unnecessary. My 15" m-43 has the power of my 18" kukris, just less reach.
 
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Never worry about nothing pal. It don't do a lick of good, don't help none, makes ya feel rotten and burns a hole in your gut.

I've been there done that. Don't worry, be happy!
 
the m43 and it's variants have the nice smooothly curved spine, without the abrupt knuckle bump most newer models have. more like the older fighting khukuris. the kamis end to make them a lot thicker and heavier than the original military m43s, but you can ask aunty for a thinner lighter version if you are willing to wait a bit.

p.s. - scandanavian knives do not have guards. at least not the ones for adults. they do make ones with guards for boy scouts or kids just starting to learn how to use a knife. someone asked why the adult knives do not have them, the answer was, if your hand slides down & gets cut you are using it wrong. many swords (langseax, shashka, langmessers and dhas, etc.) do not have guards. (oops forgot filipino bolos, barongs, and most others also do not have guards)
 
my m43 is a beast- almost 19" long. Great for cutting down large branches into small branches for the fire pit. My handles shrunk a bit over a very cold and dry winter. Soaking in mineral oil brought it back a little, but I ended up filing the handle pins (very soft and easy to do). The chiruwa - I didn't feel like taking a lifetime to file that down. I just smoothed some epoxy in there and while it doesn't look great, it feels great.
 
As mentioned in another thread, I've been soaking horn on three knives in mineral oil for several days, no appreciable results.

Is your handle wood or horn?

The DOTD M-43 has proud tangs on both sides. Either need to bring the steel down or the wood up.
About ready to give up on the hornies.

How well does mineral oil soak into wood?
I have linseed oil, but might just remove the hornies & drop the woodie into the same mineral oil bath while the jar's still full of it.
Denis
 
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