M43 Arrived: A review

S

stwm

Joined
May 6, 2016
Messages
957
All I really knew about it was:
18 inch 31 ounce M-43 by Lachhu. Hairline crack on horn handle. True workhorse

It arrived yesterday, lightning fast shipping which still amazes me (which cost Auntie more than I paid for it, FYI), in perfect condition in a triangle box.

There aren't words for this blade. I've never held something so POWERFUL. Even a 3ft long razorblade katana.
This is a completely different animal from my 20" Gelbu Special - which is beautiful and wonderful in its own right it just has a different spirit.

The handle is thick and fat and sort of rectangular cross-section, it feels so good in my hand. Hefty and solid.
The bell of the pommel is very large and perfect. The furniture is white metal! which I didn't initially realize and just adore. This knife is so special. The horn handle is gorgeous and solid.
I think Lachhu really poured himself into this blade.

If I was a smaller man I'd really want a 16.5 but this really works well for me.

I'm using it to split sections of 2"x8" into firewood kindling and let me tell you, it blows them apart.

I used it to destructively take apart a wooden shipping pallet. It just blew it apart.

I can confirm the M43 chops like crazy. It's amazing. Splitting kindling with it like I'm doing it's just overkill, a 16.5 is a better size for a normal human.
I'm part Yeti so the fact that this is too big for the job doesn't bother me .. but a 16.5 is a better direct replacement for a hatchet.
This is a 18" knife which replaces a mid-sized axe.


The 16.5 CAK is high up on my list now, at the top after feeling how amazing these Chiruwa knives are.

For me, this really crystallized what "HI Knives are".

This is so, so, special and I am indebted for Yangdu sending it to me.

I feel so lucky! This really is priceless. I can't believe it.
 
Be Very careful vhen spliting wood. I cut myself 2 days ago. Was lucky, kept the finger but got me 5 stitches. I agree Hi knives are TOP knives, Very solid and powerful.
 
Those M43s are something special, I've got one from my favorite Kami, Lok (he tends to make them lighter and very well balanced), and it's a 18" workhorse. Compared to a yeti, I'm probably more like a shrub, but my M43 makes me feel "Paul Bunyan" strong, you know?

Enjoy your new M43, I am sure it will serve you well for a very long time.
 
Your obviously not from France? Just had to say that.

I'm glad your happy, I use the CAK and this time of year split kindling on a regular basis. Yes it's perhaps overkill but it makes me feel so manly ya know.

I left mine out in the shop last year all winter neglected and cold, it rusted a bit due to my neglect. This year I'm throwing a little oil on it after each kindling session.

Funny thing, it still chops like crazy even when neglected.
 
cul4u01 said:
Those M43s are something special, I've got one from my favorite Kami, Lok (he tends to make them lighter and very well balanced), and it's a 18" workhorse. Compared to a yeti, I'm probably more like a shrub, but my M43 makes me feel "Paul Bunyan" strong, you know?

Enjoy your new M43, I am sure it will serve you well for a very long time.
Click to expand...

Perhaps by fate, all my Khuk's are Lachhu (and a nice little Kumar) - I'd LOVE to try some other ones as well but as fate would have it I've been getting his work. Curious about that Bhakta CAK, if it's still available.

Who is Lok? Symbol?

svengj: I am -very- paranoid when using these. I could easily see myself losing a hand if I was not careful.
 
stwm said:
Perhaps by fate, all my Khuk's are Lachhu (and a nice little Kumar) - I'd LOVE to try some other ones as well but as fate would have it I've been getting his work. Curious about that Bhakta CAK, if it's still available.

Who is Lok? Symbol?

svengj: I am -very- paranoid when using these. I could easily see myself losing a hand if I was not careful.
Click to expand...

Bhakta can make fullers you can swim in.

The Lok Kami I like uses the sign of a "fish". There is another Kami that uses "lok" as a nickname for Lokendra, I am not sure whst his sign was. I believe both kamis no longer produce blades for HI, and have gone on to less strenuous work..

Fish symbol...sorry for poor pic
IMG_6364.jpg

BAS
Bas-Lok Kami.jpg

M43
M43.jpg
 
Lachhu does good work. I've never heard anyone specify any one feature he does really well (like Bhakta's deep fullers), or any one characteristic that defines his work, but he has very good overall fit and finish, his blades work well, and they're all well made. Although he does do one thing consistently that the other Kami don't, he puts the brazing joint of his bolsters so it lines up with the spine. Other kami put it in various places, but he consistently puts it in line with the spine, which many find to be most aesthetically pleasing.
 
I am in awe of the quality work put in by the Kamis - I get some of the most impressive knives I have ever seen from the other side of the world and they are still a tremendous value.
I hope they enjoy success and blessings. I am so glad that the world gets to see, use, and enjoy such fine examples of their metalworking.
Personal thanks to Lachhu and Kumar.
 
Just wait. That M43 will continue to grow on you and will eventually become an extension of your body. When that happens, if you can imagine it, you can chop it into submission. Teach yourself how to throw and stick it. Then you'll be like Darth Vader and his light saber!
 
Mateos said:
Is Lok still working for HI? Haven't seen anything by him in the DOTDs...
Click to expand...

I do not believe Lok is making knives for HI anymore, his stuff shows up from time to time, if auntie puts it out on DOTD.
 
Scara said:
Lachhu does good work. I've never heard anyone specify any one feature he does really well (like Bhakta's deep fullers), or any one characteristic that defines his work, but he has very good overall fit and finish, his blades work well, and they're all well made.
Click to expand...

I believe he was an apprentice of Bura's.
 
the sighting notch just in front of the grip should assist your aim, they come in open and peep versions. an adjustable sight is also available as well as rails for mounting opticals, including lasers. ambidextrous thumb safety another optional extra. chain mail gloves are mandated to catch the returning khukri if you miss the target.
[video=youtube;Co8vGjEz-xU]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Co8vGjEz-xU[/video]

some khukuris also had a martini-henry rifle mount to transform them into spears if you ran out of ammo.

p.s. i've never needed to throw away my only weapon. if you do, make sure you still have a working pistol with ammo in it. if you throw at targets, please use foam backing and lay pillows for 20ft. around or you will break off your grip if it hits a hard surface. a wood working shop and skills in making laha and turning new grips, or machining new scales is recommended.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top