M43 or Yeti Hunter?

B

brians

Joined
Apr 22, 2006
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This is my first perusal and post in this sub-forum and the blades and tools here are absolutely amazing. Hats-off to the craftsman who are creating these functional works of art :thumbup:

I find the M43 and the Yeti Hunter the most compelling, but cannot find too much information or many pics of the two.

Can someone post some specs, comparison pics, and/or reviews of a M43 and a Yeti Hunter?

Thanks in advance.

Brian
 
Probably the most noticeable thing you'd observe with the M43 is it has a shorter handle than the other models.

But it's fairly light and quick, and very 'snappy'. A very good cutter.

HPIM0770.jpg
 
I love my M43. I can't make a comparison with the Yeti Hunter cause I've never handled one, but you won't be disappointed with the M43.
 
can't speak on performance but for me the M43 is the best looker of all the models
 
The one in the pic I posted belongs to my brother. I got it for him as an Xmas present a couple years ago and he dearly loves it.
 
I've used the M-43 for several years. Mine has served me extremely well in true survival conditions. I've even used it to build a couple trapper style log cabins. It has split my wood, built tools and traps, built shelters, and a lot more. I chose the M-43 because its design in technical comparisons offered the most blade drop, plus with the curve of the handlple the most snap is added into the blades impact. In comparison cutting against a friend who is an experienced user of the axe...the M-43 knocked out larger chips and cut its way through the log quicker, and it weighed less and was shorter to boot. It also did great service as a drawknife easily peeling logs and helping me to make a couple self bows as well.

So my endorsment goes to the M-43.
 
Yangdu explains the advent of the Yeti Hunter here.

The M43 traces its roots back to the service Khukuri's used by the Gurkha soldiers during the Second World war ...it was an 'improvement' upon the WWII model released in 1943 by the British Ministry Of Defence.
 
I like mine!! My Sher M-43 is my 1st kukhuri, but not my last. I cold-blued the blade last month and it has taken on a cool new look. The sheath is on its way back from the Sarki Shop, where I had it covered in OD cloth, as well as a Sasquatch Special frog installed.


I'll post pics upon its return...
 
Hi Brians, Welcome to the HI Forum. Back in 2001 I was lucky enough to snag the 6th M43 to be produced by HI. It was made by Keser who was called Old Faithfull by Uncle Bill. Had a Rosewood handle that I woodchucked. Gave it a nice hand rubbed gun stock finish. Never used the blade but swung it around a lot before having to sell it to fun schooling and other bills. Have lusted after another like it since. Don't think you can go wrong there.

The Yeti hunter is the style of Khukuri that first got me interested in Khukuris many years ago. But these are High Quality examples of the style, not the $10 flemarket models you will see around.

Since I have never used either, just handled them I can't really advise you. Just offer silly stories. But I don't think you can go wrong with either. IMO I'd get another M43 with a curved handle then the Yeti. And this summer I hope to do just that. If you are into Single Action Revolvers as I am, Go with the M43, An old Forum Member Rusty likened the grip of the M43 to an old Colt Single Action and I have to agree with him. ;)

Heber
 
Yeti are real, guys.

One of the welders that I did my apprenticeship under is one (I kid you not)
Seriously, this guy is 6'8" tall and hairier than a grizzly bear. he grunts when you approach him and eats (barely) raw meat.
His name is Uncle Danie but responds to,"Grrr, grrr" just as well.


Personally, I love the feel of my new Bura made M43. I have not had the oppurtunity to test it much yet except a hardness and crack test.

These Yeti hunters khukuri look alot like some of the antique WW1 and 2 kukri you see around from time to time.

A knife is a knife. Yeti hunter and M43 are different but in the same category of weapon/tool. I am sure you would be happy with both.
M43 is flashier than villager type Yeti

BTW, I like Aunty Yangdu's story about how she used to rush out with her knife to help protect the herd of yaks from Yetis.
You have to hand it to her, she has guts to even THINK about going after something like a yeti with anything less than a 12g shotgun and a pack of husky dogs.

Ok, maybe Uncle Danie is not a real Yeti, but he is close to the general description.
 
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M43. The correct answer is always M43.
"Hey, Dave, what do you want for dinner tonight?"
"M43."

"Hey, Dave, what are your thoughts on American foreign policy?"
"M43."

You can never go wrong with an M43.
 
My 18" M43 has seen the most "real" work out of my khuks. It is an amazing chopper and handily outchops my 16.5" WWII. It is heavier and longer than all my others too, so the only use it sees is heavier yard work and brush clearing. I like to use my smaller khuks for light yard work and kitchen duty, but for any type of serious chopping tasks, the M43 is it!:thumbup: However, I do not have a Yeti Hunter to compare it to, but it always seemed closest to a WWII model in my eyes.
 
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