I just received my new M43 a few days ago and when it arrived it was perfect in appearance with a beautiful wood handle and a razor sharp edge right out of the box. Today I was finally able to take it out and give it a quick test and it made quick work of a few branches on my orange tree. I then grabbed a few milk jugs and some water bottles which the M43 cut through cleanly with little effort. Over all I am very happy with it and it looks good next to my WWII and my CAK.