M43

Ive seen them in normal or chiruwa style. I don't have one but they seem to be a popular model for hikers.
 
They come in either normal (rat tail), or chiruwa (full tang). Packability, I have no personal experience, I have not had the honor of owning an M-43 yet! But I am sure there are others on this forum with experience concerning the M-43 packability.

As some other forum members have specified, the M-43 may not come in a Rat Tail tang, in my recollection, I can't remember seeing one either.
 
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I've never seen a rat tail M-43. Pretty certain they are all full tang, unless there's an odd variation I'm not privy to.

They generally come in 18", though over the past week or so a few 15" models were put up on DOTD.
 
They are full tang style and a very versatile blade. They should pack very well IMHO.
 
They are deff packable but I would much rather pack my 15" one than my 18.5" one due to the difference in weight
 
HI do not make rat tail tangs. no chinese style low carbon steel threaded rod tack welded to a blade here.

the hidden tang is forged with the blade and has a substantial cross section compared to western knives and swords that have used them successfully for centuries. a battle proven design. if you with to disparage them, they can be called kangaroo tails. they are peened over a brass keeper at the pommel. this style tends to cushion impacts on hard surfaces, unlike the full tang.

the 'full' slab gripped tang (chiruwa) is also substantial, and loses little strength due to the reduction in cross section due to the pin holes. preference for this style is a recent phenomena, based on a spurious idea that somehow it is stronger. the extra weight towards the pommel changes the balance, and the exposed tang edges transmit more vibration and shock to the hand when hitting hard objects, like wood.

even the occasional model with 'stub' tangs have a beefy tang that, while not extending thru to the pommel t5o be peened like the hidden tang, are substantial ands will normally last 20 years at hard labour. this is they style used on samurai swords, no one complains about them, rather they talk about them cutting thru rifle barrels...(also not true - a good way to ruin a nice blade)
 
kronckew said:
even the occasional model with 'stub' tangs have a beefy tang that, while not extending thru to the pommel t5o be peened like the hidden tang, are substantial ands will normally last 20 years at hard labour. this is they style used on samurai swords, no one complains about them, rather they talk about them cutting thru rifle barrels...(also not true - a good way to ruin a nice blade)
Click to expand...

If anyone wants to get rid of a katana, I would be happy to help :p. Please don't put it through a Rifle Barrel Tameshigiri.....
 
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