M43?

M43 is plenty tough (more so than any non-kuk), but it is not over built like a CAK is. That is why the CAK has the warranty that it does, as opposed to what the others carry.
 
Under normal circumstances, there is NO way that you are going to break an M-43. It generally comes in a bit thinner than some of the other khuks, but it is PLENTY tough. I have used and abused mine for years will no effect on the blade.

One thing to consider, the M-43 is a whole different animal compared to the other khuks like the AK and WWII. The curve of the blade and handle causes it to track differently when you swing it. Be sure to practice with it a bit before going full-out. That curvy tip sure would like to find a shin bone to embed in ;) However, the M-43 is in my top 5 fav khuks:D:thumbup:
 
You cant go wrong with the HI M-43. I used mine to build 2 log cabins and in popping out notches have flexed the blade over 35 degrees w/o any damage: it srang right back into shape. The differaance in blade drop due to handle and blade design enhances chopping force the slightly thinner blade gives better edge geometry: resulting in devastating cuts. A friend who has seen it in use says I get better chips than he's seen people get with much larger axes. If it came down to it the point is in such a point of alignment that it would be terribly effective as a thrusting weapon as well. There would be no surviving a chopping blow. I have put so many hours in with this blade that I feel naked if I'm not wearing it. It is my #1 choice as a survival blade for long term use which is what I used it for, Not weekends only but several years of liv ing 24/7 in the bush. If I couldn't destroy it under those conditions it is highly unlikely anyone could.
 
wildmike-Thanks,that's quite a recommendation for the M43. Do you convex the edge on yours?
 
Most definitely. I use a strop made of old belt leather 1 inch or so wide glued to a paint stick the one side gets 600 grit wet or dry paper glued to it though emery buffing compound will also work. The other side is coated with jewelers rouge. I can shave with the whole length of the blade. The edge holds up extremely well. Most of the time all I have to do is use the chakma and once in a while a butchers steel.
 
Wildmike-I'm using the mousepad/sandpaper method myself.I haven't achieved a shaving sharp edge yet,but I live in hope.

Thanks
 
I have been wanting a HI kukri and have narrowed my choices down to either the CAK or M43. Kind of leaning toward the M43, how much lighter is it than the CAK?
 
qborchert said:
I have been wanting a HI kukri and have narrowed my choices down to either the CAK or M43. Kind of leaning toward the M43, how much lighter is it than the CAK?
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It just depends, really. a CAK can range between 1.5lbs to 2+lbs depending on who made it. Similarly, the M-43 can be found in the same range and also varies regarding length.

What you probably will notice is that the CAK is going to feel a little more neutral in the hand due to the extra material in the handle and the straighter blade profile. The M-43, while it could be lighter by several ounces, may FEEL heavier because the blade has more forward weight due to the smaller Pistol Grip style handle and overall more pronounced blade curvature.
 
I havent handled the CAK; however, before purchasing my M-43 I reseached the geometry of the blade drop and the lay of the handle. My concern was twofold I wanted the knife to give the most performance possible with each stroke, and as I was living outside homeless it needed to serve as a weapon as well if needed. My experience is with long term rough wilderness survival and this blade has proven unbeatable in all respects. It is a different feel than my other kukris but boy does it perform.
 
I bought my brother an M43 for christmas and we recently used it to butcher a fallen ash tree blown over in a wind storm.

It pretty much could keep up with my 20" Ang Khola. I was impressed.
 
TWBryan said:
What is the standard length for an M43? 18" or thereabouts?
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Yes.

For reference:

Here is my 21.5" Chitlangi next to my brother's M43. Both are made by kami Sher.

HPIM0770.jpg


As you can see, a lot of the difference in length is due to the M43's shorter handle. Blade lengths of his M43 and my 20" AK are really close to being the same.

The M43 is deceptive, as it doesn't really feel like it would bite deep into hardwood because of it's lighter weight, but the more forward balance of the blade somewhat makes up for that. It's very "snappy" and aggressive.
 
TWBryan said:
What is the standard length for an M43? 18" or thereabouts?
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Mine is 18".

I like that it has a nice long chopping area and the bevel is fairly wide. The bevel on mine is 9/16", compared to my 16" AK which is 7/16".

Thickness is 3/8" on mine. Like Steely Guns said it feels heavier in hand than it is. It's really a great design.
 
Personally I find it moves like magic in my hand! Truly a thing of beauty. How well it works is just a great added bonus.
 
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