M43

kamagong

kamagong

Gold Member
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Jan 13, 2001
Messages
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This M43 by Kumar is IMO the epitome of the khukuri. It is the specimen I would use to introduce a novice to the world famous Gurkha knife. The handle is the perfect length for an average sized man. The weight and thickness strike a good balance between strength and liveliness. The curves give this piece a sensuous aesthetic that make it the most beautiful khukuri out of the dozen or so that I own. And the proportions are spot on -- length, width, and thickness are just right.

him43.jpg


him43bolster.jpg


What makes this khukuri really special is that it was an UBDOTD I sharked on Uncle Bill's birthday several years ago. Every time I pick up this knife I'm reminded of Uncle Bill and it brings a smile to my face.
 
It's a really nice piece you have!

Could you pls share with us the specs of this knife so we can compare with the later copies. The main point we are interested is:
- Weight
- OAL (assumed to be 18")
- Blade length
- Handle length
- Spine thickness
- Handle dimension at the first rivet (vertically and horizontally)
- Handle dimension at the second rivet (vertically and horizontally)

Thank you.

Hung
 
hunglvq said:
It's a really nice piece you have!

Could you pls share with us the specs of this knife so we can compare with the later copies. The main point we are interested is:
- Weight 28 oz.
- OAL (assumed to be 18") 17 1/2"
- Blade length 11 1/2" from cho to tip
- Handle length ~ 5" from buttcap to bolster
- Spine thickness 3/8"
- Handle dimension at the first rivet (vertically and horizontally) 1 5/16" wide & 1 1/8" thick
- Handle dimension at the second rivet (vertically and horizontally) 1 3/16" wide & 15/16" thick

Thank you.

Hung
Click to expand...

Answers to your questions are in bold.
 
hunglvq, killa's old one for comparison is
- Weight 34oz
- OAL 18 1/4""
- Blade length 11 1/4" from cho to tip
- Handle length 5" from buttcap to bolster, 6" butt to bolster
- Spine thickness @ Bolster 7/16"
- Handle dimension at the first rivet (one closest to the bolster) (vertically and horizontally) 1 3/8" by 1 1/2"
- Handle dimension at the second rivet (vertically and horizontally)1 1/4" by 1 1/4"
Kami- Young Sher while learning under Bura
 
That is beautiful. I wasn't around for the Kumar era but I was lucky enough to buy one of his blades on the secondary market.
 
Kama did you put a satin finish on it? The top pic appears its been sanded down to satin...looks really nice either way.. hopefully there's a dotd for me today..:thumbup:

this is worse then my ESEE addiction.. I need help NOW>>>
 
This khukuri came with the magic stone finish. It wasn't sharp enough for my tastes though so I used the mousepad and sandpaper method on the bevel. The bevel has a satin finish and the rest of the knife is still magic stone mirror.
 
Good looking M43. I like this one - great lines, good weight (imho), handle looks like it'll fit my non-yeti hands well too :)

Kamagong, thanks for sharing your old HI khukuris with us. :thumbup:
 
sorry im still pretty new to this place. I know that DOTD it the deal of the day but what is UBDOTD? unblemished? and on some of the previous dotd offers i saw YBB after the price what does that mean?
 
Im very new to these and have looked at the M43, are these a full tang blade? If not, which ones are? Thanks!
 
They're all full tang, technically, but those with the rivets in the handle are the style most knifemakers call "full tang" -- the metal formed in the shape of a handle sandwiched between two slabs of either wood or horn. Khukuris without the rivet still have a full tang, although it's tapered down and peened at the bottom of the handle, so the metal still extends past the bottom of your hand. They're very substantial "hidden" tangs and, as most will tell you on this forum, are nearly as strong as the "full tang" or chiruwa style handle.
 
The dimensions from my new piece by Jakumar kami for you guys to compare btw the old and the later versions:

- Weight: not yet weighed
- OAL: 18"3/4
- BL (cho to tip): 11" 1/2
- HL: 6" over all (5" for wood scale & 1" for bolster)
- Spine thickness (at shoulder): 14/32" (11mm)
- 1st pin: 1"3/8 wide x 1"3/8 thick (35 x 35mm)
- 2nd pin: 1"3/8 wide x 1"10/32 thick (35x33mm)
- Bevel height (each side of the V): 18/32" (14mm)
- Thickness of bevel: 6mm

I'm not good at converting mm to inch. I'm sure the dimension in mm are correct.

This handle is too big for my hand and I can hardly grip. Need to shave it down.

Cheers,

Hung
 
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