Can you tell us a little more about what kind of use you anticipate for the khukuri? Any good-sized khukuri will work for occasional self-defense, but for most people the regular usage should dictate the type and size of blade.
The best size and weight depends on how strong and fit you are. With your large hands you almost have to go for one of the bigger models, since the smaller models usually have smaller and narrower handles that wouldn't work for you.
The M43 would be a good choice because they usually come with a fairly large handle. Same for the WW II model. Both of them can do heavy chopping as well as lighter tasks, and are also good self-defense blades. If your arm and wrist strength are in proportion to your hand size, an 18-20" M43 or WW II model is a good choice.
Be aware that in HI parlance, length means overall length, not blade length. For knives of this size, weight is probably a bigger issue than blade length. Swinging a big, heavy khukuri is a serious business: you can get tired fast, and if you swing and miss you better be sure that your own body isn't in the path of the swing. As far as self-defense is concerned, an attacker isn't going to care if you lop off his arm with an 18" khukuri or a 20" khukuri. Even the smaller ones will do that job with no trouble at all.
If you've been looking through the HI web site, you should know that it does not display all the sizes and models that are available. Many more options come up at DOTDs (deal of the day) on this forum. Your best bet is to send Yangdu an email telling her about your large hands and how you expect to use the khukuri. She can give you good advice and of course she knows exactly what is available at any given time. The lengths, weights and handle sizes are somewhat standardized, but not entirely, since these are hand-made knives made with traditional tools and materials.
Good luck and let us know how it turns out.
-- Dave
