Oh My....M43!

Monkeybutt, you're right on several counts. The blade isn't 3/8 the entire length. It is .370 near the bolster and hits .375 (3/8" exactly) around the shoulder. I called it 3/8 since it's close enough for government work;). Also, the handle doesn't have much swell. It does have some taper near the bell/pommel. It is slightly oversized for my hands and, when I get the nerve, I'll probably try to slim down the wood in selected areas (ala Hung) to custom fit it to my hand. The handles on M43s always appear oversized. Oversized is easier to fit to your hand than undersized, so I figure this is by design. The handle does have a good feel as is and is very secure feeling with my hand against the pommel. There is no "pommel bite" that seems common with some khuks. Tirtha smoothed things out nicely. It doesn't feel too long to me, but I'm curious to see Moogoo's, which should cut about an inch of the length of mine. I also think the handle ring might be nice. I like handle rings, but wanted this one with the smooth handle.

Moogoo, I think you're going to love yours. The blade thickness seems perfect. As I stated earlier, I'd like some with experience to chime in on this overall size and thickness for rough duty. I believe Wildmike's trusted M43 is 3/8" and must have been bullet proof! The real problem with this thing is it's too beautiful to use. I feel like I should drag it down the driveway, with my eyes tightly closed, of course, just to scratch it up some. Kind of like parking a new car at Walmart. You know it's going to get dinged up quickly and you're ready to just get it done:(. Take care.
 
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Hit it with the scotch brite and be done with it.
Then you don't have to worry anymore and you'll have a nice satin finish on it.

I do like it a lot and I guess I never realized the M4 handle has a bit of a bend in it.
I dunno if I am gonna get me one yet or not but if I do, it will be a custom. :D
 
Monkeybutt, This is the view from the top. It has more flare from this angle. It also shows the fitting job Tirtha did. I'm still speechless when I look at this thing. The more I hold it thee better it feels.

M43griptop1.jpg
 
jdk1, beat on that bad boy! you pretty much have an odd shaped CAK there. I was batoning with one of mine yesterday and didn't even mar the finish on the spine. When I was on a woods walk today I ran across a dumpsite and I really wanted to wail on some old cars and washmachines I just didn't want to make that much noise I wasn't concerned about the blade.
 
My Bonecutter looks similar to your M43, right down to the handle. I sure am glad Auntie had them make it with an M43 style handle. It's very comfortable to hold/chop with. It's one bad mofo.
Nice Khuk, BTW.
 
Jaymo,

A Bone Cutter with an M43 handle? Pics man, pics! I'd love to see it. I believe it's JayGoliath who is having an M43 made with a ringed handle. A side by side comparison would be cool. Kind of like the khuks swapped handles! Also, thanks for the compliments. I'm blown away by the fit and finish. It's actually got me wondering what a 15" M43 would be like. I seriously might have to email Yangdu about that idea. Take care.
 
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