pix of M43

John Powell

John Powell

Joined
Mar 9, 1999
Messages
1,440
Someone said they really liked the shape of the M43. Here is a picture of some. Those of you who have one can attest to the balance and fine feel of these khukuris.
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JP
 
The third one from the top looks best. I really like th curved spine and the long, lazy "S" of the edge!

Stephen

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Micah 6:8. Well worth the attempt!
 
Thanks for the pic, John!
These are realy interesting khuks, with a very characteristic shape.
I almost got one at E-Bay about a month ago. I regret not have gone farther on my bid, now.
Uncle Bill could very well have some of thes emade for us, don't you guys think so? Something like the second or third ones but with a pinned bolster not to make it too complicated (I suppose these are integral forged or brazed on, right?).


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Ivan Campos
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Ahhhh, pretty.

All are beautiful. I personally like the topmost one. So many things are going to be coming out in the next couple of months that I want! The Falcata, the proposed Naginata, and recently I've been feeling an urge to get a forward curving or YCS or GRS or an Ang Kohla. Man, khukuri collecting is expensive.

Bob
 
Just gorgeous. A really graceful knife. I'd go for the top or the bottom one, meself.

Steel-mounted with a white horn handle . . . yummy!.
 
Dear John,
these are the same shape as my old one. Can you give us an approximate age for them? My handle is the more common one with the ridge half way up it.
Jeff.
 
The M43 designation was given this model for contracting out to factories/armouries in India in 1943. The other documented designations were the MK II starting in WW I and the K45 late in WW II. There is also a model number for the current style used since the 60s that comes out of depots in Nepal.

The grips vary in material on the M43 but are always 'pana butta' or scales. Some are marked, some are not and all are machine made out of very high grade steel. The chos vary making me think that regimental kamis may have had a hand in the finishing process.

The top kukri in the original picture has a grip made of an inner scale of polished black horn and completed with ivory scales.

This picture shows the style with a machete type grip, another used as presentation piece from the Mukand Iron Works (who are still in business as a huge conglomerate) and finally the famous Sheffield made kukri produced to commemorate the Sirmoor Battalion (2nd Gurkha Rifles)in 1880.

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JP
 
Dear John,
Thanks for the info. Mine is different as the handle is a complete wrap around and not scales, but identical in blade shape. I have been told it's ww1, and it's tough as old boots. It was used after the war for chopping wood for about 20 years, then left to rust untill it came to me. I'd like to know its full history, but that died with the old soldier I'm afraid. Lovely shape, still chops up anything in its way (except bear).

Jeff

 
Jeff,
The WW I MK I and MK II have this forward curved shape with no shoulder, but are generally a bit thicker and heftier. Sounds like you have the rarer MK I since it has a rat tail tang and one piece grip. There should be a slotted nut fit into the butt of the grip. It will be flush and maybe varnished over. These are very tough knives and keep working and working and working...

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JP
 
Dear John,
many thanks for the description of the Mk1. It looks like that's the one. Certainly is pretty, and capable. But I think I'll carry my AK for the bears...
Unfortunately the only bears here are behind bars at the zoo, while the really dangerous animals linger on street corners.
Keep Khuking....

Jeff.
 
Uncle Bill, are there any khukuris in the HI inventory of styles that come close to the M43?

Harry
 
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