Replace my Bhojpure with an M43?

killa_concept · Oct 22, 2009

What are your people's thoughts? I currently have a 37oz 18" Bhojpure by Sher (the tiger) but everyone keeps raving about the M43 and I've really been wanting to try one out... Is it really as great as people make it out to be? I keep getting the impression that it's sort of the epitome of HI kukris.

Bill Sanders · Oct 22, 2009

JMHO, but why replace? Just add to your capabilities. Own both.

Bill

wildmike · Oct 22, 2009

The M-43 is everything and more that you've heard.

The size is the same as your bjopure. However the M-43 is lighter, more agile and due to its improved design hits harder and bites deeper.

Seeing that Sher made your current blade the M-43 may or may not have a thinner edge. Sher and Bura both put out a really nice thin edge.

The greatest advantage you would recieve from the M-43 from a functional standpoint is you would not be near as tired after a day of chopping.

The M-43 also performs better on the thrust if that is a consideration.

Add one to your collection and see how you like it. If you can run a search then you can get my other rather lengthy reviews of the M-43 and my experiences with it. They are a tremendous blade with capabilities far beyond their size and weight.

b.c.molin · Oct 22, 2009

Quick answer: No.

Longer answer: Honestly, in my opinion although the M-43 is a good Khukuri

(I just purchased this M-43 because it plugs a gap in my collection and it has fancy Antler grips)

it is also experiencing a bit of "flavour of the month" celebrity at present.

About this time last year a lot of folks were after the new Bonecutter by Sgt Khardha. Before that the Smasher and Boomerang Khuk's were getting rave reviews. But way above these, many old timers said that the Foxy Folly was 'the' Khuk to own.

Enjoy your Bhojpure. Use it as much as possible to determine if it does what you want it to do. But if you find that it is too big and heavy and causes problems (I have a bad shoulder that limits me to about 32ounce Khuk's if I use them for extended periods) consider a lighter Khuk whether it be a M43, Bonecutter or whatever grabs your eye.

In my view there is no "be-all" Khukuri but there are ones that fit ones grip and suit ones purposes better than another. Some are fortunate and find theirs first off, while others like me have to purchase quite a few (eight in my case) before finding the one that ticks most of the boxes.

kronckew · Oct 22, 2009

buy the m43, compare it side by side to your bhojpure, you can always decide to part with the one you least like at some future date (or like the rest of us, keep both and add more).

Suicycoprowler · Oct 22, 2009

I'm going to disagree with the OP about the M-43 being the epitome of HI's khukuris. Yes, many people rave about the M-43, but I haven't noticed it being talked up any more so than the Ang Khola, BAS, Pen Knife, Bonecutter, or UBE, just to name a few. Fortunately for us, the kamis make a lot of various shapes and sizes, so a person is able to get one to suit their tastes.

My own nomination for the epitome of HI products:
BirGorkha Kothimoda

This khukuri is made by the Royal Kami and rates a 10 out of 10. The scabbard is done by one of the best gold and silversmiths in the Kathmandu valley and also rates 10 out of 10.
Khukuri specs. Weight is 1 lb 11 oz., overall length -- 17.25 inches, width of blade -- 1 & 7/8 wide, blade thickness -- 7/16 inch.

The khukuri, a dui chirra, is mounted in silver with water buffalo bone handle.

The scabbard takes ten days to make. It is the finest water buffalo calf, natural grain leather to be found. The silver, all 225 grams of it, is .999 pure.

Overall, this is one of the finest kothimodas in the world and one of the heaviest silver laden scabbards ever made.

Those who order this kothimoda will not be disappointed, guaranteed!

iBlade · Oct 22, 2009

And of course I like my YCS...

Cpl Punishment · Oct 22, 2009

Yeah, see, everyone has their own favorite.

You just have to keep looking until The One finds you.

wolfenhawk · Oct 22, 2009

Well killa, I'm a newbie to Hi Khukuris and the forum. I recently purchased an awesome 15" HI Ang Khola and love it. However, my original thinking was that a Khukuri would not only make a good camp tool, but also as a survival tool and after reading some of wildmikes' threads on the M43 I am determined to get one. I've been waiting for a deal of the day, but seeing how fast the sharks move in these waters I may not hold out that long. Oh and I should warn you. Even if you already have the dreaded HIKV virus that causes you to become obsessed with owning multiple HI Khukuris, wildmike is a carrier of the M43 varient that makes you obsessed with owning one or more M43s.

:thumbup:

Mtell1 · Oct 22, 2009

Suicycoprowler said:

Wow, that is very awesome it would make any collection, even in a collection of just one!

550USD is a steal for that with all the craftsmanship and design. :thumbup:

Mtell1 · Oct 22, 2009

wolfenhawk said:
Well killa, I'm a newbie to Hi Khukuris and the forum. I recently purchased an awesome 15" HI Ang Khola and love it. However, my original thinking was that a Khukuri would not only make a good camp tool, but also as a survival tool and after reading some of wildmikes' threads on the M43 I am determined to get one. I've been waiting for a deal of the day, but seeing how fast the sharks move in these waters I may not hold out that long. Oh and I should warn you. Even if you already have the dreaded HIKV virus that causes you to become obsessed with owning multiple HI Khukuris, wildmike is a carrier of the M43 varient that makes you obsessed with owning one or more M43s.:thumbup:

As a general purpose camp/utility knife do you think the M43 would be a bit better than an AK which you have?

wildmike · Oct 22, 2009

It's true...I am a carrier of an exceptionaly perverse strain of the dread HIKV. I even get a perverse glee out of infecting others....sob...that way I dont feel so alone.

b.c.molin · Oct 22, 2009

wolfenhawk said:
Even if you already have the dreaded HIKV virus that causes you to become obsessed with owning multiple HI Khukuris, wildmike is a carrier of the M43 varient that makes you obsessed with owning one or more M43s.:thumbup:

Excellent pick-up wolfenhawk.

Some might say Wolf_1989 has the Chitlangi variant and perhaps acquired a newly discovered Super CAK strain as well?

:thumbup:

John Shields · Oct 23, 2009

I went ahead and bought my M-43. :\ I've been hoping that one would pop up in a Deal of the Day or through an individual sale on the forums. That antler one would have been absolutely perfect but I missed it by a little bit.

But I finally broke down and got one at full price.

wolfenhawk · Oct 23, 2009

Mtell1 said:
As a general purpose camp/utility knife do you think the M43 would be a bit better than an AK which you have?

I think the 15" Ang Khola is an outstanding camp tool and I just love using mine. But from what I've heard the M43 is a better chopper having the balance more forward, as I understand. It's also larger than my 15" AK and I want a bigger Khurkuri. You know, for when it absolutely needs to be chopped into as quickly as possible. As to which I would take to the woods after I have my M43, if weights constraints allow...BOTH! Also, as I have not purchased one yet wildmike is the one you need to ask for he seems to be the resident expert on M43s'.

wildmike · Oct 23, 2009

Congrats John. You will be very happy with the M-43. See I am indeed contagious.

Mtell 1. The M-43's I have are indeed better field knjives than the 15" AK which I also have.

John Shields · Oct 23, 2009

wildmike said:
Congrats John. You will be very happy with the M-43. See I am indeed contagious.

Mtell 1. The M-43's I have are indeed better field knjives than the 15" AK which I also have.

We'll just have to see if your wild claims of it being better as a weapon/tool combo, better than the WWII model, and the overall superior function of it... hold up or not. I asked for the shorter handle version in horn instead of wood. I wanted something that was dark in color (some of the wood appears dark while others very light so I didn't want to risk it). The shorter handle should be easier for me to grasp I hope.

wildmike · Oct 23, 2009

I have one made by Bura with the shorter handle in horn. I also have one in the wood handle which is longer and is made by Sher (The tiger)

kukulza28 · Oct 23, 2009

M-43 is the best overall I've had thus far...
If I had the pleasure of using a Foxy Folly or Samsher I might change my mind - who knows?

John Shields said:
I went ahead and bought my M-43. :\ I've been hoping that one would pop up in a Deal of the Day or through an individual sale on the forums. That antler one would have been absolutely perfect but I missed it by a little bit.

But I finally broke down and got one at full price.

Hey, at least you are sending good money to good people out in Nepal. I like that HI is a lot more... personal.. with their product makers? I don't know if that's the right way to put it. Other people and vendors offer products on par with HI and sometimes customer service that comes close to Aunty Yangdu's... but Uncle Bill (respect), Yangdu, and the Kamis definitely add a personal touch.

killa_concept · Oct 23, 2009

Bill Sanders said:
JMHO, but why replace? Just add to your capabilities. Own both.

Bill

To answer your question: a 19 year-old, currently jobless college student is who you are addressing. On top of this blades/survival interest, I also have an art and computer hobby eating away at what little money I come by. In my financial situation, everything is sadly about compromise

. I can't quite call what I have KIHV as I'm more in search of the perfect (for my intended usage) kukri than full-blown collecting (though I would if I could)

wildmike said:
The size is the same as your bjopure. However the M-43 is lighter, more agile and due to its improved design hits harder and bites deeper.

That's actually what I've been wanting to hear! The 18" Bhojpure is the perfect length for me - however, the Bhojpure comes in at 37oz and being 5'5/110ish lbs, I can't exactly swing it for extended periods. It also has a fairly stout bevel which produces a satisfying THUNK and reasonable bite, but not as deep of one as I'd like - the stout bevel also doesn't help with smaller, springier branches.

wolfenhawk said:
Well killa, I'm a newbie to Hi Khukuris and the forum. I recently purchased an awesome 15" HI Ang Khola and love it. However, my original thinking was that a Khukuri would not only make a good camp tool, but also as a survival tool and after reading some of wildmikes' threads on the M43 I am determined to get one. . .

I'm in the same boat! I actually purchased a satistal wood 15" AK by Sher (the tiger), loved it to death, but ultimately decided it was too short for my intended usage.... I then picked up a Bhojpure from a DotD, but came to the conclusion written above. Now I'm hoping 3rd times the charm with an M43

kukulza28 said:
Hey, at least you are sending good money to good people out in Nepal. I like that HI is a lot more... personal.. with their product makers? I don't know if that's the right way to put it. Other people and vendors offer products on par with HI and sometimes customer service that comes close to Aunty Yangdu's... but Uncle Bill (respect), Yangdu, and the Kamis definitely add a personal touch.

I can't say enough good things about Himalayan Imports! The only other knife manufacturer I've had as pleasant an experience with was Kershaw, but (IMO) HI tops even that dealing just because of this sense of community and family that the HI staff and forum members seem to share.... I really wish $ weren't so hard to come by so I could do a better job of supporting such a company.