Should I get an M-43?

T

Tony Nguyen

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I've been looking at them for a while and have always thought they were the most gorgeous khuk. How much lighter are they compared to an CAK?

The last khuk I owned was a CAK and I thought it was too heavy to chop for long periods of time with.

Basically, I want something that is bombproof (warrantied for field use) but that can also be used for long periods of time.

I also like how the handles lack the ring because I find it to be very uncomfortable.

So is the M-43 for me?


Tony
 
Weight has been between 32-34oz lately. There are some CAKs that are only a few ounces heavier at similar length, and there are beasts that weigh 44oz because of thick spines. An M43 has only a 3/8" spine usually.
 
You don't say how long your CAK was. If it was the standard 16.5" length then it must have been between 29-31oz which makes it lighter than current HI M43s by at least 2-3 oz. Therefore, you might be better off sticking with a regular AK at 15"-16". Despite not having the chiruwa tang, those are still bombproof and somewhat ligher than 30oz. Or a short 16" Baby Ganga Ram or Bonecutter would do perfectly at only 28oz or so.

One thing about the M43 is due to its blade geometry, a lot of the weight feels up front so you don't have to do much work, just let gravity chop for you.
 
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My 20" CAK is on the light side at 38.6oz due to its 3/8" spine. Yours was probably heavier as most are made with 1/2" spine, therefore, an M43 should feel substantially lighter, shorter, and faster than what you recall. Still plenty sturdy though!
 
Tony, I have an 19" 31.8 ounce M-43 and love it, but I'd also like a lighter one (not as a replacement, just another one:)). We are all awaiting the return of the "original" version. HI is supposed to be making some, but production has been problematic in Nepal due to electricity. My advise would be to hold off for awhile and see what the new/old version looks like if you want light weight. That said, I haven't heard anyone complain about any M-43s. If one shows up on the DOTD, it will be a shark fest. Take care.
 
I orderd a M-43 a couple months ago. I haven't seen it yet, still waiting on it's arrival. When it arrives I'll be sure to post specs and pics.
 
Thanks guys! You've all been very helpful. I'll definitely be churning the waters looking for a DOTD then
 
My M-43 by Vim is awesome. 18" and, I'm guessing here, 2lbs or slightly under. Great balance and feel in the hand. Will out-chop a similar size hatchet, but the edge geometry is such that it does well on light vegetation as well. Can't think of a single thing I don't like about it.
 
M43 -- Just 'cuz:

100_0204.jpg
 
That's a beautiful khuk, Cpl. The handle material's the only thing I'd change about mine if I could. I'd prefer wood over horn. Other than that, mine's perfect.
 
Like Snowy I ordered an M43 and am waiting for delivery, to Reno and then down to Oz.
It has a beautiful shape and all the reviews have been positive. I'm hoping it will be based on the original with wood handle slabs and two rivets only.
 
Carolina River Rat said:
That's a beautiful khuk, Cpl. The handle material's the only thing I'd change about mine if I could. I'd prefer wood over horn. Other than that, mine's perfect.
Click to expand...

Tony Nguyen said:
GODDAMN Cpl.

Can I just get one exactly like that? That is a thing of beauty.
Click to expand...

Somebody's happy with that one. Forgot who I sold it to, though.
Only thing I didn't like is the lack of a ring. It felt very unstable in hand without it. So I have one on order with a ring.

Oh, and that one had a 1/2" spine, the one I ordered I asked for it to be lighter like the older ones.
 
Yes. But check your technique. It is quite a different beast than the CAK and can be very unforgiving of poor form. Get one and get acquainted.
 
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