Some Chopping With The M43

Big Bob

Big Bob

Joined
Oct 13, 1999
Messages
1,731
I was outside today when the opportunity to test my M43 fell out of a tree in the form of a 3" diameter or so dead limb. The limb was good and seasoned so chopping it up proved to be a workout. The M43's handle comfortable to use due to it having no center ring to rub up any of my fingers, and I didn't notice any significant increase in vibration from the chirwau configuration. I'd say that the M43's chopping power is definitely between that of the 16.5" and 18" WWIIs. I'm looking forward to using this one against live trees sometime.

Bob
 
I agree with your chopping estimation...it's a 'tweener...but it has such a life of it's own as a fighter!
 
For reasons that are beyond my mechanical understanding, the curve of the M43 seems to detract from the cutting ability shown by the more conventional khuk blade shapes of equal size and forward weight.

Ak cuts better. So does properly weighted WWll


I bet the curve gives a push pull cut that would be wicked in a fight.

munk
 
Munk, it all depends on the M43. ;) I used to have one that chopped almost the same as an 18" AK. If the Kami's make more with the really curved handles like the first ones that they did, I'll buy another one.

(Note, I didn't do the test, I was owner #2, Owner #4 did a comparison with it and another M43.)

Heber
 
So you think a curved handle redistributes the cutting ability and the M43 is the equal of the AK? I don't know; I have a Hanshee and it don't cut like a good WWll of the same weight, and I think it's handle is curved also. But my understanding is baded upon very limited experience. I seem to recall that Hollowdweller shares my opinions regarding most cutting results, including the M43. . We just don't agree about politics; kinda wierd, eh?

My only M43 is a Tora and it cuts well.


munk
 
Nope, I don't think it's in the curvature of the handle. I just like the really curved handles on M43's, AKs and a few other Khukuris. IIRC Rusty described it as having a simaller feeling as the handle on a SSA Colt. And I agree with him. I can't decribe it right now, A nicely curved handle just feels right to me on some Khukuris.

Some of the M43's I've seen are really heavy and some are light. From what I've heared the Heavy ones chop better then the light ones, but yeah over all they seem to chop between the 16.5" and 18" WWII's. IMO it boils down to who made it and how they wanted that peticulare khukuri to act. Be it chopper, fighter or an in betweener.

Wish I had the time and money ot buy a bunch of M43's to see how each one chopped and acted..... Shoot! I wish I could just afford one M43. LOL


Heber
 
My M43 cuts well, but not as well as my bonecutter or my Ganga Ram because the blade is thicker on the M43 on the edge so it doesn't penetrate quite as far. Mine is made by Amtrak.

I too am a big fan of the curved handle.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top