The Great MKII Kami Challenge!

Question:

Since the idea is for something as close to "spec" as possible, with accurate representation, will there be a push for a more traditional style bolster? I have no problem with the more Japanese styled ones, but figured I would ask the question as ideas/dimensions/etc were being put together.
 
I like the 1943 Pioneer better than 1944 Qeyoom Bros - 672 grams vs 700 grams.
Not just the weight but the cho as well. The latter has deeper cho which might not be durable in a sense. Oh well who am i to comment?

I agree the 1st handle is ergonomic. It will look like a hybrid to the conventional smooth profile of current M-43.
 
Jay,

The 1944 has the smallest handle (except for the Pilot model) and it has a bit of and uncomfortable curve to it. It may not actually be the curve as much as the fact that it is just smaller so the butt hits your hand in a different location. But overall, if you pick the others up first and then pick up the Qeyoom Bros there would be no doubt in your mind. In this case, the extra 28 grams is welcomed. The other thing about the Pioneer is that its tip is too small and fragile. However, take that with a grain of salt because all 4 of them were really used hard. They all have hammer marks on their spines and chips on their edges, they were workhorses. No doubt they were also probably resharpened time and again and so the blades may be an eight inch or more off from when they were made.

I also like the 1941 handle. I see it as having an Indian influience, looking somewhat like the later Indian Army issues, but sleaker and more noble! :-)
 
Lets expand the specs to include some of your HI M43's out there. I know some of the older models were much closer to the specs of the originals but it would be interesting to see what all of you have.
 
stickfred said:
Hey gang. While reading through this a light began to burn dimly in my head about a post I'd seen in the Canitina regarding the history of the military issued khukuris. I did a search and found this: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/753300-update-to-20th-Century-British-Military-Pattern-Gurkha-Issue-Kukri

While spiraltwista's post doesn't list all of the measurements that you are looking for, perhaps he could be contacted and asked, if he still has access to some of these MKII/M43s, if he would mind collecting the data and passing it on.
Click to expand...

I believe Jonathan still moniters this forum. It would be interesting to get all the others at IKRHS to chime in with specs as well. They certaily have some beautiful MKII's and M43's.
 
Boywondered said:
Question:

Since the idea is for something as close to "spec" as possible, with accurate representation, will there be a push for a more traditional style bolster? I have no problem with the more Japanese styled ones, but figured I would ask the question as ideas/dimensions/etc were being put together.
Click to expand...

Good eye Boywondered! That is a big part of the newer handles, taking almost a full inch of space. I would prefer the older smaller bolsters myself.
 
This thread is interesting, I'll have to keep an eye on it.

Back in 2001 someone sent a wood model of their old WWII M43 to HI for the production M43. I was lucky enough to snag the 6th one to come from HI. It was made by Kesar (old Faithfull), had white metal bolster and rosewood grips. The khukri felt amazing in my hands. Sold it to forum member Mike L. He sold it to some else and they either still have it or some one else does. It's a well traveled Khukri and I'd love to know who has it now.

Here are some pics of HI M43 #6:

Handle close-up
m43_kesar_03_med.jpg


m43_kesar_04_med.jpg


Full shot with old school scabard, Karda and Chakma
m43_kesar_05_med.jpg


m43_kesar_06_med.jpg



I'd love to see that M43 varient produced again. It was amazing!!
 
Heber, thanks for posting this beauty! I was not aware of this bit of HI M-43 history either. What sort of temporary insanity lead to your selling that M-43:)? I love the handle on that thing and the blade has a very svelte profile. It is truly more weapon like than the current version. Do you have any specs for it? I'd love to know the spine width and weight. It actually has a bit of ASTK look to it.
 
Bill, I'm really excited about this project. Your idea of each kami who wishes submitting a khuk sounds pretty cool. I was actually just going to submit an order with photos and specs to Auntie (and offer a bonus to the kami if he nailed the design), but it sounds like we have some real interest. Unfortunately, it seems like you may be setting on the only originals we can get specs on. I, never having held the real thing, trust your judgement on what dimensions make it feel so good. I'm certainly willing to jump in with both feet at this point on a purchase, we just need some good specs so we can approach Auntie with the idea. Thanks for all your work on this project. It still makes me laugh that it hit us both the same day:). Take care and God bless.
 
jdk1 said:
Heber, thanks for posting this beauty! I was not aware of this bit of HI M-43 history either. What sort of temporary insanity lead to your selling that M-43:)? I love the handle on that thing and the blade has a very svelte profile. It is truly more weapon like than the current version. Do you have any specs for it? I'd love to know the spine width and weight. It actually has a bit of ASTK look to it.
Click to expand...

I sold the M43 to help pay for college. Don't have specs on it, but if someone looked up the DOTD's from the fall of 2001, I'm sure they could find them. Just remembered, It was Terry Sisco who made and provided the wood model for the old M43. Had the feel of a fighter and I always though it would be at home on some ones Gun belt on in hand durring a war.
 
It actually has a bit of ASTK look to it- John
Click to expand...

Yes it does have that appeal with a bit of Jange shadow. And i'm surprised this model from Heber doesn't look as curvy on the spine.
Looks like a 20" + model.

I really like what Bill posted on the Indian handle but most M-43 have smooth ones.
 
JayGoliath said:
And i'm surprised this model from Heber doesn't look as curvy on the spine. Looks like a 20" + model.
Click to expand...

Jay,

Is that an illusion? It looks like the decoration groove goes farther than most and it gives the appearance of a harder angle. I can't really tell.
 
It looks like the decoration groove goes farther than most and it gives the appearance of a harder angle
Click to expand...
Yes sir. It does give that angled twist rather than a curve like Hanshee model.
Most deco groove on Military model wasn't stretched.

Pics from Spiral:
dffad789.jpg


Notice the Indian handle on the top.

acdf06d3.jpg


Pic found in swordforum:
Stout healthy blade marked 'MG-44:
img0449f.jpg


John and Bill,
Once we finalize the "great challenge" design are we making a group buy just like the Farmcata?
 
Last edited:
Thanks Stickfred! 17.5" at 27 ounces sounds pretty good. A little over 1/4" spine. Sounds like it might not taper much. I also found a post from Uncle Bill in 2002 where he found two Kesar M-43s that were 18" and around 30 ounces. There is a definate "angle" on the spine of this Kesar M-43. I think that helps give it the ASTK look. With most M-43 type blades, it's hard to properly ID where the shoulder is. This one is easy to see. It's nice though and the handle is sharp looking. I'm thinking profile, spine and grip photos with measurements marked on the photos could be our best bet. I hate to "force" the specs on the kami, but it seems they might meet the length and weight, but miss the balance. My B-43 is 18" at 36 ounces. It's spine is only 3/8", but it maintains that thickness way out near the tip. It has a great one handed, short grip, but is very "muzzle" heavy. I'm guessing that the 3/8" spine at bolster and quick taper gives the original M-43 the balance it has. Thanks again everyone for the info. Take care.
 
jdk1 said:
Thanks Stickfred! 17.5" at 27 ounces sounds pretty good. A little over 1/4" spine. Sounds like it might not taper much. I also found a post from Uncle Bill in 2002 where he found two Kesar M-43s that were 18" and around 30 ounces. There is a definate "angle" on the spine of this Kesar M-43. I think that helps give it the ASTK look.
Click to expand...

jdk1, You are so right, my old Kesar M43 looks a lot like my new ASTK. I think I'll get specs and pics of my ASTK this weekend when I'm home so that we can compare it to my old Kesar M43. I wonder how close they really are.
 
I found some more info in the archives. This is a Murali M-43 and a Kesar.

attachment.php


This past (maybe present) member was kind enough to provide some good detailed specs. God bless him! They are as follows:

"Kesar M-43
OAL: 17 17/32"
Blade Length (from front of bolster): 12 15/16"
Blade Width (@ cho): 1 1/4"
Blade Width (@ sweet spot): 2 5/16"
Blade Thickness (@ cho): 1/4"
Blade Thickness (@ bend): 1/4"
Blade Thickness (@ forward grindline) 3/16"
POB: Approx. 3 15/16" from front of bolster
Max. Handle Diameter: 1 1/8"
Wt.: 27.5 oz.

Murali M-43
OAL: 18 1/4"
Blade Length (from front of bolster): 13"
Blade Width (@ cho): 1 1/4"
Blade Width (@ sweet spot): 2 3/32"
Blade Thickness (@ cho): 10/32"
Blade Thickness (@ bend): 11/32"
Blade Thickness (@ forward grindline) 1/4"
POB: Approx. 3 5/8" from front of bolster
Max. Handle Diameter: 1 1/4"
Wt.: 26 oz."

Here is the link: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/206606-Kesar-v.-Murali-Two-M-43s-Faceoff?

The thread has some pretty good info on the older HI M-43s. Take care.
 
Interestingly, was was found not long after the above m-43 info. This, also by Kesar, seems to show a shift towards the modern HI rendition. A trip through the archives does show some members complaining about the M-43 not chopping as well as thier CAKs and such. It's likely they (we) caused the shift to the monster M-43 we know and love! Here's the pic:

attachment.php
 
You guys sure are pulling up some good info! Keep up the good work.
 
Old shop Kamis are wokring on few originals one. Original M-43 will arrive here in May.
Thank you for the suggestions
 
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