Vintage kukri experts needed

Dirtbiker · Oct 10, 2012

I just picked these up off Ebay, I jumped on them with a buy I now as I thought they looked to be the real deal. I know the photos stink but I'm hoping for some feedback on what I bought. I do not want a value just what the experts think they are.

I'm guessing that 2 are pioneer M43s but I don't know about the third. According to the story the seller got them from a WWII vet and he had brought them back after the war in the south pacific. (but I've heard that story before)

sweetcostarica · Oct 10, 2012

They do look very much like the real thing Dirtbiker but you're right the pictures need improvement for an accurate I.D.
Here's my suggestions:
1)Take these mearsurements in the sketch below.

2) Weigh them.

3) Retake the pictures with clear, crisp, detailed shots (especially of markings).

4) Post here again and on www.IKRHS.com. With this complete information package you will most likely get a true, as precise as possible history of those Kukris.

Note: Measuring chart and weighing photos are by Berkley from IKRHS.

jdk1 · Oct 11, 2012

I'm no expert, but I'd say the two on the right are absolutely pristine examples of M43 khuks. The karda and chakma are the appropriate type, as are the sheaths and frogs. You really don't normally see WWII era khuks in such great shape, especially the sheaths. They appear to have every detail correct as best I can tell in the pics. The counter sunk rivets and handle rings, two fore and three aft, are the hallmarks, but even the chos on these match my example. Many, if not most, M43s were not marked, so don't worry if they're devoid of markings. I don't have a clue on the dui chirra looking khuk. It looks very nice. Berk or Spiral could probably offer some info on that one. I'd love to know the purchase price if you feel like sharing it.

The original M43 is a sweet khukuri. It is light and fast. It would be a great combat blade. As an aside, Pioneer did not make the M43. No one seems to know who did for sure, though it's not for lack of research. Pioneer Calcutta made Mk. IIs, which were british military issue khukuri, and of which the M43 is a variant. I have another wooden handled private purchase/commercial type Mk. II which has some of the typical M43 characteristics, as well as a matching sheath and karda and chakma. But it's different enough to be sure it isn't an M43. Honestly, the M43 appears to be a mystery. Some things about it point to maybe small unit issue, but it doesn't seem to have been issued widely. Or it could have just been a commercial variant. Either way, they are some of the highest quality Mk. II variants I've seen. Hopefully Berk and Spiral will chime in, as my knowldeg is very limited. It's a fascinating khukuri for sure. Take care.

Dirtbiker · Oct 11, 2012

I paid $100 each. I think I did pretty good.

jdk1 · Oct 12, 2012

Dirtbiker said:
I paid $100 each. I think I did pretty good.

More like deal of the century! Post some more pics when they arrive. You're going to love them. Take care.

Shinook · Oct 12, 2012

jdk1 said:
More like deal of the century! Post some more pics when they arrive. You're going to love them. Take care.

Really? I don't know anything about the vintage market, I wouldn't have though that they are so expensive.
Do people "field" use the vintage Khukuri, or are they just for decorative use?

jdk1 · Oct 12, 2012

I would put the M43 value at considerably more in that condition. But, I'm not an expert by any means. I'm slowly learning from the folks here and at the other khukuri sites. The study of these things is just fascinating and that's one thing that drew me to start a small collection. I also wanted to find out what Bill (Shortwinger) kept yapping about with his Mk. II nonsense

Well, I quickly learned what he was saying and the next thing I knew there were like 8 or so Mk. II type khuks laying around!

As to use, I wouldn't dare. I picked up what can only be called a Mk. II type beater for a song. I just couldn't bring myself to use it. They're so special. I'd pay money to make them speak, but can only imagine what they've seen! I think some vintage khukruri are well worth having for anyone really interested in khuks. I've seen some great deals on the bay. I'm now practicing self control

At the risk of highjacking Dirtbiker's thread, here are some vintage khuks I have, though they were not all cleaned up for this shot. Some look much better after a mineral oil bath. Take care.

Gaggle of Mk. IIs

M43 and Aircrew variant (bottom)

Really nice IMHO Mk. III private purchase type. This khuk handles sooooo well!

Dirtbiker · Oct 12, 2012

I've seen properly marked mkI and mkII kukris starting at $200 and going north from there.

jdk1 · Oct 13, 2012

My main interest has been the Mk. II and you're right. The price can go way North of that! Especially now that the original source for the vast majority of Mk. IIs dried up. Atlanta cutlery and IMA brought them from Nepal and they sold the last one last Fall I believe. The M43 is a different story as it doesn't seem to have been a standard, or as standard, issue piece and seems to pop up more from collections. But, I wasn't khukuri shopping back during the hayday of the Nepal cache frenzy, so my info on that could be off. M43s do seem much more rare than standard issue pieces and appear to command a premium. How much is the question. I picked mine up locally for more than you paid. A South Texas attick had kept the metal nice, but the sheath was beyond repair. Yours are just both pristine from what I see. Those are some beautiful khukuri and you made a great buy. As I've told my wife many times, "they don't make WWII vintage khukuri anymore"

For some reason she's still not impressed! Take care.