Where's a M43 fit in?

Triquetra

Triquetra

Joined
Mar 7, 2002
Messages
759
Many of the formites seem to want a M43 for their collection, including myself, but what are it's strengths and advantages. When a weapon is desired GS, Kobra, and Sirupati are recomended. When a chopper is desired AK, GRS, or others are recommended. Where does the M43 stand out? Is is just nostalgia?
 
I think the M43 balances just right. The shape permits a very controllable swing. I held a cocanut in my hand and swung the blade in the other with out any fear of a miss. That's how well the two of us are "connected". I like the steel butt and hilt. My blade is a bit thinner 5/16 vs 3/8 or 7/16. I like chiruwa handle too. These are just my opinions.

And of course I like the BAS,AK,and the WW11 models too.;)

Sam
 
Not speaking as an expert, but I love using my M43 for chopping. More interesting, somehow, probably because of the shape, and it'll hold its own against the AKs that I own.
 
It's beautiful and it was used by the Gurkas, it's almost worth spending the $145 just to look at it.
 
Both are 18". The AK is 28 oz, M43 is about 24 oz. The M43 cuts much deeper into green wood than the AK, but I won't use the the M43 on seasoned wood or deer bones like I use the AK.

If it were not for the skinny handle, that M43 would probably be my favorite khuk. As it is, I have to wrap it to create a palm swell that fite my hand.
 
Every Khukuri is an animal unto itself. There is no "quality control" in my opinion. The style will dictate a form, but the actual feel is individual.

The M43 is more symetrically curved and better balanced in my opinion.

Sam
 
Originally posted by sams
Every Khukuri is an animal unto itself. There is no "quality control" in my opinion. The style will dictate a form, but the actual feel is individual.

Sam
Click to expand...

It's like someone asking you if you prefer blondes, brunettes, redheads, or raven tressed beauties. The only possible answer for me, at least, is YES! to all the above.

If Bura made 3 16.5" WW2's, it's likely that one would feel special and the other two would leave you cold. There is no such thing as magic, and the kamis do it all the time, if you understand me. But then I don't understand it either.

It is something like the scene in the Godfather when Michael Corleone is hiding in Sicily and sees the one girl his guards say was his "lightning bolt". See Yvsa's post on the
"What it feels like to swing a khukuri" thread.

Some days one khuk casts it's spell over you, the next day it's another. It can be any size from 9" to 30" for me ( so far ).
 
Cucharadedragon,
The Model 43 (M43) was the most issued kukri to Gurkha Regiments in 1943,44 and the first part of 1945. It was produced in British India and issued throughout the staging areas and depots there under orders via English Ordnance Command.

There are variations in the actual knife: some were made to hold a karda and chakmak while the majority didn't, the scabbards were usually dyed black but there are tan leather versions (for ops in Africa and the mideast ?), some had a single belt loop attachment while others had a two part lace-up frog and 2 attaching adjustable belts. Early versions had a seperate bolster and the next series had an integrated bolster, some are marked with the manufacturer and a 4 digit date (1944, etc), some had M43, some had the M on top of the date, many had no mark. The grips never had a raised ring, but would have 4 or 5 grooves cut into the grip. I have seen models with wood, aluminum, horn and ivory grips. The later had no grooves cut into the scales.

This model is well made, very solid and produced with excellent steel and engineering.
 
I appreciate the info. I guess the best answer, as always, is just try them out and see what feels right to me.
 
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