HI M43 Blem Review

[Kohei]

Hello Everyone,

Simon (Sirupate) and I decided to buy a wood handled HI M43 blem from HI forum. We paid $95.00 and payed $40.00 carriage, it arrived within a quick 5 days!

The write up said there was a problem with the scabbard and to be honest I can't remember what they said the blem was! As you can see the blade sticks out of the scabbard a bit!!

http://www.toratoratora.co.uk/forum/uploads/Sirupate/2004-07-09_165720_HIScabbard.jpg

Anyway when we took the kukri out of the scabbard we found the workmanship by the kami to be very good, a nice looking blade with a very good finish.

http://www.toratoratora.co.uk/forum/uploads/Sirupate/2004-07-09_170357_HI_Blade.jpg

We liked the HI Logo,

http://www.toratoratora.co.uk/forum/uploads/Sirupate/2004-07-09_170705_HI_Sig.jpg

But thought this (the Kami's initials) took away from the Kami's work and seemed to cheapen the blade's appearance.

http://www.toratoratora.co.uk/forum/uploads/Sirupate/2004-07-09_171127_HI_Scroll.jpg

I liked the kukri and snatched it out of Simon's hand (else I'd never get a chance!) but must admit I found it too heavy, although the handle was a good fit for me!! Simon snatched it back (didn't take long!). It was also heavier than what Simon is used to and much heavier compared to original issue M43 blades. However, Simon found it had a good solid feel in the hand, but the handle is slightly too small for him.

This combined with the weight and couple of other things made us want to do a comparison with other similar kukri.

Here is the first comparison, the Original M43 is on top and the HI M43 below.

http://www.toratoratora.co.uk/forum/uploads/Sirupate/2004-07-09_172535_Hi_and_M43.jpg

Initially they look quite similar, infact the only thing that is obviously different is the edge, however thought it would be interesting to do a comparison of other relevant kukri;

http://www.toratoratora.co.uk/forum/uploads/Sirupate/2004-07-09_173414_Al_M43.jpg

1. The top one is an original M43, has a spine width of 7-8mm and weighs 23 oz.
2. The second one down is a MKII WWI original, it has a spine width of 8-9mm and weighs 26 oz.
3. Third one down is the HI M43, it has a full 1cm spine!! and weighs 29 oz, this weight is almost identical to the WWI MKI beast!
4. Bottom one is the Tora M43 version, this has a 7-8mm spine and weighs 22oz.

The HI kukri is a very well made piece, but more of a "chopper" than a issue utility kukri - come military blade, which is what the originals were intended for.

Next, Simon's field test for the HI M43...

First cut into the tree,

http://www.toratoratora.co.uk/forum/uploads/Sirupate/2004-07-15_163722_HI_first_cut.jpg

Cut effect,

http://www.toratoratora.co.uk/forum/uploads/Sirupate/2004-07-15_163805_HI_cut_effect.jpg

It cut through the tree very well, but was a little heavy and this made it a bit cumbersome. For a bigger bloke the weight might well be OK! Simon is 5'10" height, 6' waist!!!!!!! :D :wink:

Finished cutting the tree down,

http://www.toratoratora.co.uk/forum/uploads/Sirupate/2004-07-15_164038_finished_cut.jpg

Simon then stripped the tree down to see what it was like for dealing with smaller stuff and produced three usefull sized pieces of wood, with ease.

http://www.toratoratora.co.uk/forum/uploads/Sirupate/2004-07-15_164605_steaks_HI.jpg

Simon's Conclusion from the field test was that the HI M43 is a very good camping kukri but for him, it is too heavy to use for cutting through a jungle and is too heavy for military use. Also although a good solid kukri, the weight distributing whilst chopping didn't seem to be quite right.

Next the Infamous Coconut Test
Why Coconuts you may ask? Well we saw on the Discovery channel that some scientists use coconuts to test shark and crocodile bite impact, as according to them, coconut has the same resistance/consistencey as hard bone and is an ideal substitute!

The HI M43 kukri cut through the coconut with no problem.

http://www.toratoratora.co.uk/forum/uploads/Sirupate/2004-07-15_170957_HI_Coconut_test.jpg

However, there was slight damage to the edge,

http://www.toratoratora.co.uk/forum/uploads/Sirupate/2004-07-15_171147_HI_Damage.jpg

This is not too much of a problem and can be easily corrected.
I then realised that the previous tests I had done in this fashion had been on the traditional M43 type edge, so I pulled out a BAS (16oz in weight) to see if that suffered the same fate.

http://www.toratoratora.co.uk/forum/uploads/Sirupate/2004-07-15_171534_BAS_Coc_Tesr.jpg

Clean cut and no damage, phew!!
I then tried a WWII Horn Handle 23oz in weight.

http://www.toratoratora.co.uk/forum/uploads/Sirupate/2004-07-15_171702_WWII_Horn_Coc_Test.jpg

Also no damage and a clean cut.

We do like the HI M43, but have asked Bill if he can send one around 25oz in weight with a 13cm handle, as to do justice to the HI kuk I need one that has a more suitable weight and handle for me, as well as one that better represents the weight of the original MKII and M43.

We hope he can supply one at some stage and we look forward to giving it a full review then.

Hope you enjoy the review,

Cheers
Leanne (Kohei) and Simon (Sirupate)

[Ross]

Thanks Leanne, an excellent review.

[Danzo]

She's beautiful and she writes excellent reviews.

:approve:

Good stuff Leanne. A great review, good pictures and good to see that Simon is better at cutting things than posting pictures!

:D

Danzo

[Chux]

Good review Kohei, but I now feel the need for a Kukri :rolleyes:

[Kohei]

Good review Kohei, but I now feel the need for a Kukri :rolleyes:

He he!!! Sorry about that Chux!!!! :D

[The General]

Great review! Thanks! :biggthump

[munk]

The small damage on the edge bothers me. I have one HI khuk that does that. Since it is my beater basher khuk it doesn't matter much- the metal is tough and springy, Lord, almost chewy the way it bends just a little, but it doesn't break. Still, not right, and not indicative of the majority of my own HI khuks (and I've owned 20 or so) nor all those I've read about.

One thing for sure- Bill Martino, the co-owner, doesn't cherry-pick them for review.


munk

[sirupate]

Hello Munk,

Sorry I didn't realise you had posted here, I am sure that this was the exception to HI blades, so to give the HI M43/MKII type of model a fair review, we did ask Bill a long time ago to send us another one, weighing around 25oz (to more truly represent the original weight of the army issue ones), with a slitghley longer handle, preferably horn, which we were prepared to pay for. Any way we never heard from him, which is a shame as it would have been nice to do his products justice in the review. Although with his illness he may well have forgotten this request.
Leanne has been sent a WWII model by Rio Jim as a present and we may well do a review on that one in the future.

Cheers Simon

[munk]

By all means; test it.

Bill's attitude will surprise many; if a blade is less than satisfactory he wants to know about it. The Kamis who work for HI need to know about it.
I have brutalized many HI khuks to fine effect. They have stood the test of time. Of course, we all know I've also found my Tora blade very satisfactory.
Your final development of the WWll is very beautiful. If it holds out as mine has, you have a winner on your hands.


munk

[sirupate]

Hello Munk,

I'm sure its more to do with his illness that he forgot our request, but we would like the opportunity to test a an M43/MKII that truly reflects HI's kukri. I will try to get Leanne to jog his memory. Send him our best, I would but as you know I'm not aloud.
Yep the new MKI WWI is a major leap forward in reproduction of classic military kukri, the MKI we sent you was close, but I must say the Nepalese kami have excelled with this new and much closer version to the original.
I will try to do a review of the WWII kuk next week, take care Munk.

Cheers Simon

[munk]

Sirupate, though I don't speak for Bill Martino in any sense. I doubt he is under any compunction to send you a blade. Himalayan Imports has the reputation of offering the finest Khukuris in the World. As someone not involved in the business, I'd think it the challenge of others to strive to this level, not the responsibility of Mr Martino.

I wouldn't 'jog' his memory right now as he is very involved in issues of his own good health.

I am always interested in the quality of these blades I love so much. That you have been able to emerge and offer a great blade is wonderful. I love my own. It is always good to see more of your blades and Himalayan Imports products tested. This can only be beneficial for all of us.

The recent gift you have would seem a good place to start.

Nothing but good news for those of us admiring hand made quality in a world increasingly devoid of same.


edit- how could I forget the most important thing? Sirupate, HI has over 15+ years of (?) offering blades proven in the field per thousands sold. HI also has the best customer service on the Planet. No single test can acceed to that. But by all means please do try and make the Earth a better place! (stupendous blades for everyone)



munk

[sirupate]

Hello Munk,

That statement about Bill not having the compunction to send us a second kuk (which as previously stated, we were willing to pay for), seems to go against all the customer service comments I have heard about HI, especially when the first one did not live up to the finest kukri in the world standards and all we wanted to do was give it good press, shame.

But I will arrange a field test of the HI WWII model as you suggest and post the results.

Cheers Simon

[The General]

Keep it nice guys ok? So far it is, but...

[munk]

Sirupate and I are not advisaries; don't worry General.
I see what you are saying Simon, but you'd have to submit the blade for warranty first, wouldn't you? I'm not sure where the micro bends in the edge would fall. They are not my experience with HI; only a villager I have does that. I believe Bill refunds without question if the customer desires. You have to think of the many thousands of blades out there from HI in use and the small fraction of problems. Bill has no reason to hurry and prove his blade to competitors- they have the obligation of striving to meet his standards.

I have said before, and will again, but if Tora can keep the level of quality up to the blade I have, then they are going to prosper. I have no information about their distribution, but at this point it would seem to be no more than hundreds, if that.

I look forward to the test of the WWll.


munk

[sirupate]

Hello General,
Munk and I are not in conflit per say, I have a great deal of respect for Munk.
I was not interested in a refund, but merely wished for a model (M43) to test and have that did not have that problem, so the review could do justice to the HI reputation.
The review was about an HI blade, not a comparison between my kukri and HI's and it was not a test to prove how good or bad his blades might be.
Obviously Tora has not sold any where near the amount that HI has, we have been going for five years and HI about 15years? And it is only in the last two years that we have started to get kukri made to the specifications I want, which are as the old military kukri were made, spine thickness, shape, weight etc.
Any how, it would be nice if Bill does send us the appriate M43, but in the meantime I will do an in depth review reveiw on the HI WWII model.

Cheers Simon

[Andy]

have you used the origonal one much. In your opinion are the repoductions any better/worse?

this is the m43 isn't it?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/arlongden666/cutlery%20photos/DSCN0340.jpg

[sirupate]

Hello Andy,

Is the bolster integral or is it soldered on? and also its weight in oz please.
As it is, it looks more like an MKII WWI (which were also used in WWII).
That would help with the answer I give, if you could please give me those details,

Cheers Simon

[munk]

I'd like to know the answer to that myself. I've always thought there no way a 50 year old blade could compare to a Tora or HI today.



munk

[Andy]

the bolsters look solderd on. It has a II marked on it along with 25 so I'm guessing it's a mark two that weighs 25oz. It is also stamped 1919.

[sirupate]

Hello Andy,

Thats a MKII WWI kukri, a very nice peice to have in your collection, but not one to use I would suggest, as it is now a historical kukri possibly used in the North West frontier and in WWII as well.
The HI and Tora M43 kukri are infact more in line with the MKII, which is why we call it
a World War MKII/M43 Style Kukri, as strictly speaking an M43 should have an integral bolster, otherwise its a MKII WWI.
The MKII and M43 kukri were produced as a ligt to medium user utiity kukri and as a back up in a battlfield situation, some were purely fighters, these tended to have a very thin spine through the handle around 3mm, the more utiltarion military kukri had a spine through the handle of around 5mm, they were not designed as tree fellers or choppers as such, but as an all-round tool.
The well made ones by Sheffield, AS & Sons etc when new, are as good as any kukri produced today by Tora or HI when new. However please do not use any historical kukri, they should be treasured for what they are and what they might have been through.
The originals were very effective tools both as a survival kukri and a s a combat weapon and the kukri played no small part in the high esteem that we hold the Gurkhas, I think that says it all.

Cheers Simon

PS heres a link were the Tora M43/MKII is in action
http://www.toratoratora.co.uk/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=53&KW=m43

[Andy]

since my family has always come from sheffield and this has been knocking around within it for a long time I doubt it was ever carried in war. It also has a nasty chip in the blade about 3mm deep and has been used in the garden well before I knew we had it. My dads used it fro butcher work in the past. I doubt this example would be worth anything so did use it. Do you think I should stop considering it's condition

[sirupate]

Hello Andy,

I'm not sure about MKII being made in Sheffield, but I do know that M43 models were, its more likely that yours was made in India and therfore has some history behind it, so even if it has a chip keep it safe, if you want a user rather than a historocal piece, perhaps we can come to an arrangement.
Any chance of a pic of that chip?

Cheers Simon

[munk]

I've thought about this thread from time to time, and I what I would like to make clear.

For Tora fans; my Tora blade is as good as an HI blade. It has wavers in it- some of HI's have this, and some do not. (for people who care about slight cosmetic imperfections- also a sign of the handforging which we prize so highly)

The difficulty occured when the inevitable comparison is made; who is better? HI or Tora?

I think Tora is well on its way to establishing peerage with HI. Depending upon number of culls, returns, blems, failures, etc it may one day be possible to make the determination between the two.
But you have to ask yourself, "munk,if it's getting that close, does it matter?"

I love my Tora blade.

If they keep it up, HI better watch out.

(and I think HI does and will keep it's own name fine)

Now, does this clarify any concern about touchy feelings between Sirupate and myself? I hope so.

munk

[Danzo]

It does. Both of you have a nice cup of yak butter tea and a cuddle.

:grouphug:

Danzo

[munk]

Good. Sirupate has treated me grandly- and at times it pains me to be objective.

munk

[sirupate]

Hello Munk,

Did someone say Yak Butter Tea and Cuddles? Now thats an offer that can't be refused :D
Thanks for the very favourable comparison between our kukri and HI's Munk. I don't think there will ever really be any direct comparisons between ours and HI's, as we only cross over on three models (I think?) and even they are very different to each others versions, basically I think we are both going in different directions. That has got to be good for our customers, as they will have different design styles to choose from and are therefore more likely to get a kukri that suites them :D
Anyway, I am in feeling ontop of the World at the mo, as Leanne and I got engaged at the weekend :D :D :D
Great to hear from you Munk, I hope all is going well, by the way like the thread you started on HI and JP kukri look very good!!! Has he changed around some of the scabbards?

All the best Simon

[lemoneyewash]

Anyway, I am in feeling ontop of the World at the mo, as Leanne and I got engaged at the weekend :D :D :D

Much congrats!!! :biggthump
By the way, it gets much, much more expensive here on in.......... :bandit:

[Danzo]

Congratulations Simon and Leanne!

:biggthump

I shall bring yak butter tea to the reception!

:approve:

Danzo

[sirupate]

Cheers Lemoneyewash :D, we are beginning to find out the cost, but its all in an excellent cause :D :D

[sirupate]

Cheers Danzo, Looking forward to the Yaks butter :D

[gurushaun]

Congratulations and my very best wishes to you both, I wish you both much happiness ;-)

Cheers

Shaun

[munk]

Congratulations, Simon. That truly is good news.


munk

[Graham]

Congratulations to you both, best wishes for your future together.

Cheers

Graham.