American Kensei or rodent rucki?!

StrangeDaze

StrangeDaze

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Mar 20, 2016
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I have decided my next purchase will be a Busse AMerican kensei or a Swamp Rat rodent rucki
I cant decide which!
I guess it comes down to 1 handed vs 2?
Pics (especially comparison!) are greatly appreciated!
 
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AK47 vs Rucki, you ask?
My answer: SRKW Waki
The handle of the Rucki didn't appeal to me; and the blade was a little shorter than I wanted.

The Ak47 was actually what brought me to Busse(kin) several years ago...I saw a picture, and the specs; and I wanted. Then O2W rolled through with a re-release in BG form. I bought 2, didn't like the way they felt in hand, and ultimately sold them both.

What spoiled the BG-AK47 for me was having a Waki - sure, it gave up a little length; but it just clicked all the right buttons for me. The wider handle fit my hand better, and I liked the slightly broader blade. The Waki, to me, just feels right.

Of course, the BG-AK47 is the only one currently available from Busse; so that may impact your purchase decision. The secondary market isn't exactly teeming with Busse(kin) short swords...but they pop up occasionally.
 
As of today, the Rucki is a still available on the Swamp Rat site. I think it was only offline briefly a while back to bring the coating and handle options up-to-date.
 
The rucki can be handled 2-handed pretty well, at least for me. I will use mine as a machete/golok so the shorter length for maneuverability through tree tops is a plus. Have a ratweiler for the really tight quarters or if I'm actually climbing in the tree tops (generally the tree is already fallen over and I'm clearing trails). Rucki gets a nice snap cut balance at the top of the handle and a chopping balance at the back of the handle.
 
inkynate said:
As of today, the Rucki is a still available on the Swamp Rat site. I think it was only offline briefly a while back to bring the coating and handle options up-to-date.
Click to expand...
So it is....
Odd that the handle options don't include green or maroon micarta, but do include g10. Last time I tried a purchase with colored g10, I got a message to the effect that my selection was a custom shop option & could not be completed online.
 
hhmoore said:
So it is....
Odd that the handle options don't include green or maroon micarta, but do include g10. Last time I tried a purchase with colored g10, I got a message to the effect that my selection was a custom shop option & could not be completed online.
Click to expand...

Yeah, that is weird.

I bought an awesome grab bag Rucki off the exchange last year in Tanker and black/white g10. Still haven't used it unfortunately. Various things have held me back from breaking it in, but now it's mostly about value since it's a pretty unique combo with a disco'd coating (assuming Busse isn't able to bring Tanker back). If I ever get off my butt to re-up my membership and list some stuff, it may go on the block so I can order one fresh from the shop to beat on. I tend to prefer the canvas micarta anyway and it maybe shave off an ounce or two in weight.
 
Black and white G10? Interesting...got a pic?

(I'd post Waki pics; but I don't want to tempt Meshach.)
 
hhmoore said:
Black and white G10? Interesting...got a pic?

(I'd post Waki pics; but I don't want to tempt Meshach.)
Click to expand...

I guess it's technically black and tan, here's an old pic I have uploaded, sorry the color is a bit washed out:

24n4tp5.jpg
 
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I think it ultimately depends on what the intended use is. If you want a sword for some kind of Tameshigiri, I'd probably lean towards an AK or Waki. For bushwhacking/heavy machete type use, the Rucki is more nimble, compact, and packable.
 
I agree with Nate, if you're looking for a bushwhacker, the Rucki or a Ruck is an excellent choice.
If you want a little more reach, and a little more space for two hands, the AK or the Waki.
25944917640_77f93ccf63_o.jpg


Handles:
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Tips, left to right - Rucki, BG-AK, CS INFI AK
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I've owned INFI AK47, BG AK47, Waki, & Rucki...

BGAK47 is the one I kept.

Most lithe and lively of the bunch which I what I like when I'm messing around with cardboard and rope...

Swords are fun-- just not for chopping thick stock-- that will make your eyeballs jiggle. :confused:

So I went for something I can accelerate and control...BG AK fit the bill...YMMV.

Enjoy yourself and try em all, I did. :)
 
Orrrrr...there's the Busse Ruck Force One to consider as well. If you can find one!
Same length handle as the AK, but with a tanto'ed camo blade the same OAL as the SR Rucki.
I like the balance of the SR Rucki best, by a slim margin, out of the AK, Waki, and Ruck Force One. Its fast, but if you want to be able to reach out a little further, the AK would be my second choice.
I can't speak for the Ruck Force, as I haven't been able to bring myself to break it in.
I will say, SR-101 may be becoming as appealing as INFI to me. With small, occasional micro chips that i can easily smooth up with a white ceramic rod, followed by a good stropping. And the Waki, while i love them all, may be my least favorite. (NFS!)
INFI is still my favorite, having proved itself against many obstacles over the last 10 years since I became an addict. I had many, now grail, blades in INFI. An NMSFNO, among many others I hate to think of, that I sold for something shinier, traded, or sold, to pay a bill or 3. Lol
But I was sure happy to get an SR101 version, as I know it's not going to fail me.

So, my choice would be the Rucki initially, for its balance and speed, or if you want to hang it on the wall, the AK is a nice blade, aestheticly good looking, and quite functional.
Only a couple of inches difference, depends on what you want to do to it basically.
If you get the Rucki, you can put the $$ difference in your new Busse kin addiction fund, you're likely to find that you need another, somewhat smaller, side kick blade to go with whatever you decide on.
You'll be happy with whichever you get, I'd bet.
 
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