New Gladius from Busse Combat

STeven, thanks for your posting your comments. You no doubt understand that Jerry built it beefy because he knows that people will beat the crap out of their Busse Gladius. We already have video of steel drums getting slashed and stabbed.



squinty said:
OK, so where can I get one?
Click to expand...

Some were sold at Blade. Busse just had a special offering on their forum this past Sunday night. check out these links

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=752482

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=752494

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=752505

then you might be able to email them and see if you can still get one on order. Or keep an eye on the Busse For Sale forum.
 
resinguy said:
STeven, thanks for your posting your comments. You no doubt understand that Jerry built it beefy because he knows that people will beat the crap out of their Busse Gladius. We already have video of steel drums getting slashed and stabbed..
Click to expand...

Sure I understand why the Gladius is overbuilt....I've been to Blade, I see the guys who are ONLY there for the Cult of Busse, and can only hope to have Amy-O kiss them on the lips like she kissed me(good times, good times).....:rolleyes::D

Everything is a tradeoff....heavier swords with thicker edges hold up better. I would have just hoped that people who are buying a sword for $900.00 would give that sword a bit of respect, and that Jerry would have been able to make those swords south of 2 1/2 pounds and faster handling....because one thing the Gladius I handled....(white/silver one) was not fast, air cuts kept going, it was hard to stop this one....that said, the Hogs will buy them like potato chips, and all will be well at the Trough....gotta build 'em for the target market.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
Last edited:
Reminds me of hashing out an order last week for a large dirk/short sword from Christof of Koyote Knives. We got down to the final specs and I was a little surprised he was going to about 1/8". But he's right, it will be plenty tough and handle very well. From a applied/useage point of view, also reminds me that in Rwanda of the 800'000 killed, many were killed with machetes that were terribly effective. Think I'm a little too focused on thick edges...

Gotta love a galdius anyway- so great looking...the Busse got me focused on one of Christof's BushBeaters...maybe 12-13", sharpened top edge...oh yeah! More my price range too! :)
 
Lycosa said:
3 lbs?! Too heavy for this light-weight HOG. :)
Click to expand...

A sword like a Gladius is supposed to be somewhat heavy given its purpose and how it was used in the field. It wasn't just a chopper it was a smasher and a fair slasher and a good stabber. Think on how it was used in the field. It was used within the phalanx, so you were very close to your shield brother, which meant length was a no go because of the follow through. It was meant for very close combat, for they also carried the spear and remember the spear was the primary weapon. Once distance was closed and the initial clash and push was over, then swords came out and that was "if" you got the opportunity to pull it out, I imagine.

In today's world there is no shield to get past. There is no armor to hammer through. It will either be knife on sword or gun on sword or maybe baseball bat on sword. Out in the open the gun wins probably, unless your very close and then its maybe even, until he gets a little distance. Indoors or CQB.... well it's even again unless the guy doesn't know you have it then it's the Gladius. Gladius versus bat? Please.....Gladius. And a knife only has a chance if the guy with the Gladius is an idiot.

I imagine with its length, even at 3 pounds, which I highly doubt it is (maybe 2.4 probably 2.2lbs) it would be quicker than anything except for something its size or smaller. With two edges this is actually a one hander at this length using whipped back-swings a lot, along with fluid, circular swing patterns. A great companion blade would be a good long knife fighter with a breaker guard. Unless the apocalypse comes about, in which case you'll need a longer two hander. Maybe a 24 inch blade 34 inches OAL, to go with the Gladius for CQB. Oh and shield and armor. Maybe an Ash Greatbow....I'm rambling now.... :)
 
ZEXXES said:
A sword like a Gladius is supposed to be somewhat heavy given its purpose and how it was used in the field. It wasn't just a chopper it was a smasher and a fair slasher and a good stabber. Think on how it was used in the field. It was used within the phalanx, so you were very close to your shield brother, which meant length was a no go because of the follow through. It was meant for very close combat, for they also carried the spear and remember the spear was the primary weapon. Once distance was closed and the initial clash and push was over, then swords came out and that was "if" you got the opportunity to pull it out, I imagine.

In today's world there is no shield to get past. There is no armor to hammer through. It will either be knife on sword or gun on sword or maybe baseball bat on sword. Out in the open the gun wins probably, unless your very close and then its maybe even, until he gets a little distance. Indoors or CQB.... well it's even again unless the guy doesn't know you have it then it's the Gladius. Gladius versus bat? Please.....Gladius. And a knife only has a chance if the guy with the Gladius is an idiot.

I imagine with its length, even at 3 pounds, which I highly doubt it is (maybe 2.4 probably 2.2lbs) it would be quicker than anything except for something its size or smaller. With two edges this is actually a one hander at this length using whipped back-swings a lot, along with fluid, circular swing patterns. A great companion blade would be a good long knife fighter with a breaker guard. Unless the apocalypse comes about, in which case you'll need a longer two hander. Maybe a 24 inch blade 34 inches OAL, to go with the Gladius for CQB. Oh and shield and armor. Maybe an Ash Greatbow....I'm rambling now.... :)
Click to expand...


Historically, a gladius typically weighed between 0 and 2 lbs. The high quality, well researched replicas that I have handled do not feel heavy at all.
 
ZEXXES said:
A sword like a Gladius is supposed to be somewhat heavy given its purpose and how it was used in the field. It wasn't just a chopper it was a smasher and a fair slasher and a good stabber. Think on how it was used in the field. It was used within the phalanx, so you were very close to your shield brother, which meant length was a no go because of the follow through. It was meant for very close combat, for they also carried the spear and remember the spear was the primary weapon. Once distance was closed and the initial clash and push was over, then swords came out and that was "if" you got the opportunity to pull it out, I imagine.

In today's world there is no shield to get past. There is no armor to hammer through. It will either be knife on sword or gun on sword or maybe baseball bat on sword. Out in the open the gun wins probably, unless your very close and then its maybe even, until he gets a little distance. Indoors or CQB.... well it's even again unless the guy doesn't know you have it then it's the Gladius. Gladius versus bat? Please.....Gladius. And a knife only has a chance if the guy with the Gladius is an idiot.

I imagine with its length, even at 3 pounds, which I highly doubt it is (maybe 2.4 probably 2.2lbs) it would be quicker than anything except for something its size or smaller. With two edges this is actually a one hander at this length using whipped back-swings a lot, along with fluid, circular swing patterns. A great companion blade would be a good long knife fighter with a breaker guard. Unless the apocalypse comes about, in which case you'll need a longer two hander. Maybe a 24 inch blade 34 inches OAL, to go with the Gladius for CQB. Oh and shield and armor. Maybe an Ash Greatbow....I'm rambling now.... :)
Click to expand...

I have had the opportunity to hold a number of Gladii recently including the Busse combat gladius
Tactical Gladius by John Gage
Albion Allectus

The John Gage Tactical Gladius simply cannot be beat for overal size, lightness and quickness. Although I would have preferred to see this made with an 18"-20" blade. weighing in at only 1lb. 10oz.

http://www.gagecustomknives.com/Gladius.htm

Next I would go with the Albion versions which tend to have blades in the 18"-21" range and weigh 1lb. 7oz. up to 1lb. 12 oz.

http://www.albion-swords.com/swords/albion/nextgen/sword-roman-augustus-mainz-II.htm

The balance of these weapons made by these two makers is superior. Each of these two makers patterns their designs based upon origionals found and studied in museums and private collections.

As much as I like Busse knives, and own several, their version of the Gladius just doesn't pass muster in my book for what a Gladius is intended to do. IMO. IMO a weapon meant to be used in combat is going to feel very light in the blade relative to a tool meant for chopping.

Which brings me to, HOW was a Gladius used? In tight formations for Thrusting primarily. Yes a Gladius can slash but it is primarily a thrusting weapon with a relatively wide blade meant to open up a wide and deep wound. They aren't much for hacking but, close in and being such short blades they are easily manouvered behind or around an opponants limbs and shields to cut tendons in the back of the legs or arms. This would be accomplished as more of a drawing or pushing cut rather than a hacking slash or chop.
 
ZEXXES said:
A sword like a Gladius is supposed to be somewhat heavy given its purpose and how it was used in the field. It wasn't just a chopper it was a smasher and a fair slasher and a good stabber......... It will either be knife on sword or gun on sword or maybe baseball bat on sword. Out in the open the gun wins probably, unless your very close and then its maybe even, until he gets a little distance. Indoors or CQB.... well it's even again unless the guy doesn't know you have it then it's the Gladius. Gladius versus bat? Please.....Gladius. And a knife only has a chance if the guy with the Gladius is an idiot.

I imagine with its length, even at 3 pounds, which I highly doubt it is (maybe 2.4 probably 2.2lbs) it would be quicker than anything except for something its size or smaller......I'm rambling now.... :)
Click to expand...

What are your bonfides for your rather sweeping pronouncements?

Did you know that the Jo staff in JSA is one of the few non-edged or replica(think bokken) weapons that students train in? Why? Because in the hands of a skilled practitioner, the Jo can beat the sword(the Japanese fellow, Masayuki Shimabukuro is my Sensei).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44xMSkdNiGQ

I know what 2.2 lbs feels like in a sword, and what 3 lbs feels like, and the white coated, non fullered piece that I handled at Blade was closer to 3 lbs. If you have one, do us a favor and weigh it.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
Last edited:
Finally got myself one of these. It is heavy for what it is and doesn't flow like water in the hand. But it's still awesome and something worth having. I may even be buried with this sword.
 
Kohai999 said:
What are your bonfides for your rather sweeping pronouncements?

Did you know that the Jo staff in JSA is one of the few non-edged or replica(think bokken) weapons that students train in? Why? Because in the hands of a skilled practitioner, the Jo can beat the sword(the Japanese fellow, Masayuki Shimabukuro is my Sensei).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44xMSkdNiGQ

I know what 2.2 lbs feels like in a sword, and what 3 lbs feels like, and the white coated, non fullered piece that I handled at Blade was closer to 3 lbs. If you have one, do us a favor and weigh it.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
Click to expand...

Hmm. Can't weigh one yet, but I agree with Mr. Garsson -- I'd say it's about 3 lbs of steel.
 
Kohai999 said:
What are your bonfides for your rather sweeping pronouncements?

Did you know that the Jo staff in JSA is one of the few non-edged or replica(think bokken) weapons that students train in? Why? Because in the hands of a skilled practitioner, the Jo can beat the sword(the Japanese fellow, Masayuki Shimabukuro is my Sensei).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44xMSkdNiGQ

I know what 2.2 lbs feels like in a sword, and what 3 lbs feels like, and the white coated, non fullered piece that I handled at Blade was closer to 3 lbs. If you have one, do us a favor and weigh it.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
Click to expand...

My "bonifides" are mine own. But suffice it to say I can hold my own. If thats not enough lets say this,

Am I a sword master? No. An expert? No. Intermediate? Depends on whose standard. Some of my teachers, masters and sensei would say I'm "a pig holding a toothpick between his teeth" (I know that sounds bad, but at least he said I had a toothpick. For a longtime his insults where far worse and did not even acknowledge my swordsmanship whatsoever).

With a knife I'm more than decent.

Weaponless except for myself? I am formidable and confident.

Do I train everyday? Not anymore. Do I train at all? Not in a dojo or gym or school. Am I an ongoing practitioner? Yes. I practice everyday. I scenariolize at least ten times a day (well nowadays maybe 5) . I meditate. I exercise and stretch. Its all I need at this point in my life.

Can I use a staff? Yes.

Can I use a Bow? Not well.

Can I shoot? Rifle: decent. Handgun: I have to watch it 'cus I pull to the left. Squeezing To hard. But I'm decent to about 60 feet whole clip in 7 seconds double-tapping.

Nowadays I start from the floor, tummy down. Work your way back up. Its the worst case if your hands and feet are still free. Trapping, breaking, striking, legs meant for legs (as we used to say...i.e kicks and knees stay below your waste).

But details you'll not get. The above is just common sense martial arts.
 
ZEXXES said:
My "bonifides" are mine own. But suffice it to say I can hold my own. If thats not enough lets say this,

Am I a sword master? No. An expert? No. Intermediate? Depends on whose standard. Some of my teachers, masters and sensei would say I'm "a pig holding a toothpick between his teeth" (I know that sounds bad, but at least he said I had a toothpick. For a longtime his insults where far worse and did not even acknowledge my swordsmanship whatsoever).
Click to expand...

And....thus you have spoken-eth.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
What a sweet blade. If only I had some disposable capital, or Scrapyard would come out with a $300 equivalent blade.;););););)
 
kfgk14 said:
. . . or Scrapyard would come out with a $300 equivalent blade.;););););)
Click to expand...

Yep. That's what I was thinking as I read through the entire thread. If I could spare $1,000 for a gladius, It'd spend 99% of its time on the wall.

The Scrapyard version would be a user--hack, chop, slash, abuse and play with it like I was a teenager. And also, I could afford it--yeah, there's that, too. :D
 
dobervol said:
Yep. That's what I was thinking as I read through the entire thread. If I could spare $1,000 for a gladius, It'd spend 99% of its time on the wall.

The Scrapyard version would be a user--hack, chop, slash, abuse and play with it like I was a teenager. And also, I could afford it--yeah, there's that, too. :D
Click to expand...

Yeah.
If I had a CG gladius I'd beat to hell and back, but with a Satin gladius I'd be scared to go after anything more than a sheet of paper unless my life depended on it.
A Scrapyard version though...:cool:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top