Repost of some Busse AK-47 pics

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RL

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I have posted most of these pics on the Busse forum..thought I might repost here for you swordsmen in case you missed it (and were interested)....the American Kansai with 47cm blade or AK-47 :)


Here it is with the "factory sheath"

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A close up of the tan / tan finish (it comes in several colours)

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With another toy

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My custom made ninja back scabbard

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Modelled by yours truly

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and a quick vid

http://www.fototime.com/85F4F0570319E0B/conv.wmv
 
I got to work with one of these just recently

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Here is the review I put together on it:

Overall Length: 29 inches
Blade Length 18.5 inches
Point of Balance: 2 inches from end of grip
Center of Percussion: N/A
Weight: 2.2 lbs


Performance Review:

Busse is primarily a knife maker in the "tactical" knife arena as such I expected that their "combat katana" would handle like a large knife probably more like a machete then anything else. I was therefore pleasantly surprised with the handling characteristics of this little beast. Although it does not feel the same as one would expect a similar sized Japanese styled sword to feel the Ak-47 manages to deliver a cut with authority without being prohibitively blade balanced. The long handle has a textured grip and is comfortable in the hand. The sword's short length (a mere 29 inches total of which 10.5 inches is handle insures that is is a quick little cutter as well. In short although it handles no more traditionally then it looks it is nonetheless a nice cutter to swing and could undoubtedly make short work of light targets and would probably handle relatively effectively against heavier targets as well.

Appearance:
As noted before Busse is a "tactical" knife maker and the Ak-47 owes much of its styling and appearance to traits inherited from that background. The handles on this particular model were micarta although G-10 and aluminum handles are also available. The handle is of the "slab" tang type in which the grip slabs are attached to the side of the tang via fasteners and the tang is still visible in the middle of this "grip sandwich." The blade has a black anodized textured finish a trait common with tactical knives. The blade shape is interesting in that while certainly not traditional in either grind or finish Busse did not elect to go with the all to common "Americanized tanto" point so favored among American manufacturers and instead the blade displays a point much more in line with a more traditional Japanese kissaki. The fit and finish seem to be top notch with no sloppy fits or obvious design weaknesses.

Conclusion:

If you are looking for a traditional Japanese sword this is not the piece for you. If however you are looking for a non-traditional jack of all trades blade to go camping or hiking with the Ak-47 would seem to fit the bill in all particulars for anything from clearing brush out of your way to providing some last ditch sort of piece of mind if a firearm is not desired or available. You might be scorned by traditionalists but your hiking buddies won't be able to keep their hands of this particular piece.
 
I notice it has a knife type edge as opposed to a more sword like one. I have found the two edges to cut in different ways.

It looks like a good camp tool with some tactical merit.
 
I could not seem to find it on their web site. All they list is the War Boar. How much did it cost and are they still making it. I love the shotgun whats it's story is it a factory piece or?
 
The AK's are currently in stock and cost $587.

They are at the busse company store. I just saw them yesterday.

Has anyone cut anything with these yet? :D
 
Bors said:
I could not seem to find it on their web site. All they list is the War Boar. How much did it cost and are they still making it. I love the shotgun whats it's story is it a factory piece or?


Bors, the AK47 is no longer in production but you can still get them from the Busse company store (see the busse forum here for the link)...not sure what colours are available.

The shotgun is a Fabarm Pro Forces...it is the only spring assisted pump action on the market (when you rack the pump and let it go it pumps forward by itself)...it's ok but I much prefer my Benelli M4 :)

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RL
 
alberich said:
What's the blade material? But it seems to be quite heavy for the size.

IIRC, the material is INFI and micarta.

These swords are not heavy, and extremely well balanced, which is a key point many sword producers have no clue about.

This sword is not a wall hanger. It was meant to be used, just not against trees.
 
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