The New Busse Combat American Kensei 47 Wakizashi

Jerry Busse · Sep 2, 2005

We are proud to introduce the new American Kensei 47 (AK-47). It derives its moniker from its blade length of 47cm which is 18 1/2" long. I started making these short wakizashis in the late 80's as a custom maker and once we started Busse Combat we continued the tradition. The original AK had a 15.5" flat ground blade and was made from A-2 tool steel. This new generation features our new convex (Patent Pending) "Corrugated Bevel Technology" on an INFI blade, which produces a much stronger sword with greatly reduced friction when cutting.

Instead of posting pics here, I will provide a link that shows the new AK-47 along with some pretty cool destructive testing pics.

http://www.bussecombat.com/knives/

Thanks for looking,

Jerry

madcap_magician · Sep 2, 2005

Ah... how beautiful... how... expensive.

Danzz · Sep 2, 2005

Hot damn. What a weapon. Even if I could get one I'd NEVER EVER be able to carry it in public though

Jerry Busse · Sep 2, 2005

Danzz said:
Hot damn. What a weapon. Even if I could get one I'd NEVER EVER be able to carry it in public though

Oh come on now, just be a little creative. Think of a full leg cast with an inside the cast sheath!!!

. . . . Sure, you would limp a little bit, but you'll be well prepared for anything!!!

Jerry

Walking Man · Sep 2, 2005

madcap_magician said:
Ah... how beautiful... how... expensive.

For the quality and strength of this sword it is sickeningly CHEAP. You will never find another sword of that length and thickness to be anywhere near as strong. At least not until there's some sort of technological breakthrough. Take a look at the destructive tests on the Busse forum. It take a beating and doesn't even notice. Kind of like that opening scene in the X-men movie where Wolverine just stands there.

knife saber · Sep 2, 2005

Cool blade!

The shape and cross section are very much like (but not exactly like) hira-zukuri blades. Should be a great soft target cutter. Is the tang exposed on these short swords?

With the microbevel there, it seems to be suited to self-sharpening, unlike most other Japanese-inspired swords... is there any kind of guideline on how much sharpening the bevel can take before the blade should be reshaped to restore initial performance?

Jerry Busse · Sep 2, 2005

knife saber said:
Cool blade!

The shape and cross section are very much like (but not exactly like) hira-zukuri blades. Should be a great soft target cutter. Is the tang exposed on these short swords?

With the microbevel there, it seems to be suited to self-sharpening, unlike most other Japanese-inspired swords... is there any kind of guideline on ?

The edge is brought to very near "zero" and is designed for soft target cutting. We did however, chop a cinder block into pieces during our destructive testing, and the edge held up EXTREMELY well.

As for "how much sharpening the bevel can take before the blade should be reshaped to restore initial performance" I really can't be sure since we have yet to destroy an edge to the point where the initial performance was markedly affected. Taking the edge to near zero prior to sharpening, coupled with our CNC accurate Corrugated Bevel, provides great bevel geometry with greatly reduced friction during the cut and should provide a lifetime of great service without the need for regrinding.

Hope this helps,

Jerry

Lukers · Sep 3, 2005

Looks great Jerry! Would this be suitable as a martial arts blade as well as a bush sword? What do you recommend for touching up the edge since it has different geometry than most blades?

Keep up the great work!

-Luke

infamous · Sep 3, 2005

That is fine product, it looks to me to be a cross between the Japanese tanto/wakizashi's, and a jungle machete.

In my opinion, t's very subtle in aesthetics, with a simplistic appearence, yet the design appears to be efficient, and no doubt effective, with the test pictures proving that.

I really do like the design of the blade, and the ability to customise both the handle colour/material, and the finish on the blade, is a great addition to an overall great product, which I'm sure will prove to be popular due to the combination of all these characteristics.

Although exspensive, I've got a pretty clear picture of what you would be paying for.

Walking Man · Sep 3, 2005

Would this be suitable as a martial arts blade as well as a bush sword?

1) Depends on what you want to use it for. It will be the length of a traditional wak. IF you are serious about practicing with it, I would highly recommend getting the aluminum handles, it will provided better balance (stated by Jerry) because they are heavier.

Although expensive, I've got a pretty clear picture of what you would be paying for.

I argue that this knife is a BARGAIN. ****Finding a wak as strong at ANY price will be impossible. You'd have to spend $2000 or more to find anything CLOSE.

Lukers · Sep 4, 2005

How would you go about touching up the edge on one of those?

infamous · Sep 4, 2005

For a touch up, you could do it by freehand, using a whetstone, or even a file.

Josh Muller · Sep 4, 2005

loaded strop if nothing else
or wet sand paper on soft foam

crossada · Sep 4, 2005

placed an order for a black canvas/urban camo finish just the other day.

even if it is meant for soft cutting i'm going to try it on some saplings for the hell of it. something i wouldn't do with a sword of another maker/manufacturer of any price.

Loki · Sep 5, 2005

The AK-47 certainly appears a tough chopping blade. I'm sure it lives up to the Busse reputation for cutting ability. What application does this blade have in mind? Veggie cutter, wood chopper, anti-personnel? Swords are normally thought of as weapons not utility tools. I don't think the cost is out of line for a first rate edged weapon but it's mighty expensive for a super machete.

Jerry Busse · Sep 5, 2005

Loki said:
The AK-47 certainly appears a tough chopping blade. I'm sure it lives up to the Busse reputation for cutting ability. What application does this blade have in mind? Veggie cutter, wood chopper, anti-personnel? Swords are normally thought of as weapons not utility tools. I don't think the cost is out of line for a first rate edged weapon but it's mighty expensive for a super machete.

It was designed to be used as a sword . . . . . but, knowing my customers, it will be used in a variety of ways!!!

:thumbup:

Jerry

Progunner · Sep 6, 2005

Jerry Busse said:
It was designed to be used as a sword . . . . . but, knowing my customers, it will be used in a variety of ways!!! :thumbup:

Jerry

Jerry, how did you know I was gonna pick my teeth with it?

I think it will make for short work on brush, especially the thin hanging vine type crap, as I intend to use it.

severtecher · Sep 6, 2005

I have seen the light my brothers. It is my destiny to be a Busse owner.

Walking Man · Oct 10, 2005

HEY GUYS, THIS IS IT!!!
I just wanted to give all my friends over here in the sword forum the word that the Busse sword will only be available to order for a few more days (Jerry said the new one will go up in the next 10 day, so who know what that means.)
If you want a fantastically stong sword, this is the one to get. If you have any questions about it, I highly suggest posting over in the Busse Forum ASAP. I think anyone who orders one will be highly impressed. Thanks.
Mods, if you consider this advertising, please forgive me, you have my largest apologies, however, I have not relationship with the Busse Co.

Svashtar · Oct 10, 2005

witchhunter said:
placed an order for a black canvas/urban camo finish just the other day.

even if it is meant for soft cutting i'm going to try it on some saplings for the hell of it. something i wouldn't do with a sword of another maker/manufacturer of any price.

I looked carefully and that is exactly the combo I would go for as well. I can't see paying almost $200 more for an aluminium handle. Only other one I might go for is that tan micarta or tiger hide micarta/ desert shadow camo finish combination.

I didn't see; do these come with any kind of sheath?

The New Busse Combat American Kensei 47 Wakizashi

Farts rainbows.