The Purpose of the Hissatsu

Perhaps I can give some insight into the Hissatsu, its design, its purpose, and its function. First of all if you dull this knife, when using it for its intended purpose, you are using the wrong tool. This edge is not designed for shaving your arm hair. If you want to do this get a thin edged or hollow ground knife as they work much more like a straight razor. The knife is thick for two reasons. One is for strength when penetrating. The other is to facilitate a wide wound channel when stabbing or slashing. Even with moderate pressure the Hissatsu will cut flesh to the bone. It also leaves a wide wound channel, I know from personal experience as I have a scar from such a wound on my left forearm. Even though it slashes flesh very well this is not the most effective way to use a small knife. Small knives, by my definition, are ones that will not sever forearm bones when slashing.

The most effective way to solve a close combat dispute with another human being is by penetration. In this regards I have not yet found another knife that will penetrate as well. Outside of my dojo I have several large boxes for soaking mats for tameshigiri. These boxes are made from 1/4” plywood that is nice and hard from sitting in the sun every day. The Hissatsu will penetrate this plywood to a depth of 1 1/2” to over 2” time after time without damage if your angle is correct. I have not found any other knife that will penetrate like this. If you know of one please let me know as I would like to test it.

Feudal era Samurai tanto were not multi-purpose knives and neither is the Hissatsu. Most knives that are called combat knives are in reality multi-purpose tools. There is nothing wrong with their being multi-purpose tools however compromises must be made to make them this way. These tanto were not designed to shave hair, they were designed to split flesh, and for this they are exceptional.

The Hissatsu is a focused single purpose knife for use in anti-terrorist/close quarters battle environment. The blade provides enormous power as either a primary or a secondary weapon and the sheath design provides comfortable carry with instant access for rapid deployment when under duress.

Everything about the Hissatsu is designed to make it more effective as a combat specific tool.

Flat tsuka, handle

- Comfortable easy carry, facilitates concealed carry when appropriate.

- Makes it easy to keep the hasuji, correct edge angle, when cutting.

The unique shape of the blade, originally attributed to the sword smith Shimada Sukemune during the Sengoku period, provides enormous penetrating power and superior slashing capability in one blade. This blade shape works with the natural motion of the body when cutting and stabbing. This style of tanto was made famous by the legendary Samurai warlord Takeda Shingen.

Kraton on hard core, duplicates same, ray skin, used on ancient blades and provides an improved grip. Oyatsubo-The emperor node on the omote (outside/public side) of the tuska (handle) allows you to know which direction the blade is facing, even in compromised lighting conditions, just by touch.

Enormous power in a light, flat package makes for easy carry with lots of options for where to carry the blade. Can be worn under a suit jacket for those occasion when firearms cannot be carried or and edged weapon backup is preferred.

The flat light sheath provides secure retention that also allows immediate access for rapid deployment.

The vee in the sheath that allows one hand replacement of blade in the scabbard. This is identical to the noto done when sheathing a sword.

The Hissatsu was designed for a specific purpose. Its design is congruent with knives that the Samurai used for this same purpose. It is designed for those who have a need for such a tool and who are going to have the knowledge and training to use it effectively. It is worn in a particular way in the tactical gear and every aspect of its design facilitates its tactical function. These is nothing on this knife that is not necessary for efficient function and every aspect of the design is there for a reason.

The picture, posted on the Bugei website, is there to show the efficiency of ancient design versus modern design in regards to penetration of resistant objects. There are also advantages to the shape and grind of the blade when slashing. This is especially true in regards to the amount of tissue deformity that is caused by the slash. Ancient warriors and warrior culture knew just about everything that there is to know about shape and geometry for efficient cutting, stabbing, and slashing. This was their whole life and the life of all of their ancestors back to the dawn of civilization. This knife, in its way, is a tribute to the Ancient Samurai.

Of the many people who carry the Hissatsu two are friends of whom I have the utmost respect for their experience, knowledge, and ability. One is Steve Mattoon and the other is Paul Howe. Those of you in the community know who these men are and know that they would not carry something that would not workin combat.

Along with CRKT I am always testing and assessing the function of the Hissatsu and this includes its metallurgy. If we feel that there is something significant to be gained from changing material then that is a direction that we will take. With knife design as well as metallurgy there is not one choice that solves all problems.

Respectfully,

James Williams