Anyone prefer SWAT?

Runs With Scissors

Runs With Scissors

Joined
Dec 3, 2000
Messages
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I've been reading back quite awhile on the threads here, and by all indications it seems that Benchmades rule roost so to speak....so, I was wondering if anyone here actually preferred SWAT, overall?

And another question...last week I went ahead and ordered one of the red handles 9/11 SWAT Balisongs...my wife and I are having a little debate over it...in short...
I WANNA PLAY WITH IT!!
WANNA PLAY!!
WANNA PLAY!!:D :D

She says put it away, and keep it in mint condition, cause it may be worth something one day....:( So, what do y'all think? should I? should I?

Already beginning to understand the mention on my previous post about my wallet taking a hard hit, two Balisongs in two weeks, and if I can't play with the red SWAT I'm already planning to get a black one next week! *l*

Uhmmm...speaking of my previous post...I don't wanna drag it up from the dead or anything, but did wanna say thank you for the warm welcome.

hope y'all have a good 'un!
 
What I like about the Black Aluminum SWAT's:
5" blade for long reach.
Lightweight for very comfortable all day not-even-there carry.
Sandwich construction for a smooth swing, albeit a liitle slow.

What I don't like:
Very thin blade.
The Brass one is really really heavy.

As for the Red SWAT, only 22 were made, so you figure that one out. I've already flipped mine, and it flips the same as the black one.
 
I like the SWAT, But I wish BM made a 5 incher that wouldn't cost an arm and a leg.:D
 
If there are really only 22 of them (which I'm not sure of).., then it's sort of a "No-Brainer" the way Balisong value is going now. Your wife is right (but don't tell her, just do what she says) <~~ that was a joke!

I'm not sure the SWAT Balisong (the originals that we've seen so far)...will ever command the prices of the "real guys"...(i.e., BS-C, PCC, BM Customs, etc.) The standard "mystery alloy handles"...don't make it for me as far as handling; and this is not an attempt to start a war with people who love them! We all have different preferences and that's how the body works motorically.

For me.., the SWAT was/is a good first attempt, using good materials, to make a really good Balisong.., but I do think they fell short in some areas (perfectly acceptable for me).

Version #1, with the alloy handles, has poor "blade-length-to-handle" dyanmics. It is smooth!! I think some good thinking went into the "pin/pivot" design. As a "mover".., I think it lacks much of what we all talk about daily when we swing a piece that just feels perfect.

As I've mentioned before (previously posted), I also don't like the overall aesthetics of the blade (especially the shortness of the swedge) <~~ just me maybe.., but I'd like to see a more concerted effort in profiling the blade of a 5" model.

As Tony mentioned.., the brass handled model (Version #2), is really heavy! I think that "heavy" feeling is exacerbated by the lack of consideration for "balance-of-design". The brass model actually handles better for me.., but I'm used to the heavy handles of the "old days", and I do think there is a pretty uncomfortable feel when you use exactly the same blade (weight & length)...with handles that have far more inertia during manipulation.

Geeeesh...get me back on topic!!!! :eek:

If you have to have the "Red 9/11" Model.., I'd certainly guess it's gonna be a good investment at some point. I just don't know if your agenda is "selling" or having a great knife??



"Hunters seek what they [WANT].., Seekers hunt what they [NEED]"
 
Originally posted by ExamonLyf
If there are really only 22 of them (which I'm not sure of).., then it's sort of a "No-Brainer" the way Balisong value is going now.
Click to expand...
Pete, here's the verification from Phil.

From: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=177200
Originally posted by 2thehilt
Did I mention they only made 22 of these. And they are selling fast. Phil
Click to expand...
And I agree with you in that SWAT's are not known for holding their value. Lately, I've seen the Black ones in excellent condition used ones go for under $100. But still, if I had to carry and flip a SWAT, it'll be the Black one. Those markings on the Red one aren't all that well etched...
 
I very much appreciate the input!

I guess the reason I was asking about actually using the Red SWAT was kinda two fold. For one thing I'm so new to Balisongs that I'm really not aware of what is or isn't out there. Up 'till a week or so ago my reaction to all balisongs was to grunt politely and continue my search for a traditional folder. I've seen some of the Benchmades, the SWAT's and the MT's coming out....other than that I'm pretty clueless as to what's out there and the values.

Another thing I've noticed is....it seems the reception for SWATs seems to be rather lukewarm, which mildly surprises me. A friend of mine (whose usually pretty reliable) was telling me that there's only 300 or so of the black ones out there, and it seems like they just aren't catching on that well. I kinda figured if the red ones were such a hot deal, they wouldn't have still been available. (I'm always too slow on the REALLY good deals) *l* So, as things stand for me now, I'm slippin' the 9/11 into the back of the gunsafe, and hunting down a black one to further decorate my knuckles with. Once again, I really do appreciate the advice and perspectives!
 
Yeah I do now remember that post about only 22 Red 911 Swats.., but I couldn't recall where I heard it -duhhhhh-.

And "Scissors".., yeah I think it's a good decision to keep that guy in good shape for a while to see what happens.

I laugh everytime I see your "Runs with Scissors" handle on here because it reminds me how many times my Grandmother yelled at me for goofing around with scissors. :cool:

Very cool name! I wish I'd have thought of it!


"Hunters seek what they [WANT].., Seekers hunt what they [NEED]"
 
In a phone conversation (about two weeks back) with Phil at 2theHilt, he assured me there are only 22 red SWATs (not 100 as originally thought), two of which are mine. The red finish is like the anodized finished one finds on custom car, braided hose fittings--very sharp looking. These two go to the back of the safe. BM 45s were available in abundance not too long before they quit making them--just a thought. :)
 
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