Bali Q...

Disco Stu · Sep 21, 2000

Just ordered a Jaguar from Dragon Forge but while I wait for it to come in the mail I'm gonna try to learn all I can about balis.

One thing I'd like to know is this: Everyone seems to agree that Jags are pretty good except for their pins and that Bears are pretty good except for their handles. So, has anyone ever tried to put Jag handles on a Bear?

Q #2: If I decide to get ambitious, how hard is it to MAKE a butterfly knife? You know, order some 440c stock, trace the Jaguar's blade on it and grind until I have it just right. Then make some handles out of cherry or apple tree wood(both of which I have growing in my yard.) Or does a bali have to be precisely engineered?

Disco Stu

Dawkind · Sep 21, 2000

Q #2: If I decide to get ambitious, how hard is it to MAKE a butterfly knife? If you want a fluid like swing when you're manipulating the knife, everything has got to be in it's place, i.e., pin holes true, handles square to the blade, no excessive play, etc..... There's much more to making a functional knife blade than just grinding one to shape, though that is a good start. I'll have some pictures to post of my latest project in a day or two............

[This message has been edited by Dawkind (edited 09-21-2000).]

mmtmatrix · Sep 21, 2000

Jag handles on a bear? Yep, Master Clay has done it here is a link:
http://www.contrib.andrew.cmu.edu/%7Esoo/balisong/article8_2.html

As for making it, it is harder than you think, I recommend changing what is already there (franken-balis). I have tried somethings (maybe some time I will have some decent pics to show) but wood is not the best (not impossible though) for handles - I think metal works better.

mmtmatrix

BalisongMan · Sep 21, 2000

wood inserts in a metal handle but I don't think wood handles with a metal blade is a good idea, wood swells too easily (which would pinch the pins and could pinch the blade) and the wood could crack because of all the stress placed on it.

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Cameron
"It takes a killer...to stop a killer"

http://home.san.rr.com/balisongfans/galleries/kile/index.html

[This message has been edited by BalisongMan (edited 09-21-2000).]

Disco Stu · Sep 21, 2000

Thanks guys. Maybe if I decide I want a better bali after I've played with my Jaguar for a while, I'll try making a new blade for it and keep the handles. Or maybe I'll have so much fun I'll sell my bed for a Benchmade.

JohnR7 · Sep 22, 2000

>>So, has anyone ever tried to put Jag handles on a Bear?

I am not so sure that Jag does not make the better blade. It looks to me like it's a lazor cut blade. Thanks, JohnR7 <A HREF="http://www.BalisongKnife.com
" TARGET=_blank>www.BalisongKnife.com
</A> <img src=http://home.neo.rr.com/johnr7/Jaguar1.jpg>

willOthewisp · Sep 22, 2000

Jag's Ok, yes. I recently replaced the pins in one of mine with screws (rather than nails - sorry kids, no pics ... yet). It's nice & tight, and the action is now adjustable. But it's still only a Jag, & it was a pain in the butt to open up the holes in the tang. Still, I'd do it again, if I had regular access to a drill press.

Sell your BED for a BM? No - sell your SOUL for a BM!

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Yeah, well, people ... They're in tiny pieces in my bag ...

BalisongMan · Sep 22, 2000

I did this a couple months ago, the handles had already gone through hell and are now cracked. Replacing the tang pin is extremely hard (especially with the limited tools I have: hammer, nails, grinder, and a center punch). Doesn't look that great but I am learning what not to do:

------------------
Cameron
"It takes a killer...to stop a killer"

http://home.san.rr.com/balisongfans/galleries/kile/index.html