Bali's, Folders, Karambits and Fighters Oh My!...Where should I focus my efforts?

[willrise]

Big Fast Well Balanced Fighters Only

 

[wetdog1911]

Blinker, based on my "analysis" of current knife trends, I would think that balis are the way to go. Fighters are used by a niche market, as are kerambits, but balisongs seem to have a strong collector's and user's market right now. The fact that you can make this style of knife already is even more important. There aren't THAT many guys doing these well on the custom/handmade level, and you've gotten good feedback from people on this forum, so I don't think you could go too wrong sticking with that for a while.

I gotta go with Chiro on this. I only have one folder, a Sebbie, and NO kerambits. I do EDC a smaller Busse along with the Sebbie.

How can I explain this? The Busse (Active Duty) blade is almost identical to the large classic sebbie in everything except thickness, and it is only slightly thicker. It also feels about 20x stronger than the sebbie when in the hand. This may or may not be the case, I've never put either to the test, but the Busse isn't broken in the middle. LOL (I'm not a big folder guy, but do like quality).

The Sebbie is just for the sheeple, who never see the Busse. Thet freak out on a FB, even one shorter than an open sebbie. Go figure!

Much reading and research later shows, a Bali is the inherently strongest of the 'broken' knives bunch. Sounds good to me! I want something as close to FB strength as I can get and not freak people out. No flipping, no tricks, just taking it out of the pouch nice and easy and getting the job done with no worries.

Sorta like using a Supermatic instead of a full race 1911 just because.

I'd really like my first Bali to be one of yours.

Rob

 

[Nixelplix]

Karambits have been around for a long time, and they are a proven battle knife, and they seem good for utility tasks like opening boxes or cutting rope, but I bet you'd have a hell of a time dressing out a deer with one.

I've dressed out deer, cleaned fish, ducks, geese, and phesants, broke down boxes, opened letters, cut rope, branches and stuff, prepared meals, and ate them all with the same balisong.

 

[Robert Hankins]

Mr Nixel
Cracked me up
The more I play with my Bali's the more I get hooked.
Although Karambits have that mystic appeal not much opens the eyes as wide as subtly reaching into your back pocket and doing a "Quick" flick of the wrist---Suddenly they are staring at a gleeming 3/16" thick piece of steel with an OAL of 10"
Attention getter for sure
And yes the are strong, mine use Ti or SS liners, #8 or #10 SS bolts, stainless pivots, w/bronze bushings and washers.

Mind you I am no where near proficient with this style blade but do carry with confidence. Mastering a lightning quick open blade is relatively easy, especially if you use G10 on the handles and aforementioned bronze hardware to make em quieter!

 

[Robert Hankins]

What are your thoughts on a Douk-Douk Custom knife?

 

[Trout Tamer]

Blinker, as per your original post, I'll join the throng and tell ya: Balisong! haha, an unintentional rhyme Ok, back to business - as Chiro pointed out, Balis are growing in popularity from both sides of the market (user and collector) and there sure aren't too many custom makers that do 'em (at least, I don't know of many...) Since yours are basically there for functionality, I'd hit them running.

As a second type, I'd go with folders... the upcoming Blade magazine is supposed to have an article on how folding knives are THE thing in knifedom, these days. Since it's folders that we carry, I'd say, keep on making folders. And, yeah, if inspiration strikes, throw out the random fighter/hunter/kerambit/bowie/ fixed thing. But, for now, I think your meat-and-potatoes knife (literally, too!!) will be those that fold...

And, by the way, I don't know what a douk-douk is...

 

[ginshun]

I would say either bali's or lockbacks, but hey, what do I know.

 

[loandr.]

Hello Robert,
Hey most importantly you are making what you enjoy right ....personally I have always thought your BEST work was with Fixed blades! you KNOW I have quite the "toy box" and frankly the second blade down (The Recurve fighter w/ convex edge) is still one of the FASTEST blades in my hand that I own, LITERALLY..... Pics are of A few of my fav's to date. SOOO LESS painting and MORE grinding!!! In all fairness I like the looks of your bali's as well!!!! and am not a folder kind of guy.....Give me a small fixed blade anyday.



Russ/Loandr.

 

[Robert Hankins]

Although variety is the spice of life

Probably about time to concentrate on one or two style of blades.
Been a while since those were made...kinda like seing old friends.
Enjoy them and thanks for the kind words!

 

[loandr.]

oldies BUT GOODIES, i assure you . and THANK U.
Loandr./Russ

 

[Robert Hankins]

Have finally been released from my indentured servitude (sp) as I took a real job this summer. Talk about suck
Anyway after a serious bout of shop withdrawal I am back in the Saddle again!!!

 

[Keith Montgomery]

I think diversity and selection are very important for a maker. A few styles wtth different models in each style would probably work well for you.

I have not seen any bowies from you in quite awhile, Robert. Also, are you still doing any forging.

 

[Robert Hankins]

Keith the forging lasted for a short while till it hit 105degs here in the desert.
No forging blood in me I guess...although it does offer more design flexability.

Watch for some Bali's or Folders with Hamon line's in the not to distant future
Been practicing thanks to Don Fogg, Chiro and others advice.