Balisong Construction

S

Scott Hurst

Joined
Jul 23, 2001
Messages
23
hello, I am a relative newby to this forum. I've been reading and lurking for a couple of days and I think this is the right place to ask my question. I am a part time bladesmith and I am looking to construct a balisong. Here's the catch, I only use hand tools and no electricity. I imagine that my way of doing things is pretty close to the original way they would have been made in the Phillippines, if they are not still made that way now. I was hoping that one of you would know of a good place to look for this sort of info. I have several, and understand the concept, I guess I just want to be sure before I start on one. I seem to have a problem making something unless i have at least read a description or seen pictures of someone doing it before.

Not to put any pressure on you, but I asked this question in a knifemaker's forum and no one answered. Either they know and they are not telling or they don't know. With your knowledge you may be one up on them.

Thanks in advance
 
Hey now, Go to a posting on this forum the has D. Reif..or Reif posted.
he is a knife maker. Also check out drknives.com for examples of his work.

Mabuhay ang Balisong
(long live Balisong)
 
Wow...a traditionalist...impressive! Send me email and I'll give you the email address of a guy that can help LOTS!

I'd love to see someone take a crack at becoming a Master Bali-Maker with just hand tools. Given the time involved..., you will also need a "Labor of Love" mind-set going into that domain. Competing with high-tech equipment and attempting to make it profitable will take a great deal of mastery, many proto-types.., and a willingness to not rate your first year of work in "Dollars per Hour".

Given you are already making handmade knives part time.., you may accelerate quickly in making this type of knife. We'd love to see some of your work if you are "Camera Ready".., and everyone will certainly be supportive!!

There are some very knowledgeable folks in the Bali-Forum..., and we also buy up all the nice ones we can :cool:!!

Good Luck....talk to you soon!


"Hunters seek what they [WANT].., Seekers hunt what they [NEED]"
 
Thank you very much for the fast posts. My e-mail is kamiscott@hotmail.com I am working on a web site currently. My biggest problem is lack of pictures on it. I'm trying to remedy that now. I find that I'm too picky about what I want people to see and what i don't. Give me about a week and I'll post it to the general public. I would post a picture but I don't have any folder pics. What else are you interested in? I'm currently working on a puukko and a searles bowie.

My process is charcoal forging and fling to shape from there. I like to leave hammermarks for character, but often will file to a more finishable surface. I don't use epoxy, but will use pitch, but only as a moisture seal. My knives are mechanical fit. I pride myself on torturing the hell out of my knives and making sure they stand up to the torture. I can consistantly pass the ABS Journeyman requirements for a forged blade.

Once again, thanks for the quick posts. I really appreciate the info.
 
I too am somewhat of a traditionalist knifemaker in my spare time. I don't use electrical tools either, except for the occasional buffing with the dremmel tool.

I've made my own 13" custom throwers by use of a hacksaw and hand file and sandpaper (only one of them is near production quality and finish, but it's hard to finish these by hand with only these three items) I modified the profile of my BM42 blade with leatherman and a good old fashioned sharpening stone.:D I have some preliminary designs for my own line of balisongs as well as 5 unique bladestyles like no other I've seen anywhere. The only problem is the purchase of materials and time for production.:( I'll have to wait until after my wedding before I can start on that project.;)

Unfortunately I have no information on other makers of this fashion, but I am sure interested in your work. From your description it sounds like you are interested in making a rugged daily user, my favorite:D Hope to hear from you soon.;)
 
Given what I've seen of the Tachyon's sandwich design, I'd say go that route. This way you can save yourselves the hassle of milling out the channel for the blade. Properly engineered and designed, it works very well. And I can easily see how they can lengthen or shorten the handles fairly easily, while keeping the tang and latch assembly the same, to accommodate new blade styles. Buy the Tachyon, and once you deconstruct it in your mind, you'll change the way you want to make your bali. Can't afford the Tachyon, don't worry, cheap knock off should be riding it's tail fairly shortly (you heard it here first).
 
Thanks again for all the info. I probably will buy a tacheyon eventually. I have some good information to work on right now and hope to start on one this week or next.At the very least i will have all the supplies and tools necessary to try ready this week. I'm thinking right now a 52100 blade, brass bolsters, and ironwood handles. I haven't decided whether or not to leave the hammermarks in the blade yet. As far as Philipino tradition, They don't, but I have to have some creative license. As a point to note, by hammermarks i don't mean forge scale. By putting the ofrged blade in a vinegar bath, I take the forge scale off and leave the hammermarked texture. Anyway...You'll see the results if they're worth seeing.
 
I too am new at the balisong making, and would appreciate any contacts or info available. I've learned quite a bit just by going through this forum, but would like to be able to pick the brain of an experienced maker, or see some turtorials. What I've had in mind for the first few is something using construction similar the the new Tachyon's. I had this in my head anyway, before ever seeing it today on this forum. Once again, any help appreciated. My email knives4u3@juno.com
 
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