Balisongs from Italy

[Allen E. Treat]

To : ALL

Just ordered a small Italian balisong from
www.knifezilla.com ; these baby's were originally imported by the notorious Michael Beltame. I notice
they're "out of stock" on his website but knifezilla has a few. I opted for the smaller version with the 2.75"
blade, having had an original balisong when they first were bought to the U.S. in the late 70's/early 80's, their blades were short. Manipulating a smaller version is faster IMO than the larger 3.5"-6"
bladed ones. Maybe it's just me?

AET

 

[tonyccw]

Originally posted by Allen E. Treat
Manipulating a smaller version is faster IMO than the larger 3.5"-6" bladed ones. Maybe it's just me?

It's you, and a lack of understanding of physics; specifically rotational inertia. Shorter handles means a smaller travel circumference for the handle. That along with a shorter distance to the pivot point, means less spinning mass, and thus a faster rate of travel. Think ice skating. When the skater has her arms extended out, she spins much slower than when she pulls her arms towards her. Or tie a small weight to a piece of string. Find out what spins faster between your hand and the weight with the same level of energy spent: the long string, or the shorter string.

But I'm glad to see you've decided to buy a balisong, even after all your negative comments about it, here in a previous thread, and regarding the Spyderco Spyderfly at the Spyderco forum.

 

[Allen E. Treat]

My comments weren't "negative"; I just was just seeking "opines" &
relating that I tend to "disdain" them, for my trouble with manipulating one. I've actually had quite a few of'em : the original bali ( which was imported from the Philipines & came in a wooden box, it also had stag handles ), the Benchmade in combo edge (kinda bulky to whip open fast enough for me) and
a coupla "Rostfrei" types. This little "Maniago" made one should fit
the bill for my old bali. Just a note : I make punditry of knives ; I
don't condemn owners of switchblades, balis, dirks, daggers,
"boot knives", gravity knives as that is the brief of the "lawmakers". IMO it's all "images"
of that which an offender MIGHT carry or use during the commition of
a crime, and hey, the offender seldom uses knives anymore, Try an Ak-47 with some spare 30rd mags!

AET

 

[tonyccw]

Originally posted by Allen E. Treat
My comments weren't "negative"; I just was just seeking "opines" &
relating that I tend to "disdain" them, for my trouble with manipulating one.

That clears things up. A lack of understanding always acts as a barrier to the appreciation of the finer aspects of things.