Balisongs practical EDC?

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fishbulb

Joined
Sep 18, 2001
Messages
1,196
I have a variety of folders that I carry for day-to-day utility purposes, and have recently found myself seriously considering adding a Balisong too. They are one of the few knives that I would describe a s beautiful, and look like they would be fun to learn. Certainly more skill involved than the average folder. The only reservation that I have is that the majority of balis that I see have a rather long, thin blade with a severe false edge grind that I don't see as being ideal for everyday chores. Do you find yourself having to supplement your bali with another knife to have a really effective EDC?

Regardless, I still want one. Any reccommendations? I would prefer to spend under 100 but could probably go double that if neccisary. I understand that Bear makes inexpensive balis, but I am wary of anything that costs that much less than the competition.
 
I carry a BM 42 as an EDC. I use one of Clay's, IWB Xtreme Sheath-Works rigs. I do supplement a Balisong with a tactical folder in my front pocket, lately a CRKT M18 or Spyderco Chinook.

I always like to have an impact tool for pressure point attacks. I'm a strong believer in "less than lethal attack and run like hell" if at all possible. A closed BM 42 (or 43, 47) will give you five inches of kubaton and the tang end, being narrow, will concentrate the applied force. You can also use a "handle flail" attack to the face with equal effect.

Now, you could simply carry the Bali all by itself, (I personally find all of the blades equally useful for everyday chores, etc) but were's the fun in that?

As far as price, you can buy Benchmades for $109.95. A great deal, no matter how you slice it!
 
I tend to agree with you about your weariness about the Bears. They are far below BM's and the like in terms of quality. I personally carry my 43 as an EDC (at least until I get a 31) and have found it as a very good companion.
 
for day-to-day utility purposes
Click to expand...

Fishbulb, good question, valid points. I agree that a four to five inch blade is a little too large for day-to-day utility purposes.
You are also correct that bali's are much more fun than folders and even more fun than auto's. And yes, correct again, the Bear and Jaguars are good to learn and practice on, but they are not a good solid user. Benchmade has a new model, BM31, coming out in December.
Three inch blade. It won't be that good to learn to manipulate due to the small size and weight, but it should make a great "user". Here is a link to Benchmade's site on the 31.
http://www.benchmade.com/detail.asp?id=3017305831733&item=129
Don't get jumpy about the price, you can order it for around $82.00 here. www.newgraham.com
Not listed yet on this site, but you can call or email to pre-order.
You will find a very good price on the BM 42 or 43, which would be a good quality bali to swing. Larger and better weight.
I could go on forever and talk about the Tachyon, but I will shut up now. ;)
 
That BM 31 is exactly dead-on what I'm looking for. It even has a pocket clip. Now for the most important question, which I'm almost afraid to ask. Are Balis legal in Ohio and Michigan? I want one, but not enough to get arrested. I know that the legality of balis can be a bit of a gray area, but any help with this would be appreciated.
 
Quick suggestion:
Go to http://www.1sks.com they will price match any price for a benchmade. Tell them about the price on newgraham.com and they will match it.

Plus, 1sks is affiliated with BladeForums.com, so you're helping out the message board.

Okay, after that. In michigan there is a ver vage law about blade size, they say 3 inches can be concealed, if larger than 3, it must be displayed in plain sight (no, inside your wastband or clipped to a pocket isnt "plain sight")

Since the 31 is 3 inches, you should be fine clipping it to your pocket. Although the Michigan law has a clause that says "no dangerous weapons" that could mean pen or pencils. I really dont think you'll ever have a problem with it as long as you use it when you need to use it, and dont show it off. Also dont do anything stupid while you have it on.

I dont know about ohio though...
 
I started carrying a PC custom bali over 20 years ago. For the last 9 years, I have carried a BM custom bali. Since I learned that the customs are no longer made and are considered collectible, I carry a BM 42. I don't like it that much but I don't have much choice from BM. If they ever start making steel handles for the balis again I'll carry one of those.
I think that ti handles are just too light. Lots of folks don't agree with me. Thats why I want a choice.
When the bugs get worked out of the Monarch I'll give that one a good work out.
But you can't go wrong with a bali for EDC. Just make sure its legal where you live.
 
Balisong = EDC. Surely.

I carry a BM43 and a lightweight BM Ascent. When in highly visible public areas, the world would frown upon me doing a double windmill opening. However, I choose to just take my lockback off my belt in those situations.

When I'm by myself or around people that aren't offended by a little razzle dazzle, out comes the 43.

I believe that the 31's will probably put an end to both my 43 and my lightweight ascent.

-j-
 
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