Custom filework on BM42

Blackjack_21

Blackjack_21

Joined
May 15, 2001
Messages
522
I'm thinking about having some custom filework done on my BM42, and was curious as to who in the US would do a good job of it. I'm thinking about giving Darrel Ralph a call, but with his projects in the works, he's probably too busy. So, any other names come to mind? :D:D
 
Just depends on what you want "filed" Black-Jack...if you want something truly "unreal" in filing ~~~> Frank Recupero!! Forest Hills New York!

Email me and I'll give you contact information...

You can also see the ultimately filed Balisong on Chuck's site.., it's a Model 45 that Frank did! Incredible!! ~~> not inexpensive!



"Hunters seek what they [WANT].., Seekers hunt what they [NEED]"
 
It's actually not on the site right now. That was a vault exhibit and they come and go.

But, I put it back for you. You have to know "the secret URL," though. Click here. Frank has sworn off the old Bali-Songs with the hidden pins. But I'll bet he'd do one of the new ones for you.
 
Originally posted by Gollnick
Click here. Frank has sworn off the old Bali-Songs with the hidden pins. But I'll bet he'd do one of the new ones for you.
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That is outstanding! Awesome!:eek: :eek:
 
Chuck - that is a really nice balisong! How does it feel while you're flipping it? With all those nobs on the sides of the handles does it scratch or catch on your hands?

Jack - you might also check out reese weiland, he does customizing - just posted in the gallery a tachyon he did some polishing and filework on. http://www.rwcustomknives.com/

Also, Chuck Gedrait (striper28), I believe posted he does customizing filework, too..
 
Just depends on what you want "filed" Black-Jack...if you want something truly "unreal" in filing ~~~> Frank Recupero!! Forest Hills New York!
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That's a bit more than I had in mind, as far as filing goes. I haven't quite figured out what I want, but I carry my 42 in one of Clay's deluxe belt sheathes, and I don't wanna tear up the Concealex more than I have to. :D
I'd like some work done on the spine of the blade, the lastch, and maybe the handles when they're open, but as for closed, I still don't want to mess with the fit of the sheath. Thanks for the leads, guys. :D:D
 
It sounds like a perfect opportunity for you to take on a new hobby. Get yourself a Dremel tool or whatever tool suits you, grab some wood and start practicing. After you get good with making your design in wood, find some scrap metal and try it there. Then when you feel that you're confident with your skills, try it on your bali handle. Who knows you might get so good, that others will want you to customize theirs and then you might turn it into a part time business. Custom bali fever is spreading all over!

Mike
 
It sounds like a perfect opportunity for you to take on a new hobby. Get yourself a Dremel tool or whatever tool suits you, grab some wood and start practicing. After you get good with making your design in wood, find some scrap metal and try it there. Then when you feel that you're confident with your skills, try it on your bali handle. Who knows you might get so good, that others will want you to customize theirs and then you might turn it into a part time business. Custom bali fever is spreading all over!
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Yeah, it is spreading. :D I'd have to get the Dremel first. That's the ONE THING I don't have to make my tool collection at least a LITTLE less puny. :D:D
That's a good idea, but I'd have to ruin a couple knives first, and I don't have the cash to ruin any, unless they're Jag's. :D:D
 
My younger brother was married in Oregon last summer. His wife's family is coincidently from this area. Anyway, he came out here to meet the family and stayed with me. We were supposed to go out for pizza and bowling with them one night. But, he suddenly announced that he wasn't feeling well. So, we made our appologies and headed home. After we were out of earshot, he turned to me and said, "Let's go someplace nice for dinner."

I said, "But thought you weren't feeling well."

"Now that we're not going for pizza and bowling, I'm suddenly feeling better."

"Oh. Oh, and thank you."

So, we headed to Alexandero's. They've never failed to squeeze me in even without a reservation. When the waiter came to take our orders, my brother ordered something and handed his menu over. I closed my menu up, handed it back to the waiter, and said, "Surprise me."

My brother's dinner was good. But mine was a veal in a wonderful sauce with portabella mushrooms. It was magical. When the waiter returned and tentatively asked me how my dinner was, I couldn't stop complimenting it. Then, he asked my brother about his. My brother pointed at my plate and said, "I didn't see that on the menu!"

"Ah, no. That's the chef's personal specialty. He's the only one who can make it perfectly and he won't let any of the other's make it. So, we don't put it on the menu because if he's not here or if he's busy, well, then it can't be made."

After dinner, the waiter brought the desert menus. I ordered something, probably something very chocolate. My younger brother, though, handed the menu back and said, "Surprise me."

My desert was, I'm sure, very nice. But the Flaming Banana Alexander prepared tableside (not on the menu) was spectacular.

When I sent Frank that BM45, I told him simply "Surprise me." I thought he'd file the spine of the blade. But, he filed every edge on that thing. It's incredible.

I've talked to him about doing a BM42. I should send him one one of these days. He says that filing Ti handles will take more work, but it's not a problem.

By the way, fancy file work is actually done with files, not power tools. I was surprised to learn that myself.

How does it feel, well, everything is very smooth and very nicely finished. It's not rough at all. Still, I do find that the extensive file work on the handles of this one does interfer slightly with manipulation.

If you send one off to Frank or anyone else, please post your results. I'm sure that everyone would love to see it.
 
Still, I do find that the extensive file work on the handles of this one does interfer slightly with manipulation.
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That's the one thing I was afraid of, Chuck. I don't have very rough hands, but I still want my 42 to pivot, spin, twirl and so on without too much slowdown. I might have to wait a while, since it's the slow time of year at work, but I'll look into it. :D:D
 
Originally posted by Gollnick

By the way, fancy file work is actually done with files, not power tools. I was surprised to learn that myself.
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I realize that, hence the name, "file work" is done with files. I was just suggesting that the Dremel rotoray tool as a possible option. When I began converting my BM 42 to a latchless, I began using my Dremel with a cutoff wheel to remove the unwanted portion of the handle. I worked on that thing forever, and got nowhere.:( I did learn that there was too much titanium for my poor little cutoff wheel, but I also learned that with a little practice I could probably do some creative work. Also, a possibility of using the scribing or engraving bits to ornament the handles. One of these days, if I ever get time, I may try my hand at some custom etching on my handles. I did mess around with scrimshaw several years ago & have been thinking about getting into that again & try making inserts for bali handles. First, I need to clone myself, so I can tackle all the projects I have floating around in my head.:D

Mike
 
Blackjack_21,
I have been doing custom filework for Jerry Shipman (knifenut) here on the forums. I do it all by hand and with files. He has been very happy with it. I can do almost anything that you would like. You can see examples of my work at my website which is at the bottom of this post.
Thanks,
Chuck
 
Thanks for squeezing that back on the site Chuck! I have seen some guys to some nice esthetic detailing (AKA ~~> "filework") with Dremmel Tools, but all the best work I've seen is by hand..., and Frank has never used anything but hand files for his work.

If anyone is a stereo nut.., he also makes the best sounding "all tube" amplifier I've ever heard!! Very talented guy!



"Hunters seek what they [WANT].., Seekers hunt what they [NEED]"
 
Originally posted by Gollnick
I closed my menu up, handed it back to the waiter, and said, "Surprise me."

My brother's dinner was good. But mine was a veal in a wonderful sauce with portabella mushrooms. It was magical. When the waiter returned and tentatively asked me how my dinner was, I couldn't stop complimenting it.
Click to expand...
what would a cb look like if you placed an order at dobruski with the following desciption: "surprise me." ?

i'd sure like to see that one... :D
 
Well, I've sent out a couple of feelers based on the info I got from you folks, and am getting some estimates based on what I want done. Thanks for the help, it's nice to know you guys are looking out for the little guys of the world. :D If things go well, I'm going to get either a Tachyon, or see if there is a Gemini floating around before the end of the Spring. If not, a black-handled BM47 is next on my list. Or, maybe a BM30 with an Xtreme neck sheath. I don't know, it depends on how much money I can squeeze Uncle Sam for before April 15. :D:D
 
I just picked up a Dremel last week. It's like the magic wand of power tools. I hear if you drag a power cord, it'll slice through a chain link fence in under a minute :rolleyes: :cool:.

I've always found filework to be one of the most beautiful things that can be done as custom work to a knife. One of the leading things that I had to stop thinking about to restrain myself from weeping in awe over on the Gemini's.

With just the Dremel and some other half-assed rusty tools (hacksaw/drill/bunch of big files/etc).. I'd like to learn how to do some filework.

Any generic advice? I'm not looking for a hardcore discussion here, just basically what I *can* do with these tools and a scrap balisong. What Dremel tips I should use, what parts of the balisong should be played with and which I should stay away from. "Don't try such and such until you're competant" tips are especially usefull.

Oh.. and no titanium for me. Scrap steel/Chamers for now.

Thanks in advance.
 
Striper, pardon my bad eyes, but that auto looks like was made out of Damascus steel. :eek: :D
If that's filework, I might need to send me 42 to you. Just in case, you do know what a BM 42 looks like, don't you? :D:D Just kidding, I trust your knowledge to be better than mine. I just want some filework on my knife to make it look a little more custom than it does. I'd mostly like the latch done, the handles, and the spine of the blade. I don't want something that's radical, like the one Gollnick has, I just want to make the knife more "mine" than it was before. If I have any other ideas, I'll let you know.
Great work, BTW, from your albums. I like what I see. :D:D
 
what would a cb look like if you placed an order at dobruski with the following desciption: "surprise me." ?

i'd sure like to see that one...
Click to expand...

I did and you will.
 
Wow Chuck! I did the exact same thing and he sent me the most wonderful paella with a dainty clam sauce and oregeno-seasoned red potatoes!

I really can't wait to see this. I bet you realize that your standing in the balisong world will probably encourage him to make the most incredible swinger in his power.
 
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