Does anyone actually use a balisong knife?

I’m from the PH, but strangely enough, I never got around to owning one. The design just felt impractical and “gimmicky” to me for some reason. I’d take a good ol’ folder like an Endura 4 for EDC any day of the week over a bali.

I’m a huuuge fan of ginuntings though. And the other 75 million traditional Filipino weapons. Perfect blend of elegant and functional.
 
I think the lack of popularity is from a mixture of punitive laws, and them being viewed as “flip” toys, rather than knives.

If I’m taking out a balisong for any work around normies, it’ll get more whimpering and fearful reactions than a more traditional knife. If it’s around knife people, the immediate thought is that its for fidgeting and flipping around.
 
The top one is by Ralph Turnbull, the bottom one for size comparison is a recent Kershaw Lucha.

Small Balisong knives.JPG
 
not2sharp said:
Are these knives practical for use and how does this folding mechanism compare with other locking mechanisms.
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A good quality bali is a perfectly functional cutting tool and just might be the strongest and safest folder design .

The limitations are mostly legal and social , IMO .
 
not2sharp said:
gerber-butterfly-machete-1327.jpg


Here is the general idea, but unfortunately, it's a Gerber. The design and materials are both way off, but it show what can be done with a little imagination.

n2s
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that looks like the love child from an orgy featuring a machete, a multitool, a balisong and Bear Gryls.
 
I use my BM31 all the time. Never need to worry about the knif accidently closing,lock-rock or lock wear. Great kitchen knife. I had a BM 42, but it was a lttle to big for pocket carry.
 
Mister_Punchy said:
What about the OTF knives ? Are they really being used for cutting and not only fidgeting ?
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I use a microtech utx-85 almost exclusively in my shop. And I am a traditional knife person. They are not strong, but oh so convenient. It’s limitations are stuff that can get in and gunk it up. No food. Tape glue, etc. But in my shop, trimming wood, fiberglass, opening plastic bags, cutting cardboard patterns, cutting rope etc, the OTF is absolutely amazingly useful.

I had a Bali back as a kid in the 80’s. It was novelty then, cheap Pakistani junk. I’m not very graceful so flipping and showing off is out of the picture. I’d cut a finger off. Seeing the guys sitting in groups at blade flipping them around kinda made me laugh and walk off. But this thread opened me up to other ideas. I may have to get one and see for myself. Maybe learn an easy open/close flip.
 
I do on occasion but whilst they are legal where I live it isn’t an argument I want to have with a cop that says it is a weapon and wants to confiscate it for his own use.





Somewhere I have a Kershaw made Bradley Kimura as well.
 
psquared said:
I do on occasion but whilst they are legal where I live it isn’t an argument I want to have with a cop that says it is a weapon and wants to confiscate it for his own use.





Somewhere I have a Kershaw made Bradley Kimura as well.
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If it's legal, let the copper confiscate, get his badge number and turn him in.
 
brownshoe said:
If it's legal, let the copper confiscate, get his badge number and turn him in.
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I always ask for indemnity insurance number.

Have them write that, along with their badge number and signature on their personal business card in wet ink before speaking to them if you know you haven't committed a crime.

No victim means no crime.

That being said, I've got a Benchmade morpho incoming. I'm pretty excited.
 
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I’ve been considering the Terrain 365 Balisong but I’m a bit concerned how it flips/functions w/ a sub-3” blade.

Has anyone tried one?
 
I carry a boker bali to work occasionally & sometimes my benchmade 52. But few actually have pocket clips which I need in order to carry & use.
 
Booba1000 said:
I carry a boker bali to work occasionally & sometimes my benchmade 52. But few actually have pocket clips which I need in order to carry & use.
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The Bear and Son Bear Song has a pocket clip.

If I like the morpho scheduled to arrive tomorrow I'll be picking one up.
 
yes I do sometimes, as I can carry and use legally where I am. work fine as cutters. prefer the pocket clips ones, i own, for carrying.
 
1AbominAble1 said:
I didn’t for a few decades but after getting this BM 85 I’m carrying one again. smooth opening and rock solid when open. Cuts very well and has enough blade for most any knife task that isn’t shelter building.
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I was tempted by a BM balisong but I’ve read that they don’t send you any replacement parts, BM voids the warranty for disassembly, and that the knife is loctited shut. Any truth to this?
 
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