gearing up for my next bali purchase... .

Joined
Aug 10, 2000
Messages
475
so, what should i get?
i'm thinking seriously about a 43. possibly an aluminum swat, possibly a monarch. can't make up my mind! please help convince me to get the bali you love most and think will be the best for an edc. i'll let you know what my final decision is, and why, once it's time.
peace.
aleX.
 
Hey Alex :)...well you've set yourself up a torturous situation :)...but it's always fun the browse the possibilities! I do have a couple of 43's, 3 SWAT Models.., and I fooled around with Richard's Proto-type of the Monarch at the Oregon Show in April., so maybe this will help??

Since you mentioned your next purcahse as an EDC piece, I (personally) would rule out the SWAT....simply bacause of the 5" blade. Obviously that's a prejudicial judgement on my part, but I think if it's "Urban Carry" you are talking about, 5" is a little bit much.

So if we're down to the 43 vs. the Monarch..., there are a couple of considerations. They are two very different knives..., not necessarily because of Wee-Hawk vs Collver Bowie, or the ATS-34 vs. 440C blade steel, but the Monarch is twice the weight (I could be off a hair on this). I think the 43 is 4.1 ounces, and I'm not gonna look it up right now :) .., but the Monarch is a little over 8 ounces..., more in the traditon of the Classic Stainless Steel handled Balis from the glory days of BM.

I'm an old guy, so I really like the feel of the older SS handles vs. the Ti-Handles. I also think both knives would probably make you pretty happy, but if you really intend to carry and use it everyday I might lean towards the Monarch because it's going to have the largest diameter pins ever produced on a Balisong..., making it a pretty solid choice for strength. The edge-holding capabilites of the ATS-34 vs. the 440C on the 43 is no big "Whoop" to me, but maybe a consideration depending on how you use your knife?

There is also the obvious point that the 43 is already "out there"...and we know it's a darn good knife!! I think the Monarch will be a very good piece, but as mentioned I only handled a "Proto".

Just some thoughts.....see ya!

"Hunters seek what they [WANT]..., Seekers hunt what they [NEED]"
 
thanks, guys! i think i'll try to pick up a monarch, to see if i like the ss handles. i already know i like the lightweight Ti handles, so i figure it's time to experiment a little.
now to run to class...
peace.
aleX.
 
Back
Top