Help newbie with first balisong!!!

M

medic1

Joined
Aug 4, 2001
Messages
9
I have decided to purchase my first balisong!!

Dont know much about them, and was wondering if i can get info on the differences, advantages/disadvantages of the 42,43,47 and which one i should buy?

Any information will be appreciated!!

Thanks-JP

PS: ChungSan, I saw the pair of balisongs you posted under the thread {Enough said!! Who uses two hands?} they are NICE! Where did you get the one with the wood color handle, what model #, Where can I get one like that!!
 
1st of all welcome to the forums.

As for the Bm models it doesnt really matter to me. From what I hear the Tanto is a little tip heavy, and a little slow, the bowie is pretty fast, and the 42 is in the middle somewhere. Get whichever bladestyle you like best. As for Chung Sans balis those go for about $700 a pop. There custom made from when Benchmade/PacificCutlery/Bali-Song cutlery made custom Balis. They are rare and very collectable. I will garantee Chung San doesnt flip those( he probably doesst touch them with out gloves). If you absolutely have to have one like that Mr. Dobruski makes some very nice knives that Ive heard nothing but good things about. His prices are also very reasonable considering its all handmade, just like Chung Sans customs. Cant wait till I get mine.
 
All depends on your price range.

In the $0-$50 range, get yourself a Jaguar. You'll need to re-pin it, but it's the best bali for your buck. You can find them at www.knifezilla.com

In the $50-$100 range, you could probably find yourself a BM42

In the $100-150 range, you'll find the BM43 and BM47 (BTW, all benchmades are of highest quality and will withstand a lifetime of beating), and the Monarch. The Monarch is pretty heavy, but very sturdy. At least as far as it seems, it is, as I don't think anyone here has one yet. for the monarch, go to http://www.knifemart.com/monarch.htm

In the $150+ range, you've got the Tachyon (that is to say, you can pre-order one). Gollnick gave us a really positive preview, but do note it's not your traditional bali. It has a next-generation look to it (I see it as a melding of technology and utility), is slightly shorter than your average bali, and very light. Looks to be lighter than the 42/3/7's. Check it out at http://www.wowinc.com/tachyon.htm

welcome........to the balisong world
 
Thanks for the compliment. Balisong boy is right on the price. The one on the left is white micarta and the one on the right is a dark maroon micarta. Both are hand ground by Jody Samson himself.:cool: Leep hunting the internet and local knife shows. You'll eventually find one. I don't see why someone would pay that much for a balisong to manipulate, I never have manipulated mine.
 
I don't see why someone would pay that much for a balisong to manipulate
Click to expand...

I don't see why someone would pay that much for a balisong for it just to sit there and do nothing.
 
Originally posted by BalisongMan


I don't see why someone would pay that much for a balisong for it just to sit there and do nothing.
Click to expand...

I agree in a way, but then again there is a different between 'collecting' and 'using' is there? :)
 
Would you experienced guys recommend someone begin learning to manipulate with an inexpensive bali, or start off with a quality one right away?
 
Well, I'm no expert, but when I started flipping again after a long hiatus, I learned all of my new tricks on a new BM42 and BalisongXtreme.com. I say, if you can afford it (or if you can wait til you can afford it), then get a Benchmade. I personally feel that they are WELL worth the extra money.
 
I recommend starting with the cheapest bali one can find, perhaps buying 4 of them to last a while longer. I've had fairly good luck with Discount Knives, and their prices are the best I know of.

I'm surprised that there wasn't a big rush to hype the BM42, which happened around a month ago when someone else needed their first balisong. I'm partial to cheapies because:
<ul>
<li>They're cheap. Not too much cash sunk if you decide balis aren't your thing. There's also no real fear of damaging one (e.g. by dropping), since replacement is trivial/inexpensive.
<li>They're crappy. It's easy to dull the blade if desired, and one layer of electrical tape is plenty to guard one of their factory edges.
</ul>
If/when you figure out the search function, try searching this forum for buying suggestions. This is not the first time this question has come up, and you may find more complete answers.

Edited to add a qualification after my experience with the BM 42 and 40T:

If you're unsure about whether you'll like flipping (i.e. never tried out or borrowed a bali), start cheap. As soon as you discover that you like it, spring for a 42 or a 40T, as they tend to be cheaper than the rest of the 40-series.
 
Well if you don't think you are going to keep doing it then get a cheapy and that'll do fine. However when I got my first cheapy it was so cheap that when it broke I almost quit using them altogether. But then I realized that all balisongs aren't created equal. If it invades your sleep like it does most of us just go for the gold and get a BM.
 
Originally posted by BalisongMan


I don't see why someone would pay that much for a balisong for it just to sit there and do nothing.
Click to expand...

I don't know why someone would pay that much for a balisong to manipulate.:D
 
I don't know why someone would pay that much for a balisong to manipulate.
Click to expand...

All kinds of balisongs and Bali-Songs, custom and production, were made to be flipped (especially by me :D) :D

I guess that is why people have different opinions, I can see why ChungSan wants to keep his custom Bali-Songs in good condition so that they will keep and [hopefully] increase in value. But I buy not to sell, but to use. :p To each his own
 
Unless you have any joint related problems (i.e., tendonitus, etc.)in your fingers, I'd go with a Jaguar (a couple of 'em) to start out with. You will save $$$$..., because as many mentioned previously, you can get them quite inexpensively..., plus I think you will build strength and dexterity much faster with heavier handles than with the new BM Ti-Handles.

Plus you will pretty much trash the blade anyway while learning, and should give serious consideration to filing the blade down on your first practice pieces.

Personally I wouldn't shave the factory edge off a nice piece to learn with, but one bad "bite" can delay your progress for a few weeks
while it heals, so dulling the edge while learning on a couple of relatively economical Balis with decent balance sounds like the strategy of choice to me.

Obviously these are JMO's....it's hard to resist getting at least one nice Bali even when you start out. Just some thoughts..., good luck with it!!
"Hunters seek what the [WANT]..., Seekers hunt what they [NEED]"
Click to expand...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top