Just wanted to introduce myself. Ive been interested in balisongs for as long as Ive been aware of them. The first balisong I ever saw was a Pacific Cutlery with brass handles. One of my cousins had it, and I was amazed with the flashy opening technique. I remember my cousin commenting on how this particular brand of balisong was far better than any other. I was shocked when he told me how much he paid for it- $400 if I remember correctly. On August 9, 1986, I bought my first balisong at a flea market. According to the Balisong Ownership Record in the back of my copy of The Balisong Manual, it was a 4-inch Bowie, 440 Steel, with 4 ½-inch brass skeletonized handles. Cost me $17.00.
I managed to get a couple other balis back then, when you could still buy them in California. They were all cheap, but I had fun with them. I was living in Japan around 1988, and bought a very nice one with chrome handles. Im pretty sure it was Japanese made, but I couldnt tell you the maker. Unfortunately, that particular knife is still in Japan somewhere.
My interest in balisongs was rekindled over the past few months, due to (1) buying my first Benchmade 42 on a trip to Portland, and (2) finding BalisongXtreme.com and this forum. Ive really been enjoying learning new techniques, and the 42 works like a dream. Im a martial artist (wing chun), but I practice balisong just for fun.
I managed to get a couple other balis back then, when you could still buy them in California. They were all cheap, but I had fun with them. I was living in Japan around 1988, and bought a very nice one with chrome handles. Im pretty sure it was Japanese made, but I couldnt tell you the maker. Unfortunately, that particular knife is still in Japan somewhere.
My interest in balisongs was rekindled over the past few months, due to (1) buying my first Benchmade 42 on a trip to Portland, and (2) finding BalisongXtreme.com and this forum. Ive really been enjoying learning new techniques, and the 42 works like a dream. Im a martial artist (wing chun), but I practice balisong just for fun.
