Is this bali any good??

Q

Quicksilver2017

Joined
Jul 2, 2001
Messages
6
ive kinda sold my nice collection of old BM's and PC's (to some of those older members out there thats actually remember the pics of them, i even sold my BM42 and 43AS:().....im trying to find a good beginner bali(not a jag) but i found this for $14.......looks just like one of my old PC's(thats what got my attention).......looks like its got a nice blade and handles too....

30281.jpg
 
Some of them are really, really nice, others are just as bad as the other cheapies we see. Sorry to hear that you sold your collection :(
 
Hi Quicksliver..., yeah...some of those really do swing nicely and have a good feel. I've actually beat the dogsh** out of one of mine like that to see if it would hold up. So far...it has. The weight and balance is great for a beater or to practice aerials with (the blade comes with an edge like a butter knife).

I'm sure you've noticed that the latch is absolutely terrible! That's why Josh (Blade Auction), and a few other web-dealers have turned them into latchless models.

Anyway.., sorry you had to part with your older models.., but have fun with that one and let us know how you like it.


"Hunters seek what they [WANT].., Seekes hunt what the [NEED]"
 
i'm not sure of my theory, and your pictures aren't very clear, but from what i can see, the latch looks too long, and i don't see any pockets for the tang pin (i saw a thread about this not long ago, but i can't find it).
but for $14, it seems like a very nice buy. :)
 
Looks like one I got from Knifzilla, not bad for the price, kinda heavy and the latch leaves something to be desired
 
Ganjakid,
That wouldn't be the Pacific Style for $40 would it? I just ordered one, but it has not arrived. What is your (or other readers') detailed opinion of it?
 
Check out the reviews section on my site and look for "Chinese Sidewinder". The article will explain the silly name.
 
Gollnick,
Thank you for that review of the Chinese Sidewinder. The link proved that it is the same as the one I ordered.

I gather that it is a pretty good knife overall, since you wrote 90% of a custom knife at 5% of the price. So it sounds as if it is a good buy in the price range I have selected.

You mentioned in your review that it is "no razor". How do you recommend I get the best edge possible on it? Do you know of good, detailed on-line instructions for sharpening such a blade?

Also, regarding the latch, I think I can do the boring, but what kind of rubber did you insert and where can I get it?

I am not sure I understand what you mean by the "kick". Is there a picture on-line that clearly shows it? Is there a way to (simply) add something like it to the Chinese Sidewinder? I hate to think I that I'd be damaging the edge every time I close it.

Finally, how good do you think the locking strength is?
 
The old adage is true with this knife: you get what you pay for. And while you may get 90% of the custom, here are the missing 10%:

1) The blade's metal is not that great. Will not hold an edge. Gets dull rather quikly, so if you are interested in using it as an user, invest in a diamond hone.

2) The latch has a tendency to "self destruct" as posted by several forum member, so I ordered my latchless. And since the latch is what maintains the lock strength, you'll soon find out.

It does have one great redeeming value. It's a great training bali. Dull blade, heavy handles, and is the same shape and weight of the old BM Custom bali's. I'll stick with the new BM Ti series as a daily user.
 
Here's a response I received directly from the supplier:

At 01:45 PM 11/17/2001 -0500, you wrote:
>Re: Pacific Style Balisong ($40, KZ-PBN)
>
>Hi,
>This knife (and its price) look great. Just a few questions, please:
>
>Where is this knife made?

China we think - but the build is really solid - it's amazing.

>Is the latch steel or aluminum?

Aluminum - it's the only part that sucks on the whole knife - other than
that you have a $300 custom benchmade.

>Does the latch close the knife snuggly or is it a bit loose?
>

Tight

>Thanks.
 
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