Latches, beginner question!

C

cea-cyclepath

Joined
Jan 19, 2002
Messages
4
I've seen various things about the latch, which handle its attached to etc. Some people advocate removing the latch. Just after opinions on this, is it a good idea, what are the advantages/disadvantages?

Also does it limit in any way the openings you can perform without checking which handle you are holding?

Cheers,

Ste
 
There are pro's and con's in removing the latch. The Pro's are less noise well manipulating, pesky latch does not get snagged between handles. Con's are you forget which is the safe and which is the bite handle, also you can't lock it any more. Im sure the are more things than i have mentioned. I hoped this explained what you wanted. :cool:
 
Like crosman said, it's easier and quieter manipulation since you don't have to worry about the latch getting caught in the handles. Even on these new fangled bali's with the latchgates - it prevents the latch from hitting the blade which is nice, but it can still get in the way of the handle. I guess the new new fangled BM's have the spring loaded latch... mmmm... spring latch...

Another nice perk of the latchless is a nicer blade/handle ratio. Since you don't need to have the extra bit of latch clearance at the end of the handles they can be much closer to the blade length.

The safe/bite handle issue can be gotten around if do a little file work on one of the handles, then you can at least see which one is which, or even better you can feel the difference. The lack of locking is really the only downside that you can't get around.
 
The 'latch-drop' manipulation is one of the fastest ways of opening a bali, coming right out of a sheath, without having to reposition the knife in your hand...;)

You can't do it if there's no latch on it. :)
 
I removed the latch on my sidewinder and although it is quite and slightly cooler I perfer my knives to have a latch. I love the latch drop but that's not the only reason. I like being able to pop in my pocket or not have to worry about running my fingers between the handles when taking it out of the sheath etc.
 
Ahh, all you lucky people who get to carry your bali's. :) Mine just get to lay around my apt.
 
Well it's not completely legal here the Cheif of Police and local sherriff (read as small town) said they would bust anyone for it unless I had done something illegal with it. So no worries really.
 
I have a nice scar on the tip of my index finger from grabbing a Bali that had come open in my back pocket.
 
Hi Cea-Cyclepath.., and welcome to the Bali-Forum. If you scout around all the links on Chuck's site:

http://www.BalisongCollector.com

...and Clay's site:

http://www.BalisongXtreme.com

....you will find lots of varying views and opinions about both Manila and Batangas style latch placements.., as well as a few comments about latchless models. You've got the basics already stated here.., and as you progress with your manipulations you will see what Dudley ("Dawkink") said about the latchdrop.., is true. Hard to beat for a speedy deployment. In addition, I've know many guys that carry two Balisongs with differing latch configurations. With the "Manila" configuration you can quickly latchdrop to a reverse Ice-Pick grip which many consider superior.

Glad to have you on the Forums! Lood around and see what you can find and come back and let us know what you think.


"Hunters seek what they [WANT].., Seekers hunt what they [NEED]"
 
"The 'latch-drop' manipulation is one of the fastest ways of opening a bali, coming right out of a sheath, without having to reposition the knife in your hand...

You can't do it if there's no latch on it."

If the bali's a skeleton you can use the last hole (on either handle depending on which way you want the blade facing) and get the same effect.

If your bali's double edged there is no "safe handle" so it doesn't matter much which handle you grab.

Dream bali- 6" latchless titanium handled spear point with D2 blade.
 
Hmm, I've thought a bit about a "modification" (in the loosest sense of the word) to my bali to make it capable of a latch-drop kind of move... I have a few pics that illustrate it (all I did was put my hand on my scanner); could someone with a gold membership or is otherwise able to post pictures help? I'd try to just describe it, but I'm really rotten at that... I'd probably even have _myself_ going "Hunh? What the heck is he talking about??"
 
Pretty nice for first draw, or not switching grips, but limits the other techniques you can do...
 
I think it could kind a function like a koppo stick (correct term?). I'm not sure if I could get my fingers through the loop thingie very quickly, but there's probably a technique or two for quickly drawing a koppo stick that would translate well to a koppo-bali (anyone know any?).

Messing around with it a bit, the same motions as a latch-drop can be used, and it seems to go just as fast as before (not very, given the light handles).
 
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