Monarch rising

Gollnick

Musical Director
Joined
Mar 22, 1999
Messages
29,258
I happened into Richard of Roton USA (and Knifemart.com) today. He insisted on taking back my Monarchs and he's going to get the design corrected right away. That's just great.

You know, even with a few problems, there's a lot to like about this balisong. These are about the most ruggedly built balisong you'll ever see. Everything about 'em is heavy-duty. With a few corrections which Richard has underway, these things are just gonna be great.

I also got to see the new nylon sheath which is heavy-duty durable but doesn't have a really chunky look to it. Of course, I still prefer leather and Monarch's leather is top-notch.

Richard is still very enthusiastic about the Monarch and about some new things he's got in the works including a Ti version of Monarch (handles already exist) and a 3" version coming soon. He's also got some new blade profiles that he's considering.

There may have been a bit of a stumble here at the start, but Richard is very committed to this product line and I think we're gonna be seeing some great new balisongs from Roton.
 
I'm waiting to see what happens. I would love to see them offering several different types. I think that would be great. Titanium in a handle that size would be cool to flip for sure...
 
On the contrary, Rich has asked me to be extremely brutal with my review of the Monarch. And after carrying one for the better part of a week, I'm ready to finish that request. On top of which, Rich is still willing to do whatever is necessary to make my lemon of a Monarch, right.
 
Yes, I think if they keep working at it, they will eventually make a really nice balisong. I already gave Richard my brutally honest opinion on the good points and bad points. Also, I strongly encouraged him to keep developing this knife to make it better. He seemed very perceptive to my ideas and didn't seem offended by my comments at all. Though this first knife was a flop IMHO, I eagerly await the next in his line.
 
Any chances of making a five inch blade Balisong with Titanium handles? If there were slots instead of holes in the handles, it would cut a tad bit more weight down and make it have a distinctive feel to it and the possibility of a five inch blade would be very cool indeed.
 
Hey, the Monarch isn't that bad. Some finishing issues, but generally, it seems to be a very strong piece.
 
agree with steve. i havent tried it myself, but it looks rock solid. a bit dull and boring, though. not really a 'special' design... at least i dont think so. :rolleyes:

if they anodized it, like shown on chuck's site (from that blade show) - i think that looks nicer. but then again - just my mind punching the keyboard.
 
Originally posted by ixpfah
i havent tried it myself, but it looks rock solid. a bit dull and boring, though. not really a 'special' design...
Then you're missing out on one of the real attributes of the Monarch. It's made of solid milled billet SS steel. Which translates to one heavy bali, and I like it. Always felt the Ti handled one from BM were a little too light. Aside from finishing issues, another thing they'll have to tackle is the handle profile. After extended use, the rounded handles gets to be very slippery, and the holes aren't enough big to provide much cupping action.
 
dammit, i'm missing out all the good stuff, just because balis are illegal here... :mad:
how heavy does it feel compared to a, say, jaguar? (that's really all i have to compare with, except for cc's... :( )
 
Originally posted by jasonkw62
Anyone have any links that have a picture and some info on this knife?
http://www.knifemart.com/monarch.htm

Any questions, call Rich.
 
Originally posted by ixpfah
dammit, i'm missing out all the good stuff, just because balis are illegal here...
It it bothers you that much, ever consider moving? But I know how you feel. I hate the fact that everytime I carry a bali on me, I run the risk of losing it or my freedom. And let's not get into a discussion on Handgun ownership for NYC.. But, you make do with the best you can, and get real creative on working around the laws.
how heavy does it feel compared to a, say, jaguar? (that's really all i have to compare with, except for cc's... :( )
Heavier than the milled handled Jaguar by about 3 ounces. However, LIGHTER than the ones done my Mer... :D
 
Originally posted by tonyccw
It it bothers you that much, ever consider moving?
no, not just for getting balis legally. that's a bit too drastic. i have to move pretty far too, you see. not sure how close the closest 'bali country' is, but it's not very close.. :(

what i _have_ considered on the other hand, is to get them anyway. illegal or not. i mean, the jag got through... :cool:
 
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