My Morning Rant

[Random]

The beauty of the Balisong, in all of its forms is something special to each of us. In the hands of a master the flowing steel takes on a rhythm of life and is wondrous to behold. In a collection one can enjoy the beauty, history, and craftsmanship that goes with a particular piece. I used to have a few in the 80's. I joined the Marines, got married, had kids…etc and forgot all about my addiction. Now that I am hooked again, (really hooked) I find myself wanting to buy a lot of different styles. Building a collection if you will. Unfortunately prices are prohibitive. As with anything almost 20 years old, to buy the quality of the past is going to be expensive. With only one maker of quality Balisongs in America today it is no wonder that prices are a little steep. $130.00 for a knife really isn't too bad, but to ship so many with defects perhaps reflects an attitude, I am the only knife maker, and you will take what I give. The obvious solution, we need more makers of "quality" Balisongs, probably will not be realized. If it were profitable enough, Spyderco, Buck, whoever, would be making them. Unfortunately our ever restrictive laws governing anything that can be construed as "dangerous to yourself or others" makes it illegal for people in certain states to carry their knife of choice. I refer you to Mr. Gollnick's essay on the matter. http://balisongcollector.com/laws.html My point you ask? I am just down this morning and needed to rant about what I see as a difficult situation.

Thank you for the forum to speak my mind.



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Doubt is an uncomfortable condition,
but certainty is a ridiculous one.

 

[Clay]

I feel for ya' man, I really do. But we're all doing what we can to at least make things bearable.

We might not change all the laws, but the last year or so has seen some great forward progress.

Look at the web sites that are out there now......... from nothing, to several really good sites. You're witnessing a revolution and you're a part of it. Did you think it would be easy???

Benchmade going back into production is about the best thing that could've happened to us. And after only a few months up, you had to expect some problems. You can also expect them to get it together very soon.

There are custom Kydex sheaths being made. A great Daryl Ralph custom in the making. A few guys in here knocking out pieces. And there are other things in the works that aren't being talked about because they're not ready to be unveiled yet.

I know I have more balls in the air than I can handle. Trying to keep the website interesting. Coming up with more new techniques. Putting together instructional CD's (and yes, possibly videos). I have Kydex on the way because I'm not completely satisfied with the current sheath designs (yes sniperboy, you'll get the first one for your review page).

Everything mentioned above reflects tons of work, and a LOT of progress for just over a years time.

So, hang in there Bud....... we're all workin' on it! Slowly but surely we're getting there.

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Clay
www.balisongxtreme.com
Because......
getting 'em open
is half the fun!

 

[Snuffy]

I just posted a message in the same vein as the opening "rant", then saw Clay's post and felt compelled to edit mine. Clay, thank you for maintaining a positive outlook (by the way, your site rocks). You're correct, we are making progress - it just gets frustrating sometimes.



[This message has been edited by Snuffy (edited 09-15-2000).]