Need help with making a balisong (butterfly knife)

[KentDog]

Hey everyone, I need your help. I'm thinking about trying to make a balisong (butterfly knife) by myself. The only problem is, I have no idea where to begin.

I shouldn't have any problems getting access to the machinary needed, but I still don't know what to do.

I'm going to attempt to make a bowie blade, like the one pictured below:

Would anyone be kind enough to give me step-by-step instructions on how this is to be accomplished? Please include what machines to do what on, as well as as many details possible, no matter how small.

Please also include how to shape the blade, how I would be able to get the 'tang pin' into the bottom of the blade, and how to make countersunk holes (like in the benchmade balisong handles)?

One last thing, what would be the recommended steel for this job (both for blade and handles)?

Thanks for taking the time to read this,

-Kent

 

[ddavelarsen]

Perhaps I'm in a good position to say, "think again." There's a post elsewhere in this forum called Delilah where I describe briefly my own commitment to making a balisong.

There are many excellent books on the basics of knifemaking. IMHO, The Standard is "How to Make Knives" by Richard W. Barney and Robert Loveless. Check your local library. I found another called "Knifecraft" by Sid Latham that's from the late 70s and flat kicks A. There's enough inspriration in there to carry you through your balisong project, guaranteed.

But there's no substitute for first drawing your knife on paper, as many times as it takes to make it look the way you mean for it to. Then you can 'make' it out of something simple like cardboard or acrylic. (If you do, you'll learn something about your knife you'll be glad you learned before you commited it to steel, believe me.)

And there's absolutely no other feeling like holding that finished knife in your hand, like I'm doing right now. All that weight is very authoritative.

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Dave Larsen
--
Love is said to be blind, but I know lots of fellows who can see twice as much in their sweethearts as I can.
-Josh Billings

 

[KentDog]

Dave, I've seen that thread (Delilah); it's under the balisong forum, which I frequently visit. The idea of oneself making their own knife is fascinating to me. I love the idea, and I think every knife lover should take a stab at it.

I've already drawn numerous sketches of the balisong I am going to try to make. I've also taken several woodworking classes in high school, so I'm fairly confident that I won't f*ck up too bad. I would also consider myself the patient type, but no matter what, I'm giving this thing a try.

Thanks for the suggestion, Dave; I will go to the local library sometime and look for that book. By the way, I love your first bali... great work!

 

[Bruce Evans]

Kent,May I suggest that the first thing you do is go to a gun show or flea market and pick up a cheap Pakistan version of a Bali.Then take it home and take it apart and use it as a starting pattern.
IO have made a couple of them so far and they turned out OK.I did them with a grinder,drill press,buffer,Bandsaw,Files and sandpaper....
If you would like to email me I would be glad to help walk you through each step.
I have a picture of the ones that I did on my web site if you would like to check them out...
Bruce

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Bruce Evans Handcrafted Knives
The soul of the Knife begins in the Fire!!!!!
Member of,AKTI#A000223 and The American Bladesmith Society

 

[KentDog]

Bruce, thanks for your reply. Also, may I add that you have a great website there.

It took me a while to find a picture of one of your balisongs (only found one actually), but it looks great.

I actually own a couple balis already (roughly 30), so I have a good idea of their makeup. I also have a couple that are already in pieces, so I guess I won't be needing to buy a Pakistan cheapie

.

My major concern right now is how I'm going to make the handles. I have the design, but I don't have all the measurements figured out yet, nor do I have an idea how I'm going to make them. I would like your guidance, so I am going to take you up on your offer

.

Thanks for everyone's help... Keep the suggestions coming, guys!