Need some advice

B

Balis Edge

Joined
Jan 7, 2002
Messages
614
I'm wanting to customise my own bali, but I'm not sure how to make one. If someone could tell me the measurements and materials/tools used it would be greatly appreciated. Pictures are worth a thousand words.

Thanks!
 
Hello and welcome to the forum.

Have you made other knives and especially folding knives in the past?
 
If the answer to Chuck's question is yes:
What you could do, is trying to get in touch with other balimakers (Dobruski, Darrel Ralph, Eric Maier (he only makes handles, but I am to understand that's something of the most difficult)... You can try to search this forum for other custom makers. You should find some.), and then ask them for details, and perhaps a little help.

Hope this helps; it's good with more balimakers! :D
 
I haven't directly made any knives as of yet, but I have designed many that my Uncle has made. He mostly makes folders and buck knives. I want to know the measurements involved and the best materials that I should use for my balisong. My Uncle will make the knife, but I want it to be perfect. What materials should I use for a practise run so I don't waste valuable materials? Thanks!
 
Originally posted by Balis Edge
What materials should I use for a practise run so I don't waste valuable materials?
Click to expand...
Wood? G10? Or maybe scrap metal, like that stuff in CCCs...?
 
The actual materials aren't expensive. You can get a six foot length of 5/8" 303 stainless from Enco for $30.00 or you can get 6 feet of 5/8" brass for $16.00 or even 6 feet of 5/8" aluminum for $9.00. That way you will know how it will cut when it comes time to make the real one. The materials don't become valuable until after the work is done. :D What kind of machinery do you have? A miling machine is almost a must have.

Email me if you want some hints on the dimensions.

Mer
 
Like Mer said, a milling machine can basically do the whole thing. If you start off with aluminum or brass, you can make bigger cuts faster. That's if you really dont' feel like standing around for the cutter to go through steel. 303 machines well too. I used that for the handles that I'm still in the process of finishing. As far as inserts go...I would hold off on that for now. That is if you're just going to make a sample balisong. The reason I say that is because if you are going to decide to put on inserts on the final run/piece, that'll only require a couple of passes on the milling machine to make the "slot" but you'll also have to spend a lot of time getting your insert material down to the exact size so it fits evenly and flush. Then you'll have to spend more time to get it even with the rest of the handle. Basically that equals a lot of sanding and time, unless you have better equipment. I don't, so I had to hand sand everything :barf:

This is just my opinion from what little experience I have. Good luck to you and please post pics when you're done. Or better yet, how about pics of the processes you went through in making it come to life!
 
Thanks for the help guys! I'll take your advice on this project and if I buy a webcam or digital camera I'll be sure to post some pics. All tips and suggestions are welcome.
 
I just thought of something... If you don't have to make the entire bali yourself, you can try to make out a nice blade which you like, then send it to Mer, and let him make ya some nice handles. :)
 
That's a great idea. Mer, if you're out there, email me some pics and prices. I'll design the blade after I get the handles. Maybe I could order a few pairs from you. Thanks again!
 
Balis Edge: Believe it or not, it's actually easier to fit the handles to the blade. Not that Eric could't do it, but unless you have the same tools he does, it'll be hard to make the final adjustments. The cutting of the tang cup should be done with the blade installed to ensure a proper fit. And remember, Eric does channel milled handles, so that means your blade width should not exceed the maximum width of the two half minus 1/4" for buffer (ie. if Eric uses 1/2" handle raw stock, the widest your blade can be width-wise is 3/4".) Length is flexible, but should be within reason.

But then we'll need to havs a discussion about tang's :D
 
Thanks for the help everyone.

All advice is welcome and I'd like to keep hearing suggestions. Let me know what types of problems I might encounter and how to prevent or fix them.

Eric, you have been a big help and I look forward to receiving your e-mail tonight. Pictures of a blade and handles in the works is beneficial.

Others, please e-mail me or post some of your projects on the forum. I'd like to hear how I can make my own balis without too many complications. Teach me from your mistakes.


Thanks in advance!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top