New Bali Maker!!

[Chefget]

The picture was so crappy, I actually passed it by once...glad it didn't get away though!

This bali is by Chuck Gedraitis, striper28 on our forums.

Latchless, fileworked and quite a flipper! If a comparison had to be made, I'd say it flips more like a Tachyon than a Dobruski...a smooth, shorter-handled swing rather than a large, weighty swing. The knife is very sturdily built, though not with the fit & finish of more experienced makers. One can see that the handle screws are not perfectly aligned, the pivot holes are not exactly in the center of the handle, etc. That being said, the grind is very well done, the filework is attractive and profesional, and extends to the tip, yes the *tip* of the blade. I've been carrying it for 2 days, and its GREAT!

I really like this knife, though the fact that there was no differentiation for the safe handle was disconcerting I hope Chuck does not mind, but I solved this problem...how does the filework look?

Normally I'm not one to mess with a maker's work, but I really wanted this in the carry rotation!!

Great work Chuck; Thanks & I'll take another!

-Michael

 

[Gollnick]

Ah, the first unveiling of the new year. Very nice, too. I love filework. The wood looks really pretty. It's great to see another new maker trying his hand. I hope he'll continue.

 

[Gary W. Graley]

Nice Michael! File work even! amazing what a chef can do on his time off!
How is it for the ariel openings?

Should get a kydex in the waist band rig for that!
G2

 

[tonyccw]

I looked at it, and looked at it in the For Sale By Maker forum, and now I wish striper28 had a better camera

Excellent find Michael, as well as your support of a budding and talented new knifemaker.

Oh yeah, nice file work.

 

[ExamonLyf]

Very cool.., and it is nice to see so many getting involved! What is the make-up of the bolsters/frame, etc??

Love the filing



"Hunters seek what they [WANT].., Seekers hunt what they [NEED]"

 

[Hermie]

Keep up the great work, very nice.

 

[Chefget]

The bolsters and frame are one piece per side, stainless steel, with steel spacers in the butt of the handles. The double tang pin renders a kickplate unnecessary. Though I've very suspicious of multi-piece handles, these are nice and sturdy; plus the steel pieces in the handlebutt offer the necessary counterweight to make the swing *very* smooth...kinda makes you want to drill and weight a 42...

What is particularly nice is the blade/handle ratio: the Gedraitis ratio is 0.95, where the BM49-01 is 0.86!!

-Michael

 

[GTAsteel]

Chefget, Quick question about the handles. Do the handle flex closer together when you sqeaze them? If so, what does this do to the inserts? Im just wondering if it does flex, as most bali's do, how will the wood hold up as it flexes diferently than the steel it's attached to.



Sorry if this is worded kinda funny.

 

[Gary W. Graley]

Very nice, that Stiletto is exceptional looking as well!
G2

 

[Blasto]

Very exotic looking! It's always refreshing to see people deviate, even the smallest amount, from the usual "cookie-cutter" style. If Mr. Gedraitis continues to make balis, I forsee very very great things. A very nice find Mike!!

 

[ixpfah]

very nice! wonderful find, congrats.

has mr. Gedraitis made any other balisongs? or will he? and what prize range?