"Original" balisong

blade_420

blade_420

Joined
Jan 15, 2001
Messages
2,353
Does anyone here knows if this is an original, "Original Balisong".
I'm just wanting to know if this is 15+ years old, or if they are still in production using these markings.
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It has the stylized BALISONG with the circle R, Hand forged, Philippines on the tang.
The scan is kinda rough...
 
Those markings were on the FHM imported by Gutmann(?) industries to compete against PC in the mid 80's. Prices on them retailed from $40 to $150 depending on options. You stag handled one was up there in price.
 
Actually that one's wood, but I'm getting some more.. Black bone, stag and white bone, it think. Right now I'm sweating them past customs. It was part of a trade.
These are comming straight out of the Philippines, and are comming to me in a plastic bag.
I have seen one of these (without a sheath) go for $129.00 on Bladeauction.
I just want to make sure I'm getting old/new stock, instead of new/new stock.
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I might have a line up on more. But I want to make sure these aren't "copys"
 
Originally posted by blade_420
I just want to make sure I'm getting old/new stock, instead of new/new stock. I might have a line up on more. But I want to make sure these aren't "copys"
Click to expand...
Actully, I was wondering about the leather sheath. They weren't part of the original packaging. The Gutmann FHM's came in a pine box with a sliding top and lots of wood shavings, not in the plastic bag as displayed.

Chuck or Sniperboy should have a better idea if your's may be new/old stock.
 
I know there are some "Experts" out there, or at least someone who has some of these with the box.
Could you please post a descent scan so I can see if the construction/finish is similar.
Do the others have more of a mirror polish?
Are the pivot pins hidden?

The only FHM I have with a box is my DeLeon bali.
It has exposed pins, but more of a high polish.

Experts? Anyone? Lew? Dawkind? Gollnick? Sniperboy?

:cool:
 
Hey guys, I really need to know...
These just came in the mail, marked Round bone-stag handle, solid brass handle-RAMBO combat blade, and round polished buffalo horn handle.
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Actully, I was wondering about the leather sheath. They weren't part of the original
packaging. The Gutmann FHM's came in a pine box with a sliding top and lots of
wood shavings, not in the plastic bag as displayed.
Click to expand...

I found some pictures with the box, and leather sheaths, but not the plastic bags...

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Still wanting to know what I have..:p
 
if you have any questions about production pieces Gollnick and ofcourse the immortal Mr. Lew are the ones to talk to..

I have not gone back to the Philippines in say a year but when I did I would regularly do my rounds in batannggas or maila and there are NONE of these "Guttman" balis to be found.. I have never heard of them being offered in the plastic bag though..

I fear they might be "knock offs" but they DO look like the real thing. (minus the box) exposed pins polished.. everything.

it is hard to find "narrow" handled FHMS nowadays (as opposed to the thick heavy wide ones I used to distribute) so that is one thing you have in your favour.

btw the sheath came with my dad's "original"
 
I got my hands on an original Balisong from many years ago, and compared it to the ones I have now.
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1480613&a=13937358&f=0
The newer one has the exposed pivot pins.
They are similar, but not identical.
That, and because they do not come in the wooden Guttmann box, I almost have to believe that these are a newer production.
They have very similar markings, and I understand that all FHM's are handmade, and will differ.
I just can't promise that these knives are 15+ years old collectors items.
The quality is very similar, if not identical. And I believe that these are made by the same company as produced the Guttmann balis, these are just newer stock.


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(edited for anatomy problems...)
 
Either way I'm sure they're still worth what you paid for them. At least they're worth your asking price. Glad you got them through Customs. Enjoy, they look to be pretty nice pieces.

I'm curious about the "Rambo combat blade" grind though. Never heard of that one.
 
I can honestly say that in the 3 to 4 years that I've dealt with and seen the Gutmann FHM's, I've never seen that blade grind. One shop I bought from carried their entire line, and that would have stuck out in my mind. Who could miss that serration.
 
Maybe some other auction watchers could help me out.
Didn't Edgefinder put one of those Rambo bladed, brass handles on Bladeauction sometime around July, or August? I almost remember the yellow sheet he uses as a backdrop...
 
the cases are NEW... plastic that old would have frosted some and
hardened.... jus my humble opinion.. one of 2 possibilities
1. knockoffs
2. someone got a big crate of the originals and are remarketing
them not knowing their value
 
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