So, what do you think about those Ti handles?

Gollnick

Gollnick

Musical Director
Joined
Mar 22, 1999
Messages
29,258
Perhaps the most controversial aspect of the new BM42 is the handle weight. Those light Ti handles are a big change for many of us.

Now that many of you have your new 42s and have experienced the Ti handles, what do you think?



------------------
Chuck
Balisongs -- because it don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing!
http://www.balisongcollector.com
 
I have never before owned or used a BM 4in. Balisong (with steel handles) so I don't have much to compare it to but in comparison to other brands and 3in. models I like it. But, to give an accurate comparison I would have to play with another 40 series. All in all I like the Ti!

mmtmatrix


[This message has been edited by mmtmatrix (edited 06-29-2000).]
 
Chuck, as you know I've used a lot of different balisongs. I have to say that while I still have a great fondness for the thick heavies (especially my custom PC tanto), and another great fondness for my Miller (whose magnesium handles are even lighter than the Ti) - this model 42 RIPS!

If I had it 'my way' the blade steel might be different, but other than that it is truly a great balisong!

Bob

------------------
"The search is half the fun!"
 
The only handles I've been able to compare the 42 to are Bear, Jag, and generic. These handles are perfect, smooth, proportional. Awesome!!!!!!!!!

------------------
Cameron
"It takes a killer...to stop a killer"

ICQ# 77993406
 
The BM 45 has been my favorite ever since I purchased it. I loved the weight of the steel. I was also a big fan of the BM 30 because it was light and it was quicker.

The BM 42 is a great combination of the two. It is the bigger size but the it has the speed of the smaller model.

Overall, I love the Ti handles! This is by far the best balisong I have ever used.

------------------
"Balisong fever is spreading..."
home.san.rr.com/balisongfans
 
I vastly prefer the Ti handles to stainless steel. They are a lot easier on the hands, and they are not as slippery when wet. The extra sproing is good for latching too.
 
Just got the BM42 tonight and I'm happy guy!

Light isn't the word and the bridge does work well on this knife, the latch never gets in the way of the blade, though I can see where the handles could have been a wee bit shorter or the blade a little longer, but other than that, nice.

The latch openings do seem a little jerky, might be the weight or the handle length but all the other openings are very much faster.

The knife wasn't hair popping sharp on arrival but a short time on the ceramics and a nice edge was made, I'll see how long it lasts.

Like em!

G2

PS
gotta agree that the sheath leaves a lot to be desired, though I am a little bias in that area
biggrin.gif
if I slip the sheath on horizontally on a 1 1/2" belt it stretches the sheath out so I can't put the knife inside.....oh well I'll have to email myself and order something that will work.....

------------------
"The Road to Hell is Paved with Good Intentions!"
Take the time to read your Bible Now, don't be left behind...

G2 LeatherWorks
 
My daily banger is a BM68 but I have used my 45 and my one of my new 42's enough to make a good comparison. My favorite is . . . the BM45. I just like the heavy handles. The 42 is faster than my 68, but it doesn't seem to have the weight to really swing with conviction. That won't stop me from having four very shortly. One of which will replace my, soon to be sent back to Benchmade for clean-up/reconditioning, BM68 as my daily player. I would like to see Benchmade make several different models, with both "ss" and "Ti"handles. I love the blade, the latch gate and the torx screws on the 42. If the handle materal was stainless steel, I would think it was perfect.

James

[This message has been edited by JamPrit (edited 06-30-2000).]
 
Mr. Graley,

The latch tricks were the hardest things for me to get going on the 42. Aerials were the easiers. Those just fell right into place. It was like the thing that had held me back was lifted. But latch tricks were so different, that I really had to work 'em. Now, though, they're great. On a 45, my latch drop opening goes click click click click. With a 42, it's blindingly fast and just goes buzz. It's a buzzing sound like nothing I've ever heard out of a balisong. And so fast.

I'm so glad to hear so many positive comments. I gotta say that when I got my first 42, I was really thrown by those handles and really worried that I'd never adapt. But, adapt I have. This 42 is great.

So, there's gotta be more of you out there yet. Now that you've played with 'em, what to do you think of Ti handles?



------------------
Chuck
Balisongs -- because it don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing!
http://www.balisongcollector.com
 
Chuck,

I was surprised by the BALANCE right out of the box.

I didn't realize the 45 was SO handle heavy.

After reading how the 3 inch blade is faster then the 4 inch blade, I compared the model 45 and the 3 inch model 10; the 10 was faster.

After getting the 42 yesterday. The 42 is faster than the model 10.

The titanium handles don't fell cheap at all.

I really like this knife, but mine wasn't hair shaving sharp out of the box.

I should be getting another one soon.

To answer your question, I hope the custom you are working on has Ti handles, a 5 inch blade and better stainless steel blade.

------------------
RICK - Left Handers Unite

[This message has been edited by RGRAY (edited 06-30-2000).]
 
Like others, my blade was not shaving sharp (to be expected from recent BM's: an aside, has sharpness and secondary grind been a "concern" with BM for a long time?), and the sheath has got to go (custom concealex, here i come).

To the relavent points, I'm not familier with the heavier steel handles (I hope to rectify this some day), but coming from heavy Jags of several constructions (one was alum., one was copper) this thing flies.

Something i can coment on with some certainty is the fit and finish of the handles. Disappointing. Several of my smaller holes looked like they had little burps during casting, and the inner blade grove in the handles (both) have burps of their own. Not the typical BM fit and finish i've seen before (not on bali's, but their other fine folders).

Over all a hit, but vastly improved if they up the QC on whoever is casting for them. Still not giving mine up, however, so no, don't ask...
wink.gif
 
Ti handles feel good, much better than I had thought before having one. It really flies, and is confortable in pocket. My only concern is the handle pin might dig the handle more than steel handles. But even if it get loose, it will "bite" my palm less than heavier steel handles.

------------------
Did you enjoy today?
\(^o^)/ Mizutani Satoshi \(^o^)/
 
I think the Titanium handles are great! It's one reason I like the 42 better than the 45.
I really like the color of my 42AS too! Can't wait to see what other colors will show up. I'd also like to see a 3" version of the 42. I figure that even if the handles are light, I might be able to make some sort of insert to put in the last hole in the handle to help balance it, unless Benchmade has already thought of that.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top