Whats the term for a FAKE or practive balisong

Originally posted by Gollnick
The problem with making a trainer by grinding down a live blade is that you want the "edge" of a trainer to be quite thick. Even a dull edge will cut and scrape if it's thin.

To get the edge of a live knife thick enough, you'll probably have to grind off about half of it. And then there's the tip. You want a really rounded tip on a trainer because even a dull point will stab right into a person if there's any force behind it. So, to adequately round the tip, you'll have to remove to much of the length of the blade.
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It would depend on exactly what knife you have. I would imagine on a cheaper knife, you are not going to have the majority of the blade left...but it would be something.

Now, I did make a Trainer out of a BM#44 and if you look at one of yours, it will be quite evident that if you're going to make one, that's the one to use. The tip is ground off almost one hald inch back and approximately one quarter inch from the edge is ground back.

That is very thick when you actually do it and then you see the end result.

But the problem is, that is where most people stop. Which is why I always tell them they have to get a large [bench-sized] whetstone and alot of oil.

The flats you created by grinding the point and edge off then have to be worked over the stone, almost like you are trying to re-sharpen the whole thing, but the angle is of course different.

Once you have all of the flats you created rounded nicely...it is about as safe as a real knife turned trainer can be.

But you are right about one thing...almost any of them will go in you. The only ones that won't that are commercially available are the ASP Red Knife, but it sucks because it is too limp and the AMK-A/F Trainers, and they will possibly dislocate a rib, etc...might kill you if thrusted into the throat...

Always have to be careful.
 
Your "ladies" would probably appreciate your continual demonstration of competant ediquette more than twirlly blades as you try showing off and they shake their heads and walk away. It doesn't really work, it's like showing them you cleaning your shotgun [no that's not an innuendo].. For whatever reason it's not appreciated like pulling a 360 in your '69 Corvette.

It's *always* worth the time and effort to go over and correct your posts to make sure they're usefull (to answer, ask, or contribute). If say, 50 people end up reading it, the ten seconds extra it takes for you not to rob each of them of their time trying to comprehend your message is *very* worth it.

Keep in mind posting isn't like sending an instant message to your buddies, it's a mass-broadcast, archived commentary. Think of each message like it was being published, and you won't have any problems.
 
It would depend on exactly what knife you have.
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Oh, absolutely. I didn't mean to say that it's impossible.

Now, I did make a Trainer out of a BM#44
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You are, again, absolutely correct. The BM44 would be an excellent choice. One of the big problems in creating a trainer is rounding off the point. Most of the CCC (charming China cheapies) seem to favor something along the lines of a Bowie or Wekhawk with a pronounced tip.

Knifezilla has a trainer version of their "Pacific Style" balisong, the one I've called the "Chinese Sidewinder". But, from the picture they show, it's still got a very pronounced tip, way to much tip for safe training and sparring.

The BM44's Americanized Tanto variant has a much less pronounced tip to begin with, so you'd be able to round it off quite nicely.

An excellent suggestion.


So, Don, when'd you get your website? It's a good start. You've really piled a lot of stuff in there already. You need a logo icon, though, so that I can put you on my links page.
 
The only ones that won't that are commercially available are the ASP Red Knife, but it sucks because it is too limp
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I hate the Red Knife, it's worthless. Fortunately, BM and Spyderco are now offering outstanding trainers. Three cheers for that, I tell you! Finally, finally, some really great trainers.
 
Yeah, the only thing the ASP Red Knife is any good for is really hard contact. Other than that. PAH!

The BM#44 is a sweety trainer really, the flared out tanto point is what makes it so safe actually. That big chunk of steel jutting out the bottom makes all the difference in the world! It gives you so much material to remove and then BANG, you are into thick steel you can round off well. Dan Inosanto has mine as a matter of fact...via a Gent in Nebraska.

The website...hmm...there is one icon I can send you in a jpg soon enough and that will be that! As soon as I learn the rest of the stuff I have to learn and create the links page, I'll have all of you fine people with cool websites in the links page. You'll be in cool company with the others. I like that, put the Web back in the Web I say!
 
I want to add something that both Chuck and Don have not addressed. To spar with a trainer (be it with a properly construced one, or a poorly constructed one from a cheapie), knowing who your sparring partner is, and their skill level, is just as critical. You have the right to choose who you spar with. Except for those training seminars where it's a semi-tournament environment, that's almost as critical as the training weapon you use. And when you are using trainers, you're elevating the level of exposure for injury, so your concentration must never diminish. It's easy to think of the safety behind the use of a trainer (hey it's dull, how can it hurt?), the reality is, live sparring is suppose to simulate the real thing, that means your adrenaline level is way up there, and things can easily go wrong.

Let's not all assume that trainers are toys. Except for learning manipulation or ariels of course. :)
 
Oh man, that trainer on knifezilla looks like it would be a pretty bad idea to train with it.

If I got a trainer I would want a knife that I can toss in the air, flip around 7 times and catch with my eye, without worrying about cuts.

I think it is definitely a better idea to save the money you would spend on a trainer and put it towards a better knife. Just tape the blade that way you have something that actually serves your purpose should you ever need to really use it.
 
Originally posted by Cynake
Your "ladies" would probably appreciate your continual demonstration of competant ediquette more than twirlly blades as you try showing off and they shake their heads and walk away. It doesn't really work, it's like showing them you cleaning your shotgun [no that's not an innuendo].. For whatever reason it's not appreciated like pulling a 360 in your '69 Corvette.

It's *always* worth the time and effort to go over and correct your posts to make sure they're usefull (to answer, ask, or contribute). If say, 50 people end up reading it, the ten seconds extra it takes for you not to rob each of them of their time trying to comprehend your message is *very* worth it.

Keep in mind posting isn't like sending an instant message to your buddies, it's a mass-broadcast, archived commentary. Think of each message like it was being published, and you won't have any problems.
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hahaha cleaning your shot gun infront of them lol! your post really made me laugh.


Anyways i think ill buy the trainer and then get the live knife of the 20 dollar practice one.Maybe my parents will warm up to the idea of me spinning a knife around my body when they see how talented i am.
 
Many years ago, I attended the wedding of a good friend who also happened to be my boss. It was a "wild west" wedding with everyone in costume, etc. The pastor, in old-fashioned dress, turned to the bride and said, "Do you take this man to be your husband?"

She answered, "I do."

Then, the pastor turned to Bill and looked down at this book and said, "And do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and hold (flips page in book), to love and cherrish (flip), to honor and keep (flip), to love and to hold (flip), to provide for (flip), to protect (flip)... for better or for worse (flip), in sickness and in health (flip), in riches or in poverty (flip), (etc., on and on and on for several minutes), having ONLY her unto you (flip), until DEATH do you part?"

Bill turned to the congregation with this sort of distraught look on his face. There was a dramatic pause. Her father then reached under the pew and pulled out a shot gun, racked it, and Bill turned to the pastor and declared, "I do! I do! I do!", and the whole place errupted in laughter.
 
HAHAHAHa thats halarious!!! BEST WEDDING EVER! hmmmm. Well i think im gonna get my trainer thanks guys!
 
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