Pinoy Steel.
The best handforged Filipino blades right to your door.
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9.2” Spring Latch Balisongs with Bushings.
The laser engraved balisong is still available. The basketweave balisong is now sold.
These balisongs are made on a small scale in China specifically for the new breed of very talented balisong flippers there. These balisongs have spring latches, all stainless construction and even have bushings in the pivots: these are made to flip and are extremely durable to boot. The bushings remove almost all handle play and lateral blade play, and the very thick double tang pins alleviate up and down play. These are sandwich construction, but the screws have been locked in place and the heads have been ground flush with the handles.
This first balisong has a bayonet/weehawk grind. It isn’t a perfect grind, but it is sharp enough to take hair off your arms. The blade is 420 stainless, which is actually easy to sharpen and has excellent corrosion resistance. The handles have laser engraved clouds which provide texture: definitely a nice touch. Laser engraving is expensive and it is also very durable.
The quillions aren’t too large: perfect for keeping your hand off the edge. The blade is 1/8” thick, giving it lots of slicing ability.
The live blade version of this model is currently not available anywhere else! 4.7 oz. $79.
This balisong also measures in at 9.2” and has a ‘woven’ texture in the handles which provides a good amount of grip. No skeletonizing in the handles on this one. It has a spring latch, bushings and all stainless construction, and this one was quite well ground too.
Live bladed versions of these are not available anywhere else! 5 oz. SOLD.
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Balis with Bushings and Impact Devices.
Some spring latch balicombs and a balisong today, along with a couple of pocket-sized tools I think you guys will like.
This first balicomb features skeletonized handles a la 42 with the basketweave pattern. This is the most expensive combo for these balicombs because of the extra work involved, and they also provides excellent grip. These are not currently available anywhere else.
These combs have nice, thick tang pins, bushings in the pivots that alleviate blade play and have them flipping like lightning, and the screws have been locked into place before the heads were ground off: these are good, durable flippers, but as with any knife, repeated drops on a hard surface will wreck them.
This comb is all 420 stainless. 22.5 cm. 4.8 oz. $85.
Here’s a laser-engraved balicomb from the same craftsmen in China as the other balisongs and combs with spring latches. There is a cloud pattern in the center of the handles. The engraving actually provides texture to the otherwise smooth handles, and should hold up well during use. These are truly excellent flippers, and should work well as combs too! They are all 420 stainless steel.
The spring latch, bushings in the pivots and very thick tang pins are all nice touches: these were definitely made to flip.
22.4 cm. 5 oz. $75.
Here’s the model that started it all: solid 420 stainless scales that are pinned together. Bushings in the pivots, a 420 stainless blade with a weehawk grind, spring latch, bushings in the pivots and oversized tang pins. These are excellent value: I have one of these in my own collection. These are absolutely made to flip first and foremost.
23.3 cm. The blade is nice and sharp. 5 oz. SOLD.
Two impact devices for your viewing pleasure today: the ‘cat’ keychain appears to be a fairly tough molded black plastic. The design allows you to slip your fingers through the eyes so you can punch with it. The ears will serve well for pressure point application. The holes are rather small (15/16”), so this might be better suited to someone with medium-sized hands. It is 5/16” thick, so it should hold up well. Nice and light at 0.3 oz. GIFTED.
The pry bar is chrome plated zinc alloy and is intended for use as a kubotan. It has a bottle opener at one end and tapers at the other end. Being zinc alloy, I don’t know how durable it would be for actual prying, but it makes an excellent (and discreet) impact device.
The pry bar has a short loop of bead chain on one end: this could be replaced with paracord or any other material you’d like to pass through the lanyard hole.
These pry bars (I have two) are 3/16” thick and 5 13/16” long. $15 with any other item.
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Stainless Arnis, Trainers with Bushings and a Titanium Pocket Tool.
Both of the channel construction trainers and the titanium skull are sold: three of the stainless arnis are still available.
I got these items in a few days ago—I think you’ll like them!
First up are four arnis sticks made on a small scale for Chinese kung fu practitioners. The Chinese have been interested in arnis ever since they saw Dan Inosanto face off with Bruce Lee in the Game of Death. These sticks were custom ordered and are excellent for training and use. They are 1mm thick 300-series stainless tubing with laser engraving. There are stylized dragons and traditional Chinese motifs on the sticks.
They measure in at 22”, shorter than standard arnis sticks. This makes them faster in use, easier to carry and also keeps the weight down.
Each stick weighs 10.1 oz. They are around 13/16” thick overall.
The engraving is classy and also provides some grip to the handles. You could of course refinish these if need be—a little sandpaper would give them a satin finish on the raised areas.
The ends, like the rest of these sticks, are nicely finished.
These are very solid sticks and they balance perfectly right in the middle, where there is an area without any engraving. Perfect balance is not easily achievable with natural materials, but these are uniform throughout. $49 each, or $95 for a pair.
This titanium alloy skull is great for EDC: it is light, durable and can even be worn as a pendant on a breakaway bead chain. I believe it can also be used as a bottle opener, although I haven’t tried it.
The skull measures in at 3.75” long and 2 9/16” wide.
The skull is a solid 3/16” thick.
The eyes are large enough to fit my fingers and the grooves in the sides of the skull will allow your fingers or thumb to rest in them, so you can brace the skull for impact.
2.9 oz. $48 including shipping.
These trainers have significantly better fit and finish than the last trainer I offered, and they also lock up much better in the closed position.
These trainers are from the same guys who make the spring latch balicombs I offer: these are one of their newest products. Rather than sandwich construction, the handles are made of cast 400-series stainless that is welded together. The screws have been ground flush with the handles and there are bushings in the pivots. This drastically reduces the handle play and makes them flip incredibly smoothly.
The handles have been well finished and buffed.They are solid and durable. The spring latch is much easier to deploy than on the originals.
The blades are 1/8” thick. The bushings on these are a major upgrade! These also have latch gates that prevent the latch from hitting the ‘blade,’ although this is not really an issue since they have spring latches.
Bushings really take the handle play out. The blade is, however, large enough to hit the inside of the liners and rub on the channels, but being thick, solid stainless, this isn’t going to affect durability.
These measure in at 5.5” closed, or 9 3/16” when open. 5 oz. $80 each.
This trainer is from a different supplier: it has sandwich construction handles that have been screwed together before the heads were ground flush with the handles. It is also 400-series stainless and features a spring latch and bushings in the pivots. The fit and finish on this trainer is very good, and the skeletonized handles and the training blade have been nicely done. The edges of the handles are smooth, but aren’t perfectly even, as these were hand ground. The tang pockets were also done by hand. The trainer locks up perfectly.
This trainer features very thick tang pins for durability.
This trainer measures in at 5 7/16” closed, or 8 7/8” open (a little shorter than the channel construction trainers).
The spring latch works well and this would be a pleasure to flip. 5 oz. $70.
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420.
These knives were made in China for the new generation of flippers who can’t afford the American-made butterfly knives, but still need balis that can hold up to flipping. These are great value and nicely made. They are 420 stainless steel, which is an economical and corrosion resistant choice. These aren’t your standard Chinese flea market butterfly knives: they have features normally only found on high end production and custom balisongs, such as spring latches and bushings in the pivots. The bushings mean they move like greased lightning with very little handle play. These are absolutely made for balisong flippers to perfect their skills on.
1. This butterfly knife measures in at 23 cm, a little shorter than the most popular balisong among flippers today. The handles are sandwich construction and screwed together, but the screws are fixed and have had their heads ground off. No worries about the screws backing out on these: a very nice touch. This does mean you can’t adjust the tension after heavy use, but they have proven to be very durable and have been extensively tested by my buyers.
The blade and the handles are 420 stainless steel. This is one of the newest models from this outfit and it features a hollowground labaha (straight razor) style blade. While not quite razor sharp, it is close. The blade features two extra thick tang pins and locks up rock solid in both the open and closed positions, and there is an integral guard on it too.
The handles are beautifully laser engraved. The laser engraving is permanent and will not flake or chip unless you gouge the steel. It also provides some nice texture. One of my buyers, who is a serious flipper, feels these solid handles, coupled with the laser engraving, are about as good as it gets for flipping.
The spring latch on these has been proven to work and hold up quite well, although the spring isn’t as strong as on the $300+ balis out there. Then again, they don’t have bushings!
This is a great little balisong for the flippers, or for anyone who wants a lightweight EDC. 420 steel isn’t anywhere near as hard or tough as the high carbon steel used on Filipino balisongs, but for someone who just wants a good, reliable flipper and occasional cutting tool, these are perfect. 4.4 oz. $79.
2. This 23.3 cm butterfly knife is also a new model with a grind that hasn’t been offered before. The blade is a spearpoint (only sharpened on one side) and is very attractive. The entire knife is 420 stainless steel, which is a good, durable and corrosion resistant choice for the flippers out there.
The blade is nicely finished and features two extra thick tang pins for rock solid lockup. These have been proven to be very durable, but of course, no knife should be dropped on concrete or tile repeatedly!
These butterfly knives feature bushings and spring latches, two features not commonly seen on Chinese butterfly knives. These are definitely in a class of their own, and in many ways, rival knives costing four or five times as much. These are absolutely for the flippers first and foremost.
The handles are laser engraved. This is durable and also provides texture during flipping, so the handles aren’t anywhere near as slick as they might look.
You can see the spring latch assembly and the bushings in the pivots here. The spring latch isn’t as strong as on the American made balis that now go for over three times as much, but it works well and has been proven to hold up. The bushings mean these flip like greased lightning. The pivots aren’t adjustable, but the screws used for the handle and pivot construction are locked tight and you don’t need to worry about LocTite. These are really amazing value for the flippers out there and a lot of fun.
This spearpoint version weighs in at 5 oz. $79.
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Bushings and springs.
China is changing rapidly. Chinese consumers now demand better quality products, and imports from the US to China are growing rapidly. There is even an active flipping scene with some very talented flippers. Like in the US, the Benchmade 42 is considered the best butterfly knife out there for artistic manipulation. Of course, it is well out of most Chinese flippers’ reach: prices in China for BM 42s are at least US$100 higher than on the American secondary market.
Enter the dragon: these Chinese-made butterfly knives are much better than any other balisongs I’ve ever seen coming out of China. In fact, in some ways, they’re better than the Benchmade 42.
From top to bottom:
1.This balisong measures in at 23 cm. It does not feature handle skeletonizing like the other knives from this small production facility, but it does feature a beautiful woven texture that I believe is CNC-machined into the handles. These knives are sandwich construction, and the heads of the screws are locked tight and ground flat, so there are no worries about screws backing out. These knives also have bushings in the pivots, that pretty much alleviate all blade play, and they also have a unique spring latch design that works quite well.
The pattern looks almost organic (like a handwoven basket) and also provides excellent texture for manipulation.
The blade (like the handles) is 420 stainless steel. While the blade is not hardened for maximum cutting performance, it sharpens up easily and can take a good edge. It also takes a good polish and is highly corrosion resistant: perfect for the flippers. Of course, 420 steel can’t compare to the high carbon steel used on Filipino knives as far as toughness goes, but these knives are made for completely different uses.
The blade has a guard and very thick tang pins. The blade is hollowground with a thicker, rounded tip.
You can see the four screws used for assembly better in this picture. These knives really flip like lightning and are very, very smooth.
The bushings in the pivots are a feature commonly only seen on high grade custom balisongs that cost $500 or more: they really work very well.
You can see the spring latch assembly here. I ensure the craftsmen check out each and every spring latch before shipment. In the early days, there were some issues, but every latch in this batch pops up well.
This model weighs in at 4.4 oz. I have two in stock at this time. $75.
2. 1.This balisong measures in at 23 cm. It features the handle skeletonizing that many flippers are fond of, and it also features a beautiful woven texture that I believe is CNC-machined into the handles. These knives are sandwich construction, and the heads of the screws are locked tight and ground flat, so there are no worries about screws backing out. These knives also have bushings in the pivots, that pretty much alleviate all blade play, and they also have a unique spring latch design that works quite well.
The pattern looks almost organic (like a handwoven basket) and also provides excellent texture for manipulation. The holes make for lighter handles and also provide texture for better grip, and some people just find the skeletonizing attractive.
The blade (like the handles) is 420 stainless steel. While the blade is not hardened for maximum cutting performance, it sharpens up easily and can take a good edge. It also takes a good polish and is highly corrosion resistant: perfect for the flippers. Of course, 420 steel can’t compare to the high carbon steel used on Filipino knives as far as toughness goes, but these knives are made for completely different uses.
The blade has a guard and very thick tang pins. The blade is hollowground with a thicker, rounded tip.
You can see the four screws used for assembly better in this picture. These knives really flip like lightning and are very, very smooth.
The bushings in the pivots are a feature commonly only seen on high grade custom balisongs that cost $500 or more: they really work very well.
You can see the spring latch assembly here. I ensure the craftsmen check out each and every spring latch before shipment. In the early days, there were some issues, but every latch in this batch pops up well.
With the skeletonizing, this model weighs in at a very nice 4 oz. I have two in stock at this time. $85.
3. This balisong measures in at 23 cm. It features the handle skeletonizing many flippers drool over. These knives are sandwich construction, and the heads of the screws are locked tight and ground flat, so there are no worries about screws backing out. These knives also have bushings in the pivots, that pretty much alleviate all blade play, and they also have a unique spring latch design that works quite well.
The classic smooth handles and skeletonizing are very attractive and provide for just the right amount of texture for flipping. The screw heads are less visible on the handles since both the handles and the screw heads have been ground level and buffed.
The blade (like the handles) is 420 stainless steel. While the blade is not hardened for maximum cutting performance, it sharpens up easily and can take a good edge. It also takes a good polish and is highly corrosion resistant: perfect for the flippers. Of course, 420 steel can’t compare to the high carbon steel used on Filipino knives as far as toughness goes, but these knives are made for completely different uses.
The blade has a guard and very thick tang pins. The blade is hollowground with a thicker, rounded tip.
The bushings in the pivots are a feature commonly only seen on high grade custom balisongs that cost $500 or more: they really work very well.
You can see the spring latch assembly here. I ensure the craftsmen check out each and every spring latch before shipment. In the early days, there were some issues, but every latch in this batch pops up well.
This style weighs in at only 4 oz. I have one in stock at this time. $69.
4. This balisong measures in at 23.3 cm. It features the handle skeletonizing many flippers drool over. These knives are sandwich construction, and the heads of the screws are locked tight and ground flat, so there are no worries about screws backing out. These knives also have bushings in the pivots, that pretty much alleviate all blade play, and they also have a unique spring latch design that works quite well.
The classic smooth handles and skeletonizing are very attractive and provide for just the right amount of texture for flipping. The screw heads are less visible on the handles since both the handles and the screw heads have been ground level and buffed.
The blade is a spearpoint (only sharpened on one side) and is very attractive. The entire knife is 420 stainless steel, which is a good, durable and corrosion resistant choice for the flippers out there.
The blade is nicely finished and features two extra thick tang pins for rock solid lockup. These have been proven to be very durable, but of course, no knife should be dropped on concrete or tile repeatedly!
The bushings in the pivots are a feature commonly only seen on high grade custom balisongs that cost $500 or more: they really work very well.
You can see the spring latch assembly here. I ensure the craftsmen check out each and every spring latch before shipment. In the early days, there were some issues, but every latch in this batch pops up well.
This style weighs in at 4.1 oz. Out of stock. $69.
5. This balisong trainer measures in at 22.6 cm. This one is from the same production facility as the live balisongs with bushings that I offer. It features the handle skeletonizing many flippers drool over. These knives, trainers and combs are sandwich construction, and the heads of the screws are locked tight and ground flat, so there are no worries about screws backing out. They also have bushings in the pivots, that pretty much alleviate all blade play, and they also have a unique spring latch design that works quite well.
The classic smooth handles and skeletonizing are very attractive and provide for just the right amount of texture for flipping. The screw heads are less visible on the handles since both the handles and the screw heads have been ground level and buffed.
The blade (like the handles) is 420 stainless steel. It takes a good polish and is highly corrosion resistant: perfect for the flippers. Of course, 420 steel can’t compare to the high carbon steel used on Filipino knives as far as toughness goes, but these trainers are made for completely different uses.
The blade has a guard and very thick tang pins. This a great trainer for martial artists and flippers alike.
The bushings in the pivots are a feature commonly only seen on high grade custom balisongs that cost $500 or more: they really work very well.
You can see the spring latch assembly here. I ensure the craftsmen check out each and every spring latch before shipment. In the early days, there were some issues, but every latch in this batch pops up well.
This trainer weighs in at 4.8 oz. I only have one of this model at this time. $65.
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Great Flippin’ Balis.
Some great balisongs for you today! The first one is an old school Japanese bali, but current production from the factory that made all the old school Japanese balis that hit US shores in the 80s. The factory is still making 80s-style balisongs today, but exclusively for the Japanese market (and Pinoy Steel)!
The balis under it are from the outfit in China that supplies the 420 stainless steel balisongs with bushings and spring latches that so many of you enjoy flipping. These are the last of the models I have to show you and I only have a few of each! All feature the grippy and perfectly executed basketweave finish.
From top to bottom:
1. These Japanese made balisongs are 9 3/16” long and a solid 7.2 oz. The tanto blades are razor sharp, professionaly heat treated and hollowground 440 stainless steel. The blades are marked “Dragon Claw.” Japanese 440 is not the junk we’ve seen from China. This blade is Benchmade sharp! The Japanese and Buck Knives continue do amazing things with 400-series steel. The nylon sheath pictured is included.
The handles are chrome-plated and they are solid and heavy. This is much higher quality than any Chinese balisong and feels like an old Taylor or PCC International Series (this is a new model that has only recently been introduced by the same company that provided Taylor and PCC with their Japanese knives).
These are great value at only $80 shipped. Only here at Pinoy Steel!
2. This balisong measures in at just under 9”. It does not feature handle skeletonizing like the other knives from this small production facility, but it does feature a beautiful woven texture that I believe is CNC-machined into the handles. These knives are sandwich construction, and the heads of the screws are locked tight and ground flat, so there are no worries about screws backing out. These knives also have bushings in the pivots, that pretty much alleviate all blade play, and they also have a unique spring latch design that works quite well.
The pattern looks almost organic (like a handwoven basket) and also provides excellent texture for manipulation.
This is one of the newest models from this outfit and it features a hollowground recurve blade. While not quite razor sharp, it is close. The blade features two extra thick tang pins and locks up rock solid in both the open and closed positions, and there is an integral guard on it too.
The blade (like the handles) is 420 stainless steel. While the blade is not hardened for maximum cutting performance, it sharpens up easily and can take a good edge. It also takes a good polish and is highly corrosion resistant: perfect for the flippers. Of course, 420 steel can’t compare to the high carbon steel used on Filipino knives as far as toughness goes, but these knives are made for completely different uses.
You can see the bushings in the pivots here. The bushings in the pivots are a feature commonly only seen on high grade custom balisongs that cost $500 or more: they really work very well.
The blade has a guard and very thick tang pins. The blade is hollowground with a thicker, rounded tip.
The handles are beautifully polished. One of my buyers, who is a serious flipper, feels these solid handles feel better in the hand than the skeletonized models.
You can see the four screws used for assembly better in this picture. These knives really flip like lightning and are very, very smooth.
You can see the spring latch assembly here. I ensure the craftsmen check out each and every spring latch before shipment. In the early days, there were some issues, but every latch in this batch pops up well.
This model weighs in at 4.5 oz. $75.
3. This balisong measures in at 9 1/4”. It does not feature handle skeletonizing like the other knives from this small production facility, but it does feature a beautiful woven texture that I believe is CNC-machined into the handles. These knives are sandwich construction, and the heads of the screws are locked tight and ground flat, so there are no worries about screws backing out. These knives also have bushings in the pivots, that pretty much alleviate all blade play, and they also have a unique spring latch design that works quite well.
The pattern looks almost organic (like a handwoven basket) and also provides excellent texture for manipulation.
The blade is a spearpoint (only sharpened on one side) and is very attractive. While not quite razor sharp, it is close. The blade features two extra thick tang pins and locks up rock solid in both the open and closed positions, and there is an integral guard on it too.
The blade (like the handles) is 420 stainless steel. While the blade is not hardened for maximum cutting performance, it sharpens up easily and can take a good edge. It also takes a good polish and is highly corrosion resistant: perfect for the flippers. Of course, 420 steel can’t compare to the high carbon steel used on Filipino knives as far as toughness goes, but these knives are made for completely different uses.
The handles are beautifully polished. One of my buyers, who is a serious flipper, feels these solid handles feel better in the hand than the skeletonized models.
The blade has a guard and very thick tang pins.
You can see the four screws used for assembly better in this picture. These knives really flip like lightning and are very, very smooth.
The bushings in the pivots are a feature commonly only seen on high grade custom balisongs that cost $500 or more: they really work very well.
You can see the spring latch assembly here. I ensure the craftsmen check out each and every spring latch before shipment. In the early days, there were some issues, but every latch in this batch pops up well.
This model weighs in at 4.8 oz. $75.
4. This balisong measures in at 9 3/16”. It does not feature handle skeletonizing like the other knives from this small production facility, but it does feature a beautiful woven texture that I believe is CNC-machined into the handles. These knives are sandwich construction, and the heads of the screws are locked tight and ground flat, so there are no worries about screws backing out. These knives also have bushings in the pivots, that pretty much alleviate all blade play, and they also have a unique spring latch design that works quite well.
The pattern looks almost organic (like a handwoven basket) and also provides excellent texture for manipulation.
The weehawk blade (like the handles) is 420 stainless steel and features nice, sharp serrations. While the blade is not hardened for maximum cutting performance, it sharpens up easily and can take a good edge. It also takes a good polish and is highly corrosion resistant: perfect for the flippers. Of course, 420 steel can’t compare to the high carbon steel used on Filipino knives as far as toughness goes, but these knives are made for completely different uses.
The handles are beautifully polished. One of my buyers, who is a serious flipper, feels these solid handles feel better in the hand than the skeletonized models.
The bushings in the pivots are a feature commonly only seen on high grade custom balisongs that cost $500 or more: they really work very well.
You can see the spring latch assembly here. I ensure the craftsmen check out each and every spring latch before shipment. In the early days, there were some issues, but every latch in this batch pops up well.
This model weighs in at 4.9 oz. $75.
