Butterfly Knives?

[The Wizard]

Does anyone know where i can get a good quality Balisong that doesnt cost an arm, leg and a first born? i use to have a good one but someone thought they needed it more more than i did.

[Rumpshot]

There were a bunch on sale at the Crossroads of the West gunshow in Phoenix a week and a half ago.

[Kommander]

There were a bunch on sale at the Crossroads of the West gunshow in Phoenix a week and a half ago.

He said quality, most of the gunshow fodder is only good for opening letters.

[The Wizard]

Does anyone know where i can get a good quality Balisong that doesnt cost an arm, leg and a first born? i use to have a good one but someone thought they needed it more more than i did.

Cold Steel has a decent one they sell sometimes, but it's not consistently available.

They make another one called the Paradox that is similar to a butterfly knife, but it's spring tensioned. Right now, it runs for $130.

I personally don't consider that an arm and a leg for a decent knife.

The Benchmade model 42 is a very good knife, and runs around $240 at discount dealers. The 51 and 32 are a bit less (around $200).

That's getting a bit pricey for what is, essentially, a toy.

The problem is, customs won't allow new bali songs to be imported since the early 90s. You can import parts and assemble them here, or make them here; but the normal brands either wont carry them at all (because of the cost of U.S.S labor) or they charge a fortune.

Your best bet might be getting a kit actually:

http://www.kitknife.com/butterfly_balisong_kit.htm

Though I have to ask, why bother? Especially if you live in a switchblade state.

for the simple reason you stated Chris, its more or less a toy, i enjoy the manipulations of a butterfly. the switchblade doesnt hold the same allure for me, its not a matter of getting the blade out fast, its amusement in doing so. but i dont want a crappy knife that i cant ever use for anything and was made in the PRC out of old Coke cans. does that make sense?

[308Mike]

Cold Steel has a decent one they sell sometimes, but it's not consistently available.

They have one available this Christmas season:

Paradox
Christmas Sale
Specifications:
Weight: 6.1 oz.
Blade Thickness: 3.5 mm
Blade Length: 4 1/2"
Steel: Japanese AUS 8A Stainless
Overall: 9 1/2"
Handle: 5" Long. 6061 Aluminum
Stainless Pocket/Belt Clip
Regular price: $129.99
Christmas Sale: $83.99
XF24P

[SeekHer]

I know very little about what is good, bad or indifferent with Butterfly/Balisong knives as I've never liked them even before I found out they are illegal in Canada...

I know of two custom makers:
Charles Marlowe and
George Knives

I have these dealers and general info sites for my Philippine Knife Section but can't attest to the info or quality of the dealer:
Bakisong.com
Balisong Knife Collector's
Traditional Filipino Weapons

[Aegis]

Like Chris said, the Benchmade 42. The company was basically built around their butterfly knives, though they've obviously branched out since then.