Wood Handle Balisong

Wood handle balisongs trade a little weight for warmth in the hand. Where brass and steel stay cold and slick, wood grips back, absorbs a fraction of the shock on a hard rollover and shows a different figure on every single knife. We fit ours with kamagong, narra, rose wood, walnut burl, ebony and high-grain hardwoods, cut and shaped by hand in our Memphis workshop and set into steel or brass bolsters.

Is wood strong enough for a flipper? Yes, when it is fitted properly. The load on a balisong handle goes through the bolsters and pins, not the scales. Our inserts are seated flush and pinned, not glued on top.

Which wood should I pick? Kamagong, the Philippine ironwood used on traditional Batangas knives, is the densest and darkest. Walnut burl and high-grain rose wood give the most figure. Ebony is close-grained and almost black. There is no wrong answer, they all get harder and darker with handling.

How do I look after wood scales? Keep them out of soaking water and away from the dishwasher. A drop of mineral oil rubbed in twice a year keeps the grain from drying and lifting.

Are these live blades? Yes, sharpened and heat treated. We do not make blunt trainers.

Legality: please check your local law before ordering.

See also brass balisongs and stainless steel balisongs.