Description
The Butterfly Knife is a Batanga-pattern balisong made one at a time in our Memphis shop: a hand-forged Damascus blade, engraved brass and copper handles, and an action that settles rather than rattles. Collectors come for the metalwork. Flippers stay because the weight sits where it should.
| Overall length | 7.5 inches |
| Blade length | 3.5 inches |
| Handle length | 4.0 inches |
| Steel | 1095 + 15N20 Damascus, 352 layers |
| Hardness | 58–60 HRC, oil tempered |
| Weight | 7.23 oz |
| Handle | Brass And Copper Handle |
Steel and pattern
The blade is pattern-welded from 1095 and 15N20, honest high-carbon steel, forge-welded and folded and then etched so the nickel-bearing layers stand bright against the dark ones. The figure runs in long loose waves down the flat and tightens toward the clip point. Because that figure comes out of the billet and not off a stencil, no two blades in a run share it.
Handles, pins and latch
The spec sheet says brass and copper handle. The longer version is that each channel handle is cut, engraved by hand with a running scroll, and pinned so the two halves close on the tang without slap. Copper warms and darkens as you use it, and within a month of regular flipping the panels take on a color no polishing wheel can fake. The latch is fitted last and dressed until it clears the safe handle cleanly. Smooth, satisfying action, honest high-carbon steel, and hand fit-and-finish that mass-produced trainers can’t match: that is the argument for a forged balisong over a stamped one. For the vocabulary — tang pins, zen pins, channel versus sandwich — our balisong construction guide lays it out.
Who it is for
This is a display and hobby piece in the traditional Filipino style, aimed at collectors and flipping enthusiasts rather than at anyone hunting for a work knife. It is heavier than a trainer at over seven ounces, which is exactly what you want once you are past basic openings and into rollovers: momentum you can feel is momentum you can steer. Learn on a dull trainer first, because the edge on this one is real. Our butterfly knife tricks guide starts at the beginning.
What ships, and one thing to check first
The balisong arrives in a protective pouch — black leather, stitched, brass rivets, belt loop — inside a box you can give away as it is. Before ordering, please confirm your local rules. Balisong ownership varies by state and by country, and that responsibility sits with the buyer. We keep a plain-language summary of US butterfly knife laws and it is worth two minutes of your time.
Keeping it running
A drop of light oil at each pivot every few weeks is the entire maintenance routine. Wipe the blade after handling, because skin leaves salt behind and high-carbon steel notices. If the action turns gritty it is almost always dust in the pivot rather than a pin working loose.
FAQs
Is this a collector piece? Yes — handmade in the traditional Filipino style for collectors and flipping hobbyists.
Is the blade sharpened? Yes. This is a live blade, not a trainer.
What’s included? The balisong and a protective pouch/box.
Can it be engraved? Laser engraving is available as a paid add-on at checkout.
Forged and fitted in Memphis, TN. Lifetime warranty, and 2,000+ verified customer reviews stand behind it.
Model: BMK-2001
Ethan F. (verified owner) –
This shop is a hidden gem for knife enthusiasts. The butterfly knife I got here is a testament to quality and design. It’s quickly become one of my favorites.
Lily K. (verified owner) –
I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. The steel butterfly knife I ordered here is a true work of art. It’s a conversation starter and a valuable addition to my collection.
Ava L. (verified owner) –
The precision in the craftsmanship of the steel butterfly knife I received is remarkable. It’s a piece of functional art that I’ll cherish for years to come.
Robert Tarnowski (verified owner) –
Hunter Lopez –
Did not expect this level of quality for the price. Ordered from Black Mamba Knives before and the quality stays consistent every time. Weight is perfectly balanced for flipping. This maker clearly takes pride in their work.
Harold Martin –
Incredible quality for the price point. Weight is perfectly balanced for flipping. Made in the USA right in Memphis, and it shipped worldwide without any long wait. Already added a few more items from this store to my cart.
Thomas Young –
Nice piece for the price. Action is good though it needed a little tightening on the pivots. Glad I made this purchase.
George Stewart –
This company clearly knows what they’re doing with quality like this. Handles have a great grip even during fast flips. Worth every penny.
Nancy Gomez –
Not going to lie. This exceeded my expectations by a lot. Exactly the kind of quality that keeps me coming back.
Dustin Sanders –
This balisong has already earned a permanent spot in my collection. This store clearly takes pride in their work. Not my first order from Black Mamba Knives and it won’t be my last.
Antoine Morgan –
Genuinely very pleased with how this turned out. Bushings feel buttery smooth after just a bit of use. Latch snaps shut clean every time. Already added a few more items from this company to my cart.
Nicholas Howard –
No regrets on this purchase at all. I keep coming back to Black Mamba Knives because it’s always this good.
Joshua White –
This is hands down one of the best knives I’ve bought online. Nice to support a Memphis based knife maker, shipping was fast even internationally. Pivots feel dialed in with zero blade play. Weight is perfectly balanced for flipping. This is my new favorite in the collection.