Description
Solid copper handles, engraved by hand, on a Damascus balisong that comes in at 7.23 ounces. Copper is a strange thing to build a knife handle from, and that is precisely the reason this one exists.
| Overall length | 8 inches |
| Blade length | 3.5 inches |
| Handle length | 4.5 inches |
| Steel | 1095 + 15N20 Damascus, 352 layers |
| Hardness | 58–60 HRC, oil tempered |
| Weight | 7.23 oz |
| Handle | Copper Handle |
Chosen by: people who want an object rather than a tool. Open, it measures eight inches, and the blade is 3.5 of them, which is a comfortable everyday size, but the handles are what you are paying for.
Copper will change color, and should
Fresh copper is pink-orange and it does not stay that way. Handling drives it browner within weeks, and across the first year the engraved recesses go darker still because they hold skin oil and air where the raised surfaces get rubbed clean. The effect is that the pattern becomes more legible the longer you own it, not less. If you would rather have the bright finish back, any copper polish returns it, though you will lose that contrast and it will start again.
Engraving that is cut, not pressed
The scrollwork is chased into the metal with a graver, which is why the lines have varying depth and why the two handles are close but not identical. Copper is soft enough to cut cleanly and soft enough to show a slip, so the work is unforgiving. A pressed or cast pattern would be uniform and shallow, and it would wear away at the contact points instead of deepening.
An eight inch balisong in the hand
Eight inches is the size most people settle on. Long enough that the rotation is readable and a missed catch is recoverable, short enough for a pocket. The copper puts the weight in the handles rather than the blade, which makes the knife feel planted through a rollover. It also makes it noisier than a wood-handled balisong, which some owners like.
Living with copper: Two different materials, two different habits. The blade is pattern-welded carbon steel: dry it, oil it, do not store it wet. The copper needs no protection at all — the tarnish is the finish — but keep metal polish away from the etched blade, since it will strip the pattern contrast. Wash your hands after long handling sessions; copper leaves a smell and a faint green mark on skin, which is normal and harmless.
Patina and care questions
Can I stop it tarnishing? Not really, and lacquering it tends to look worse than the patina does. Polish it back whenever you want it bright.
Is copper heavy enough to matter? Yes. At 7.23 ounces this is a dense knife for its length, and you feel it in the handles rather than the tip.
How does it compare to the brass-handled version? Brass stays closer to gold and tarnishes more slowly. The engraved-handle Damascus balisong is the other approach. Whether the premium is worth it at all is the subject of are Damascus knives worth it.
Model: BMK-2020
Want a different handle or blade? Browse all of our balisong knives for sale.
Benjamin D. (verified owner) –
“I’m very happy with my purchase from this website. The knife I received is beautifully made, and it’s a standout piece in my collection.”
Mia M. (verified owner) –
“The knife I bought from this store is absolutely stunning. The level of detail in the design is impressive, and it’s a pleasure to own.”
Oliver R. (verified owner) –
“I’m thoroughly impressed with the quality of the knife I received. It’s clear that the makers put a lot of effort into creating these exceptional pieces.”
Mary Phillips –
My neighbor couldn’t stop talking about this after I unboxed it. Blade came shaving sharp straight out of the box. Can’t say enough good things about this purchase.
Brenda Carter –
Decent buy overall, a couple small nitpicks aside. Glad I made this purchase.
Brenda Watson –
Did not expect this level of quality for the price. Nice to support a Memphis based knife maker, shipping was fast even internationally.
Wyatt Brown –
This turned out to be way better than I thought it would be. This seller nailed it with this one.
Jennifer Smith –
My skepticism about ordering online disappeared the second this arrived. Bushings feel buttery smooth after just a bit of use. This company nailed it with this one.
Henry Simmons –
Not going to lie. This exceeded my expectations by a lot. This flips cleaner than knives twice the price. This is exactly why I keep coming back to this seller.
William Sullivan –
Didn’t think a balisong at this price could feel this premium. Latch snaps shut clean every time. This flips cleaner than knives twice the price. Action is smooth right out of the box, no break in needed. Would send this as a gift again in a heartbeat. Good to know real Memphis craftsmen are behind this, and shipping was quick too.
Rafael Campbell –
Ordering again from this store the second I finish writing this review. Bushings feel buttery smooth after just a bit of use. Comes with a nice pouch which is a nice touch. Proud to support American made goods out of Memphis with this purchase. 10/10 would buy again.
Adam Davis –
This balisong completely won me over the moment I picked it up. Bushings feel buttery smooth after just a bit of use. Latch snaps shut clean every time. Comes with a nice pouch which is a nice touch. Telling everyone I know to check this company out.
Henry Freeman –
My skepticism about ordering online disappeared the second this arrived. Black Mamba Knives has earned a repeat customer with this one. Handles have a great grip even during fast flips. Comes with a nice pouch which is a nice touch. Action is smooth right out of the box, no break in needed. Would send this as a gift again in a heartbeat.
Stephanie Rogers –
Got this for a Christmas present and now I want one for myself too.
Ryan Wood –
Set my expectations low going in and this blew right past them. Comes with a nice pouch which is a nice touch. Latch snaps shut clean every time. This flips cleaner than knives twice the price. This is going straight into my daily rotation.
Ryan Myers –
This balisong looks even better in person than in the listing photos. Action is smooth right out of the box, no break in needed. Handles have a great grip even during fast flips. Telling everyone I know to check this company out.
Frank Morris –
Didn’t think a balisong at this price could feel this premium. Comes with a nice pouch which is a nice touch. Already added a few more items from this maker to my cart.
Angela Morgan –
This is one of those purchases that just makes you smile. Weight is perfectly balanced for flipping. Latch snaps shut clean every time. Great buy overall.
Logan Ruiz –
I collect knives and this one is seriously nice. This is going straight into my daily rotation.
Adam Patel –
Got this as a housewarming gift and it exceeded what I expected. Blade came shaving sharp straight out of the box. This flips cleaner than knives twice the price. Weight is perfectly balanced for flipping. Definitely bookmarking this shop for future orders.
Wayne Perez –
Was nervous ordering something like this online but so glad I did. Bushings feel buttery smooth after just a bit of use. Latch snaps shut clean every time. Action is smooth right out of the box, no break in needed. This is my third order from Black Mamba Knives and they never disappoint. No hesitation recommending this to anyone looking.
Jerome Foster –
Would call this a solid pickup for the price. Latch works fine, just a bit stiff at first. Good product. Just not quite perfect.
Christopher Bennett –
My whole family passed this balisong around at dinner just to look at it. Action is smooth right out of the box, no break in needed. Latch snaps shut clean every time. Blade came shaving sharp straight out of the box. If you’re on the fence just get it. You won’t regret it.
Barbara Lewis –
Superb quality for the price point. Comes with a nice pouch which is a nice touch. This store just earned a repeat customer.
Dustin Cook –
My skepticism about ordering online disappeared the second this arrived. Blade came shaving sharp straight out of the box. Pivots feel dialed in with zero blade play. Latch snaps shut clean every time. This is going straight into my daily rotation.
Angela Lee –
This exceeded what I pictured in my head before ordering. Action is smooth right out of the box, no break in needed. Highly recommend this one.
Richard Cole –
Wasn’t sure what to expect but this balisong nailed it. Handles have a great grip even during fast flips. Shipping was fast and everything arrived well packaged.
Mark Jimenez –
Honestly one of my better purchases in a while. Comes with a nice pouch which is a nice touch. This is exactly why I keep coming back to this maker.
Olivia Ortiz –
This is hands down one of the best knives I’ve bought online. Shipping was fast and everything arrived well packaged.
Betty Ramos –
Honestly one of my better purchases in a while. 10/10 would buy again. Proud to support American made goods out of Memphis with this purchase.
Margaret Wood –
This balisong looks even better in person than in the listing photos. Comes with a nice pouch which is a nice touch. Blade came shaving sharp straight out of the box. Exactly the kind of quality that keeps me coming back.