Description
A Filipino-pattern balisong with stainless channel handles and walnut and burl wood inserts, pinned in copper, with a bright satin blade and a long sweeping belly.
| Overall length | 9.1 inches |
| Blade length | 4.4 inches |
| Handle length | 4.7 inches |
| Steel | High carbon steel |
| Hardness | 58–60 HRC, oil tempered |
| Handle | – Stainless with walnut wood and burl wood |
The buyer we had in mind: someone who wants a clean, quiet-looking flipper with real wood on it, at the practical end of the range rather than the display end.
Two woods doing two jobs
The inserts run straight-grained walnut into burl, and the pairing is not only visual. Straight grain is predictable and strong along its length, which is what you want where the handle takes stress near the pivots. Burl is figured because the grain is chaotic, which makes it beautiful and slightly less stable, so it sits where it is decorative rather than structural. Both are set into folded stainless troughs, copper pinned, and the warm copper against cool stainless is what stops the handle reading as plain metal.
Balance and the blade profile
At 9.1 inches overall with a 4.4-inch blade, this is a standard full-size balisong, and the proportions are the ones most flipping tutorials assume. The blade has a long, gently rising belly running to a fine point with no swedge, so the profile is smooth from the ricasso to the tip. Practically, that means nothing catches as the handle passes the blade during a rollover. If you are learning, an even blade like this one is more forgiving than a heavily contoured one. Beginner technique is set out in our flipping guide.
Keeping it in order
Wipe the blade dry when you finish and leave a trace of oil across it, particularly after a long session with warm hands, which leave salt behind on the flat. The wood is the part that needs a little thought: walnut and burl both dry out in heated indoor air, so a trace of wood oil worked in once or twice a year, then buffed off completely, keeps them from going pale and chalky. Do not soak the handle and do not let oil pool where the inserts meet the channel. A single drop at each pivot restores a smooth action the moment it starts to feel dry or begins to sound gritty as the handles swing. Storage advice for a collection is here.
Questions
Will the burl darken? Yes, slowly, and unevenly across the figure. That is normal for burl.
Can the pivots be adjusted? Yes. A fraction of a turn is usually enough to take play out.
Is there a brass-handled version? The BMK-609 uses brass with wood inserts.
Model: BMK-434
Phillip Jackson (verified owner) –
BMK-434 High Carbine Steel Black Mamba Balisong With Walnut Handles. I received the knife nicely packaged, custom box, excellent black sheath, Black Mamba Balisong separate in an oil bag. As I unpackaged the order I was very surprised by the excellent workmanship in the Black Mamba Balisong and sheath. The Black Mamba Black Mamba Balisong was not what I expected, it was far superior, beautiful, smooth, a great work of Art. I have ordered more Black Mamba Knives because of the craftsmanship of my BMK-434. Great Job!
Samuel L. (verified owner) –
The steel butterfly knife I received from this store is visually stunning and incredibly functional. It’s now my go-to tool for various tasks. Highly recommended!
Mia H. (verified owner) –
This store is a hidden gem for knife enthusiasts. The butterfly knife I ordered is visually striking and well-crafted. I’ll definitely be back for more.
adrian b. (verified owner) –
Liam M. (verified owner) –
The steel butterfly knife I purchased here is visually stunning and incredibly functional. It’s now my go-to tool for various tasks. Highly recommended!
Daniel W. (verified owner) –
The precision and attention to detail on the steel butterfly knife I received are remarkable. It’s a true testament to quality and design. I’m proud to own it.
Olivia R. (verified owner) –
I’ve been collecting knives for years, and this store is now one of my favorites. The steel butterfly knife I bought here is a shining example of excellence.