Description
Black ram horn, carved rather than sanded flat, set between polished brass bolsters and pinned with brass. The panels are worked into a run of shallow scallops down the length of each handle, so the grip has actual relief in it instead of being a smooth slab. Blade is a satin clip point with three lightening holes drilled through the flat.
| 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 | – Brass with ram Horn Inserts |
Why the scalloping matters more than it looks like it should
A polished handle is a liability the moment your hands are damp. Carving relief into the horn gives the skin something to key against, and because the relief follows the length of the handle rather than sitting across it, it does not fight the rotation the way aggressive checkering would. Ram horn is dense and dark to start with, so the shadows in the scallops read almost as a texture pattern from a few feet away and as grip from six inches.
Horn and brass, and what each one wants
Brass will darken on its own schedule. Some owners like the aged look and leave it; others bring it back once a season with polish on a cloth, working carefully around the horn so the compound does not load into the carving. Horn wants almost nothing, but it does dislike two things specifically: sustained heat and long direct sun. A closed car in a Memphis July does more damage to a horn panel than years of flipping ever will. A drop of the same light oil you put on the pivots, buffed off properly, restores the sheen when handling has dulled it.
About etched blades, since people ask
Contrast on any pattern-welded blade comes from an acid etch, and an etch is not permanent. Sweat, abrasive pads, a dishwasher cycle or simply years of being handled will all flatten it, and it wears off the flats first because that is where hands land. Keeping contrast means keeping the steel dry, lightly oiled and away from anything gritty. Our care notes for forged patterns set out the routine and, more usefully, explain what your options are once a pattern has already gone dull on you. Nobody mentions that part at the point of sale.
The same knife with a different heart
Mechanically this platform is shared across the brass line: the same overall length, the same handle-to-blade proportion, the same pin and channel work. What changes between models is the blade material and what it asks of you afterwards. The D2 build of this identical frame costs meaningfully less and is the easier knife to neglect. If you want to see how the parts go together before you choose, how a balisong is assembled walks through pivots, pins, latch and channel.
Out of Memphis
Cut, hardened, fitted, carved, sharpened and tested by hand here, then boxed with a black leather carrier sewn and riveted by hand. Ownership law differs from one place to the next, so look yours up first. The guarantee lasts the life of the knife.
Model: BMK-437
Not sure this is the one? See every balisong knife we make in one place.
Emily M. (verified owner) –
The steel butterfly knife I received from this store is visually captivating and incredibly functional. It’s now my go-to tool for various tasks. Highly recommended!
Mia F. (verified owner) –
The precision in the craftsmanship of the steel butterfly knife I received is remarkable. It’s not just a tool; it’s a functional work of art that I’ll cherish.
Chris Ross (verified owner) –
Beautiful balisong, excellent craftsmanship & fast shipping
Olivia R. (verified owner) –
This store is a must-visit for butterfly knife enthusiasts. The knife I received is a masterpiece in steel, and it has quickly become a cherished item in my collection.
Samuel K. (verified owner) –
I’m impressed with the meticulous attention to detail on the steel butterfly knife I got from this shop. It’s not just a tool; it’s a piece of art that I’m proud to own.
Daniel L. (verified owner) –
I’ve been collecting knives for years, and this store ranks among my favorites. The steel butterfly knife I purchased here is a shining example of craftsmanship and excellence.
Rochelle (verified owner) –
Excellent customer service. Great product.
Nicholas Collins –
Wasn’t sure what to expect but this balisong nailed it. Bushings feel buttery smooth after just a bit of use. This seller nailed it with this one.
Travis Castillo –
Absolutely completely satisfied by this balisong. This flips cleaner than knives twice the price. Worth every penny.
Malik Thompson –
Ordering again from this maker the second I finish writing this review. Pivots feel dialed in with zero blade play. Action is smooth right out of the box, no break in needed. Would not hesitate to order again.
Larry Nguyen –
This turned out to be way better than I thought it would be. Pivots feel dialed in with zero blade play. This flips cleaner than knives twice the price. 10/10 would buy again.
Larry Martin –
This is the kind of balisong you show off without even meaning to. Comes with a nice pouch which is a nice touch. Highly recommend this one.
Dustin Ruiz –
This is exactly what I wanted and then some. Latch snaps shut clean every time. Happy customer here, through and through.
Alan Harris –
Can’t stop showing this off to everyone who comes over. Black Mamba Knives keeps setting the bar higher with each order. This flips cleaner than knives twice the price. Telling everyone I know to check this seller out.
John Price –
This thing is a beast in the best way. This maker clearly takes pride in their work.
Richard Flores –
This balisong is well made. Just a couple small things kept it from 5 stars. Solid pickup even with the small issues.
Jerome Hayes –
This balisong looks even better in person than in the listing photos. Blade came shaving sharp straight out of the box. Love it.