Description
Cream bone panels with faint gray mottling, polished steel bolsters, brass pins, and a long upswept trailing point pierced by a row of four holes with a short run of jimping cut into the spine behind them. Underneath the good looks it is the tool steel that makes this knife worth choosing.
| Overall length | 9.1 inches |
| Blade length | 4.4 inches |
| Handle length | 4.7 inches |
| Steel | D2 tool steel |
| Handle | – Stainless Steel with Bone Inserts |
The odd steel in the rack
D2 is a high-carbon, high-chromium tool steel. It carries roughly twelve percent chromium, which is enough to make it genuinely stain-resistant and not quite enough to qualify it as stainless. It sits between the two camps and it behaves exactly like something that sits between two camps: neglect a wet blade and you get scattered freckles rather than the sheet of orange a plain carbon steel would hand you. That in-between status is the single most useful thing to understand about owning one, because it sets your expectations correctly in both directions.
What the chromium does at the edge
Chromium and carbon combine into large, hard carbides distributed through the steel. Those carbides are precisely why D2 holds a working edge long after simpler steels have gone dull, and precisely why it argues with you on a stone. Fine ceramic and patience will get there; diamond will get there faster and with less swearing. The edge that results is slightly toothy rather than glassy, which is excellent on rope and cardboard and unremarkable at shaving. For a balisong that is the right trade every time, since the thing spends its life being rotated rather than cutting. Where D2 lands against the stainless grades is covered in the 440C breakdown, and the full steel chart puts numbers against the impressions.
The holes and the jimping
Neither is decoration. Piercing the flat pulls weight out of the blade and shifts balance back toward the pivots, which makes the knife quicker to start and easier to stop. The jimping behind them gives a thumb somewhere to sit when the knife is open and you are actually using it for something. Both features are cut before heat treat, then cleaned up afterwards, because drilling hardened D2 is a good way to ruin a bit and an afternoon.
Bone in a steel frame
The panels are inlaid into the bolstered frame rather than forming the structure, so knocks land on metal. Bone is harder than horn and holds a crisp boundary against the steel, and it will lighten and darken unevenly over years of handling in a way that horn does not. Nothing needs doing to it beyond keeping it out of long direct sun.
Same platform, different heart
Overall length, blade length, handle proportion, pin work and channel geometry are shared with the layered-blade builds sitting beside it on the shelf. Only the blade material differs. If visible figure appeals to you more than wear resistance does, the high carbon build with a banded handle is that trade in the other direction. Everything here is cut, hardened, fitted and sharpened in Memphis, and each knife travels with a hand-sewn black leather carrier. Look into the law where you live first. The guarantee lasts as long as the knife does.
Model: BMK-456
Looking for more styles? Take a look at the full Filipino balisong collection.
Liam K. (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.
Sophia M. (verified owner) –
The precision in the craftsmanship of the steel butterfly knife I received is truly remarkable. It’s not just a tool; it’s a functional work of art that I’ll cherish.
Olivia L. (verified owner) –
This shop is a hidden treasure for knife enthusiasts. The butterfly knife I obtained here is a testament to quality and craftsmanship. It has quickly become one of my prized possessions.
Benjamin W. (verified owner) –
The steel butterfly knife I purchased here is visually stunning and incredibly functional. It’s now my preferred tool for various tasks. Highly recommended!
Ava S. (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.
Andrew Ortiz –
This is exactly what I wanted and then some. Blade came shaving sharp straight out of the box. Can’t recommend this enough.
Jeffrey Bryant –
Wasn’t sure what to expect but this balisong nailed it. Handles have a great grip even during fast flips. Already telling my friends to check this out.
Cody Phillips –
Couldn’t ask for a better balisong honestly. Pivots feel dialed in with zero blade play. Exactly the kind of quality that keeps me coming back.
Anna Carter –
Really solid craftsmanship on this one.
Thomas Cole –
Did not expect this level of quality for the price. Action is smooth right out of the box, no break in needed. Happy customer here, through and through.
Paul Murphy –
Didn’t think a balisong at this price could feel this premium. Pivots feel dialed in with zero blade play. Bushings feel buttery smooth after just a bit of use. Already thinking about what to order next from this seller.
Grace Roberts –
This maker clearly knows what they’re doing with quality like this. Bushings feel buttery smooth after just a bit of use. Blade came shaving sharp straight out of the box. Black Mamba Knives has earned a repeat customer with this one. Comes with a nice pouch which is a nice touch. Would not hesitate to order again.
Timothy Foster –
No regrets on this purchase at all. This flips cleaner than knives twice the price. Latch snaps shut clean every time. Highly recommend this one.
Matthew Smith –
Did not expect this level of quality for the price. Handles have a great grip even during fast flips. This is the kind of purchase that makes online shopping worth it.
Antonio Simmons –
Not going to lie. This exceeded my expectations by a lot. Black Mamba Knives’ attention to detail is honestly unmatched. Blade came shaving sharp straight out of the box. If you’re on the fence just get it. You won’t regret it.
Michelle Jones –
This balisong is a genuine work of art. Comes with a nice pouch which is a nice touch. Great buy overall.
Sharon Cole –
Really happy with this balisong overall. Not my first Black Mamba Knives order and it held up to their usual standard. Action is good though it needed a little tightening on the pivots. Good product. Just not quite perfect.