Description
Our most-bought balisong: D2 tool steel, stainless channel handles, dark rosewood inserts pinned in copper, and a long upswept blade with a deep belly.
| Overall length | 9.1 inches |
| Blade length | 4.4 inches |
| Handle length | 4.7 inches |
| Steel | D2 tool steel |
| Handle | – Stainless Steel with high grains rose Wood Inserts |
Who keeps reaching for it: people who wanted one balisong that would last, bought this one, and in a good number of cases came back for a second in a different wood.
The upswept blade is the reason
Most balisongs get a symmetrical spear or a straight clip. This one sweeps: the edge dips below the handle line and rises to a fine point well above it, giving a long continuous belly and an unusual amount of cutting edge for 4.4 inches of blade. Flipping it, the curve means the blade’s mass sits further from the pivot than it looks, so rotations feel weightier than the numbers suggest. Cutting with it, the belly does the work in a draw, which is why this profile turns up on skinning knives.
Why D2, and what it costs you
D2 holds an edge longer than nearly anything else at this price, because it is loaded with hard chromium carbides that resist abrasion. Those same carbides make it slow to sharpen and reluctant to take a screaming polished edge; it prefers a slightly toothy finish and cuts very well with one. It is semi-stainless rather than stainless. If you are weighing it against the alternatives, our steel comparison sets D2 against 440C and Damascus directly.
Rosewood and stainless
Rosewood is naturally oily and dense, which is why it has been a tool-handle wood for two centuries. It needs almost nothing from you. Wipe it with a dry cloth; it darkens slowly with handling and that is the finish improving, not degrading. The stainless channels want no care at all beyond a wipe. The blade is the only part with a real requirement: keep it dry, and give it a thin smear of oil if the knife is going into storage for a while, because semi-stainless is not rustproof. When the edge finally goes, take it to a bench stone, not a pull-through, and expect the job to take longer than it would on a softer steel. Technique for that is in our whetstone guide.
What buyers ask
Is it sharp on arrival? Yes, fully sharpened and ready to cut. This is not a dull trainer, so treat the first few sessions with respect.
Can the pivots be tightened? Yes, and a quarter turn is usually the whole fix.
Which is the closest alternative? The BMK-469 is the same steel and build with a different insert.
Model: BMK-471
Buying for groomsmen? This knife also comes as a matched set of 6, 15% less than buying six singly, and each one can carry its own engraved name.
Looking for more styles? Take a look at the full Filipino balisong collection.
TAKU TATSUMI (verified owner) –
Mark is made butterfly knife, very sharp. it is a hand made and, wonderful arts.thanks.
Mia P. (verified owner) –
I’m building a collection of unique blades, and the steel butterfly knife I purchased here fits perfectly. It’s a gorgeous piece that I’m excited to showcase.
Noah S. (verified owner) –
I’m impressed with the 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.
Caleb B. (verified owner) –
The steel butterfly knife I bought here is now the centerpiece of my collection. It’s elegant and practical, and it flips open with ease. A great find!
Jeff B. (verified owner) –
Well balanced, beautifully made knife. Was actually a gift for my daughter and she loves it! I’ll definitely be doing more shopping at Black Mamba knives! Thanks again
Tyrone Taylor –
Ordering again from this store the second I finish writing this review. This flips cleaner than knives twice the price. No hesitation recommending this to anyone looking. Ordered from Black Mamba Knives before and the quality stays consistent every time.
Stephanie Jones –
Didn’t think a balisong at this price could feel this premium. Blade came shaving sharp straight out of the box. Comes with a nice pouch which is a nice touch. Handles have a great grip even during fast flips. Telling everyone I know to check this store out.
Donna Morales –
My skepticism about ordering online disappeared the second this arrived. Pivots feel dialed in with zero blade play. Black Mamba Knives’ attention to detail is honestly unmatched. Zero complaints from me on this purchase.
Richard Castillo –
Did not expect this level of quality for the price. Action is smooth right out of the box, no break in needed. This maker nailed it with this one.