Description
Walnut burl set into stainless handles, with a symmetrical spear point in D2. The figure in the wood is the reason to choose this one.
Carries well for: a buyer who wants natural material without the unpredictability of horn or bone. Burl gives you swirl and depth in the grain while behaving like wood, which is to say it is stable, it is easy to look after, and it will not vary as wildly from the photograph as an antler insert would.
| Overall length | 9.1 inches |
| Blade length | 4.4 inches |
| Handle length | 4.7 inches |
| Steel | D2 tool steel |
| Handle | – Stainless Steel with walnut burl wood Inserts |
What burl actually is
A burl is a growth on a tree where the grain has grown in knots and whorls instead of running straight. Cut and stabilized, that chaotic grain becomes the swirling figure you see in the inserts. Because the grain runs in every direction at once, burl is denser and less prone to splitting along a line than straight-grained wood, which is a real advantage in a handle that gets knocked about. It is also darker and more variable than plain walnut, so expect your pair to be matched in tone rather than identical in pattern.
Spear point, and who that suits
The point sits on the centerline with even grinds on both sides. That symmetry means the knife handles the same regardless of which way it lands in your hand, and it makes the tip stronger than a fine clip point. For a balisong that is a sensible choice, because a knife that gets caught mid-rotation is a knife that occasionally lands wrong. The compromise is that a spear point has less belly than a curved blade, so long drawing cuts are not its strength.
Low maintenance by design
Stainless handles and D2 make this one of the easier knives here to own. Nothing on it rusts in ordinary use. Wipe the blade dry, keep the wood out of standing water, and give each pivot one drop of oil when the swing loses its smoothness. If the burl ever looks flat, the smallest amount of mineral oil worked across it and buffed away lifts the figure again. Store it out of a sheath rather than in one.
Before you buy
Is the wood stabilized? Burl for handle use is stabilized, which is why it does not move with humidity.
Will my pattern match the photo? The tone will. The exact swirl will not, and cannot.
Is D2 worth the sharpening effort? If you cut a lot between sharpenings, yes. If you touch up often, a simpler steel is easier.
Knife anatomy explained is a useful glossary if bolsters and liners are new terms, and storing knives properly matters more for wood handles than most people think. For a step up in finish with wood scales rather than inserts, see the rose wood D2 balisong.
Model: BMK-472
Sophia D. (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!
Caleb M. (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.
Olivia F. (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 D. (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.
Daniel S. (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.
Andrew P. (verified owner) –
Beautiful ! Great craftsmanship ! Hinges are tight , but well work that out !
Carol Thompson –
My dad couldn’t stop talking about this after I unboxed it. Weight is perfectly balanced for flipping. Love that this comes out of Memphis and still ships worldwide this quickly. This is going straight into my daily rotation.
Robert West –
This balisong completely won me over the moment I picked it up. Action is smooth right out of the box, no break in needed. This shop just earned a repeat customer.
Rachel Kim –
Feels way more premium than the price suggests. Action is smooth right out of the box, no break in needed. Handles have a great grip even during fast flips. Already telling my friends to check this out.
Alejandro Adams –
Photos don’t do this balisong justice at all. Action is smooth right out of the box, no break in needed. Highly recommend this one.
Donna Walker –
Average quality for the price honestly. Action is okay but not as smooth as I hoped. Neutral on this one overall.
Deborah Jackson –
Couldn’t ask for a better balisong honestly. Pivots feel dialed in with zero blade play. Nice to support a Memphis based knife maker, shipping was fast even internationally. If you’re on the fence just get it. You won’t regret it. Black Mamba Knives is quickly becoming my go to shop for knives.