Description
DB-17 is the compact one. 6.2 inches overall on a 3.2 inch handle, with black resin panels striped by ram horn and studded with pale pins down both sides.
| Overall length | 6.2 inches |
| Handle length | 3.2 inches |
| Steel | 1095 + 15N20 Damascus, 352 layers |
| Hardness | 58–60 HRC, oil tempered |
| Weight | 5.6 oz |
| Handle | Damascus Balisong Butterfly Knife with Ram Horn and Resin Handle Handmade |
Meant for: smaller hands, and for anyone who has found full-size butterfly knives unwieldy. Shorter handles rotate faster, which is a genuine trade rather than a straight win. You get quicker transitions and a knife that tucks away easily; you give up the slow, forgiving arc that makes a long balisong easy to learn on. At five and six tenths ounces it is dense for its size, so it does not feel like a toy.
Resin and ram horn together
The dark panels are cast resin, stabilized and non-porous, and the lighter bands running through them are ram horn set in as inlay. Resin is the practical half of that partnership: it will not absorb sweat, it does not crack in dry air, and it takes a polish that stays. The horn brings the variation resin cannot fake, so the striping across each handle is unique to the knife you receive. Pins are set proud enough to feel under the fingers, which helps with grip during a fast roll.
The blade
Fine raindrop Damascus, 1095 layered against 15N20 in a 352-layer stack, brought to 58–60 HRC with an oil temper. The figure is scaled to the blade, so the rings sit close together rather than sprawling. A short blade like this takes an edge quickly on a stone and needs fewer passes to bring back.
Carrying something this size
Closed, it is small enough to sit in a jacket pocket without printing. That convenience is worth thinking about before you buy, because butterfly knife rules vary a great deal between states and cities, and the practical answer is to check your own local ordinance rather than assume. Nothing about the size of this knife changes what applies where you live.
Care. Wipe the blade dry after handling and lay a thin film of oil across it before the knife goes into a drawer. The resin needs no maintenance at all, which is unusual on this rack; a damp cloth cleans it and that is the end of the job. The horn inlay is the part to watch. Prolonged dry heat makes horn shrink slightly and it can pull away from the resin around it, so keep the knife out of direct sun and away from vents.
Questions we get
Is a short balisong harder to learn on? Somewhat. Choosing a knife for smaller hands explains what changes.
Where does this design come from? The Philippines, by way of a long trading history. Read balisong history and origins.
What if I want a bigger one in the same style? The Damascus double edge balisong in rosewood is a full-size alternative.
Model: BMK-DB-17
Not sure this is the one? See every balisong knife we make in one place.
Chloe Robinson –
This balisong is a genuine work of art. Action is smooth right out of the box, no break in needed. Can’t recommend this enough.
Christopher Rivera –
Solid balisong. Glad I ordered it. Latch works fine, just a bit stiff at first. Still very happy with it and would recommend.
Rafael Wright –
This balisong is rock solid. No question about it. Pivots feel dialed in with zero blade play. So worth it.
Nancy Wells –
This is one of those purchases that just makes you smile. Action is smooth right out of the box, no break in needed. Handles have a great grip even during fast flips. Already added a few more items from this seller to my cart.
Blake Wilson –
This seller clearly knows what they’re doing with quality like this. Comes with a nice pouch which is a nice touch. No hesitation recommending this to anyone looking.
Nancy Stewart –
My brother couldn’t stop talking about this after I unboxed it. Action is smooth right out of the box, no break in needed. Highly recommend this one.
Wyatt Bishop –
This is exactly what I wanted and then some. Beyond happy with how this turned out.
Walter Bailey –
This balisong completely won me over the moment I picked it up. Handles have a great grip even during fast flips. Already thinking about what to order next from this shop.