Best products from r/balisong

We found 51 comments on r/balisong discussing the most recommended products. We ran sentiment analysis on each of these comments to determine how redditors feel about different products. We found 151 products and ranked them based on the amount of positive reactions they received. Here are the top 20.

Top comments mentioning products on r/balisong:

u/Sir_McMuffinman · 2 pointsr/balisong

Ever since I saw the "Meet the Spy" vid for Team Fortress 2 seven years ago, I've been interested in balisong tricks. I've never been much of a collector of knives or anything at all, but it's the one thing I feel like would be a fun little thing to do.

Several years ago, I bought a really cheap-ass balisong-pen which was entertaining for the two weeks before it fell apart (Yes, at the time, I knew it was going to be extremely cheap and low-quality, so I was surprised it even lasted that long). Again, I'm feeling the itch to buy one, but something that would actually be durable. I am not aspiring to be a professional in any way, it is not a hobby that I will be dedicating myself to, and it's not something I will be spending a ton of money on- my price range is preferably under $60. Please understand I don't mean to offend those who do that, it's just not who I am; I want to have it as a party trick sorta-thing. It's like how "Yeah, I enjoy sailing" but I don't plan on sailing across the ocean in my lifetime.

That being said, I have several questions:

  1. What brands (or builds, or models, etc) are ones to look out for, and is it better to weigh more or less?

  2. What can I expect to spend on a knife that would last long enough to be worth it? For example, if I get a $30 knife, how long would it last under light-moderate use?

  3. After reading the FAQ and other guides on the wiki page, I understand that it's a good idea to buy a bladed knife instead of a trainer. However, I just don't plan on investing hundreds and hundreds of dollars into the hobby right now. Knowing this, should I still get a live blade instead of a trainer, even though I may have fun with it for two weeks and then forget about it?

  4. Are there any practical uses for the knife? For example, I have a full-size USMC serrated Ka-Bar which I use whenever I'm hunting or sometimes in "heavy duty" yard work. Is there any reason to have a nice blade on a balisong other than for show/thrill/training?

  5. That being said, would I rather get a tool instead of a blade, like the BBbarfly bottle opener? I know they're not the same at all because of the fact they will have different centers of masses and moments of inertias and stuff, but meh.

  6. Would I get gutted for calling it a butterfly knife instead, or do most people get... passionate about calling it a balisong?

  7. Is there a social stigma against it? Whether or not there is, I am still interested. I just want to know what to expect.

    Thanks for the help. I have read most of the guides on the wiki here, but I noticed many of them were outdated by at least a year. This is why I have questions about things like which brands are good, because I know reputations can change with time. Just from the guides, the one I'm considering right now is the Bear & Son 114B. As I've said, I don't know if I'm even going to care about it after two weeks, it may be completely impulsive. But if I do end up loving it enough to buy the nice stuff, I'll be sure to let y'all know!
u/CraigButNotReally · 1 pointr/balisong

I've heard good things about it. I don't have first hand experience though. I do have both Arkansas oil stones (which is what those are) and whetstones. I like my oil stones for general knife use. I think they're more user friendly. I have whetstones for my straight razors and some knives. I'm a huge fan of Norton and do have plenty of experience with them. I have this stone and it's great.
https://www.amazon.com/Norton-614636855653--8-Inch-Combination-Oilstone/dp/B000XK5ZDY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1468468051&sr=8-1&keywords=norton+oilstone You'll need oil for it though. It's on the coarser side but when you get more experience you can produce edges good enough to shave hair. Not super cleanly but it will shave. The reason I recommended the other though is it has a higher grit stone and comes with oil too.

I'd also recommend the Norton whetstones too. Pricey but really great quality.

https://www.amazon.com/Tandy-Leather-Strop-Polishing-Compound/dp/B00P797R32/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1468468475&sr=8-1&keywords=tandy+strop+compound Here's a good strop for knives. It comes with compound. Not necessary but they're nice to have around to give it that little bit of extra sharpness and you can maintain an edge with them. Just strop after every use and it will prolong the periods between honing.

Here's a really good video on freehand honing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ln_z1IyubaI

u/StormTAG · 1 pointr/balisong

So I've been fidgeting with a trainer I bought (https://www.amazon.com/Anlado-Balisong-Butterfly-Trainer-Practice/dp/B06W5KSDY5) and now I decided to try and get a little more deliberate with my "training." I have no one to help in person so I appreciate any guidance or suggestions.

I started with this list to give me some structure (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHiueU_hUKFwM6kV8WTVF9fBGpIeat8Ba) and I'm currently on the 2nd video, which details the Fan (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YKZjkQzNo8)

I can get it to work most of the time but pretty often when I do the flip out, both the handle and the blade end up on the same side, so rather than a T, I end up more with an L. If I wait to start rotating until after the handle has already hit the back of my fingers, it works consistently. Thus, my guess is that I'm starting the rotation too soon and I just need more practice to start the rotation at the right point.

Also, most of the time when I do start fanning the blade ends up straight out and only occasionally perpendicular to my hand. Any tips for keeping the T shape consistent while fanning? I'm assuming it's just another practice thing but figured I'd ask.

u/-SeaPig- · 1 pointr/balisong

I have a heated ultrasonic cleaner that's worked pretty well for me at loosening loctited screws. Doesn't get boiling hot, but it's hot enough that I have to use tongs to remove the knife. The heat and 42,000 hz seem to work pretty well together. I also add this stuff to the water. Not sure how much effect it has on the loctite, but it's an awesome cleaner and degreaser.

u/narunub115 · 1 pointr/balisong

This is a super late reply, sorry. The knife in the middle is a trainer that I got on Amazon. It's pretty good quality, I've dropped it many times and it's still in great shape. Here's the link if you want it http://www.amazon.com/Practice-Knife-Trainer-offensive-blade/dp/B00OXRXHNI

u/IAmNotARealBoy_ · 3 pointsr/balisong

Wow, that was lengthy, thanks for the review! I noticed the Nano oil looks exactly like the TUF-Glide I use, I wonder if it's just rebranded. I'm able to tighten down the pivots on my AB as tight as I can with the TUF Glide, and it still swings freely. I might try out froglube though, I like that you don't need to apply it for a long time after the first initial time.

u/spayne080899 · 1 pointr/balisong

https://www.amazon.com/Safety-Training-Practice-Strong-Durable/dp/B07J5J91DT

I think this is the same one, the handles are a little wobbly but apart from that I'm getting on really well with it, weighted well and feels good to use :)

u/elgiraffe-c- · 1 pointr/balisong

amazon special. I love these things and they have worked great for me.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07SHDZLFR/

u/squidmaster23 · 3 pointsr/balisong

I use Hoppe's #9 Lubricating Oil. I really enjoy it for it's applicator which is really thin and precise and does not spill even if you tip it over. One downside is that it's easy to break off.

I would stay away from WD40. It works just fine, but it attracts dirt easily. Also, stay away from olive oil LOL.

u/abree107 · 1 pointr/balisong

https://www.amazon.com/Icetek-Sports-DRAGON-Practice-Butterfly/dp/B00YJYZ864

This trainer is still one I use when I can't take a balisong somewhere. It's insanely durable, just like a BBBarfly, but doesn't have insanely large handles and isn't louder than a semitruck. With a little sanding the handles are quite comfortable as well.

u/liisrandom · 1 pointr/balisong

Popular brands are Nano Oil 10wt,Militec-1,Benchmade Blue lube,Hoppe's No. 9,KPL Knife Pivot Lube,3-in-1 oil,and Tuff Glide dry lubricantjust to name a few in no particular order. I personally like Nano-oil the best but have been hearing really good things about KPL.

u/TastyKakes789 · 1 pointr/balisong

If i flip heavy its at least once a week, normally i can tell when my bali needs more lube. I'm a big fan of Hoppe's 9 lubricating oil, you can get a 15ml bottle with a nice applicator tip for like $8 on amazon.

Here is the link if you want it

u/franciscomor · 3 pointsr/balisong

Probably. could be wrong though. Regardless it's pretty cheap.

Here is a relatively cheap supply list:

Loctite Blue 242:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000I1RSNS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_9tS9yb9QJHK9R

Nano-Oil 10 weight:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002C9RGA4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_EwS9yb10KF8P2

Torques:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000LQEUJ0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_yvS9ybNJ3JZ9A

There are probably better torques but l think these will work. I have a $45 set so I didn't think that is really cheap lol

u/Dryfter137 · 1 pointr/balisong

?

Maybe a full sized one is better than these kits, I really don’t know lol.

u/Ghoonem · 4 pointsr/balisong

I got this one for about 10$, it's honestly the best one I found on amazonUK

but I'm trying to get a squidy, everyone here recommends it, and it's only 42$

u/Duhherroooo · 3 pointsr/balisong

Dont get a CCC with screws. Those are even less durable than the pinned construction ones and have cheap hardware that strips. You can either get a bbbarfly or the dragon trainer here https://www.amazon.com/VORNNEX-Practice-Butterfly-Stainless-Unsharpened/dp/B06XRCGCV8/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=balisong+trainer&qid=1556557363&s=gateway&sr=8-3

They are pinned, but I can guarantee you will hold up way better than any screw construction trainer under $40

u/Klyuchak · 3 pointsr/balisong

I use a Pelican 1170 with pick n pluck foam. Most of the other similarly sized cases like the 1150 and 1200 are a lot taller than they need to be, the 1170 is the slimmest of the cases outside of the laptop and micro cases, while also being wide enough to fit 10 balis per layer.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0038VETHS/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1518333620&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=pelican+1170

u/Rood27 · 1 pointr/balisong

So currently I've been using an Icetek Dragon Trainer. It's not that great and I'm looking for a replacement. I was wondering what the best trainer for at most $50 would be? And yes I have read the buying guide in the sidebar, but it seems quite old and was wondering if there were newer things out now?

u/itsJustYvonne · 1 pointr/balisong

Have u tried this one ?
How is it? Would u still recommend ur $10 one?

u/Its_Blazertron · 2 pointsr/balisong

I bought a Cheap (£10) balisong trainer from amazon this one And after a few hours, the bite handle keeps going completely stiff, sometimes 5 minutes of wiggling it, it will go back to normal for a few minutes. I though this would last at least a few weeks without screwing up, not a few hours. Is there anything I could do? Maybe squirt some WD-40 in their? It has no screws though, so I doubt it could do any good. I don't wanna have to spend $100+ on something just so it lasts a long time, I've literally been flipping for a few hours max.

u/vexis170 · 1 pointr/balisong

only took 45 mins to get it to where it can cut regular letter paper ;_;

The existing grind was pretty asymmetric so that added a lot to the time. Im thinking of picking up some of these https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008EKY5OA/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 ive heard good things about them.

So far the stones have been doing a good job on my edc folders (vg10 and sandvik 14c28n) but no knife i own has ever been this blunt :/

u/Arkayess · 1 pointr/balisong

I feel u dude. I’m flipping this . I’m looking to flip a triton clone or something. I don’t got much of a budget either.

u/Boqueef · 1 pointr/balisong

I own the Vornnex dragon trainer an it lasted me about a year.

u/personGuy02 · 1 pointr/balisong

I made a mistake with the weight, it’s 9.6 ounces not 9.3 ounces. If you want to see for yourself here’s the link.

VORNNEX Practice Butterfly Knife with Sure Spring Latch, Full Stainless Steel Black Dragon Dull Balisong Trainer, Unsharpened Butterfly Knife Comb for CS GO Training(Silver) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XRCGCV8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_eZpWCb8T897KT

u/st3500 · 1 pointr/balisong

Put some lube on it. Any type will do; I use Hoppe's #9 mostly because I like the applicator tip on the bottle.

Even WD-40 will do in a pinch, though it's discouraged since it will get dirty quickly. Whatever you end up using, just put a drop on each side of each pivot then swing the handles back and forth a bit to work it in there. You could put a drop on the latch too if that's squeaking.