meh.

semi-ugly color with no other color options -1
no metal handles or metal liners -1
no spring latch -1
curved handles -1
short handles -1
illegal to EDC in most areas -1
too light weight(the G-10 + aluminum spacers) -1

ball bearing pivots +1
good for EDC +1
price point +1

GRAND TOTAL: -4

Sorry Benchmade looks like you're still in the negative on this one in my book. The Bali-Song line has been going down hill since the Morphos in my opinion. Please go back to ti handles and flippable balisongs. There are so many great EDC options out there with countless folders that I don't see the point of this design (especially since it's illegal to carry a balisong in most areas). There is a hole in the market right now for a good flipping balisong, please fill it. You won't regret it.

Check the results on this poll regarding the 53 for some valuable market research:
http://www.jerzeedevil.com/for...owthread.php?t=81928

quote:

Originally posted by Helix:
Check the results on this poll regarding the 53 for some valuable market research:
http://www.jerzeedevil.com/for...owthread.php?t=81928

Because 28 votes on one website is classified as reliable and valid market research

/s

Not too happy with the bearing pivot doodad, but I'm in for 1 or 2.

quote:

Originally posted by canadianknifenut:

quote:

Originally posted by Helix:
Check the results on this poll regarding the 53 for some valuable market research:
http://www.jerzeedevil.com/for...owthread.php?t=81928

Because 28 votes on one website is classified as reliable and valid market research

/s

Alright, so it's not the largest pool to collect data from yet, but it was just posted recently for what it's worth. Maybe referring to it as "valuable market research" was not the best wording, but I would still put money that what you see there in that small slice of the community is a fairly accurate representation of how the public would vote comparing the two balisong designs.

And I'm not trying to be a jerk in my post. Don't get me wrong, I love Benchmade and the Bali-Song line. And the new 53 isn't terrible, I am just disappointed to see BM taking the Bali-Song line in this direction. It just seems like they are loosing their roots. From the B-S Inc. and PCC days all the way until the cancellation of the 4X series Benchmade really had the standard for what makes a good balisong. The 51 was still a decent flipping knife but it just seems like like there is not much point to making a knife like the 53. Sure it'll be a decent EDC user knife, but as I mentioned before there just so many options out there for EDC that are legal to carry it's seems like this doesn't quite fill any particular hole in the knife market right now. Whereas a nice quality Benchmade balisong that was more geared towards flipping and still retained a bit of the FHM shape would fill a definite hole in the market.

I guess only time will tell how well this product performs fiscally for Benchmade, but I would hope they would compare that to the sales they had on the recent limited re-release of the 42. I bet they will find the 42 flew off the shelves better than this 53 will.

This all just my 2 cents, but I think I echo the feelings of most balisong enthusiasts; based on threads about the 53 from this forum, bladeforums, knifeforums, jerzeedevil, the flipping arena, balisongforums, etc. I'm almost certain if they introduced a Bali-Song designed by Marlowe that was more along the lines of example #2 (from the aforementioned forum poll) that they would have a much a higher percentage of positive reactions than I have witnessed for the 53.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Helix,

Helix, I was just trying to be snarky in my response just because I found your initial post a little harsh lol.

My only constructive thoughts are, and bear in mind that I don't know much about bali-songs, that BM is trying to increase their market share of the bali market as a whole. The pics you posted of the other Marlow are cool, but to me it sorta resembles the 51 (meaning a someone typical bali shape), and I would think that if they were both in the BM product line their would be some cannibalization of each others sales. By looking at the 53 it seems different enough from the morphos that it will appeal to a distint subset of the bali market who would buy it in addition to, not instead of, their 51....or maybe they have no need for a flipper and just need something for edc.

(let me say again, I don't know much of anything about the bali market, this is just my initial opinion of the situation)

quote:

Originally posted by canadianknifenut:
Helix, I was just trying to be snarky in my response just because I found your initial post a little harsh lol.

My only constructive thoughts are, and bear in mind that I don't know much about bali-songs, that BM is trying to increase their market share of the bali market as a whole. The pics you posted of the other Marlow are cool, but to me it sorta resembles the 51 (meaning a someone typical bali shape), and I would think that if they were both in the BM product line their would be some cannibalization of each others sales. By looking at the 53 it seems different enough from the morphos that it will appeal to a distint subset of the bali market who would buy it in addition to, not instead of, their 51.

(let me say again, I don't know much of anything about the bali market, this is just my initial opinion of the situation)

Maybe you're right that perhaps my first post came off a bit harsh. I guess I was just going with the straight to the point/brutally honest approach, so my point didn't get diluted by fluff.

Your argument about the 51 vs. 53 is valid, but I still think a different balisong that had the generally traditional shape would sell regardless of 51. Ti handles, spring latch, heavier weight, different blade profile, and ball bearings/ or bushings would set it apart enough I think. Crossing my fingers that something like that is in the works.

I just pre ordered one........
---------------------------------------------
Helix, have you actually held one of these in your hand?

It's high time for something "different" in the Bali line.... this one is gonna be the ticket.

And as far as your "valuable market research" statement.. you said that as a joke, right???? ..
You weren't serious were you?
Lord I hope not, I'll be worried about you if you were.

This is one sweet knife that sits well in the hand.. it's gonna be a winner, IMO of course.

I didn't realize the blade length was only 3.15", I thought it was closer to 3.5" looking at the pictures.

I just picked up a 32 otherwise I would get one of these. Maybe after hearing some reviews or seeing a good deal in the secondary market I'll get a 53 too.

quote:

Originally posted by teacher:
I just pre ordered one........
---------------------------------------------
Helix, have you actually held one of these in your hand?

It's high time for something "different" in the Bali line.... this one is gonna be the ticket.

And as far as your "valuable market research" statement.. you said that as a joke, right???? ..
You weren't serious were you?
Lord I hope not, I'll be worried about you if you were.

This is one sweet knife that sits well in the hand.. it's gonna be a winner, IMO of course.

You obviously didn't read my followup posts, but that's fine. I understand I can get a bit wordy so I don't blame you. hhaha Anyway, if you are interested enough you can go back and read through to get an answer to your question about the "market research" comment...you just have to slog through my rambling.

And no I have not held it in hand. I'm sure it will make a great EDC and I'm sure it "sits well in hand," but if I buy a balisong I want it to do more than just sit in my hand. Anyway I'm not contesting that it'll be a decent EDC knife, just questioning the practicality of manufacturing an EDC knife that is illegal to carry in so many areas. My other main point is that there are many many options for a great EDC knife already and only maybe one or two good options for a quality flipping balisong being currently produced across the whole knife industry.

edit: btw, I also realize that running a corporation like Benchmade and making product line decisions is a complicated affair, and I may not be "qualified" to tell them how to do it, but all I want to do is share my personal perspective as a consumer and balisong enthusiast (also of course I made mention of other people and forums to point out that I may not be alone in these thoughts).

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Helix,

has anyone talked to roger when he will list the 53?