I know I've raised the issue before but why do u guys think the 42 isn't in the black class? It's much more likely to be used by police or military than an infidel which is a conversation piece

And I can only imaging how it must jam over in the sandbox

Don't know for sure.. The obvious answer is that the balisong was around before BM started putting their knives into different "classes"... But my opinion is that its probably a knife because the Blue Class is most representative of what BM is all about.. BM started out in the late 80's/early 90's, as we all know, as a manufacturer of mainly just balisongs before moving into other folding knives... I think the bali is a staple in their history, and it will remain in the Blue Class because it encompasses what BM is all about.

Also, to my knowledge, I don't know of any police officers that carry balisongs, and I don't believe the military has a contract for them, either.. They're solid, tough knives.. But not practical for LEO and Military applications.

I'd have to each that last bit. I've never seen or heard of an LEO or person in the military carrying a balisong. I'd be surprised to find out if a balisong had an NSN. Kind of odd when you think about...teh bali is pretty much all about being a fighting knife. Isn't the whole idea of a balisong about distract and strike? Good point.

as a military person, I've never seen another military person carry a bali. I have seen plenty of benchmades, autos and manuals and assisted, but never a bali.

I think balis might be useful, kind of, but the one thing they really lack is a good grip, and by good I mean textured and ergonomic.

I have nothing against balis, however I wouldn't call them practical, considering the possibility of gloves as well, wrist snapping a blade open would be much easier than flipping a bali open.

The newer autos also have larger buttons to accommodate gloved hands.

balisongs that are high quality like the BM 42 have a better lock up system than any other folding knife

Skimo

I think you've been a bit decieved on balis.

Yes, the usual opening move involves some flipping / bouncing / turning but that's just because it's fun.

A more utilitarian opening is the 'windmill' - you just spin the knife from open to closed, nice and secure.

And for grip check out something like the Bradley Mayhem (Benchmade built) - it's got a slight curve to the handles for ergonomics and that slightly textured anodizing for grip.

I don't think it would be that easy with gloved hands, which was more my point , that and the ergos on a bali aren't on par with ots knife handles.

send me that mariner and I'll tell you what I think of it LOL

I went my rounds with a couple different balisongs in the sandbox, way too impractical, it's definitely classed right

Welcome to the forum nobearsyet.

Sorry jedi but I'm guna have to agree with the other guys here. I would say the 42 is a blue.