Inexpensive Bali

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Viking45
Posts: 7795
Joined: Tue Feb 03, 2009 3:07 am

Inexpensive Bali

Post by Viking45 »

I know very little about Bali's other than Benchmade makes my favorite.
Bali's are not my true knife interest but would like to know if it's possible to get a high quality knife for 40 bucks or less?
I have been doing a little looking around and seeing quite a few good things about the "Original Jaguar" as opposed to the "New Jaguar"
(anyone have a photo of an Original Jaguar)

Can anyone tell me the difference and if the Jaguar is a good one to get?
As I said,I don't want to spend much on one but don't want a complete piece of crap either.

I thought this one is pretty cool. It has a heavy stainless handle with a nice plain edge 4 inch blade.
http://www.knifezilla.com/catalog/product2168.html
Anyone know if this is worth the 26 bucks? I like the idea of a heavier design,4 inch blade and stainless handles,not that cheap pot metal some have.

Like to hear some suggestions for my first Bali. I might go as high as 50 bucks but it seems once they get to about 30 bucks they jump right up to 100 or more. Not many in-between Balis.
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jmack1944
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Joined: Tue Sep 14, 2010 6:27 pm

Re: Inexpensive Bali

Post by jmack1944 »

Viking I bought some of those balis recently. I'm not a bali fan but decided it was time to give them a try. Didn't want to spend a lot of money on something I wasn't sure of but I wasn't disappointed with them. Good weight unlike other cheap aluminum balis. Also like the torx screws as opposed to rivets. I'd give them a thumbs up. Make sure you buy a box of bandaids while you're it at it. :lol:
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BTB0923
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Re: Inexpensive Bali

Post by BTB0923 »

I went through 3 different kinds of cheap balisongs that all quickly broke before I finally bought a Jaguar. After having that experience its my opinion that a Jaguar is a perfect first bali for someone who wants to spend less than $50. Its heavy weight and relatively robust construction allows it to be flipped regularly without breaking within the first month of use. My first Jaguar lasted me about eight months before a pin broke, and I flipped it almost every night. Can't beat 'em for the price...and I'm not sure if there really is that much difference between the "classic" Jaguar and the new ones that you can buy now. They are probably basically the same knife. I know they look the exact same with the exception of some minor details (i.e. blade grind, tang stamp etc.)
Last edited by BTB0923 on Sun Feb 27, 2011 12:40 am, edited 1 time in total.
Click here for the most recently updated list of movies covered in our "movie switchblades" thread...
http://www.talkblade.info/viewtopic.php ... 08#p216408
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BTB0923
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Joined: Mon Jan 11, 2010 5:40 pm
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Re: Inexpensive Bali

Post by BTB0923 »

Here is a pretty good review of the Jaguar Classic. Hits on some good points of why its a good inexpensive first bali...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddF-zmQWpnk
Click here for the most recently updated list of movies covered in our "movie switchblades" thread...
http://www.talkblade.info/viewtopic.php ... 08#p216408
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Viking45
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Joined: Tue Feb 03, 2009 3:07 am

Re: Inexpensive Bali

Post by Viking45 »

Thanks guys.
JM-which knives did you buy? The one like I posted a link to or the Jaguar?

BTB- In that video the guy says the Jag has rivets but this pic looks like screws. I can't really tell.
It says 7 oz too which is cool.

I like the looks of the Tach Bali with wood inserts but don't like the serrations.
http://www.knifezilla.com/catalog/product3871.html

Maybe I will get one of each and a box of Band-Aids :lol:
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big_ski
Posts: 105
Joined: Fri Apr 08, 2005 10:08 pm
Location: MN

Re: Inexpensive Bali

Post by big_ski »

Viking45 wrote:I know very little about Bali's other than Benchmade makes my favorite.
Bali's are not my true knife interest but would like to know if it's possible to get a high quality knife for 40 bucks or less?
I have been doing a little looking around and seeing quite a few good things about the "Original Jaguar" as opposed to the "New Jaguar"
(anyone have a photo of an Original Jaguar)

Can anyone tell me the difference and if the Jaguar is a good one to get?
As I said,I don't want to spend much on one but don't want a complete piece of crap either.

I thought this one is pretty cool. It has a heavy stainless handle with a nice plain edge 4 inch blade.
http://www.knifezilla.com/catalog/product2168.html
Anyone know if this is worth the 26 bucks? I like the idea of a heavier design,4 inch blade and stainless handles,not that cheap pot metal some have.

Like to hear some suggestions for my first Bali. I might go as high as 50 bucks but it seems once they get to about 30 bucks they jump right up to 100 or more. Not many in-between Balis.

I bought mine at a gun show for $15. I did not like the bolster's satin finish so I sanded them fine and buffed glossy. much better. I would pay $25 again if found at a show or flea because the edge is f-ing sharp. $50 is way too much unless these are out of production.
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dark2023
Posts: 1626
Joined: Sat Jan 15, 2011 3:48 pm

Re: Inexpensive Bali

Post by dark2023 »

I know I'm a little late, but $27 is too much for that knife

http://www.bladeplay.com/item--Master-W ... arlex--366

$17 shipped, same knife (and includes sheath)
This is the magic incantation congress uses to constantly violate the 10th Amendment - "...the manufacture, sale, transportation, distribution, possession, or introduction into interstate commerce of such shall be prohibited"
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