Since I am still in high school and only work during the summer, I can only really afford one decent knife. I really want a new ballisong and was thinking about the Benchmade 51. I also really want a karambit and I would get the Bark River Ghost II. Which one should I get? I would use whichever one I get as an edc and I do not believe that legality is a problem, thanks.
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Karambit or ballisong
- Thread starter coyotes72
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Even though legality may not be a problem, those two are pretty different styles of knife. If self defense is a consideration I would favour the karambit pretty heavily. However, of it will be used almost exclusively for standard day to day use, then the balisong is a more versatile and practical blade shape. What's more, so long as you don't flash it about too much, it may also be the less threatening of the two.
I would strongly recommend, if you haven't already, purchasing a trainer for the balisong if you decide to get it. They can be a lot of fun, but are also one of the most dangerous knives to use without practice and training.
I would strongly recommend, if you haven't already, purchasing a trainer for the balisong if you decide to get it. They can be a lot of fun, but are also one of the most dangerous knives to use without practice and training.
You said EDC.
Both of those styles of knife are generally understood to be... weapons. Apart from that they have nothing in common.
A karambit, in particular, has little if any practical value apart from harming people.
A balisong is a fancy way to cut yourself.
Keep in mind, even if legality is not an issue, any knife you bring to school could be confiscated (happened to me, plus I got expelled)
so you might not want to EDC a $200+ knife at this stage in your life.
If you are starting out as a knife enthusiast, I strongly encourage you to begin with practical tools for peaceful purposes.
If I were starting my knife collection today, on a high school budget, I would buy a Spyderco Efficient or an ESEE Zancudo for EDC.
And save the other $ for more fleeting entertainment.
Sorry to pee in your Cheerios.
-Dad
Both of those styles of knife are generally understood to be... weapons. Apart from that they have nothing in common.
A karambit, in particular, has little if any practical value apart from harming people.
A balisong is a fancy way to cut yourself.
Keep in mind, even if legality is not an issue, any knife you bring to school could be confiscated (happened to me, plus I got expelled)
so you might not want to EDC a $200+ knife at this stage in your life.
If you are starting out as a knife enthusiast, I strongly encourage you to begin with practical tools for peaceful purposes.
If I were starting my knife collection today, on a high school budget, I would buy a Spyderco Efficient or an ESEE Zancudo for EDC.
And save the other $ for more fleeting entertainment.
Sorry to pee in your Cheerios.
-Dad
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I wouldn't advise either as an EDC for a minor. Get a spyderco delica.
Only get the 51 if you're interested in flipping and even then I wouldn't recommend carrying it because legal or not a cop can still confiscate it. As for a karambit, you have no use carrying that, they're most practical as a garden tool and a weapon.
Only get the 51 if you're interested in flipping and even then I wouldn't recommend carrying it because legal or not a cop can still confiscate it. As for a karambit, you have no use carrying that, they're most practical as a garden tool and a weapon.
I have a trainer and a live blade butterfly knife but the one with a live blade sucks, I do agree that it is a fancy way to cut yourself but they are fun. However, the karambit started as a tool, and I believe that hawkbills perform better than drop points at many tasks. As to not having a $200 knife for edc I currently carry a Benchmade 665. Also, i am not a minor, but I guess I was not clear to my age.
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I think it is just hecause of hollywood people see butterfly knives as weapons. They actually make good EDCs too. They won't close on your hand. Karambits are originally utility knives, basically a type of sickle. I have used my Karambits in place of a hawkbill knife. Everyone considers hawkbills to be excellent at certain edc tasks, karambits are just as good.
That being said both can be and are used as weapons. Both scare members of the public wuite easily as they have been taught that the butterfly knife in particular is a gangster's weapon. If your edc is supposed to have the potential to be used as a self defense knife then both can be good choices. I prefer the butterfly knife as the karambit requires training to use effectively. I wouldn't count on the karambit for self defense without this training.
Thay said why not consider a folding karambit? Models such as the Spyderco Karahawk and the Emerson Combat karambit have a wave feature which allows the knife to open as it is drawn from your pocket. This way it is ready to use as soon as you pull it out. I have even seen balisong-karambits. A folding karambit that folds like a balisong. I have only seen expensive customs of these that look decent quality though.
That being said both can be and are used as weapons. Both scare members of the public wuite easily as they have been taught that the butterfly knife in particular is a gangster's weapon. If your edc is supposed to have the potential to be used as a self defense knife then both can be good choices. I prefer the butterfly knife as the karambit requires training to use effectively. I wouldn't count on the karambit for self defense without this training.
Thay said why not consider a folding karambit? Models such as the Spyderco Karahawk and the Emerson Combat karambit have a wave feature which allows the knife to open as it is drawn from your pocket. This way it is ready to use as soon as you pull it out. I have even seen balisong-karambits. A folding karambit that folds like a balisong. I have only seen expensive customs of these that look decent quality though.
I thought about a folder, but I wanted more of a traditional style so I decided that if I get a karambit that I would get a fixed blade. For most of the cutting tasks that I do, I have one hand busy and the butterfly karambits look too complicated for quick one hand use, but I may be wrong.
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I love my benchmade 51. Its a great edc knife, just make sure you're aware completely of your local laws!
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BRS barebones.
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I love both this and the 51. For a flipper id vote barebones but the 51 is thinner behind the edge, comes in at half the weight, comes with a pocket clip and a much better warranty.
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Balisongs are fine EDCs. Don't know why folks get all uptight when somebody suggests one for such.
Strongest lock of any folding knife, just plain funner than hell to play with.
I second the notion of getting a trainer too. I cut myself stupid with a BM42. You could put tape on the edge, or dull it... but then it ain't a good EDC no more.
You said that you did not believe that legality was a problem. Believing isn't enough... make damn certain that it's not a problem before you go packing it.
Strongest lock of any folding knife, just plain funner than hell to play with.
I second the notion of getting a trainer too. I cut myself stupid with a BM42. You could put tape on the edge, or dull it... but then it ain't a good EDC no more.
You said that you did not believe that legality was a problem. Believing isn't enough... make damn certain that it's not a problem before you go packing it.
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I occasionally carry my 51. It works fine for daily tasks. Karambit/hawkbill blades work great for opening packages and boxes, cutting cords/strapping, sharpening pencils, etc., but they are limited in other ways (slicing an apple, for example). Of the two, I'd go with the balisong for edc purposes (assuming you make absolutely sure of the legality of doing so).
Consider the fact that a hook bill points downwards,
It does limit the blade point from being used in the traditional way
In a straight thrusting or piercing motion.
Thus, IMO a bailsong would make a better all rounder for
All intends and purposes.
Seeing Something new from schrade, btw.
http://taylorbrandsllc.com/collections/schrade/products/schrade-usa-manilla-folder
It does limit the blade point from being used in the traditional way
In a straight thrusting or piercing motion.
Thus, IMO a bailsong would make a better all rounder for
All intends and purposes.
Seeing Something new from schrade, btw.
http://taylorbrandsllc.com/collections/schrade/products/schrade-usa-manilla-folder
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- 29,864
Consider the fact that a hook bill points downwards,
It does limit the blade point from being used in the traditional way
In a straight thrusting or piercing motion.
Thus, IMO a bailsong would make a better all rounder for
All intends and purposes.
Seeing Something new from schrade, btw.
http://taylorbrandsllc.com/collections/schrade/products/schrade-usa-manilla-folder
am i looking at that right. a dagger bali? top side half of blade side sharpened? sure hope bear isnt making it for them.
Just another "make damn sure you're legal" post.
My state bans autos for all but "curio" purposes, and bali's are legal, but questionable, and many officers THINK they know the law, but don't. But also check local ordinances as well. Many townships, counties, and such, have all kinds of their own weird rules. Knife laws can be as confusing at gun laws.
Also, how old are you? If you're under 18, the laws may prohibit you from anything, being a minor.
Lastly, I know this is for EDC, but DO NOT carry it to school. Or even leave it in your car parked on property. Period! Schools have such strict, zero tolerance, weapons rules these days that even an SAK can get you expelled. And if you ARE over 18, this could really be a legal problem that will follow you for years.
Get what you want, but stay legal. Or at least understand the laws.
My state bans autos for all but "curio" purposes, and bali's are legal, but questionable, and many officers THINK they know the law, but don't. But also check local ordinances as well. Many townships, counties, and such, have all kinds of their own weird rules. Knife laws can be as confusing at gun laws.
Also, how old are you? If you're under 18, the laws may prohibit you from anything, being a minor.
Lastly, I know this is for EDC, but DO NOT carry it to school. Or even leave it in your car parked on property. Period! Schools have such strict, zero tolerance, weapons rules these days that even an SAK can get you expelled. And if you ARE over 18, this could really be a legal problem that will follow you for years.
Get what you want, but stay legal. Or at least understand the laws.