Please note that most of the marks shown here are registered trademarks owned by the associated companies.
BALI-SONG CUTLERY
Precursor to Pacific Cutlery, circa 1975-1979, Los Angeles, CA
Picture to come...
BEAR MGC CUTLERY
Currently active and producing medium-quality balisongs in Jacksonville, Alabama
BENCHMADE CORPORATION
Circa 1986 - present First of Clackamas, Oregon, now in Oregon City, Oregon Not presently producing balisongs, but planning to introduce a new line in late 2000. http://www.benchmade.com
COMPASS INDUSTRIES
Compass Industries imported a number of mid- to high-quality balisongs in the mid 80's. There are some rumors that Compass was part of Valor Corporation; I have it on good authority that that is not true.
FROST CUTLERY
Frost is still hanging on in Chattanooga, Tennessee, this 25-year old company is not making or importing balisongs anymore. They imported good quality balisongs mostly from Japan in the late 70's and early 80's.
http://www.frostcutleryco.com/
Precursor of Benchmade, 1979 - 1985, Los Angeles, CA
These particular marks are from the PC "International Series" which were imported in an attempt to offer less expensive products.
PARKER CUTLERY
Imported balisongs mostly from Japan in the early 1980s.
TAYLOR CUTLERY AND TAYLOR/SETO
Yet another that imported medium- and high-quality balisongs mostly from Japan in the late 70's and early 80s. Taylor was one of the biggest importers. Their Taylor Manila Folder line are still very much sought-after today. Many of Taylor's products have Manila-style latches.
VALOR CORPORATION
Valor Cutlery of Miami, Florida has been a major importer of balisongs since 1982 and is still going today, though balisongs are a minor aside for them these days and they only sell wholesale today.
There's more to come, folks. Photographing tang stamps and blade marks is demanding, up-close work. Just focusing one picture can take five minutes to get it just right. Then, scanning 'em in and editing them takes more time. I'm working on it.
