Click on the Picture for a larger viewFROM: Balisongcollector #1
TO: Balisongcollector HQ
RE: Bladeshow 2001 Report
PRIORITY: First
SECURITY: Top Secret
TIME STAMP: 12:00:30 EDT
TEXT:
Benchmade exhibit is immediately on your left as you enter the main hall. Reports of new Bali-Song blade profiles are confirmed. A nice tanto and a fantastic bowie are displayed as are BM42s with black powder-coated handles.
Click on the Picture for a larger view
I'm not a big fan of Tanto blades in general, it's true. But, this tanto is better than the old Model 44 tanto. It's till a bit tip-heavy and a bit slow. Some balisong artists like that, though. So, for them, this will be a good choice. And look at that diamond tip. Is that cool or what? This is a tanto that even I could warm up to.
But why warm up to the tanto when there's the Bowie. The Bowie is AWESOME! There's just no other word for it. It looks great and it handles like lightening. I love the Bowie.
Click on the Picture for a larger view
There's a serious problem here, though. These are blade profiles previously available only in high-dollar customs. Now, anyone can own them! At lease we elite collectors can take comfort in our exclusive kris blades, though... or can we? There's a rumor afloat that Benchmade is on the verge of developing a may to mass-produce Bali-Song worthy kris blades! There's a lot of challenges remaining, I'm sure. Those blades are in the future... if ever. But, it might happen.
The secret X-ray defraction spectrometer that the Special Equipment Branch built into my wrist watch reveals that the new Tanto and Bowie will be 440C steel while the Weehawk will remain 12C27 for the time being.
As if two great new blade profiles aren't enough, Benchmade is also showing off a new powder coating technologoy to add color and a bit of texture to their handles. They claim that the new coating is very durable, even for the most compulsive manipulation artist. The first color out will be, surprise, black. While there are no firm plans right now, other colors may follow.
And, as if this isn't enough, check out the balisong on the right in this photo. Something is missing... Holy Cow! It's a latchless. Yes, Benchmade is working on a technique to remove the latch without the risk of casting voids. While they haven't perfected it yet, factory-perfect latchless Bali-Songs may soon be available.
Click on the Picture for a larger view
Prices for the new options aren't fully fixed yet. The new blades will probably cost retail $10 to $20 more than the familiar Weehawk. Powder coating will probably add $15 - 30. The latchless is still unknown.
Benchmade's world-class CNC facilities are still undergoing final adjustments to "dial in" the new profiles, but production is expected to begin any day now. Shipments to dealers should begin in four to eight weeks. The current plan is to offer limited, numbered pre- and first-production pieces of each profile
The powder-coating project is just a little bit further down the road. Look for these in six to twelve weeks. Plans for this introduction are not yet final. Numbered pieces may be available.
The new Bali-Song with that great Bowie was Benchmade's entry for Most Innovative New Product of Bladeshow 2001.
My conclusion: Benchmade has created a serious splash in the balisong world. The Bali-Song line is strong again.
<stop> <end of transmission>
