The Art of Making Balisong

My Multimedia Thesis Project in De La Salle College of Saint Benilde, Philippines
watch the full version of my project here: villanuevabryan...

[@TotenKopf42]

I don't care what you think about the butterfly knives, but you got to respect that dude. He is making them with his own hands, ffs!..

[@leafernumberwatever2121]

What do you means with his own hands

[@troyzapata9602]

@@leafernumberwatever2121 he means he handcrafted them from scratch

[@bentonharley2193]

you prolly dont give a shit but does anyone know a trick to get back into an instagram account? I was stupid lost the login password. I love any tips you can offer me.

[@nikolasadrien5284]

@Benton Harley Instablaster ;)

[@TheTriforceCrusader]

How cool would it be to have an authentic, beautiful, handmade Filipino Balisong like that... That would be so cool.

[@emmettochrach-konradi2785]

you can buy one you know

[@TheTriforceCrusader]

Yeah, I know, but over the internet, how would you know if it was LEGITIMATELY authentic? You have no idea how many scammers and things there are on the internet, and you never really know if it's genuine or not.

[@emmettochrach-konradi2785]

how do you know if when you leave your house no one will shoot you? sometimes you just have to trust life

[@TheTriforceCrusader]

Emmett Ochrach-Konradi That's more of an extreme case. But yes, that's true. Anyway, I've already got an awesome balisong, it's a BRS Replicant, and I'm super happy with it (and broke) so it'll be a while before I get a new balisong. If I get into collecting, I will try to get one of these genuine Filipino Balisongs.

[@emmettochrach-konradi2785]

TheTriforceCrusader cool man

[@AecherJace]

I recently found out my family was originally from Batangas and that it was tradition to know how to use a balisong at a young age. Being in the US and not having much contact with that side of my family, I try to find ways to feel closer to them and my heritage. Watching this video really makes me want to make a balisong by hand like the man does in the video. I already have a file kit and hopefully with patience I can make a passing approximation to the beauty he has spent his life perfecting.

[@0J0o0h0n0n0y0]

That's amazing. I would love to become a professional balisong maker. I would experiment with other types of metals and various designs of course, but that looks like so much fun and to have a product that you can look back at and say, I made that would be the most amazing thing in the world

[@Bfr3shBrian]

Nice! I've visited Mang Ona's shop once, bought a few Balisongs too, cool guy. Hope I can visit again when I'm back in the Philippines.

[@evl_sml97]

I like that balisongs are still being sold. I want to have one of my own.

[@MathiasGreenwalde]

i just love listening to music in the backround with someone talking, BUT WAIT THERES MORE i love it when there is no audio for the person besides little snipits of him talking!! :) +1 great vid

[@m1ghtysauc3E]

I'm surprised everyone isn't bitching about the pin construction.

[@GageMason]

Probably because it's traditional, not some custom or production modern flipping balisong.

[@GageMason]

@Sad CRIS Eh, depends. Usually pin is worse both for flipping and maintenance.

[@TheAbinator2]

That balisong turned from okay to amazing. They blade looked nasty but then they cut to the part where it just looked flawless.

[@AwkwardHypernerd413]

So beautifully crafted, nothing from the factories can come close to the amount of care and work put into these knives.

[@zacharyallen5134]

Beautiful video my friend really shows the craftsmanship of it all.

[@purpledc1]

awesome video. Love seeing how these old school knives come to be.

[@how2rust351]

It flips but... Will it blend?

[@babyansel]

And that is the question

[@casandbagger8097]

>insert intro here

[@NicolaiBertelsen]

+Casandbagger todaaaah we are gonna blend a dick! Oh i mean a Balisong?!

[@jfsf1557]

I dont think so he hardend it it will break though if u drop it because he dident temper it

[@jeoc4803]

oh you'd be surprise how tough spring leaf steels are even if you don't temper it :)

[@neiljborja]

Wow, great video! Really inspiring to see them do so much with such simple tools!

[@josephjasonsantiagolacour]

American-born half pinoy just discovering my roots. Good to see such craftsmanship. At mahal ko ang musika ;)

[@thelonerider5644]

Amazing workmanship great to see it is made, that is a beautiful knife and work of art. I'd rather have one of those than any cnc'd titanium tech knife!

[@superbert35]

Enjoyed seeing the crafting that goes into these knives.no automated machines and each knife would be a little bit different than the next.ide love to have one.

[@SgtAntyperspirant]

I didn't understand a word, but respect for this man. He's very talented and looks familiar ;D

[@_Bread-_-]

wow that knife looked so professional, and it was made by hand

[@andrewmccarney]

TheVideogamemaster12 Most professional knife makers do it by hand

[@brixusxviii6955]

Andrew McCarney Most professional Balisong owners buy their Balisongs...

[@jeoc4803]

wow a dude responded to my comment then blocked me so that I can't reply, well-played. I don't want to argue with his ignorant mind either. if ever you read that comment, these knives sells for 5 usd (250php) not 15usd. I made a mistake with the conversion php not Mexican peso.

[@autumnwinter1261]

Woah I actually read that person's comment and came to yours for like a few scrolls below and the word "PHP" was very clear so I red it and realized everything, just. Wow.

[@stevenhines9264]

Unknown E

[@dreadlox9669]

No its actually 1300 some even 1670 but i got one for 300 because of taal eruption and it was recovered so i bought it because it was so cheap

[@nitoishioka]

I don't get it. How come i remember the history of Balisong just by reading it once but have to read over 9000 times just to try to remember the things i learn at school...

[@kingdrizzy4295]

Beautiful piece. I would love to own one. Good documentary if I may call it that. Good work.

[@korgusborkin4646]

To Western manufacturers, they view this knife as a moth. I personally think of it as an unpainted butterfly with white wings. After a couple more years we have more stunning types of balisongs with more variety. That's the beauty of technology. Something is missing. After that something else is missing. And so on and so forth.

[@ricktherrien8235]

The balisong was created as a surprise weapon. It was quickly deployed and kept in motion to distract the eye of the opponent. By its constant motion and quick attack the opponent was unable to make contact with the person and the user had a strong advantage. Also the persons ability creates doubt in the opponent and more confidence in the person with the knife, it was a perfect design to create control In a confrontation.

[@WARPUDDY666]

I very happy to have two of these hand made Balisong knives in my collection. The craftsmanship is awesome. Great vid and thanks for sharing it. :)

[@michaelrussell6278]

I wish balisongs were legal in Australia :( at least I have a trainer balisong....

[@LucaBakiMMA]

-

[@simo778a]

Michael Russell Same in Denmark :/

[@grantmustard2268]

Here in the philipines a knife is a knife even though how scary it is

[@sidneypendergrass9688]

+Alex Rednut But if you are carrying it in your pocket isn't the same as it being coseled?

[@zaydengestures1797]

Michael Russell Sharpen it

[@ThisGuyCJ]

Awesome video, my father has one of those from the 90's, I'll make sure to get one the next time I go to the P.I.

[@oleggarbeechy5443]

very nice process! looks like these guys have made their fair share of knives before :) thanks

[@QuiChiYang2]

Bryan that are excellent representations, expressions, of our culture. Thank you so very much for posting these informative videos.

[@nightfury6836]

Amazing video!!! Thanks for posting. This is truly one of the best videos I've seen on this subject.

[@gr1mmy954]

Protect this creator at all costs

[@alexshrestha8037]

Nice work. Keep doing what you do best. Would love to have a Handmade balisong as good as yours

[@dutch_blades]

Man, I would love one of those... Amazing craftsmanship...

[@ace_virtex8786]

In my opinion I think he does a better job than factory made because it's just made by hand

[@Reboot-vf3so]

Only one thing to say this man is a God of Balisong forging

[@chrishigdon8149]

Very insightful video. Amazing what craftsmen can do with such primitive tools.

[@anthonyostrovsky]

chris higdon they aren't primitive in fact you'll see the exact tools in a factory but new and better looking

[@jn1777]

0:27 i think something is wrong with your info. (It was from the philippines)

[@Hornetization]

wow, beautiful Balisong! i would love to get me one of these made like that by hand

[@urama3766]

when i was 10 years old i had 2 balisongs,1bronze one,the original design from batangas,philippines and a ballpen design,which is look like a pen,i always bring it to school, we called it balisong or bente nueve in philippines

[@TheJbcoching]

I still have the pen balisong. After 12 yrs.

[@paradactal]

Amazing! See, who says you need all the fancy technology. Old school, a dying breed.

[@robertparagas3346]

U get a really good quality balisong for $10.70 in pangasinan which is in Philippines. Benchmade 42's are like 300 bucks I think. Bencade 42 is also good quality but I would rather get a man made knife that has been treated with a lot of care and time than a factory made one. So if I were you, I would go to Philippines to go get one. it's only 500 pesos.

[@chaytonruijsenaars3971]

+Robert Paragas ya but i like to play with them and i wouldn't buy it for that (even though it would most likely hold up fine) i wouldn't want to beat it up, would rather put all the wear and tear on something there is plenty of

[@Wolkenwandererr]

They don't even make 42's anymore

[@unger4132]

+Living_in_dystopia That's why they are so expensive. They used to be around 150 to 200 when they were still on the market. Now they are around 300 to 400. Not to mention there is loads of fakes that people will try to rip you off.

[@deuce6889]

Wished it had subtitles

[@johndavidcruz4602]

wow. sana matutu rin akong gumawa nyan, kung alam ko lng yan, magtatayo ako sa pangasinan ng pagawaan ng balisong. haha tnx 4 the video :) im a balisong addict..

[@greer776611]

best folding knife ever!

[@liamfoster9074]

Love how the history is in english, but there are no english subtitles xD

[@baboowam23]

proud filipino here!

[@noelcanetequitorio6938]

piste ka! overproud

[@hisokamorow5695]

Baliw!!!!

[@aristotlebolisay8264]

Mabuhay ang mga pilipino!

[@jendi56]

This is so relaxing to watch.

[@kamilchen4]

epic and inspiring, Than you for sharing this. I am tempted to make one now:) unfortunately this types of knives are illegal here.

[@Bleuga]

Very beautiful knife

[@tetongerardjaihoffman9645]

so cool, i just wish they were not illegal in my country !!!!

[@17tzujan]

Is the brass and horn attached to the metal handle only by pins? Are they not glued at all? Is that aluminum or some other metal used for the handles? Great video showing how they're made in the Philipines.

[@mysterynerds]

Amazing craftsmanship

[@paparazzi9699]

Mr Ona markets himself on his facebook account as a Knifemaker / Master Blademaker, but on this interview ( 2:50 ) he admits that he does not know how to make knives. He is just a dealer :-( Here's the English translation: I am Diosdado Reyes Ona, born November 8, 1950, living here in 114 Balisong Town, Batangas. I got married here in 1970. When did you start making balisongs? I started selling balisongs year 2000. So, from then on, since I started out being an OFW (overseas Filipino worker) and too old to dabble in construction, so I decided to continue this craft in our barangay (community). Because, if you don’t care for it, it goes out of circulation quicker, as a source of living in our barangay. Who are your usual customers? Our frequent customers are mostly locals but sometimes, maybe once a month, there are foreigners who visit, because foreigners are looking for quality balisongs. They are happy to find quality balisong built with care. How many balisongs do you sell in one day? In the span of one day, we sell some. But sometimes, a week passes without having sold any. It’s very hard to sell it because it’s considered a deadly weapon. If it’s so hard to sell the balisong, why do you continue todo this, even if you don’t profit from it? That’s how we show we care for the culture, because if wedon’t care for it, it will go out of circulation quicker. Do you know how to build a balisong? I don’t know how to build a balisong, but I know how to design a good balisong. And how I improve the handiwork is from my critiquing as to how to build a proper balisong. Would you pass this craft down to your children? At the moment, I have one child, a daughter, and a grandchild who is also a girl, so I may pass it down to my son-in-law when he Show less

[@TheBeanmonster]

So cool! Makes it look easy!

[@leviverse5048]

That's awesome

[@animagi6844]

it didn't originated in france, the balisong has been in use in my country way earlier than when it "first appeared" and patented there

[@551taylor]

Balisongs are banned in the UK, as are all lock knives, but I would like one for display and practice purposes only. As a fighting weapon the user is more dangerous to himself if he doesn’t understand that the balisong is only for slicing and dicing, and shouldn’t be used for stabbing because, if you hit a bone, the rivets will pop and you are left with a broken knife. Worse, because there is no guard, when you stab someone your hand can slide down the blade and cause you a serious injury and leave your DNA at the scene.

[@glytch5]

Love traditional forging techniques for knives. Classic non Japanese knife making... i'm sure the steel doesn't get the best heat treat available though.

[@Proxyincognito]

+Max Savino It's sharp and pointy, so i see no fault with not having the best heat treatment :)

[@glytch5]

+Gazeth Sonica I'm sure it has a decent heat treat, since they are doing it by hand, but also those power grinders with no coolant really burn them up. When you sharpen as often as I do, you will see and feel the fault in having a bad head treat.

[@Proxyincognito]

I have no grounds or intent to disagree with you on that. One of the virtues in life is to be aware when you're ignorant about something :) I must say i do have appreciation for the craft of sharpening! I have a straight razor and if the quality of a good edge is ever to be experienced properly, a good shave is it.

[@glytch5]

+Gazeth Sonica oh nice! I just bought my first razor... its just about the only tool I have not learned to sharpen. Cant wait till it gets here. Its a Dovo Conk. My Japanese kitchen knives have been getting me a decent shave so far, but im really looking forward to this!

[@VIEN.]

Bench made are toasted with this man, Astig!

[@tylermoss3528]

I would like to know how muchit is worth and when my knife was fabricated serial number (11-526)

[@churstons]

soo nice i wish theres a shop just like that in singapore

[@cacho5230]

buenisima, una obra de arte, todo artesanal

[@Rheologist]

lol what if at the end it just cut to a clip of a benchmade!

[@minteailiketea6202]

The fact I sat through the entire making of this knife and never got to see it flipped makes me incredibly sad

[@jacobgay9514]

I wanna get into knife making but I don't know what or where to buy any of you guys know

[@user-zp9hc1rk1x]

i honestly don't find myself ignorant but can someone tell me the general steps he did i have had a bit of a long day and i am somewhat semi competent

[@mp-uy9sv]

Beautifully made . i wonder what type of metal is the handle channel made from.... stainless steel , aluminium ?

[@marines082485]

Stainless steel.

[@airamdelvillar]

this one is stainless steel.. the special and custom made balisongs are made from brass and usually thicker

[@Ruvik92]

Very good can u show us how to make them

[@belbro62]

miss my balisong had to leave them back home when i migrated , carried em going to college and commuting lol different culture folks . prefer them to the western versions of the knife

[@Ezekialify]

very cool to watch!

[@konrad7572]

For just music, use left earcup, for just the man speaking, use right earcup

[@tomjromero]

How come there's no audio for most of the video?

[@jsilverboy]

amazing craftmans ship.

[@crateyour123]

Nice movie thx for uploading i have one question which kind of metal they use for the pins for holding the blade ?

[@sumofl]

Amazing, thank you for sharing.

[@RVM451]

Okay, I'm confused. He peened the pins to the Blade. Then he held it by the handles while he shaped the Blade on the Grindstone-making no particular effort to spare any Hypothetical "Temper" that piece of Steel might have had. Then we see him Heating the Blade in a Flame-probably to Temper it since he covered it with dirt-presumably to let it cool more slowly. Did he only peen the pins on one side the FIRST time that he set them-or were they truly set the first time-or did he Drill the First pins out? Anyway-Thanks for a fascinating Video. .....RVM45

[@obertone3242]

RVM451 I'ma, try to answer one of your questions. When he hit the wire-axle for both the blade and handles, he straighten'd it up so an both sides of wood, hammer, and anvil would flatten into a kind of "double nail", with the balisong parts in-between. Did that answer your question? No?... I'm sorry that i mistaken all of your questions, I have gotten confused with all the "-" you have laid. And again i am sorry.

[@RVM451]

Obertone3 That helps. I was wondering. He builds the Knife, including pinning the blade to the handles. Then later he's shown heat-treating the blade, and the blade is no longer pinned to the handles. What happened to the pins that held the knife together earlier? …..RVM45

[@obertone3242]

RVM451 maybe they break the wire, and stick another in later?, because they have tools to do it, and it dose'nt seem hard

[@LUCKYB.]

Perfecto De Leon Looks like Barak Obama Makes you wonder

[@HAAAYWIRE]

beautiful

[@kristian123ish]

This is really good but even though I am philipino not many are so you could have put subtitles to translate

[@leviathan3389]

I'm a proud Filipino :D

[@icywolf8203]

Leviathan me too

[@heheboy1794]

im a proud filipino to

[@heheboy1794]

leviathan which part of the pilipines where you got born

[@ahappykiddraws6488]

Leviathan ME TOO

[@alba3053]

Bernadette Enerlan I was born in Capiz.

[@EandAgaming15]

if Asian labor is cheap THAN WHY AM I PAYING $200 For A Butterfly knife FAC NEW

[@fmb8755]

EandAgaming-Gaming-Animation-VFX I bought 2 for 10$ One broke 1 week later and the other is 2 months in my collection now.( Probobly coz i modified it )

[@EandAgaming15]

FilJhon Ackerman its a counter strike joke -.-

[@campbellsmith9848]

EandAgaming-Gaming-Animation-VFX At least you can buy butterfly knives in your country. The best I can do here is get a shitty practice one because they are classified as a concealed weapon and are therefore illegal to own in New Zealand.

[@EandAgaming15]

Campbell Smith Counter strike is a game

[@fmb8755]

EandAgaming-Gaming-Animation-VFX Oohhh -_-

[@MrRwithanitch]

Hollyshit this guy is An Awesome Artist. I wish i could have him make me one. Oh my Goodness i want one of his Balisong he makes. How do i buy one?

[@cz75fanatic]

This was a really nice video. Thanks for posting it.

[@CsabaDemeterflyka737]

Cool! Very Cool!

[@Nanchi]

man I'd love to get one of these to bad you have to worries about customs taking it

[@souleatars2785]

beautiful balisong

[@LITJoe]

very nice video, except for the editing part

[@vladimirkovacevic1656]

Balisongs are awesome

[@grincherick]

Very nice.

[@shels666]

Я бы приобрел такой авторский нож... Любой труд с душой завораживает ;-)

[@kevinenzmann1298]

Fuck man. No wounder BRS is always sold out, they got this one dude making them all.

[@amgfj11]

This is awesome im toataly gonna buy a real bladed one now

[@Superman-bg4mt]

beautiful knife, I wish I had the time to make something that good

[@kapildeshmukh7878]

I had visited this guy's workshop on my visit to Philippines. He is amazing, sporting man. I got four knives off this guy and he allowed me even to forge one knife with him. Obviously I overpaid, but it was worth it.

[@Superman-bg4mt]

cool

[@TheSuperSpinos]

+kapil deshmukh how much does he charge for 1 knife?

[@Jarfiller]

Look at his website. About 115 USD for a good one

[@TheSuperSpinos]

ootie extreme what is his website

[@jakesterofawesum2994]

First comment after 2 yrs. wow.

[@user-lj8rw3jr1o]

great video! so laborious guys!

[@toad_tattoo]

cool balisong i want one just like the one in the video!

[@dustinfife5977]

Do you think they annealed it after quenching?

[@gamrage]

Excuse me, but can you add subtitles to this video? I'd very much appreciate it.

[@hunterroudenis602]

Amazing

[@ernestsheffield9976]

Very cool. Thank you.

[@soulsocks3054]

just to be clear that guy who was interviewed does not make the balisongs he just sells them trust me i speak tagalog