From one of Darrel's 'neighbors'......

[Dawkind]

This knife is from another gentleman in Ohio who is, not taking anything away from anyone here (God forbid! ), one of the finest machinist extant!!!!! I ordered this knife in 1986, right after I bought my first 'real' balisong, a B-S USA custom.

John's work is some of the best there every was because he quit making knives years ago. His balis are some of the most innovative I've ever seen and incorporate features that I've only seen on his knives.

His grinding, machining, fitting and finish work is equaled only by the very best! I've attached a link to the rest of the pictures and if it gives any of you makers out there any ideas.........that's why I put the pictures up!
http://fototime.com/inv/ED2028A152FD13C



EDITED: Because I can't spell....

[nybble]

That's really freakin' cool! Why'd he have to go and stop making knives??

That adjustable kick is a very interesting idea. Have you ever had cause to adjust it? Also, I can't tell, but it looks like in the channel milled into the handle there's an extra groove down the center? If so, that's a really sweet touch.

Also, looks like he milled that from square stock and rounded off the corners? That's one very nice balisong, you got there.

[KNAdmin]

Man, that is one sweet bali! You can tell the designer really knew what he was doing on that, all the way round!

Very nice presentation, thank you!

Alex

[Dawkind]

Originally posted by nybble
That's really freakin' cool! Why'd he have to go and stop making knives??

His aerospace machining business took presedence over the knife making......

That adjustable kick is a very interesting idea. Have you ever had cause to adjust it?

No.........


Also, I can't tell, but it looks like there is a channel milled into the handle; there's an extra groove down the center? If so, that's a really sweet touch.

Yes, it is.......... one of John's many 'touches'.......

Also, looks like he milled that from square stock and rounded off the corners? That's one very nice balisong, you got there.

Thanks, and yes, the machine work is first rate, to say the least....

[Darrel Ralph]

Dawk,
John lives over by Dayton Ohio.
I havent heard that name in a while.
How is he doing?
Nice bali

[Dawkind]

It took me several trys to contact him, over a year ago, and he's doing fine.......other than he won't make any balis .

He feels the legal ramifications aren't worth it :confused: and besides, he's "too busy making space shuttle parts and such."

I begged him to make me one of his sets with the interchangable blades (sound familiar? ) but he wouldn't budge. I told him to name his price but it didn't make any difference.......... I tried.

[tonyccw]

Salley's work was ahead of their time. In today's market, he would fit right in. But in the 80's it took very forward looking people to appreciate all those little details. Great piece for a great collection Dudley.

[ExamonLyf]

Originally posted by tonyccw
Salley's work was ahead of their time. In today's market, he would fit right in.

And then some!! Very talented guy....also a nice man...

As Tony alludes to.., I think John would have had his doors beaten down for collaboration simply based on machining skills in today's market (i.e., his ability to translate "Idea" ~~> to "Form" whether CAD/CAM or not).., but I'm glad he's doing well Dudley.....

Let's face it..., the Balisong world is not for everyone ..., but we sure get touches of genius now and then....

I do think now will be the most fertile time we've ever seen in Bali-Dom. We have more talent pooled than ever before.., and a viable market for a myriad of price ranges.

The Typhoon series will push the level of the "Custom Balisong" to heights unimaginable in my opinion..., simply because lay-people will make some #### nice knives from those kits.

When the smoke clears..., everyone will have to step up and make a better product because of the Typhoon...., and that is totally to Darrel's credit.

Thanks for sharing Dudley.....we have to talk soon..., I have to see if all the blisters are healing from "The Project"...

[ixpfah]

Wow, that sure is the Rolls Royce of balisongs.

I vote for 1 minute's silence in honour. :cool:

[whv]

very nice knife, dudley. even if he would make another, i know that i could not afford anything more than to admire it!
thanx