Grand Master's Knife Page
This page is dedicated to my knife collection and the use and appreciation of the Balisong. It is also an online platform for my custom work in this area.
Balisong, Bali-Song, Batangas Knife, Butterfly Knife, Fan Knife or Flipping/Fanning Knife - Whatever name you are used to calling them, the two handled, one blade now you see it, now you don't has been around for a very long time.
"Two handles counter-rotating around the tang such that, when closed, the blade is
concealed within grooves in the handles. It is sometimes called a Batangas knife, after the Tagalog province of Batangas in the Philippines, where it is traditionally made. In the hands of a trained user, the knife blade can be brought to bear quickly using one hand. Manipulations, called "flipping" or "fanning", are performed for art or
amusement.
Balisong, Bali-Song, Batangas Knife, Butterfly Knife, Fan Knife or Flipping/Fanning Knife - Whatever name you are used to calling them, the two handled, one blade now you see it, now you don't has been around for a very long time.
"Two handles counter-rotating around the tang such that, when closed, the blade is
concealed within grooves in the handles. It is sometimes called a Batangas knife, after the Tagalog province of Batangas in the Philippines, where it is traditionally made. In the hands of a trained user, the knife blade can be brought to bear quickly using one hand. Manipulations, called "flipping" or "fanning", are performed for art or
amusement.
Tribute to Jody Samson
Appreciation and credit for information and photos go out to JodySamson.com, The Balisong Collector's Page and EDCKnives.com
Early life
Samson learned knife making and blade smithing from John Nelson Cooper, a veteran knife maker located in Burbank, California, in 1969. Samson began making knives full-time in 1974. Soon after, he was hired by Les DeAsis of Pacific Cutlery (now Benchmade) as a knife designer. Les DeAsis credits Samson with grinding every custom balisong knife produced by Benchmade, Pacific Cutlery, and Bali-Song from 1979 to 1994. Samson's first design won Blade Magazine's "Knife of the Year" award in 1979. The following year, Samson unveiled his "Wee-hawk" blade profile which was made by Benchmade for years. The name Wee-hawk was inspired by the a character of the same name from the animated movie "Wizards".
Movie swords
Samson designed and built the swords, knives, and daggers used in a number of films including Conan the Barbarian, Conan the Destroyer, Blind Fury, and Streets of Fire while he was working for Benchmade.
Samson left Benchmade in 1994 to return to Burbank to produce movie swords and props for Tony Swatton's Sword & Stone in Los Angeles, California. He designed and built the weapons for the films First Knight, The Mask of Zorro, Blade, Batman & Robin, Babylon 5, and Batman Forever.
In 2001 Samson went to work for Albion Swords in New Glarus, Wisconsin where he made replicas of the swords he originally made for the Conan films.
Later years and death
Jody Samson
Artist - Swordmaker - Knifemaker - Friend
November 4, 1946 - December 27, 2008
It is with the deepest regret that we announce the passing of legendary sword maker, Jody Samson, on Saturday, December 27, in his shop in New Glarus, Wisconsin. Jody was a true friend, a multi-talented artist, and one of the most generous people you could ever meet. He will be deeply missed. Samson was found dead of pneumonia in his workshop after complaining of cold symptoms for a week.
Samson learned knife making and blade smithing from John Nelson Cooper, a veteran knife maker located in Burbank, California, in 1969. Samson began making knives full-time in 1974. Soon after, he was hired by Les DeAsis of Pacific Cutlery (now Benchmade) as a knife designer. Les DeAsis credits Samson with grinding every custom balisong knife produced by Benchmade, Pacific Cutlery, and Bali-Song from 1979 to 1994. Samson's first design won Blade Magazine's "Knife of the Year" award in 1979. The following year, Samson unveiled his "Wee-hawk" blade profile which was made by Benchmade for years. The name Wee-hawk was inspired by the a character of the same name from the animated movie "Wizards".
Movie swords
Samson designed and built the swords, knives, and daggers used in a number of films including Conan the Barbarian, Conan the Destroyer, Blind Fury, and Streets of Fire while he was working for Benchmade.
Samson left Benchmade in 1994 to return to Burbank to produce movie swords and props for Tony Swatton's Sword & Stone in Los Angeles, California. He designed and built the weapons for the films First Knight, The Mask of Zorro, Blade, Batman & Robin, Babylon 5, and Batman Forever.
In 2001 Samson went to work for Albion Swords in New Glarus, Wisconsin where he made replicas of the swords he originally made for the Conan films.
Later years and death
Jody Samson
Artist - Swordmaker - Knifemaker - Friend
November 4, 1946 - December 27, 2008
It is with the deepest regret that we announce the passing of legendary sword maker, Jody Samson, on Saturday, December 27, in his shop in New Glarus, Wisconsin. Jody was a true friend, a multi-talented artist, and one of the most generous people you could ever meet. He will be deeply missed. Samson was found dead of pneumonia in his workshop after complaining of cold symptoms for a week.
Modification Work
File work - Anodizing - Etching - Polishing - and other Modifications
File work - Anodizing - Etching - Polishing - and other Modifications
The "Glaive-C1" Balisong project
Balisong Appreciation Gallery
Images of some of my personal favorites from:
Benchmade, Pacific Cutlery, Roton, 29 Knives, Jerry Hom, Dave Santiago, Shawn Graecen (Balibalistic), Sam Eddleman, Mauricio Dobruski and more.
Images of some of my personal favorites from:
Benchmade, Pacific Cutlery, Roton, 29 Knives, Jerry Hom, Dave Santiago, Shawn Graecen (Balibalistic), Sam Eddleman, Mauricio Dobruski and more.
More images for collectors and enthusiasts
