Benchmade 53 Bali-Song Mangus Butterfly 3.15" D2 Stonewash Blade, Green G10 Handles

(5 reviews)

4.6 out of 5 stars

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

Tim Moran
Mchenry , Il

Apr 04, 2012

Pros: Overall Quality, Ease of Opening, Blade Material, Blade Sharpness, Handle Feel, Pocket Clip, None

Cons: Handle Material, Lock Ease of Use

Great EDC balisong. Not a flipper

I think this is a perfect EDC balisong. I knew going in that this is not a great choice if flipping and competition is your thing. But I love bearing operated knives and balisongs and many balis are simply too big for EDC. Personally I think sans the mayhem this may just be the best EDC bali available right now. Its got a great blade shape and its very smooth and fast. And even though the handle slabs are pure G10 with no metal liners its design makes it more sturdy than a morpho. Just a really great knife available at a great price. As long as you are aware of what this knife is and isnt for there is no reason anyone would be disappointed upon getting this knife. If you like balis and need a nice lightweight example for lite cutting chores this is a great knife.

Gyffes
New England

Jan 13, 2011

Pros: Blade Sharpness, Blade Material, Weight, Overall Quality, None

Cons: Lock Ease of Use, Ease of Opening

Incredible blade, questionable handles

Blue Goose has nailed this knife with his review.The blade is spectacular -- a simple shape with clean lines perfectly executed. The handles, when closed, feel odd -- pokes against my (Large-glove wearing) palm in a not that great way. When open, however, it fits perfectly. This knife actually feels like a non-folder when the handles are locked together.The locking clip is WAY tight when the knife is closed -- I have to give quite a squeeze to pop it loose. I'm still trying to decide whether to file it down slightly or see if it wears away naturally. The lock release when opened is not as tight.The knife came with the pocket clip on the wrong side for my liking in right-hand side pocket carry, but that's an easy fix, esp if you have the Benchmade 'bluebox' toolkit.I concur: this isn't a knife for serious flipping: in an emergency, I'd more likely use it closed (there's a nice little extension of metal that'd do well for impact point) and in most daily use will most likely open it slowly: I have to use my other hand to release the catch at the moment.For casual flipping, it seems ok, once you get used to the light and relatively short handles. I have the Spyderco Spyderfly and this is a much nicer handle all around, despite the lighter weight and shorter handles.In short, I think I'll keep it, but my knife-loving sifu only shook his head and patted his Benchmade Subrosa happily. I wouldn't mind seeing this blade in a different handle.. perhaps something like the Dejavoo?

Blue Goose
Lexington Park

Jan 08, 2011

Pros: Blade Material, Ease of Opening, Pocket Clip, Overall Quality, Weight, Handle Material, Blade Sharpness

Cons: Handle Feel, None

model 53

love this bladeit's not about tricks, if you own this knife by all means use it as your everyday carry. If you do a search on a Benchmade model 635 you will see my everyday carry, or at least one of them. It's all about options, and I have several. As far as butterfly knives I have three, one Bear MGC and two Benchmades, this and the model 42 as I noted earlier. Before the model 635 I was using a limited edition G-10 handled model 690 for my EDC, I have a lot to choose from so perhaps you will excuse me if I don't limit myself to the model 53.