Toughest folder given the size.....

[dbcad]

I'm still aplauding Mr Schempp for his embrace of a smaller sized folder :D I put the Balance CF down for a couple of months after I noticed under 15x magnification that I had put a small rounded notch into the edge :eek: My fault, I sharpened the edge to ~25-30 deg :o

Remedied the situation last night when I used the SM to resharpen at 40 deg. The edge imperfection is gone :) and the Balance is again silly sharp :p

Paying attention to the knife again helped me realize how solid and well built this little folder is :D For a blade this small the solidity and reinforcement incorporated into this model gives, for me for at least, a nice feeling of reassurance :) for me it seems like the toughest folding model relative to size I've encountered in my limited experience given the liners and build quality :)

I realize this model isn't for everyone :rolleyes: but for me the Balance CF can't be beat for toughness and control when you really want it.

[dialex]

An excelllent little knife. Ed makes great stuff.

[Evil D]

I'd say the reality is that the rest of the knife is probably over built for the blade itself...if that makes sense. IMO the strongest knife for its size is still the Ladybug (well, maybe the Manbug should get that title now), especially the SS versions. Still, i'm sure the Balance is a beast of a little knife.

[dbcad]

I'd say the reality is that the rest of the knife is probably over built for the blade itself...if that makes sense. IMO the strongest knife for its size is still the Ladybug (well, maybe the Manbug should get that title now), especially the SS versions. Still, i'm sure the Balance is a beast of a little knife.

Overbuilt is a good description David :) A beast of a little knife is also very apt :) While not always being cost effective, overbuilt adds mutiples of "safety factors" and adds to the confidence I feel in this 1" cutting edge :) The Balance CF excels in close, tough cutting :)

We all know it's a matter of preference. Now that the edge has been corrected this little knife will be going everywhere with me again :D We all develop an affinity for blades we have recently sharpened I'm fully appreciating again what a tough and strong little knife the Balance is :D

Happy Fourth :D

[villageidiot]

The Balance is a great knife Ed was kind enough to explain to my wife the mechanics of the design. So by the end of that discussion she was sold! The Balance has been her new every day carry for over a year now. I got a Navaja out of the same merging of the minds.

[RJNC]

Balance is certainly a fantastic knife. I have the CF one, will be buying a SS one. I agree with Evil D, the Ladybug/Manbugs are the toughest little knives.

[SpyderNut]

I've had my SS Balance for about three weeks now and have been very impressed. I've carried it as an EDC knife to work and am pleased with the way that it rides in my dress pants. I would very highly recommend this "little big knife" to anyone.

[panch0]

I just pulled the trigger on one of these. There is just something about this knife that kept calling me. I order the CF version.

[Evil D]

Overbuilt is a good description David :) A beast of a little knife is also very apt :) While not always being cost effective, overbuilt adds mutiples of "safety factors" and adds to the confidence I feel in this 1" cutting edge :) The Balance CF excels in close, tough cutting :)

We all know it's a matter of preference. Now that the edge has been corrected this little knife will be going everywhere with me again :D We all develop an affinity for blades we have recently sharpened I'm fully appreciating again what a tough and strong little knife the Balance is :D

Happy Fourth :D

This pic does bring up an old debate that i haven't heard much about lately...and that's why can't the Ladybug have a clip? The biggest argument was always because it's so small...but now there's the Balance that looks to be a tad bit smaller, yet it has a clip. I know the lack of liners is one thing, but now the Manbug and G10 Jester have liners. It would make for an awesome 5th pocket knife.

[dbcad]

I'm glad some folks can appreciate this little gem :) I'm sure anyone who has one can see and feel the solidity. Although this might be a reflection of the placebo effect I think with this model the solidity is more of a reflection on the materials and feel.

When using this model to get through a plastic clamshell or heavy cardboard it feels very secure and safe. It's always advisable to have it sharp, but this little blade is a cinch to sharpen on the SM :D The grip for me is much better than that I get on the L'Bug. My pinky supports the butt and the rest of my fingers feel at home :)

I can't speak to the Jester or Manbug as I don't have them and my purchases are becoming less frequent :o I can say the liners on the Balance are about as thick as those on the Superleaf :D

Even though the Balance only has a cutting edge slightly larger than the bug it's negative blade angle and relatively broad blade, that is all belly, coupled with it's toughness in the face of tough tasks does make it a favorite for me :D

IMO, if you can afford it and don't mind smaller blades I would suggest trying to find one :) As well as being very functional the Balance is also a piece of Schempp art :)

[darkstar29]

I love mine. :) Been on the keychain for awhile. And I don't see it getting bumped off anytime soon. :D
Well made little blade.

[dbcad]

Had to leave with one more pic :) Who can't like a face like that :eek: fingerprint and pocket lint aside It'd be nice to check out a M'Bug, and/or Jester, but for now the Balance will have to do :)

I can't see a clip on the L'bug myself :confused: IMO only :)

[BladePlay]

The Balance & the KIWI seem to work for all my cutting chores. One of them is with me at all times. Gotta love the Carbon Fiber :)

[Evil D]

.

[CENTER]The Balance & the KIWI seem to work for all my cutting chores. One of them is with me at all times. Gotta love the Carbon Fiber :)

[/CENTER]

I have to own one of those someday. That's probably in my top 5 wish list right now.

[Spydie-50]

I wish they made one with g10. Being somewhere closer to the ss price point.
I remember watching a YouTube video where someone was using a balance while demonstrating a self defence knife technique. It was pretty impressive with that tiny knife.

[KardinalSyn]

Carbon fibre does have a much nicer feel to it when comparing with FRN, G10, SS and wood (or Ti etc) for me. I don't know why though.

I did not go for the Balance due to its size and lock. Though the concept is something that I adore, I opted for more conventional leaf shapes.

On design, it is one cool looking knife, opened or when closed.

[dbcad]

I did not go for the Balance due to its size and lock. Though the concept is something that I adore, I opted for more conventional leaf shapes.

On design, it is one cool looking knife, opened or when closed.

Nice to read your take :) This little tough blade is not for everyone, but appreciate you can see the thought and design behind it :) Everyone likes what they like, none are better or worse for it :) We're all better for the diversity :)

[kbuzbee]

I wish they made one with g10. Being somewhere closer to the ss price point.

<sigh> So you guys got me thinking... and KC has them on sale for $99 so......

Ken

[jwh]

<sigh> So you guys got me thinking... and KC has them on sale for $99 so......
Ken

Me to. I hate when this happens.

[kbuzbee]

Me to. I hate when this happens.

I know, right?

Ken