Knife Deep Dive: Boker Plus Balisong Trainer

Knife Deep Dive: Boker Plus Balisong Trainer

Since May 1, 2012, it is illegal in the Netherlands to buy, sell, possess, carry, smell, view, taste or dream real butterfly knives. Many other countries and even most states in the US today face the same challenges. However, serious balisong practitioners know that there is an alternative, legal option to play with. And that a high-quality trainer can cost as much as a custom knife. Not this one though! And for its price it performs like a beast!

Balisong trainers were often used as safe training alternatives to take up the hobby or learn new tricks when sharp options were still available. But over the past decade, they have evolved into "the new normal" due to changing knife laws around the world. Instead of thinking of it as a "fake" or "dummy" knife, try to think of it as an individual tool for pursuing a new (or existing) hobby, much like a fishing rod or paint brush.

For people who want to get serious about the art of flipping or more experienced practitioners looking for a good quality beater, there is the Böker Plus Balisong trainer. It is smooth and quiet thanks to the phosphor bronze rings, has a spring lock and is nicely balanced too. The materials used to build the bolt-together construction are common in quality knives and it's made to use, not just to look at.

We're really impressed and think it's one of the best trainers currently available for the money. It has durable stainless steel liners, G10 scales in the international red training color and a removable pocket clip.

Some quick specs:
Total length: 23.2 cm
Blade length: 10.3 cm
Weight: 154 grams
Blade material: 420 tough stainless steel

The trainer comes with a nice felt-lined storage pouch and a torx wrench. When turning, keep an eye on those screws! The pros will know what we mean. Use a drop of Loctite to keep those screws in place to avoid the risk of losing those pesky little screws. And check them occasionally with the torx wrench.