"Karit" Balisong
I normally decline custom build projects for the reason that I am not comfortable creating something with specific specifications regarding materials, measurements, and details from a client, But this gentleman got my attention when he proposed this challenge of building a 20-centimeter balisong with a scythe blade profile which he often refers to as "Kamatayan" balisong.
I am used to and familiar with working on themed concepts on medium to large blades before where there is a lot of room for me to play around with the design.
The past balisong builds I did are 29, 30, and 32 cms, so I recognized right away the difficulty of this project to build a very compact design
and still, be able to follow the main concept, It also requires coming up with a design that will stand out and catch attention even with its small size.
"I just provided you the concept, everything is up to you, you can work your magic!" the client saying this made me accept the challenge and start working with it in complete liberty to do whatever I want to bring this concept into a reality.
The client however requested me to use "bahi wood" as handle scales, a type of wood that came from the heart of a palm tree, a surprisingly hard and dense wood, almost of kamagong-like hardness but is more porous and has fibers which make it less likely to shatter on impact, the patterns of the fibers go very well with the "kamatayan" scythe theme as it gives a more archaic look to its overall appeal.
The brass parts are made to have the decaying or weathered effect to give it an aged look that will add up more "deathly" character to it,
I enjoyed the process of creating this very unique piece where I learned a lot from it, despite its small size, it is without a doubt a 20-centimeter beast that is yet to be tamed.