Cockroach Handmade 440C Stainless Steel Original Filipino Balisong Butterfly Knife with Stainless Steel and Kamagong Wood Handle | 24cm Lightweight Flipper Gift | BF-25
Original price was: $149.95.$112.46Current price is: $112.46.
Blade Materials – 440c Stainless steel
Handle Materials – Stainless Steal with Kamagong Wood Inserts
Overall Length – 24cm
Blade Length -12cm
Weight – 155g
Handmade in Austin, TX. Ships Worldwide.
Every knife is built by hand in our workshop in Austin, Texas, by Filipino makers trained in the Batangas tradition. We ship to any country we are allowed to send a knife to. Free shipping inside the United States, 49 USD flat everywhere else. Shipping and delivery times
Not quite what you want?
Pick your own blade, steel and handle in our custom balisong builder.
The BF-25 Cockroach is the lightest knife in this series at 155g, on a stainless frame with kamagong inserts and a 440C blade, 24cm open. It is named after a cockroach. We are not going to spend a paragraph making that elegant, because it is not, and the actual reason to buy this knife is the number in bold.
The name is not a selling point and we are not pretending otherwise
Some shops would call this the Obsidian Shadow and charge you forty dollars for the adjective. The series runs on animal names in order and the alphabet produced a cockroach.
The one thing worth saying in its defence: cockroaches are unkillable, unfussy and still here after several hundred million years of everything else going extinct. As a description of a cheap stainless knife you are going to abuse while learning, that is not the worst comparison anyone has made.
155g is the real reason to buy it
This is the lightest thing in this run by 10g and it is 70g lighter than the heaviest. That is a large gap and it changes what the knife is good for.
- Long practice sessions. Forearm fatigue is what ends most flipping sessions, not boredom. 155g lets you go considerably longer before your wrist starts making decisions for you.
- Fast rotation. Less mass to accelerate, so the knife comes round quickly off a small wrist movement. Good for people working on speed.
- It hurts less. Every beginner catches a handle on a knuckle. 155g does that more politely than 225g does.
- It demands cleaner input. A light knife will not carry a lazy rotation through for you. This is a drawback and also, if you are trying to get good, a feature.
Where the lightness comes from
The frame is stainless steel rather than brass. Brass runs roughly a third heavier for the same volume, which is the single biggest reason the brass knives in this series sit in the 165g to 225g band while this one is at 155g.
Stainless also means no patina. This knife will look the same in five years as it does in the box, apart from the kamagong panels, which go darker with skin oil until they are nearly black.
Specifications
| Blade material | 440C stainless steel |
| Handle material | Stainless steel with kamagong wood inserts |
| Overall length | 24cm |
| Blade length | 12cm |
| Weight | 155g |
| SKU | BF-25 |
Near the bottom of the range, same 440C steel as the top
This is the second cheapest knife in the twelve, a little above the BF-24 Cockatoo.
440C is high-carbon stainless. It takes a proper edge, comes back on a basic stone in minutes, and rolls rather than chips when dropped. It gives up edge retention to D2, which is a trade we make on purpose for knives that spend their lives being thrown around a hand and occasionally landing on a floor. Nothing about that trade changes with price.
Kamagong handle panels on a 440C balisong
Philippine ironwood, dense enough that it does not float, fitted into the stainless channels by hand. It starts reddish brown. Handle the knife daily for a year and it goes considerably darker. That is the only part of this knife that will visibly age, and it is the part people end up fond of.
Trainer
Available unsharpened from the option above Add to Cart, at the same price. Light, fast and blunt is a very good combination for learning, and this is one of the two cheapest ways on the site to get a hand-made trainer with real weight and real pivots.
Shipping this 440C butterfly knife
Free within the United States, flat $49 to the rest of the world however much is in the order. Fitted leather sheath cut for the BF-25, included.
the 440C is taken to 58-60 HRC, the same hardness we use across the whole shelf.
The Cockroach runs on the same pivot hardware as the rest of our 24cm knives, and the difference between a washer and a bearing pivot sets out the practical difference between washers and bearings if a smoother action is something you would consider on a future order. It is part of the 440C butterfly knives. The BF-24 Cockatoo carries the same stainless and kamagong wood pairing in the same weight class.
Every knife is checked for lockup, pivot action and edge before it goes in the box. Nothing ships that we would not keep for ourselves.
Processing
Most orders leave the bench in 1 to 3 business days. If the knife you picked is not in stock we forge it for you, which takes roughly 2 to 3 weeks. Engraving adds a little time on top of that.
What shipping costs
- United States: free on every order.
- Everywhere else: a flat 49 dollars for the whole order, however many knives are in it, so two at once ship for the same as one.
How long it takes
- USA: 4 to 8 business days
- International: 8 to 14 business days, longer if customs takes an interest
Those are carrier estimates, not promises we can enforce.
Tracking
A tracking number reaches you by email as soon as the parcel is collected. Carriers often take 24 to 48 hours to start showing movement, so a quiet first day is normal.
Customs and local law
Import duty, VAT and customs fees are set by your own country and are yours to pay. Balisong law varies by country and by US state, so it is worth checking yours before you order.
The full detail lives on Order and Shipping and Return or Exchange.
Hand-forged in the Batangas tradition
The balisong was born in Batangas, Philippines. Every knife in this catalogue is made by Filipino artisans and metalworkers, many from families with generations of experience, now working in the United States. Blades are ground from 440C stainless, D2 tool steel, VG10, high carbon and Damascus, and fitted to handles of kamagong ebony, carabao horn, Philippine deer horn and bone.
Checked four times
Detailed hand inspection, smoothness and pivot testing, blade alignment checks, and durability and finish quality control. If a knife doesn't meet our standards, it never reaches our customers.
Engraving available
Initials or short text $19 in the font you choose, a custom logo $29. Select it above Add to Cart and upload the logo file at checkout.
A sheath with every knife
Every knife includes a fitted leather sheath. Both live blades and trainers are offered, and every order ships worldwide with tracking.
Buying more than one?
Trade pricing starts at ten pieces and reaches 45% under retail at volume, with your logo on the bolster. See wholesale and bulk, or design one from scratch.
Owner reviews
What owners say
52 reviews for Cockroach Handmade 440C Stainless Steel Original Filipino Balisong Butterfly Knife with Stainless Steel and Kamagong Wood Handle | 24cm Lightweight Flipper Gift | BF-25
Shipping and returns
Processing
Most orders ship in 1 to 3 business days.
USA delivery
4 to 8 business days, tracked door to door.
International
8 to 14 business days. Customs times vary by country.
Made to order
Out of stock pieces are handcrafted for you in 2 to 3 weeks.
We ship worldwide. The customer is responsible for customs, VAT and local legality.
Returns and exchanges Read the warranty
Blade Materials – 440c Stainless steel
Mia C. (verified owner) –
“The Balisong I received is a true work of art. Flipping it is a mesmerizing experience.”
Jackson M. (verified owner) –
“Owning a Balisong is like holding a piece of functional elegance. The craftsmanship is outstanding.”
Lily A. (verified owner) –
“Flipping your Balisong knives is a combination of precision and artistry. I’m hooked.”
Owen H. (verified owner) –
“The craftsmanship of your Balisong knives is a testament to the dedication of true artisans.”
Ava B. (verified owner) –
“Handling the Balisong is an experience of balance and grace. It’s a masterpiece.”
Sophia L. (verified owner) –
“The attention to detail in your Balisong knives is extraordinary. They’re a cut above the rest.”
Leo S. (verified owner) –
“Flipping your Balisong knives is like a dance of precision. They’re truly exceptional.”
Caleb D. (verified owner) –
“The balance and weight of your Balisong knives create a perfect flipping experience.”
Isabella K. (verified owner) –
“Owning a Balisong is like owning a piece of functional history. The design is impeccable.”
Henry R. (verified owner) –
“Flipping the Balisong knives is a symphony of movement. They’re a delight.”
Hannah Hunt –
Bought this on a whim and it turned out to be one of my favorite pickups this year. Even the smaller details like the pivot screws are finished well. Will definitely order again for another one.
Pamela White –
Photos don’t do this knife justice at all. Even the smaller details like the pivot screws are finished well. Pivots feel dialed in with zero blade play. Bushings feel buttery smooth after just a bit of use. This is my new favorite in the collection.
Dustin Evans –
Meh. Expected more. Blade had some play side to side. Probably won’t be ordering again.
Shane Ross –
This is exactly what I wanted and then some. Cool that these are made by actual Filipino craftsmen right here in the USA. Fit and finish is way above what I expected at this price. Action is smooth right out of the box. No break in needed. Comes with a nice pouch which is a nice touch. Can’t recommend this enough.
Jack Miller –
It’s a decent balisong. Nothing extraordinary though. Handle scales feel a bit plasticky for the price. It’s US made with Filipino design roots, packaging was just okay though. Might work fine for casual flipping.
Donna Evans –
Incredible action right out of the box. Action is smooth right out of the box. No break in needed. Couldn’t be happier with this. You can tell real Filipino makers built this. Made in the USA and shipped fast too.
Sergio Foster –
Incredible action right out of the box. Pivots feel dialed in with zero blade play. Latch snaps shut clean every time. Bushings feel buttery smooth after just a bit of use. Already telling my flipper friends to check this out.
Grace Bautista –
Does the job but I wasn’t blown away. Latch is functional but not the cleanest snap. Action is okay but not as smooth as I hoped. Not bad, not amazing either.
Jose Robinson –
Feels way more premium than the price suggests. Pivots feel dialed in with zero blade play. Love that it’s rooted in real Filipino balisong tradition but made and shipped from the US. Worth every penny.
Ryan Perez –
Expected better quality for the price. Blade had some play side to side. Latch didn’t line up quite right at first. Might work for someone less picky than me.
Richard Parker –
Middle of the road experience with this one.
Frank Foster –
It’s okay. Not great not bad. Wouldn’t say no to it but wouldn’t rave about it either. Ordered from Balisong Butterfly a couple times. This one was just average compared to the rest.
Pamela Davis –
Knew this was a good one the second I felt the weight in hand. This is my third order from Balisong Butterfly and they never disappoint.
Stephanie Bennett –
Perfect knife. Perfect action. No complaints. Weight is perfectly balanced for flipping. This shop clearly takes pride in their work.
Stephanie Garcia –
A bit disappointed with this one honestly. Just an average purchase. Wouldn’t rush to buy again.
Karen Jimenez –
Was nervous ordering a balisong online but so glad I did. Worth every penny.
Chloe Hunt –
Can’t stop flipping this thing honestly. Latch snaps shut clean every time. So worth it.
Benjamin Williams –
So happy I finally pulled the trigger on this one. Blade came shaving sharp straight out of the box. I keep coming back to Balisong Butterfly because it’s always this good. Already planning my next pickup from this shop.
Wei Hall –
Can’t stop flipping this thing honestly. Bushings feel buttery smooth after just a bit of use. Action is smooth right out of the box. No break in needed. Beyond happy with how this turned out.
Ronald Rivera –
This balisong is a genuine work of art. Even the smaller details like the pivot screws are finished well. Handle scales feel great in hand even during longer flip sessions. So worth it.
Hannah Hunt –
Bought this on a whim and it turned out to be one of my favorite pickups this year. Even the smaller details like the pivot screws are finished well. Will definitely order again for another one.
Pamela White –
Photos don’t do this knife justice at all. Even the smaller details like the pivot screws are finished well. Pivots feel dialed in with zero blade play. Bushings feel buttery smooth after just a bit of use. This is my new favorite in the collection.
Dustin Evans –
Meh. Expected more. Blade had some play side to side. Probably won’t be ordering again.
Shane Ross –
This is exactly what I wanted and then some. Cool that these are made by actual Filipino craftsmen right here in the USA. Fit and finish is way above what I expected at this price. Action is smooth right out of the box. No break in needed. Comes with a nice pouch which is a nice touch. Can’t recommend this enough.
Jack Miller –
It’s a decent balisong. Nothing extraordinary though. Handle scales feel a bit plasticky for the price. It’s US made with Filipino design roots, packaging was just okay though. Might work fine for casual flipping.
Donna Evans –
Incredible action right out of the box. Action is smooth right out of the box. No break in needed. Couldn’t be happier with this. You can tell real Filipino makers built this. Made in the USA and shipped fast too.
Sergio Foster –
Incredible action right out of the box. Pivots feel dialed in with zero blade play. Latch snaps shut clean every time. Bushings feel buttery smooth after just a bit of use. Already telling my flipper friends to check this out.
Grace Bautista –
Does the job but I wasn’t blown away. Latch is functional but not the cleanest snap. Action is okay but not as smooth as I hoped. Not bad, not amazing either.
Jose Robinson –
Feels way more premium than the price suggests. Pivots feel dialed in with zero blade play. Love that it’s rooted in real Filipino balisong tradition but made and shipped from the US. Worth every penny.
Ryan Perez –
Expected better quality for the price. Blade had some play side to side. Latch didn’t line up quite right at first. Might work for someone less picky than me.
Richard Parker –
Middle of the road experience with this one.
Frank Foster –
It’s okay. Not great not bad. Wouldn’t say no to it but wouldn’t rave about it either. Ordered from Balisong Butterfly a couple times. This one was just average compared to the rest.
Pamela Davis –
Knew this was a good one the second I felt the weight in hand. This is my third order from Balisong Butterfly and they never disappoint.
Stephanie Bennett –
Perfect knife. Perfect action. No complaints. Weight is perfectly balanced for flipping. This shop clearly takes pride in their work.
Stephanie Garcia –
A bit disappointed with this one honestly. Just an average purchase. Wouldn’t rush to buy again.
Karen Jimenez –
Was nervous ordering a balisong online but so glad I did. Worth every penny.
Chloe Hunt –
Can’t stop flipping this thing honestly. Latch snaps shut clean every time. So worth it.
Benjamin Williams –
So happy I finally pulled the trigger on this one. Blade came shaving sharp straight out of the box. I keep coming back to Balisong Butterfly because it’s always this good. Already planning my next pickup from this shop.
Wei Hall –
Can’t stop flipping this thing honestly. Bushings feel buttery smooth after just a bit of use. Action is smooth right out of the box. No break in needed. Beyond happy with how this turned out.
Ronald Rivera –
This balisong is a genuine work of art. Even the smaller details like the pivot screws are finished well. Handle scales feel great in hand even during longer flip sessions. So worth it.