Thomas Gony

Thomas Gony and Grind Tactical Knives

Thomas Gony is a French knifemaker from the Drôme provençale, in the south-east of France, where his workshop is based. Self-taught, in his own words: "I have had no training, and all of my work is the fruit of my own learning and my imagination." In 2016 he founded GT Knives, which became Grind Tactical Knives — GTK to those who know it.

His first pieces were fixed blades in an assertive tactical style; he then turned to folding knives and their mechanisms. Today his workshop produces liner locks and frame locks on ceramic ball bearings, integrals and small runs, with a marked preference for titanium and carbon fibre, D2 steel for his regular models and RWL34 for his most refined pieces. His custom models carry names such as Elementak, Speartac, Dressytak and Sosback.

This work has been recognised several times: the flipper knife award at the SICAC show in Paris in 2017, first prize in the knifemakers' competition at the SCAT show in Lyon the same year, and "Best Tactical Folder" at the Blade Show in Atlanta in 2023.

From the workshop to a production run

The Balitac brings this workshop experience into a production collaboration.

The design is Thomas Gony's; the knife is released by MaxKnives in two numbered versions of 150 pieces each, supplied with a certificate of authenticity and a nylon pouch. The division of roles is the same as for the other collaborations: designed by Thomas Gony, released by MaxKnives.

The move to a production run kept what makes the GTK signature: a blade running on bearings, titanium where the mechanism calls for it, and two technical handle materials rather than decorative dress.

Balitac: a butterfly knife on ball bearings

The Balitac is a butterfly knife: two handles hinged on either side of the blade, which fold over it to close and come together to open. It measures 215 mm open and 122 mm closed.

Its D2 tool steel blade measures 93 mm with a thickness of 3.5 mm, plain edge. It pivots on four ball bearings, which replace flat friction with rolling contact and make the movement smooth and consistent. The liner and the latch are titanium, a light metal, immune to corrosion and springy enough for a latch that must return to position at every closing. A belt clip is fitted.

The design carries what defines GTK folders: geometric lines, a visible mechanism and materials chosen for what they bring, not for their looks.

D2, a tool steel

D2 is a tool steel with a high carbon and chromium content. That composition gives it excellent edge retention and makes it a choice for blades expected to cut for a long time between two sharpenings — it is also the steel Thomas Gony uses for his own regular models.

The trade-off is well known: D2 is a semi-stainless steel. It does not rust like a carbon steel, but it will spot if left wet. A wipe after use and a light film of oil are enough to keep it intact; sharpening takes a little more pressure than a conventional stainless steel.

G10 or carbon fibre: two dresses

The Balitac comes in two versions, identical in blade, dimensions and mechanism.

The Balitac G10 (MKBALIG10) carries G10 handles, a laminate of glass cloth and resin, stable and unaffected by humidity. The Balitac carbon fibre (MKBALICF) carries carbon fibre handles: the weave pattern visible on the surface is the cloth itself, set in the resin, not an applied decoration; at comparable stiffness, it is the lightest of the common handle materials.

Each version is a numbered series of 150 pieces, with a certificate of authenticity and a nylon pouch.

An identity built around the mechanism

Looking at the Balitac alongside Thomas Gony's workshop pieces reveals several recurring ideas.

The first is the bearing. At GTK, pivots run on balls — ceramic on the customs — and the Balitac takes up that principle on both of its axes.

The second is technical material. Titanium for the mechanical parts, G10 or carbon fibre for the handles: materials chosen for their lightness, their stability and their behaviour over time.

Finally, the geometric design: clean lines, few curves, a silhouette recognisable from one model to the next.

Which Balitac x MaxKnives should you choose?

The two versions share the same architecture; the choice comes down to the handle material.

Balitac G10 (MKBALIG10)
The more understated version, with stable, easy-care G10 handles.

Balitac carbon fibre (MKBALICF)
For the visible weave of the carbon fibre, its depth under the light and its lightness.

Caring for a Balitac x MaxKnives

D2 is a semi-stainless steel: wipe the blade after every use and keep it lightly oiled, or it will spot.

The ball bearings ask for little: dust them dry with a brush, then put a drop of light oil on each pivot once a quarter; wipe off the excess so that dust does not stick to it.

Titanium and G10 clean up with a damp cloth. Carbon fibre is cleaned with a soft cloth and lukewarm water, without abrasives or solvents, which would dull the surface resin. Check the tightness of the clip and liner screws from time to time. The nylon pouch is hand-washed and air-dried.

See our knife cleaning, maintenance and sharpening guides for more information.

Purchase, possession, carry and transport

The Balitac is a butterfly knife. In France, butterfly knives fall into Category D: their sale is restricted to adults, and proof of age is requested with the first order.

Being able to buy and own such a knife does not mean that it can be carried or transported without restriction: carrying and transporting it without a legitimate reason is prohibited.

Before travelling with a knife, please consult our guide to knife purchase, possession, carry and transport in France, and check the rules applicable in your destination country — butterfly knives are restricted or prohibited in several countries.

Frequently asked questions

Are GTK and Thomas Gony the same thing?
Yes. Grind Tactical Knives — GTK — is the brand founded by Thomas Gony, a French knifemaker based in the Drôme.

What is the difference between the two Balitac?
The handle only: G10 on the MKBALIG10, carbon fibre on the MKBALICF. The 93 mm D2 blade, the 215 mm open length, the four ball bearings, the titanium liner and latch, the clip and the numbering are identical.

Is the Balitac restricted to adults?
Yes. Like every butterfly knife, it falls into Category D in France: sale is restricted to adults, and proof of age is requested with the first order.

What does "numbered series of 150 pieces" mean?
Each version of the Balitac, G10 and carbon fibre, is produced in 150 numbered pieces, supplied with their certificate of authenticity.