Max Knives P54B — Black 3Cr13 butterfly knife with a 98 mm blade

Overview

The P54B comes fully in black, blade and handles alike. The blade, in 3Cr13 steel, measures 98 mm and stows between two half-handles that are black steel as well, for a knife of 117 mm in the closed position. Once the handles are swung round and joined, the whole thing runs to 215 mm. The reference therefore sits in the heart of the P balisong range, the format chasing neither extreme compactness nor maximum length.

One platform, several finishes

Several references in this selection share exactly the same dimensions: a 98 mm blade, 117 mm closed, 215 mm open. That is no accident. Balisong makers draw up an architecture, settle the pivot spacing and the handle geometry, then spin that base into several versions instead of starting from a blank sheet for every model. What varies from one reference to the next is the finish and the handle pattern; what stays put is the bulk and the way the knife folds up. For the buyer, that simplifies things: with the dimensions already settled, the decision comes down to looks.

Technical specifications

A 98 mm blade in 3Cr13 steel, black finish. The P54B measures 117 mm closed and 215 mm open, handles joined into a grip. The two half-handles are steel in a black colour; each turns around its own pivot, set either side of the heel, and closes over the blade when the knife is in the shut position. The stated blade finish is black, matching the colour of the two handles.

Care

Clean the knife open, so you can reach the area at the heel where dust settles between the two handles; a soft brush or a dry cotton bud gets in there easily. Then run a soft cloth over the black surfaces, with no abrasive product. 3Cr13 steel appreciates a veil of care oil if the knife goes unused for several weeks. The pivots take one drop of light oil each, with the excess wiped straight away.

Legal notice. Age-restricted item (18+). In France this knife is a Category D item: legal to sell but reserved for adults, with age verification at checkout. Balisong (butterfly) knives are restricted or prohibited in a number of countries — Germany, Canada and several US states among them — and customs will seize the parcel. Check the law that applies where the order is delivered before purchasing.