Benchmade 42-101 Gold Class Bali-Song – Damascus Butterfly Knife, One of 100
The Benchmade 42-101 Gold Class Bali-Song is the fully dressed version of the Model 42, the balisong that built Benchmade's reputation. Rob Thomas "Reptillian" Damascus runs through both the 4.20" Weehawk blade and the latchless handles, so the pattern flows across the whole knife rather than stopping at the pivot. Anodized titanium backspacers are blended into the frame and the hardware is hand polished bright. Each Benchmade 42-101 Gold Class Bali-Song is individually serialized as one of only 100 built in Oregon City, Oregon.
The spine is crowned and the edge is hand convexed and polished, which is why this butterfly knife flips with the balance people expect from the 42 platform despite the heavier Damascus scales. It ships with a custom Ted Blocker leather and ray skin dual position half sheath.
Specifications
- Blade: Rob Thomas "Reptillian" Damascus, etched finish
- Blade length: 4.20"
- Blade thickness: 0.125"
- Blade shape: Weehawk, crowned spine, hand convexed and polished edge
- Hardness: 58-60 HRC
- Handle: matching Rob Thomas Damascus, latchless, anodized titanium backspacers
- Handle thickness: 0.530"
- Closed length: 5.54"
- Overall length: 9.40"
- Weight: 5.68 oz
- Carry: custom Ted Blocker leather and ray skin dual position half sheath, no pocket clip
- Edition: Gold Class, limited to 100 individually serialized pieces
- Made in the USA (Oregon City, Oregon)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a butterfly knife?
A butterfly knife, also called a balisong, is a folding knife with two counter rotating handles that swing around the tang to expose or cover the blade. The Benchmade 42-101 Gold Class Bali-Song is a latchless example, meaning it has no latch holding the handles shut, which many flippers prefer for smoother manipulation.
What is the point of a butterfly knife?
Practically it is a folding knife that opens one handed once you know the motion, and it stores the blade fully enclosed between the handles rather than in a slot. For most owners a Benchmade butterfly knife like the 42-101 Gold Class Bali-Song is also a collectible and a flipping platform, and this Damascus Gold Class version leans heavily toward the collector side.
Is the Benchmade 42-101 Gold Class Bali-Song legal to carry?
Balisong laws vary a great deal by state, county and city, and several states restrict them specifically rather than treating them as ordinary folders. Check the current rules where you live and where you intend to carry before buying the Benchmade 42-101 Gold Class Bali-Song.
What steel is the Benchmade 42-101 Gold Class Bali-Song blade?
The blade is Rob Thomas "Reptillian" Damascus hardened to 58-60 HRC. Damascus is a laminated billet rather than a single named alloy, so treat the Benchmade 42-101 Gold Class Bali-Song as a knife that benefits from active care rather than assuming stainless behaviour.
How do I care for the Damascus on the 42-101?
Wipe the Benchmade 42-101 Gold Class Bali-Song dry after handling, keep a light film of oil on the blade and handles, and avoid leaving it in the sheath long term or in humid storage. The etched pattern shows fingerprints and moisture marks readily, so regular wiping keeps the contrast crisp.
Is the Benchmade 42-101 Gold Class Bali-Song made in the USA?
Yes. Like the rest of the Gold Class program it is built at Benchmade's facility in Oregon City, Oregon.
Does the 42-101 qualify for LifeSharp?
Benchmade's LifeSharp service covers sharpening, cleaning and adjustment for the life of the knife, and it applies to the Benchmade 42-101 Gold Class Bali-Song. Given the hand convexed and polished edge on a Gold Class piece, sending it back to Benchmade is the safest way to keep that edge geometry intact.
Where can I buy the Benchmade 42-101 Gold Class Bali-Song?
Going Gear is an authorized Benchmade dealer. The Benchmade 42-101 Gold Class Bali-Song was a 100 piece limited release and is now discontinued, so availability depends on remaining stock.
