Though Benchmade is best known today for models like the Bugout and Osborne, the Oregon City outfit actually got its start in the late ‘70s producing butterfly knives — hence the company’s butterfly logo. And while its contemporary catalog includes everything from fixed blades to folders to autos to OTFs, it’s now decided to return to its roots and deliver a thoroughly modern interpretation of a balisong with its all-new 82 Laro knife.
The Basics
Successor to Benchmade’s 85 Bali-song, the 82 Laro is a more modern USA-made butterfly knife that features a more contemporary design that’s been brought to life using a true spare-no-expense material selection. In addition to being optimized for flipping, the Laro was also penned with a focus on utility and conduciveness to everyday carry — being just as much of a workhorse as it is a flipper.
The Handle Set
Like the 85, the new 82 model is crafted around a channel construction handle that’s been precision machined from two pieces of grade 5 titanium billet. Measuring 0.46’-inches-thick, the handle sports a series of strategically-placed ridges on either side that bolster grip and make flipping markedly easier. The bottom of the handle has also been fitted with a magnetic latch lock — keeping the latch out of the way when flipping, but still allowing the knife to be securely closed.
The Blade
The 82 Laro’s 6Al-4V channel construction handle set has been paired with an equally premium blade consisting of a 3.60-inch-long, 0.104-inch-thick recurved drop-point item. Benefitting from the use of Benchmade’s SelectEdge tech, this drop point profile is composed of Crucible Industries’ revolutionary CPM MagnaCut — a powder metallurgy stainless steel with remarkable toughness, corrosion resistance, and edge retention that’s much easier to sharpen compared to other premium blade steels.
Our Thoughts
It’s not only nice seeing Benchmade return to its roots, but it’s also refreshing to see that the company can still deliver a world-class balisong. Based on the ridges of the handle and the use of a thrust bearing pivot system, the 82 Laro appears to lend itself to flipping while still being a utilitarian tool. I’m a little perplexed by Benchmade’s decision not to utilize a bushing setup, but I imagine the bearing pivot is plenty smooth — and there’s a decent chance that aftermarket bushing upgrade kits will eventually start popping up for the new 82.
Included Exras
Alongside the knife itself, the Laro’s MSRP also includes a Boltaron sheath. The price of this balisong knife also includes a lifetime warranty, and Benchmade’s LifeSharp Services, which will clean, tune, and resharpen your knife for free, for life, with the only thing that you’re on the hook for being shipping.
Spec Sheet
Class: Balisong Knife
Brand: Benchmade
Model: 82 Laro
Overall Length: 8.24”
Blade Length: 3.60”
Blade Steel: CPM MagnaCut
Handle Type: Channel Construction
Handle Material: 6Al-4V Titanium
Pivot: Thrust Bearing
Latch: Yes (Magnetic)
Weight: 4.38oz
Manufacturing Origin: USA
Pricing & Availability
Slated to go on sale in the second week of November, the Benchmade 82 Laro has been priced at $650. Interested parties can sign up for the wait list on the company’s site now.
Recap
Benchmade 82 Laro Balisong Knife
Benchmade returns to its roots with a titanium channel construction, MagnaCut-steeled butterfly knife that’s just as conducive to flipping as it is everyday cary use.
