Pin System - Revision history

DexyStorm: when cranking zen screws, the bushings or washers are not always at fault. sometimes the zen pin presses into the liners, making the space between liner and blade thinner

2026-05-03T17:29:29Z

when cranking zen screws, the bushings or washers are not always at fault. sometimes the zen pin presses into the liners, making the space between liner and blade thinner

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:29, 3 May 2026
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	The screw zen system is only used in [[Construction#Channel]] or [[Construction#Sandwich]] construction knives. The screw zen pin system uses a [https://thetruelink.com/products/5-32-shoulder-pin?_pos=1&_sid=667aadb5d&_ss=r threaded shoulder pin], or just a [https://thetruelink.com/products/3-16-stainless-straight-pivot-6-64 threaded barrel]. Threaded shoulder pins are usually held in place by a small cutout in the handle in which the pin snaps into place, making the screws not necessarry for this type of construction to work. The problem with this type of Pin System is that over time the should pin will press into the handle, reducing the space between the handle and the blade. As a result, your balisong will bind if you crank the zen screws. You can temporarily fix this by using thinner [[Washer\|washer]]s, not using zen pin screws or by using very oversized bushings. If the problem becomes too severe, only replacing the slab or liner will fix it. The barrels, however, are usually held in place by just the screws, meaning that no part of the barrel is pressing into the handle. An example for a balisong with a threaded shoulder pin is the [[Bladerunners_Systems_Replicant\|Replicant]] and an example of a screw barrel system is the [[Henninger_Design_Telesto_v3\|Telesto v3]].		The screw zen system is only used in [[Construction#Channel]] or [[Construction#Sandwich]] construction knives. The screw zen pin system uses a [https://thetruelink.com/products/5-32-shoulder-pin?_pos=1&_sid=667aadb5d&_ss=r threaded shoulder pin], or just a [https://thetruelink.com/products/3-16-stainless-straight-pivot-6-64 threaded barrel]. Threaded shoulder pins are usually held in place by a small cutout in the handle in which the pin snaps into place, making the screws not necessarry for this type of construction to work. The problem with this type of Pin System is that over time the should pin will press into the handle, reducing the space between the handle and the blade. As a result, your balisong will bind if you crank the zen screws. You can temporarily fix this by using thinner [[Washer\|washer]]s, not using zen pin screws or by using very oversized bushings. If the problem becomes too severe, only replacing the slab or liner will fix it. The barrels, however, are usually held in place by just the screws, meaning that no part of the barrel is pressing into the handle. An example for a balisong with a threaded shoulder pin is the [[Bladerunners_Systems_Replicant\|Replicant]] and an example of a screw barrel system is the [[Henninger_Design_Telesto_v3\|Telesto v3]].

	The screw zen system is sometimes called "Tunable zen system", implying that it can be tuned. This is however misleading because if your balisong [[Bind\|binds]] when tightening the zen screws, the issue usually never lies with the screws, but ~~with the [[Bushing\|bushings]], or [[Washer\|washers]]~~. If you want to learn more about this, check out [[Pivot_System#Unexpected_Binding]].		The screw zen system is sometimes called "Tunable zen system", implying that it can be tuned. This is however misleading because if your balisong [[Bind\|binds]] when tightening the zen screws, the issue usually never lies with the screws, but somewhere else. If you want to learn more about this, check out [[Pivot_System#Unexpected_Binding]].

	====Hidden Zen====		====Hidden Zen====

DexyStorm: fix 1 tang pin in blade -> 2 tang pins in blade

2026-05-03T17:27:27Z

fix 1 tang pin in blade -> 2 tang pins in blade

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:27, 3 May 2026
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	===Tang Pin===		===Tang Pin===

	Tang pins work very similarily to [[#Press-fit\|press fit zen pins]]. The biggest difference is that ~~a single pin is~~ pressed inside the blade. An example for this type of pin system is the [[Bladerunners_Systems_Alpha_Beast_3.0\|Alpha Beast 3.0]].		Tang pins work very similarily to [[#Press-fit\|press fit zen pins]]. The biggest difference is that two pins are pressed inside the blade. An example for this type of pin system is the [[Bladerunners_Systems_Alpha_Beast_3.0\|Alpha Beast 3.0]].

	While there are tang pin balisongs with aluminum handles, such as the [[Squid_Industries_Nautilus\|Nautilus]], tang pins generally do not work well with aluminium. This is because the unhardened tang pin is still significantly harder than aluminium, causing the aluminium handles to deform over time. As a result, the handle gap will degrade, eventually leading to [[slap]]		While there are tang pin balisongs with aluminum handles, such as the [[Squid_Industries_Nautilus\|Nautilus]], tang pins generally do not work well with aluminium. This is because the unhardened tang pin is still significantly harder than aluminium, causing the aluminium handles to deform over time. As a result, the handle gap will degrade, eventually leading to [[slap]]

DexyStorm: added info that shielded zen is only used on channel knives

2026-04-21T13:40:01Z

added info that shielded zen is only used on channel knives

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:40, 21 April 2026
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	====Shielded Zen====		====Shielded Zen====

	Shielded Zen pins function the exact same way as [[#Hidden_Zen]] pins, except that they are used on a channel knives. A small section which includes the section around the [[Pivot_Sexbolt]] is removed from the handle and a slot for the zen pin is machined into the handle, simmiliar to a [[#Press-fit]] setup. Once the zen pin is installed, the removed section is reattatched and held in place by the [[Pivot_Sexbolt]]. This pin system was invented by [[Jimpy]]. Here is a video demonstration: [https://www.instagram.com/p/CzzWaUkPGBy/ https://www.instagram.com/p/CzzWaUkPGBy/]		Shielded Zen pins function the exact same way as [[#Hidden_Zen]] pins, except that they are only used on a channel knives. A small section which includes the section around the [[Pivot_Sexbolt]] is removed from the handle and a slot for the zen pin is machined into the handle, simmiliar to a [[#Press-fit]] setup. Once the zen pin is installed, the removed section is reattatched and held in place by the [[Pivot_Sexbolt]]. This pin system was invented by [[Jimpy]]. Here is a video demonstration: [https://www.instagram.com/p/CzzWaUkPGBy/ https://www.instagram.com/p/CzzWaUkPGBy/]

	====Heat-treated vs Non-heat-treated Zen Pins====		====Heat-treated vs Non-heat-treated Zen Pins====

DexyStorm: updated hidden zen. updated it based on the info that the crescent is channel and also uses hidden zen

2026-04-21T13:39:03Z

updated hidden zen. updated it based on the info that the crescent is channel and also uses hidden zen

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:39, 21 April 2026
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	====Hidden Zen====		====Hidden Zen====

	Hidden zen pins ~~are~~ only used in [[Construction#Sandwich~~]] or [[Construction#Chanwich~~]] construction ~~knives. This~~ is ~~because placing the pin inside the handle requires~~ the ~~handle to be be disassembled, which is not possible on a~~ [[~~Construction#Channel~~]] ~~knive. An~~ example for a [[Construction#~~Sandwich~~]] ~~construction~~ knife with a hidden zen system is the [[~~Squid_Industries_Titanium_Krake_Raken~~\|~~Titanium Krake Raken~~]] and an example for a [[Construction#~~Chanwich~~\|~~Chanwich~~]] knife with a hidden zen system is the [[~~Squid_Industries_Tsunami~~\|~~Tsunami~~]].		Hidden zen pins can only be used if the balisong utilizes a construction method in which a piece of material sits above the zen pin. An example for a [[Construction#Sandwich\|Sandwich]] construction knife with a hidden zen system is the [[Squid_Industries_Titanium_Krake_Raken\|Titanium Krake Raken]] an example for a [[Construction#Chanwich\|Chanwich]] knife with a hidden zen system is the [[Squid_Industries_Tsunami\|Tsunami]] and an example for a [[Construction#Channel\|Channel]] knife with a hidden zen system is the [[Nabalis_Crescent\|Crescent]].

	====Shielded Zen====		====Shielded Zen====

DexyStorm: update info with zen pins pressing into handles

2026-04-21T13:34:39Z

update info with zen pins pressing into handles

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:34, 21 April 2026
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	====Screw Zen====		====Screw Zen====

	The screw zen system is only used in [[Construction#Channel]] or [[Construction#Sandwich]] construction knives. The screw zen pin system uses a [https://thetruelink.com/products/5-32-shoulder-pin?_pos=1&_sid=667aadb5d&_ss=r threaded shoulder pin], or just a [https://thetruelink.com/products/3-16-stainless-straight-pivot-6-64 threaded barrel]. Threaded shoulder pins are usually held in place by a small cutout in the handle in which the pin snaps into place, making the screws not necessarry for this type of construction to work. The barrels, however, are usually held in place by just the screws. An example for a balisong with a threaded shoulder pin is the [[Bladerunners_Systems_Replicant\|Replicant]] and an example of a screw barrel system is the [[Henninger_Design_Telesto_v3\|Telesto v3]].		The screw zen system is only used in [[Construction#Channel]] or [[Construction#Sandwich]] construction knives. The screw zen pin system uses a [https://thetruelink.com/products/5-32-shoulder-pin?_pos=1&_sid=667aadb5d&_ss=r threaded shoulder pin], or just a [https://thetruelink.com/products/3-16-stainless-straight-pivot-6-64 threaded barrel]. Threaded shoulder pins are usually held in place by a small cutout in the handle in which the pin snaps into place, making the screws not necessarry for this type of construction to work. The problem with this type of Pin System is that over time the should pin will press into the handle, reducing the space between the handle and the blade. As a result, your balisong will bind if you crank the zen screws. You can temporarily fix this by using thinner [[Washer\|washer]]s, not using zen pin screws or by using very oversized bushings. If the problem becomes too severe, only replacing the slab or liner will fix it. The barrels, however, are usually held in place by just the screws, meaning that no part of the barrel is pressing into the handle. An example for a balisong with a threaded shoulder pin is the [[Bladerunners_Systems_Replicant\|Replicant]] and an example of a screw barrel system is the [[Henninger_Design_Telesto_v3\|Telesto v3]].

	The screw zen system is sometimes called "Tunable zen system", implying that it can be tuned. This is however misleading because if your balisong [[Bind\|binds]] when tightening the zen screws, the issue usually never lies with the screws, but with the [[Bushing\|bushings]], or [[Washer\|washers]]. If you want to learn more about this, check out [[Pivot_System#Unexpected_Binding]].		The screw zen system is sometimes called "Tunable zen system", implying that it can be tuned. This is however misleading because if your balisong [[Bind\|binds]] when tightening the zen screws, the issue usually never lies with the screws, but with the [[Bushing\|bushings]], or [[Washer\|washers]]. If you want to learn more about this, check out [[Pivot_System#Unexpected_Binding]].

DexyStorm: fix Squid Industries Krake Raken V3 linking

2026-04-21T13:23:47Z

fix Squid Industries Krake Raken V3 linking

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:23, 21 April 2026
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	====Press-fit====		====Press-fit====

	Press-fit Zen pins are typically only used in [[Construction#Channel\|Channel]] balisongs, as this system depends on the structural rigidity that channel construction provides. A stainless steel pin is pressed into a hole which is slightly smaller than the pin itself, creating a tight [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interference_fit interference fit]. The pin is held in place by friction generated from the pin being slightly larger than the hole, ensuring it stays securely in place during use. An example of a balisong which uses this type of Pin system is the [[~~Squid_Industries_Krake_Raken~~\|Krake Raken]].		Press-fit Zen pins are typically only used in [[Construction#Channel\|Channel]] balisongs, as this system depends on the structural rigidity that channel construction provides. A stainless steel pin is pressed into a hole which is slightly smaller than the pin itself, creating a tight [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interference_fit interference fit]. The pin is held in place by friction generated from the pin being slightly larger than the hole, ensuring it stays securely in place during use. An example of a balisong which uses this type of Pin system is the [[Squid_Industries_Krake_Raken_V3\|Krake Raken V3]].

	====Glued====		====Glued====

DexyStorm: adjuste HRC hardness for heat treated steel

2026-02-27T16:47:03Z

adjuste HRC hardness for heat treated steel

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:47, 27 February 2026
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	There are many different scales on which hardness can be measured, but the most widely-used for steel is the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rockwell_hardness_test Rockwell Hardness scale C]. It is often abbreviated to HRC.		There are many different scales on which hardness can be measured, but the most widely-used for steel is the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rockwell_hardness_test Rockwell Hardness scale C]. It is often abbreviated to HRC.

	Properly heat-treated steel typically falls in the 58-~~60HRC~~ range, depending on the steel.<br>		Properly heat-treated steel typically falls in the 59-68HRC range, depending on the steel.<br>
	Non-heat-treated steel is generally around 35-41HRC.<br>		Non-heat-treated steel is generally around 35-41HRC.<br>
	Titanium usually has a hardness of about 36-38HRC.		Titanium usually has a hardness of about 36-38HRC.

DexyStorm: fixed Pins -> Pins as per the singular rule in the edit guide

2025-07-13T10:17:58Z

fixed Pins -> Pins as per the singular rule in the edit guide

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:17, 13 July 2025
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	There are currently three types of pin systems used in balisongs.<br>		There are currently three types of pin systems used in balisongs.<br>

	===Zen ~~Pins~~===		===Zen Pin===

	If the stopping mechanism is a stainless steel pin housed inside the handle, it is called a "zen pin" system. There are multiple implementations of zen pin systems, but they all have in common that a pin is inside the handle.		If the stopping mechanism is a stainless steel pin housed inside the handle, it is called a "zen pin" system. There are multiple implementations of zen pin systems, but they all have in common that a pin is inside the handle.
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	Heat-treated zen pins run the risk of shattering, because the hard blade is hitting the hard zen pins, while non-heat-treated zen pins will gradually deform over time, making the handle gap smaller, as described in [[#Material_Hardness]]. An example for a balisong which utilizes heat treated zen pins, is the [[Bladerunners_Systems_Replicant\|Replicant]]. An example for a balisong which utilizes non heat treated zen pins, is the [[Squid_Industries_Krake_Raken\|Krake Raken]].		Heat-treated zen pins run the risk of shattering, because the hard blade is hitting the hard zen pins, while non-heat-treated zen pins will gradually deform over time, making the handle gap smaller, as described in [[#Material_Hardness]]. An example for a balisong which utilizes heat treated zen pins, is the [[Bladerunners_Systems_Replicant\|Replicant]]. An example for a balisong which utilizes non heat treated zen pins, is the [[Squid_Industries_Krake_Raken\|Krake Raken]].

	===Tang ~~Pins~~===		===Tang Pin===

	Tang pins work very similarily to [[#Press-fit\|press fit zen pins]]. The biggest difference is that a single pin is pressed inside the blade. An example for this type of pin system is the [[Bladerunners_Systems_Alpha_Beast_3.0\|Alpha Beast 3.0]].		Tang pins work very similarily to [[#Press-fit\|press fit zen pins]]. The biggest difference is that a single pin is pressed inside the blade. An example for this type of pin system is the [[Bladerunners_Systems_Alpha_Beast_3.0\|Alpha Beast 3.0]].

DexyStorm: fixed linking for screw zen

2025-07-13T10:09:46Z

fixed linking for screw zen

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:09, 13 July 2025
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	====Screw Zen====		====Screw Zen====

	The screw zen system is only used in [[Construction#Channel]] or [[Construction#Sandwich]] construction knives. The screw zen pin system uses a [[https://thetruelink.com/products/5-32-shoulder-pin?_pos=1&_sid=667aadb5d&_ss=r threaded shoulder pin]], or just a [[https://thetruelink.com/products/3-16-stainless-straight-pivot-6-64 threaded barrel]]. Threaded shoulder pins are usually held in place by a small cutout in the handle in which the pin snaps into place, making the screws not necessarry for this type of construction to work. The barrels, however, are usually held in place by just the screws. An example for a balisong with a threaded shoulder pin is the [[Bladerunners_Systems_Replicant\|Replicant]] and an example of a screw barrel system is the [[Henninger_Design_Telesto_v3\|Telesto v3]].		The screw zen system is only used in [[Construction#Channel]] or [[Construction#Sandwich]] construction knives. The screw zen pin system uses a [https://thetruelink.com/products/5-32-shoulder-pin?_pos=1&_sid=667aadb5d&_ss=r threaded shoulder pin], or just a [https://thetruelink.com/products/3-16-stainless-straight-pivot-6-64 threaded barrel]. Threaded shoulder pins are usually held in place by a small cutout in the handle in which the pin snaps into place, making the screws not necessarry for this type of construction to work. The barrels, however, are usually held in place by just the screws. An example for a balisong with a threaded shoulder pin is the [[Bladerunners_Systems_Replicant\|Replicant]] and an example of a screw barrel system is the [[Henninger_Design_Telesto_v3\|Telesto v3]].

	The screw zen system is sometimes called "Tunable zen system", implying that it can be tuned. This is however misleading because if your balisong [[Bind\|binds]] when tightening the zen screws, the issue usually never lies with the screws, but with the [[Bushing\|bushings]], or [[Washer\|washers]]. If you want to learn more about this, check out [[Pivot_System#Unexpected_Binding]].		The screw zen system is sometimes called "Tunable zen system", implying that it can be tuned. This is however misleading because if your balisong [[Bind\|binds]] when tightening the zen screws, the issue usually never lies with the screws, but with the [[Bushing\|bushings]], or [[Washer\|washers]]. If you want to learn more about this, check out [[Pivot_System#Unexpected_Binding]].

DexyStorm: fixed Shielded Zen. a section around the sexbolt is machine, not pivot screw

2025-07-06T13:49:03Z

fixed Shielded Zen. a section around the sexbolt is machine, not pivot screw

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:49, 6 July 2025
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	====Shielded Zen====		====Shielded Zen====

	Shielded Zen pins function the exact same way as [[#Hidden_Zen]] pins, except that they are used on a channel knives. A small section which includes the section around the ~~pivot screws~~ is removed from the handle and a slot for the zen pin is machined into the handle, simmiliar to a [[#Press-fit]] setup. Once the zen pin is installed, the removed section is reattatched and held in place by the ~~pivot screw~~. This pin system was invented by [[Jimpy]]. Here is a video demonstration: [https://www.instagram.com/p/CzzWaUkPGBy/ https://www.instagram.com/p/CzzWaUkPGBy/]		Shielded Zen pins function the exact same way as [[#Hidden_Zen]] pins, except that they are used on a channel knives. A small section which includes the section around the [[Pivot_Sexbolt]] is removed from the handle and a slot for the zen pin is machined into the handle, simmiliar to a [[#Press-fit]] setup. Once the zen pin is installed, the removed section is reattatched and held in place by the [[Pivot_Sexbolt]]. This pin system was invented by [[Jimpy]]. Here is a video demonstration: [https://www.instagram.com/p/CzzWaUkPGBy/ https://www.instagram.com/p/CzzWaUkPGBy/]

	====Heat-treated vs Non-heat-treated Zen Pins====		====Heat-treated vs Non-heat-treated Zen Pins====