Pin System

Pin Systems are used to keep the blade from hitting the inside of the the handles and to keep the handles from hitting each other. The latter is called slap.

Differente Pin Systems

There are currently 3 types of pin systems which balisongs utilize

Zen Pins

If the stopping mechanism is a pin which is in the handle, the mechanism is called a "Zen Pin"-system. There are multiple syles of zen pin systems, but they all have in common that they are inside the handle.

Press-fit

Press-fit Zen pins are typically only used in 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 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 Krake Raken.

Screw Zen

The screw zen pin system uses a [threaded pin], or just a [threaded barrel]. This pin is usually held in place by a small cutout in the handle in which the pin snaps into place, making the screws redundant. While the barrel is usually held in place only by the screws. An example for a balisong with a screw zen pin system is the Replicant and an example for a screw barrel system, is the Telesto v3.

The screw zen system is sometimes called "Tunable zen system" which imples that they can be tuned. This is however wrong because if your balisong binds if you tighten the Zen screws, it does not mean that you tuned your screws wrong, it means that either there is something wrong your bushings, or washers.

Hidden Zen

Hidden Zens are only used in either Sandwich or Chanwich construction knives. That is because this style of construction requires a pin being placed inside the handles and this is only possible if there is a way to open up the handle, which is not possible on a Channel knive. An example for a sandwich construction knife with a hidden zen system is the Titanium Krake Raken and an example for a chanwich knife with a hidden zen system is the Tsunami.

Tang Pins

Tang pins work very simmiliarly like press fit zen pins. The only difference is that a single titanium pin is pressed inside the blade, not the handles. An example for this type of pin system is the Alpha Beast 3.0.

Pinsless

The pinsless system tries to achieve the same clean aesthetic as hidden zen pins, but with a channel construction. Instead of using a zen pin, the area of the handle where the pin would normally be inserted is left unmachined. This uncut section of the handle itself acts as a built-in pin, eliminating the need for a pin. An example of a knife with a pinsless design is the JK Monarch

This type of pin system (or lack thereof) has received significant criticism, as it is considered the most prone to failure. Over time, it can lead to the development of slap, due to the repeated stress on the unmachined section of the handle acting as a stop pin.